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DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #1
A Litter of Bones
Was the biggest case of his career the worst mistake he ever made?
Ten years ago, DCI Jack Logan stopped the serial child-killer dubbed 'Mister Whisper,' earning himself a commendation, a drinking problem, and a broken marriage in the process.
Now, he spends his days working in Glasgow's Major Incident Team, and his nights reliving the horrors of what he saw.
And what he did.
When another child disappears a hundred miles north in the Highlands, Jack is sent to lead the investigation and bring the boy home.
But as similarities between the two cases grow, could it be that Jack caught the wrong man all those years ago?
And, if so, is the real Mister Whisper about to claim his fourth victim?
A Litter of Bones is the explosive debut crime thriller novel from JD Kirk, an exciting new voice in Scottish crime fiction.
Ten years ago, DCI Jack Logan stopped the serial child-killer dubbed 'Mister Whisper,' earning himself a commendation, a drinking problem, and a broken marriage in the process.
Now, he spends his days working in Glasgow's Major Incident Team, and his nights reliving the horrors of what he saw.
And what he did.
When another child disappears a hundred miles north in the Highlands, Jack is sent to lead the investigation and bring the boy home.
But as similarities between the two cases grow, could it be that Jack caught the wrong man all those years ago?
And, if so, is the real Mister Whisper about to claim his fourth victim?
A Litter of Bones is the explosive debut crime thriller novel from JD Kirk, an exciting new voice in Scottish crime fiction.
327 pages, ebook
First published April 15, 2019
7478 people are currently reading
11087 people want to read
About the author
J.D. Kirk
59 books1,744 followersJD Kirk is the pen name of multi-award-winning author, screenwriter, and writer of comics, Barry Hutchison.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
JD Kirk lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife, two children, and a number of sturdy umbrellas. Despite writing from a young age, 'A Litter of Bones' is his first novel, and combines his love of the Highlands, crime thrillers, and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,741 reviews
May 5, 2024
A Scottish Thriller!
When a child goes missing, DCI Jack Logan is called upon to investigate the case.
With the help of his team, he is searching for what looks like a copy cat who is kidnapping little boys, then torturing them.
They are running out of time and the writer is taking the story all over the place with several people looking like the kidnappers, but only the team members are going to stop them from killing the boy.
This is a great way to spend your night with this story. It is a top notch story that gives a great sense of thrill.
The only problem I have with this book is that it doesn’t cover all the details in the closing. There is a topic that is not covered. So I have to take away a star and give this book four stars.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When a child goes missing, DCI Jack Logan is called upon to investigate the case.
With the help of his team, he is searching for what looks like a copy cat who is kidnapping little boys, then torturing them.
They are running out of time and the writer is taking the story all over the place with several people looking like the kidnappers, but only the team members are going to stop them from killing the boy.
This is a great way to spend your night with this story. It is a top notch story that gives a great sense of thrill.
The only problem I have with this book is that it doesn’t cover all the details in the closing. There is a topic that is not covered. So I have to take away a star and give this book four stars.
Four stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 29, 2024
This was a DNF for me narrator was screaming 😱 for his son right through chapter 1 a big no for me.
November 30, 2019
Score! Just a quickie review of a book found lurking on my kindle. I really enjoyed this. Set in Scotland, you get a twisty mystery/investigation but what lifts this above many in the genre are the great characters. MC Logan is a smart but fallible man with a keenly observant & dry sense of humour. He gets parachuted into a rural force when they catch a case that resembles one he worked on years ago. His interaction with the local police & residents is entertaining & the dialogue really makes the story. My first book by this author & since I immediately picked up book 2, it won't be the last.
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August 4, 2023
3.5_Stars - "I Liked It"
Generally, I enjoyed this police procedural which was well-written, with a gripping plot and outcome. The "Scottishness" of DCI Logan and his fellow "polis", was entertaining and Logan's get up and go attitude was refreshing.
I am not usually affected by 'triggers', but I had to 'speed up' the audiobook narration whenever there were mentions of the hideous cruelty inflicted on several cats. The privations suffered by the kidnapped boy were somewhat disturbing, but to be expected given the theme of the story was child kidnapping and murder.
The narration by Andrew King was very good, with excellent vocal distinction between characters, and delivered in what sounded to me like a fine Scottish accent. I am looking forward to hearing books #2 and #3.
Generally, I enjoyed this police procedural which was well-written, with a gripping plot and outcome. The "Scottishness" of DCI Logan and his fellow "polis", was entertaining and Logan's get up and go attitude was refreshing.
I am not usually affected by 'triggers', but I had to 'speed up' the audiobook narration whenever there were mentions of the hideous cruelty inflicted on several cats. The privations suffered by the kidnapped boy were somewhat disturbing, but to be expected given the theme of the story was child kidnapping and murder.
The narration by Andrew King was very good, with excellent vocal distinction between characters, and delivered in what sounded to me like a fine Scottish accent. I am looking forward to hearing books #2 and #3.
September 7, 2019
A Litter of Bones is the first novel in the DCI Logan Crime Thriller series and is a mix of classic police procedural and mystery-thriller set in Bonny Scotland. Admittedly, it is quite formulaic and follows a group of characters who are rather stereotypical and similar to many other books, but is it even possible to write a completely unique thriller? That being said, it doesn't take away from the fact that this is a great debut. It's polished and well written but manages to remain gritty at the same time. I was also pleasantly surprised by some of the wit and humour throughout as I was not expecting it but it contrasted with the dark, disturbing narrative perfectly.
From the opening pages, JD Kirk lands you right into the middle of the action-packed story and given it is under 300 pages in length there is little to no padding which was appreciated; it's literally all killer no filler. Even though the characters weren't particularly original I still enjoyed Jack Logan's no-nonsense approach to everything, his traditional ways and his often grouchy attitude and the descriptions of the Scottish Highlands painted a picture so vivid and beautiful in my head I felt like I was there.
It becomes incredibly difficult to put down as there is a lot of threads to the plot and they engage you so much that it pushes you to read on to find out what exactly is going on. This is a cleverly plotted, chilling and unpredictable read, but be warned there is horrendous cruelty to cats, and although it certainly fits with the character of the perpetrator it may trigger some people. If you enjoy crime programmes such as Taggart this is a book you will find as captivating as I did. It also reminded me a lot of Scottish writers Stuart MacBride and Douglas Lindsay. Many thanks to BOTBS for an ARC.
From the opening pages, JD Kirk lands you right into the middle of the action-packed story and given it is under 300 pages in length there is little to no padding which was appreciated; it's literally all killer no filler. Even though the characters weren't particularly original I still enjoyed Jack Logan's no-nonsense approach to everything, his traditional ways and his often grouchy attitude and the descriptions of the Scottish Highlands painted a picture so vivid and beautiful in my head I felt like I was there.
It becomes incredibly difficult to put down as there is a lot of threads to the plot and they engage you so much that it pushes you to read on to find out what exactly is going on. This is a cleverly plotted, chilling and unpredictable read, but be warned there is horrendous cruelty to cats, and although it certainly fits with the character of the perpetrator it may trigger some people. If you enjoy crime programmes such as Taggart this is a book you will find as captivating as I did. It also reminded me a lot of Scottish writers Stuart MacBride and Douglas Lindsay. Many thanks to BOTBS for an ARC.
October 13, 2023
A fast read and a fast nosedive
TW: animal cruelty
This book started so well!
During the first 13% I really thought that I had a winner, but unfortunately the writing quality went downhill.
What a nosedive!
The author is great writing descriptions and inner thoughts, but a disaster when it comes to dialogues. I thought they were too juvenile for my liking.
As for the main character, what a rude DCI! He treated his subordinates as if they were his private waiters. And we know nothing about him. There is no in-depth character development.
The storyline is good, but there is nothing new or remarkable about it, except that we know for sure that this DCI is no inspiration to aspiring detectives.
I didn’t think the gory details of animal cruelty were necessary. It added nothing to the story.
And that conclusion was not that great.
Anyways… this clearly did not work for me.
I only finished it because the crime fiction book club had recommended it.
TW: animal cruelty
This book started so well!
During the first 13% I really thought that I had a winner, but unfortunately the writing quality went downhill.
What a nosedive!
The author is great writing descriptions and inner thoughts, but a disaster when it comes to dialogues. I thought they were too juvenile for my liking.
As for the main character, what a rude DCI! He treated his subordinates as if they were his private waiters. And we know nothing about him. There is no in-depth character development.
The storyline is good, but there is nothing new or remarkable about it, except that we know for sure that this DCI is no inspiration to aspiring detectives.
I didn’t think the gory details of animal cruelty were necessary. It added nothing to the story.
And that conclusion was not that great.
Anyways… this clearly did not work for me.
I only finished it because the crime fiction book club had recommended it.
October 16, 2023
4.25 Stars — JD Kirk is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. After previously reading the first 2 books of the Robert Hoon spin-off novels (Northwind) — I was impressed and took Hoon as one of my all-time favourite sleuths with his over the top buffoonery & intensity combined with tartan fun and all round piss-taking mastery — I have turned my attention to the characters origins in DCI Jack Logan’s series, commencing with A litter of bones, and it’s fair to say I wasn’t the least bit disappointed.
Firstly, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Hoon and Logan could ALMOST be the very same detective, if not for a few minor differences. Hoon is a private sleuth (in his spin-off) and has absolutely no filter or care of perception whatsoever. DCI Jack Logan is a complex and well-rounded character who is facing his own demons as he investigates the murders. He is haunted by the memory of a previous case went wrong, and this is evident in the way he approaches his work. Despite this, he is driven by a sense of duty and a desire to solve the case. The character development of Logan is well done, and the reader will find themselves rooting for him as he tries to piece together the mystery of the murders.
“A Litter of Bones (DCI Jack Logan)" is a gripping crime thriller that takes readers on a journey through the mind of a seasoned detective. The novel follows DCI Jack Logan as he investigates a series of brutal murders in a small town. The story is tense, suspenseful, and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The setting of the novel is a small town in the Scottish countryside, and Kirk does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of isolation and unease. The descriptions of the landscape, the weather, and the small-town atmosphere serve to create a sense of place that is both eerie and familiar.
One of the strengths of "A Litter of Bones (DCI Jack Logan)" is the pacing. The story is fast-moving and engaging, and the tension builds steadily as the investigation unfolds. The murder scenes are described in detail, but not to the point of being graphic or gratuitous. Instead, they serve to increase the sense of suspense and to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Another strength of the novel is Kirk's writing style. The prose is clear and concise, and the dialogue is sharp and believable. The author does an excellent job of creating a sense of realism, and the reader will feel as though they are right there alongside DCI Jack Logan as he edged closer to solving the case. The resolution is satisfying without being overly dramatic, with classic tartan-noir thematic scenes and a pay-off that’s enjoyable and also entertaining as it unfolds.
I’ve already commenced DCI Logan’s second novel “Thicker than Water” and it’s safe to say I’m eagerly anticipating my man Robert Hooooon’s entrance rather excitedly.
Firstly, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Hoon and Logan could ALMOST be the very same detective, if not for a few minor differences. Hoon is a private sleuth (in his spin-off) and has absolutely no filter or care of perception whatsoever. DCI Jack Logan is a complex and well-rounded character who is facing his own demons as he investigates the murders. He is haunted by the memory of a previous case went wrong, and this is evident in the way he approaches his work. Despite this, he is driven by a sense of duty and a desire to solve the case. The character development of Logan is well done, and the reader will find themselves rooting for him as he tries to piece together the mystery of the murders.
“A Litter of Bones (DCI Jack Logan)" is a gripping crime thriller that takes readers on a journey through the mind of a seasoned detective. The novel follows DCI Jack Logan as he investigates a series of brutal murders in a small town. The story is tense, suspenseful, and keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The setting of the novel is a small town in the Scottish countryside, and Kirk does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere of isolation and unease. The descriptions of the landscape, the weather, and the small-town atmosphere serve to create a sense of place that is both eerie and familiar.
One of the strengths of "A Litter of Bones (DCI Jack Logan)" is the pacing. The story is fast-moving and engaging, and the tension builds steadily as the investigation unfolds. The murder scenes are described in detail, but not to the point of being graphic or gratuitous. Instead, they serve to increase the sense of suspense and to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Another strength of the novel is Kirk's writing style. The prose is clear and concise, and the dialogue is sharp and believable. The author does an excellent job of creating a sense of realism, and the reader will feel as though they are right there alongside DCI Jack Logan as he edged closer to solving the case. The resolution is satisfying without being overly dramatic, with classic tartan-noir thematic scenes and a pay-off that’s enjoyable and also entertaining as it unfolds.
I’ve already commenced DCI Logan’s second novel “Thicker than Water” and it’s safe to say I’m eagerly anticipating my man Robert Hooooon’s entrance rather excitedly.
April 10, 2022
I have seen J.D. Kirk mentioned constantly in the UK Crime Book Club group on Facebook so was really looking forward to reading the first in this series and getting a new favourite author to add to my list. This was definitely a strong start, and I have already added Book 2 to my wish list. So that should tell you something of my enjoyment.
It is a fairly standard police procedural thriller, but there was one trigger that was just horrifying. I nearly had to stop listening, and I dread to think what will come next for DCI Logan. The plot was thrilling and kept me engaged for the most part.
The narrator was superb, the anger, shock and emotion with each character just oozed through my ears!
It is a fairly standard police procedural thriller, but there was one trigger that was just horrifying. I nearly had to stop listening, and I dread to think what will come next for DCI Logan. The plot was thrilling and kept me engaged for the most part.
The narrator was superb, the anger, shock and emotion with each character just oozed through my ears!
August 9, 2020
Yes, the mystery was interesting enough, and development and disclosure were well constructed, but I just felt the detective was such an obnoxious character that I really couldn’t enjoy it. The irony was that although the story centered on him clearing himself of the accusation that he had sent the wrong person to prison years ago, his whole behavior suggested he was the kind of cop who might be guilty of such a charge. We have to stop glorifying these 'ends justify the means' cops.
April 16, 2019
It's not often I get the opportunity to read a book before it's published that blows my mind, this one did this, hands down.
Little Connor goes missing while walking in the woods with his dad one day. Certain events have the hallmarks of another killer that DCI Jack Logan put away ten years before.
Jack Logan is tasked with finding Connor, the resemblance to the other cases where the children were found murdered has Jack doubting if he put the right man in prison.
To say more would spoil so many of the amazing twists and turns in this incredible book. This is a phenomenal novel and the reveal left me with my mouth gaping open.
I read A Litter of Bones in one sitting and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT to all thriller fans.
Little Connor goes missing while walking in the woods with his dad one day. Certain events have the hallmarks of another killer that DCI Jack Logan put away ten years before.
Jack Logan is tasked with finding Connor, the resemblance to the other cases where the children were found murdered has Jack doubting if he put the right man in prison.
To say more would spoil so many of the amazing twists and turns in this incredible book. This is a phenomenal novel and the reveal left me with my mouth gaping open.
I read A Litter of Bones in one sitting and HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT to all thriller fans.
March 10, 2020
As a rule, I don't DNF books. I feel once I start something I owe it not only to the author, but to the people who read my blog, to finish it out. But holy hell do I wish I had DNF'ed this one. Or better yet, not picked it up to begin with. In fact, as harsh as it sounds, I couldn't delete this one off of my kindle fast enough.
The book started off strong enough, setting up the story, but then it started to fall apart. To begin with, for this being the first in a series, there is a lot mentioned in the synopsis that we learn nothing about. He doesn't appear to have a drinking problem at all - there are no nights mentioned as having been spent in a bar. In fact, I don't even remember him having any downtime to even have a drink. You also don't learn anything about him having an ex-wife, not to mention a daughter he doesn't see (or seem to know anything about). He is brash, and definitely has no respect for the law he is supposed to uphold, even going so far as to practically assault a man outside of his own house (a man with a known history of drug use and a shotty memory at best).
That can be overlooked.
I could probably even have overlooked how a man who had reached the rank of DCI and caught "Mister Whisper" ten years ago, made such a glaring error in stupidity that he endangered the life of one of the men under his command.
What I can not overlook?
Are the gut-wrenching overly graphic depictions of the mutilation and torture of cats that were repeatedly mentioned in this story for no reason that I can see other than shock value. They did nothing to move along the plot that could not have been achieved in a different way.
Considering all of those things, I will not be moving on with this series. Nor do I think at this point, I would read more from this author.
The book started off strong enough, setting up the story, but then it started to fall apart. To begin with, for this being the first in a series, there is a lot mentioned in the synopsis that we learn nothing about. He doesn't appear to have a drinking problem at all - there are no nights mentioned as having been spent in a bar. In fact, I don't even remember him having any downtime to even have a drink. You also don't learn anything about him having an ex-wife, not to mention a daughter he doesn't see (or seem to know anything about). He is brash, and definitely has no respect for the law he is supposed to uphold, even going so far as to practically assault a man outside of his own house (a man with a known history of drug use and a shotty memory at best).
That can be overlooked.
I could probably even have overlooked how a man who had reached the rank of DCI and caught "Mister Whisper" ten years ago, made such a glaring error in stupidity that he endangered the life of one of the men under his command.
What I can not overlook?
Are the gut-wrenching overly graphic depictions of the mutilation and torture of cats that were repeatedly mentioned in this story for no reason that I can see other than shock value. They did nothing to move along the plot that could not have been achieved in a different way.
Considering all of those things, I will not be moving on with this series. Nor do I think at this point, I would read more from this author.
March 26, 2024
Paprastas, nesudėtingai sudėliotas, bet įtraukiantis!
Visgi negaliu paleisti sentimetų Hunui🫣
***************************
Simple, straightforward, but engaging!
Still, I can't let go of my feelings for Hun :)
Visgi negaliu paleisti sentimetų Hunui🫣
***************************
Simple, straightforward, but engaging!
Still, I can't let go of my feelings for Hun :)
April 21, 2021
You know that thing where you can't quite settle on your next read? A few days ago I tried out a couple of other books from my TBR, only to quickly put them down. I didn't want to be challenged, and I realized I didn't want a police procedural where the main character spends as much time fighting politically-driven bureaucrats as criminals. There's enough of that in real life these days.
This book hit just the right spot. DCI Logan, our hero, is definitely haunted by ghosts from the past, but in A Litter of Bones some of them are put to rest. Based in Glasgow, he is assigned a missing child case in Fort William, in the Highlands. The local team assigned to him are for the most part good at their jobs and work with him cooperatively to find the kidnapper and save the child. Nothing remarkable in the story-telling or the characterizations, and only passing references to the beautiful scenery, but capably written with plenty of forward momentum to hold my attention.
I can't resist comparing this with another Scottish police procedural I read a couple of years ago with a main character named Logan (although in that case it's a first rather than a last name) and featuring child abductions, Cold Granite. As I made clear in my review, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., that author seems to really dislike women. By contrast, this book features two strong female members of Logan's team, and he makes his respect for them clear. Such a refreshing change.
I definitely have this series marked down for repeat visits when, as now, I'm so busy in my non-reading life that I just want to be distracted and entertained.
This book hit just the right spot. DCI Logan, our hero, is definitely haunted by ghosts from the past, but in A Litter of Bones some of them are put to rest. Based in Glasgow, he is assigned a missing child case in Fort William, in the Highlands. The local team assigned to him are for the most part good at their jobs and work with him cooperatively to find the kidnapper and save the child. Nothing remarkable in the story-telling or the characterizations, and only passing references to the beautiful scenery, but capably written with plenty of forward momentum to hold my attention.
I can't resist comparing this with another Scottish police procedural I read a couple of years ago with a main character named Logan (although in that case it's a first rather than a last name) and featuring child abductions, Cold Granite. As I made clear in my review, https://www.goodreads.com/review/show..., that author seems to really dislike women. By contrast, this book features two strong female members of Logan's team, and he makes his respect for them clear. Such a refreshing change.
I definitely have this series marked down for repeat visits when, as now, I'm so busy in my non-reading life that I just want to be distracted and entertained.
November 24, 2020
Audio 5 Stars
Story 4 Stars
Story 4 Stars
May 25, 2022
A Litter Of Bones by J.D. Kirk was an ok enough book, but it could've been better in my opinion. Way better. I had given it 3 stars, but now that I took a few days to really think about it and get my thoughts in somewhat of an order, I decided it's a 2 star read for me. What didn't work for me in this book outweighs what did work.
The story begins with the disappearance of a young boy in the Scottish Highlands. The crime resembles some previously committed crimes by an individual already put away by our protagonist, Jack Logan. Now, Jack has to prove if there is a copy cat killer or if he arrested the wrong man all those years ago.
First, I'll start with what I liked the most about the book.
The writing and the pace. I finished this book in less than 24h and that's mostly because it had a page-turner quality to it. The writing was really easy to follow and it flowed great. It didn't get overly dense and that's a plus for me since this was a debut novel.
The Scottish Highland setting. I love everything that has to do with Scotland and especially the Highlands. I find it incredibly atmospheric and when you know the rich history of the place it adds an extra feel of appreciation for me.
Logan's dry humor/sarcasm. I enjoyed his sense of humour (if you can call it that). To me, it seemed like it added a reprieve from the whole dark situation with the missing boy.
Now, let me move on to what could've been done a little better in my opinion.
Jack Logan, our protagonist. He has no depth whatsoever. He is wholly one-dimensional. While reading this 327-page book we learn nothing personal about him, except that he had a daughter somewhere. The blurb mentions that he has a broken marriage and a drinking problem, bit neither of these things are mentioned in the book and if they are, they weren't given the proper focus, because for the life of me I don't remember them. In books like this, police procedurals, I want my main character to be complex, with high stakes, maybe be a little troubled or maybe even have a "traumatic" past. I want to know where they live, how they live, what they like to do in their spare time etc. etc. I want to get to know them more than just the surface level. Well, this wasn't the case with Logan. I know nothing about him and that makes it difficult for me to connect with him or support him.
The second thing about him, that I didn't like at all, was the way he was portrayed as a cop. He was such a bad cliché. I've read books where the main character is a "bad boy" detective and likes to do things his own way, the whole nine yards. But they usually had a charm about them, a certain quality that made them and their decisions likeable, not frustrating. Logan is the exact opposite of that. He is obnoxious in the way he works and some of the things he did were beyond questionable. He is always one second away from punching anyone, whether they are a colleague, a suspect, or a witness. He barges into the house of a potential suspect without a warrant, solely based on hunch, searches the house, takes the suspects computer (again, without a warrant and it seemed to me without a probable cause either) and then goes on his merry way. I mean, really? That's the image you want to project to people about your character? Oh, an when he gets a lead that the original killer owned a house in the area he doesn't even go to check it out by himself. Instead, he sends someone else and that's supposed to be a case that he is personally invested in. Mister sir, what are you doing???
There were no repercussions for his actions. For everything that I mentioned before, there were zero consequences. Nothing, nada. That irked me. Really, truly irked me. But no one even batted an eyelash. I don't find that believable at all. If those things happened in real life, I'm sure something would be done about it. Now, when I read fiction I can stretch my imagination very very far. But when the book is a police procedural, I like more of the real world and how things are really done to seep in the novel.
The rest of the characters had no personality either. Same thing that happened with Logan, happened with the rest of the characters. If you want character development, you won't find it here. They were like those cardboard cutouts. Flat.
The big reveal of the perpetrator. To me, it was extremely predictable how the story would unfold and who was behind the abduction. I took a guess early on and I was right. That wasn't what bothered me though. No, what bugged me was how everything was resolved in the end. It seemed to easy to have something like what happend in the end, happen. In my opinion, that's just lazy writing. The motivation behind the actions of the abductor was ok, I guess, but I expected something more. You guessed it, even the criminal had no depth (past or present criminal). What I mean by "depth" is there was no deep dive into his mind and why he did what he did. Actually, there was no dive at all, deep or otherwise. We're just told the reason and then BAM! it's over, just like that. I needed more, both from the original killer and the one now. Everything resolved too quickly and too conveniently. What I like most in books like this, is when the reasons are revealed and you get a look at the psychology of the criminal, how his mind works, what are the reasons. And I didn't find that here.
I have a lot more thoughts on this book, but it's better if I stop now. I think I'll read the next one sometime in the future to see if there is any character development. I won't rush though. I really don't care what happens to these characters.
The story begins with the disappearance of a young boy in the Scottish Highlands. The crime resembles some previously committed crimes by an individual already put away by our protagonist, Jack Logan. Now, Jack has to prove if there is a copy cat killer or if he arrested the wrong man all those years ago.
First, I'll start with what I liked the most about the book.
The writing and the pace. I finished this book in less than 24h and that's mostly because it had a page-turner quality to it. The writing was really easy to follow and it flowed great. It didn't get overly dense and that's a plus for me since this was a debut novel.
The Scottish Highland setting. I love everything that has to do with Scotland and especially the Highlands. I find it incredibly atmospheric and when you know the rich history of the place it adds an extra feel of appreciation for me.
Logan's dry humor/sarcasm. I enjoyed his sense of humour (if you can call it that). To me, it seemed like it added a reprieve from the whole dark situation with the missing boy.
Now, let me move on to what could've been done a little better in my opinion.
Jack Logan, our protagonist. He has no depth whatsoever. He is wholly one-dimensional. While reading this 327-page book we learn nothing personal about him, except that he had a daughter somewhere. The blurb mentions that he has a broken marriage and a drinking problem, bit neither of these things are mentioned in the book and if they are, they weren't given the proper focus, because for the life of me I don't remember them. In books like this, police procedurals, I want my main character to be complex, with high stakes, maybe be a little troubled or maybe even have a "traumatic" past. I want to know where they live, how they live, what they like to do in their spare time etc. etc. I want to get to know them more than just the surface level. Well, this wasn't the case with Logan. I know nothing about him and that makes it difficult for me to connect with him or support him.
The second thing about him, that I didn't like at all, was the way he was portrayed as a cop. He was such a bad cliché. I've read books where the main character is a "bad boy" detective and likes to do things his own way, the whole nine yards. But they usually had a charm about them, a certain quality that made them and their decisions likeable, not frustrating. Logan is the exact opposite of that. He is obnoxious in the way he works and some of the things he did were beyond questionable. He is always one second away from punching anyone, whether they are a colleague, a suspect, or a witness. He barges into the house of a potential suspect without a warrant, solely based on hunch, searches the house, takes the suspects computer (again, without a warrant and it seemed to me without a probable cause either) and then goes on his merry way. I mean, really? That's the image you want to project to people about your character? Oh, an when he gets a lead that the original killer owned a house in the area he doesn't even go to check it out by himself. Instead, he sends someone else and that's supposed to be a case that he is personally invested in. Mister sir, what are you doing???
There were no repercussions for his actions. For everything that I mentioned before, there were zero consequences. Nothing, nada. That irked me. Really, truly irked me. But no one even batted an eyelash. I don't find that believable at all. If those things happened in real life, I'm sure something would be done about it. Now, when I read fiction I can stretch my imagination very very far. But when the book is a police procedural, I like more of the real world and how things are really done to seep in the novel.
The rest of the characters had no personality either. Same thing that happened with Logan, happened with the rest of the characters. If you want character development, you won't find it here. They were like those cardboard cutouts. Flat.
The big reveal of the perpetrator. To me, it was extremely predictable how the story would unfold and who was behind the abduction. I took a guess early on and I was right. That wasn't what bothered me though. No, what bugged me was how everything was resolved in the end. It seemed to easy to have something like what happend in the end, happen. In my opinion, that's just lazy writing. The motivation behind the actions of the abductor was ok, I guess, but I expected something more. You guessed it, even the criminal had no depth (past or present criminal). What I mean by "depth" is there was no deep dive into his mind and why he did what he did. Actually, there was no dive at all, deep or otherwise. We're just told the reason and then BAM! it's over, just like that. I needed more, both from the original killer and the one now. Everything resolved too quickly and too conveniently. What I like most in books like this, is when the reasons are revealed and you get a look at the psychology of the criminal, how his mind works, what are the reasons. And I didn't find that here.
I have a lot more thoughts on this book, but it's better if I stop now. I think I'll read the next one sometime in the future to see if there is any character development. I won't rush though. I really don't care what happens to these characters.
June 20, 2020
Didn’t expect to start laughing about a sheep whilst reading a thriller. 😂
This was a pleasant read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series
This was a pleasant read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series
September 12, 2020
Σαν ιστορία,πρωτοτυπία, στήσιμο ηρώων και πρωταγωνιστών θα έπαιρνε ένα 3,5/5⭐,κι αυτό μόνο και μόνο γιατί δεν υπήρχε τίποτα ιδιαίτερο όσον αφορά το θέμα ή τις ανατροπές.
Παρόλα αυτά, επειδή ήταν εξαιρετικά καλογραμμένο,σφιχτό και χωρίς πλατειασμούς,ο επιθεωρητής ήταν συμπαθέστατος,και επειδή δεν περίμενα με τίποτα να ξεκαρδιστώ στα γέλια εξαιτίας ενός προβάτου στην μέση ενός θρίλερ, θα τσιμπήσει ένα ωραίο 5αράκι και θα μπουν στη σειρά και όλα τα υπόλοιπα!
5⭐
Παρόλα αυτά, επειδή ήταν εξαιρετικά καλογραμμένο,σφιχτό και χωρίς πλατειασμούς,ο επιθεωρητής ήταν συμπαθέστατος,και επειδή δεν περίμενα με τίποτα να ξεκαρδιστώ στα γέλια εξαιτίας ενός προβάτου στην μέση ενός θρίλερ, θα τσιμπήσει ένα ωραίο 5αράκι και θα μπουν στη σειρά και όλα τα υπόλοιπα!
5⭐
May 25, 2021
The idea behind the story is decent enough. A new crime mirroring ones committed years ago. Is it a copycat killer or has the wrong guy been locked up for years? So far so good.
Unfortunately the story had none of the sort of things that make a difference in a crime book. Looking for something thought provoking, underpinned with complex relationships? Or maybe a protagonist with an interesting history and character? An antagonist with a past that drives him to commit the crimes, even eliciting some understanding of the motivation? Well don’t bother looking because there are none of those things here.
Jack Logan is totally one dimensional. At the end of the book I had no idea of his home life, his family circumstances, his failings, desires, or his history. In every interview he conducted he was on the verge of punching someone only for some hardened criminal to quake in fear and reveal all. This even goes for journalists who reveal their sources to him in case he gave them a good hiding.
The so called humour that ran throughout was third rate juvenile stuff. PC’s who were unable to order a pizza without Jack’s assistance (I kid you not). Needless to say Logan single handedly came to the rescue in the end. He was such a macho hero solving it all by himself it just needed him to be wearing his superman underpants to make it complete.
As for the antagonist. The motivation for his crimes were just plain ludicrous and totally unbelievable. I found myself literally groaning out loud at the ridiculousness of it all.
The story is quite fast paced, certainly not boring and has a certain page turnability and it seems that it is a popular series. Sorry but I’m afraid I found it lightweight and corny.
Unfortunately the story had none of the sort of things that make a difference in a crime book. Looking for something thought provoking, underpinned with complex relationships? Or maybe a protagonist with an interesting history and character? An antagonist with a past that drives him to commit the crimes, even eliciting some understanding of the motivation? Well don’t bother looking because there are none of those things here.
Jack Logan is totally one dimensional. At the end of the book I had no idea of his home life, his family circumstances, his failings, desires, or his history. In every interview he conducted he was on the verge of punching someone only for some hardened criminal to quake in fear and reveal all. This even goes for journalists who reveal their sources to him in case he gave them a good hiding.
The so called humour that ran throughout was third rate juvenile stuff. PC’s who were unable to order a pizza without Jack’s assistance (I kid you not). Needless to say Logan single handedly came to the rescue in the end. He was such a macho hero solving it all by himself it just needed him to be wearing his superman underpants to make it complete.
As for the antagonist. The motivation for his crimes were just plain ludicrous and totally unbelievable. I found myself literally groaning out loud at the ridiculousness of it all.
The story is quite fast paced, certainly not boring and has a certain page turnability and it seems that it is a popular series. Sorry but I’m afraid I found it lightweight and corny.
December 9, 2023
Neblogas detektyvinis trileris. Nelabai ilgas, antroje pusėje netrūko įtampos. Nusikaltėlį atspėjau perskaitęs apie pusę knygos, bet tai netrukdė toliau mėgautis skaitymu. Lyginant su Roberto Huno serija, pastaroji patiko labiau. Tiesiog nepraustaburnis Robertas Hunas priversdavo kartais garsiai nusižvengti. Detektyvui Loganui taip pat netrūksta humoro jausmo, bet tai labiau eilinis detektyvinis trileris, smarkiai neišsiskiriantis iš kitų.
October 26, 2023
#perskaičiau
J.D.Kirk "Kaulų upė"
Su J.D.Kirk jau buvau pažįstama iš knygų apie Bobį Huną, tad pasirodžius naujai serijai neatsispyriau pagundai ją perskaityti. Nemeluosiu, pradėjusi skaityti knygą detektyvą insperktorių Loganą lyginau su Hunu 🤭 Tad pasakiau sau STOP, tai nauja serija, nauji personažai, neieškok panašumų ar skirtumų, bet buvo sunkoka, nes Hunas paliko didelį įspūdį, o Loganas tikrai pretenduoja tapti nauju, mano mėgstamiausiu, žodžio kišenėje neieškančiu detektyvu 🤭
Trumpai apie siužetą, tai dingus berniukui detektyvas Loganas išsiunčiamas tirti pagribimo bylą, nes berniuko dingimo aplinkybės labai panašios į prieš 20 metų pagrobtų ir nužudytų berniukų atvejį. Ar atsirado pamėgdžiotojas, ar Loganas sučiupo ir nuteisė nekaltą žmogų?
Labai lengvai ir greitai įsijaučiau į siužetą, o detektyvų komandoje dirbantys personažai buvo įdomiai sukurti, su charizma ir puikiu humoro jausmu. Tad puslapiai vertėsi itin lengvai ir greitai.
Nuoširdus pastebėjimas, kad knyga savo siužetu labai panaši į visai neseniai skaitytą kito autoriaus knygą, ir tai šiek tiek sumenkino netikėtumo faktorių, tačiau smagu, kad čia buvo visai kitokia knygos baigtis. Ir tai tik pirmoji serijos knyga, net neabejoju, kad tai buvo nelemtas sutapimas 🤭
"Kaulų upė" lengvo siužeto, bet labai įtraukiantis detektyvas. Smalsu sužinoti, kur toliau Loganą nuves likimas, nes tikrai skaitysiu ir sekančias serijos knygas. J.D.Kirk kūryba tikrai pasižymi savitu rašymo stiliumi ir begali kietais pagrindiniais knygos herojais ❤️
Su lengvu bonusu:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
J.D.Kirk "Kaulų upė"
Su J.D.Kirk jau buvau pažįstama iš knygų apie Bobį Huną, tad pasirodžius naujai serijai neatsispyriau pagundai ją perskaityti. Nemeluosiu, pradėjusi skaityti knygą detektyvą insperktorių Loganą lyginau su Hunu 🤭 Tad pasakiau sau STOP, tai nauja serija, nauji personažai, neieškok panašumų ar skirtumų, bet buvo sunkoka, nes Hunas paliko didelį įspūdį, o Loganas tikrai pretenduoja tapti nauju, mano mėgstamiausiu, žodžio kišenėje neieškančiu detektyvu 🤭
Trumpai apie siužetą, tai dingus berniukui detektyvas Loganas išsiunčiamas tirti pagribimo bylą, nes berniuko dingimo aplinkybės labai panašios į prieš 20 metų pagrobtų ir nužudytų berniukų atvejį. Ar atsirado pamėgdžiotojas, ar Loganas sučiupo ir nuteisė nekaltą žmogų?
Labai lengvai ir greitai įsijaučiau į siužetą, o detektyvų komandoje dirbantys personažai buvo įdomiai sukurti, su charizma ir puikiu humoro jausmu. Tad puslapiai vertėsi itin lengvai ir greitai.
Nuoširdus pastebėjimas, kad knyga savo siužetu labai panaši į visai neseniai skaitytą kito autoriaus knygą, ir tai šiek tiek sumenkino netikėtumo faktorių, tačiau smagu, kad čia buvo visai kitokia knygos baigtis. Ir tai tik pirmoji serijos knyga, net neabejoju, kad tai buvo nelemtas sutapimas 🤭
"Kaulų upė" lengvo siužeto, bet labai įtraukiantis detektyvas. Smalsu sužinoti, kur toliau Loganą nuves likimas, nes tikrai skaitysiu ir sekančias serijos knygas. J.D.Kirk kūryba tikrai pasižymi savitu rašymo stiliumi ir begali kietais pagrindiniais knygos herojais ❤️
Su lengvu bonusu:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
February 13, 2024
Simply Amazing - I was recommended this book by someone with great enthusiasm, and I thought, could it live up to the acclaim it had received? The answer is simply - 'Yes'.
If you like gritty crime, crime noir and, detective crime books, crime in general, you must read this one.
DCI Jack Logan is a tough detective determined to get his man. He doesn't always follow the rules, but he is a likeable character that you are routed from the beginning chapters of the book.
There are many reviews out there, but the thing to take away from this one is JD Kirks' A Litter of Bones is one you should read. This is part of a series of books in the DCI Jack Logan that will be on my list to read and review.
If you like gritty crime, crime noir and, detective crime books, crime in general, you must read this one.
DCI Jack Logan is a tough detective determined to get his man. He doesn't always follow the rules, but he is a likeable character that you are routed from the beginning chapters of the book.
There are many reviews out there, but the thing to take away from this one is JD Kirks' A Litter of Bones is one you should read. This is part of a series of books in the DCI Jack Logan that will be on my list to read and review.
June 10, 2024
Labai smagus detektyvas
March 2, 2024
Man patiko, labai gerai praleidau laiką, ir tikrai laisvalaikiui mielai skaitysiu tolimesnes serijos knygas. Lyginant su kitos šito autoriaus serijos personažu Hunu,tai man Loganas patiko labiau, pasirodė žmogiškesnis, tikroviškesnis. Intriga irgi nebloga, be nereikalingų detalių ir peripetijų. Maloniai nustebino, kad ne per daug visko privelta,kaip dabar dažnai pasitaiko trileriuose. O ir apimtis tokia, kad pats tas vienam geram vakarui.
July 6, 2025
Jack Logan is a larger than life detective. He lives in Scotland and put away a serial child abductor and killer ten years earlier. He’s haunted by a child he couldn’t find. Now another abduction occurs in the Highlands and he’s sent to investigate. There are similarities to the earlier ones. Good storyline and ending. Great dialogue. The multiple DNA matches within 24 hours on a teddy bear is a bit of a stretch though. The first book of a series.
August 16, 2020
A very good start for a new series.
It has everything I like:
* the settings- I love it!
* DCI Logan is a main character I can spend a lot of time with (I like when fictional characters have a sense of humor, despite the difficult situation they are in), I prefer my detectives to be difficult, rough and loyal.
*a suspenseful and thrilling plot - even if I, personally, HATE when a cell doesn't have any reception when it is the most important thing in the whole F*** WORLD!!! (sometimes I think the cell phones were on purpose developed this way to have no signal when your life depends on it, just to have a reason for horror movies.
Up to the next book! Now I'll try an audio book ;)
It has everything I like:
* the settings- I love it!
* DCI Logan is a main character I can spend a lot of time with (I like when fictional characters have a sense of humor, despite the difficult situation they are in), I prefer my detectives to be difficult, rough and loyal.
*a suspenseful and thrilling plot - even if I, personally, HATE when a cell doesn't have any reception when it is the most important thing in the whole F*** WORLD!!! (sometimes I think the cell phones were on purpose developed this way to have no signal when your life depends on it, just to have a reason for horror movies.
Up to the next book! Now I'll try an audio book ;)
September 16, 2024
Грамотно написан трилър, който не блести с някаква особена оригиналност, но пък главен инспектор Джак Логан – безцеремонен, фанатично отдаден на случаите дангалак – няма как да не ти стане симпатичен. Любопитното заглавие на романа е взето от стихотворението "Лъвовете" на Виктор Юго.
January 9, 2024
Страхотна първа книга! Дано да издадат и останалите!
August 20, 2019
Omg omg what a twisted tale this was. I had my heart in my mouth the whole time.
A missing child and a known pedophile who was supposedly locked up in jail. The past and the present coming together. One man connected both. DCI JACK Logan. There were so many disjointed thoughts I had after reading the book. The excitement and the adrenaline high cut off my brain thoughts and just words spluttered out.
Logan had arrested Petrie the Whisper Man years ago, and that case took everything from him, the details and perversions of the perp drained him out both as a person and cop. Cut to the present. A child Connor went missing, his parents distraught, and a teddy bear was delivered. All the clues pointed toward the Whisper Man making a comeback. But he was locked up, wasn't he? Had Logan arrested the wrong man or was this a copy cat? Shivery, haunting theories!!
My first book by JD Kirk, and what a debut of the series!! It knocked the breath out of my lungs. Every page I turned felt like a race against time. I was totally in Team Logan. The book read fast, it was invigorating, and there was a freshness to the prose.
Set in Glasgow, the writing had an authentic flavor to it. Kirk made it so easy to get involved with the story. I found myself accompanying Logan everywhere. Another hero and now the author has a fan in me.
I just have to declare it. JD Kirk is an awesome writer. Another police procedural which had me grappling to get to the truth. Got to mention the team, they were all funny and great and knew when to be serious. They were strong and yet flawed. Good humans.
The twists in the story were well placed and had me gasping when the final reveal was revealed. Everything boggled my mind. It was fabulous. I loved the first book in the Logan series and you bet, this is going to be one of the best I have read.
Fantastic breakfast read. I told ya, broken thoughts and high adrenaline
A missing child and a known pedophile who was supposedly locked up in jail. The past and the present coming together. One man connected both. DCI JACK Logan. There were so many disjointed thoughts I had after reading the book. The excitement and the adrenaline high cut off my brain thoughts and just words spluttered out.
Logan had arrested Petrie the Whisper Man years ago, and that case took everything from him, the details and perversions of the perp drained him out both as a person and cop. Cut to the present. A child Connor went missing, his parents distraught, and a teddy bear was delivered. All the clues pointed toward the Whisper Man making a comeback. But he was locked up, wasn't he? Had Logan arrested the wrong man or was this a copy cat? Shivery, haunting theories!!
My first book by JD Kirk, and what a debut of the series!! It knocked the breath out of my lungs. Every page I turned felt like a race against time. I was totally in Team Logan. The book read fast, it was invigorating, and there was a freshness to the prose.
Set in Glasgow, the writing had an authentic flavor to it. Kirk made it so easy to get involved with the story. I found myself accompanying Logan everywhere. Another hero and now the author has a fan in me.
I just have to declare it. JD Kirk is an awesome writer. Another police procedural which had me grappling to get to the truth. Got to mention the team, they were all funny and great and knew when to be serious. They were strong and yet flawed. Good humans.
The twists in the story were well placed and had me gasping when the final reveal was revealed. Everything boggled my mind. It was fabulous. I loved the first book in the Logan series and you bet, this is going to be one of the best I have read.
Fantastic breakfast read. I told ya, broken thoughts and high adrenaline
February 8, 2020
J.D. Kirk writes comedy under a different pen name but believe me this is far from comical. I liked the character of DCI Logan and I liked the team he worked with. The story plot was very good and the writing was excellent. So why not a 3 or 5 star rating?? Because the animal torture was NOT!!! I almost didn't finish the book. I'm going to try another and if it continues in that vain...it will be my last one.
January 21, 2024
In A Litter of Bones by new to me author J.D. Kirk, the reader is introduced to Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan, a Scottish police investigator and, along with Jack, is drop-kicked into the Highlands to investigate a missing child case that bears a striking similarity to the case of the Mister Whisper case a decade ago. Jack knows this case all too well as he was the one who captured this despicable and vile man. Unfortunately for Jack, the whereabouts of Mister Whisper’s last victim, Dylan, were never resolved and it has haunted Jack all these years.
In addition to racing the clock to locate the newest missing child, Connor, Jack has to acquaint himself with a new team of investigators. I really liked Jack and though he carries a lot of turmoil and pain in his soul (who wouldn’t?), there were many moments the reader is given a glimpse of the humor, wit and charm lying below the surface. I look forward to getting to know Jack and this team of investigators better as I get further into the series.
J.D. Kirk’s writing is tightly woven and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. This story has numerous graphic descriptions of the horror the villain inflicts, but it is appropriate subject matter for this story. As horrifying as it was to listen to, it pulled me further into the story. The identity of the killer and the surrounding reasons completely knocked me off my feet in shock and surprise.
The narration was expertly performed by the very talented Angus King, complete with a beautiful Scottish accent. Readers who aren’t familiar with some of the terminology or have never experienced Scotland may find it easier to read the text. For me, the audiobook was amazing. The emotions are felt keenly and are appropriate for the characters in that moment. Additionally, I appreciated the humor and wit displayed by the characters more than I would if I had read a text copy.
My Final Verdict: There are currently nineteen books in this series so I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading this series in order as I suspect character growth and development will evolve throughout the series. I am looking forward to more from this very talented author and will stick with the audiobook format.
In addition to racing the clock to locate the newest missing child, Connor, Jack has to acquaint himself with a new team of investigators. I really liked Jack and though he carries a lot of turmoil and pain in his soul (who wouldn’t?), there were many moments the reader is given a glimpse of the humor, wit and charm lying below the surface. I look forward to getting to know Jack and this team of investigators better as I get further into the series.
J.D. Kirk’s writing is tightly woven and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. This story has numerous graphic descriptions of the horror the villain inflicts, but it is appropriate subject matter for this story. As horrifying as it was to listen to, it pulled me further into the story. The identity of the killer and the surrounding reasons completely knocked me off my feet in shock and surprise.
The narration was expertly performed by the very talented Angus King, complete with a beautiful Scottish accent. Readers who aren’t familiar with some of the terminology or have never experienced Scotland may find it easier to read the text. For me, the audiobook was amazing. The emotions are felt keenly and are appropriate for the characters in that moment. Additionally, I appreciated the humor and wit displayed by the characters more than I would if I had read a text copy.
My Final Verdict: There are currently nineteen books in this series so I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading this series in order as I suspect character growth and development will evolve throughout the series. I am looking forward to more from this very talented author and will stick with the audiobook format.
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