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DCI Boyd #1
Silent Tide
A sinking boat is spotted a few miles off the south coast.
Waiting onboard, is a grisly discovery.
DCI Bill Boyd - recently relocated from London to Hastings - is now with the East Sussex CID and his first case is that of a local business man and his new young wife, missing in the English Channel.
All that remains of them is a grisly discovery aboard their half-submerged yacht and a digital trail that could put Boyd and his daughter, Emma, in danger.
Silent Tide is the first in a brand new crime series from Alex Scarrow
Waiting onboard, is a grisly discovery.
DCI Bill Boyd - recently relocated from London to Hastings - is now with the East Sussex CID and his first case is that of a local business man and his new young wife, missing in the English Channel.
All that remains of them is a grisly discovery aboard their half-submerged yacht and a digital trail that could put Boyd and his daughter, Emma, in danger.
Silent Tide is the first in a brand new crime series from Alex Scarrow
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2021
1371 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Alex Scarrow
63 books1,047 followersI live a nomadic existence with my wife Frances, and son Jacob. For now we're living in Norwich. I spent the first 10 years out of college in the music business chasing record deals and the next 12 years in the computer games business as a graphic artist and eventually a games designer. For those of you who like their computer games, here's some of the titles I've worked on:
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
April 25, 2022
Silent Tide is book one in the DCI Boyd series by Alex Scarrow. On the first day back at work after two years' absents, DCI Boyd became involved in a case of a missing local businessman and his wife from their yacht. At first, DCI Boyd was worried about whether he still had the skills to run a law enforcement investigation. However, with the support of his daughter Emma and his colleagues, DCI Boyd had no problems getting involved. The readers of Silent Tide will continue to follow DCI Boyd to find out what happens.
Silent Tide is the first book I read by Alex Scarrow, and I engaged with the plot and the characters from the first page. I am pleased that I found this fantastic new series. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and how the characters interact throughout the book. Silent Tide is well written and researched by Alex Scarrow. I like Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of Silent Tide, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Silent Tide will learn about law enforcement officers' grieving process when their families are involved in a traffic accident. Also, the readers of Silent Tide will understand the importance of dogs for people with anxieties.
I recommend this book.
Silent Tide is the first book I read by Alex Scarrow, and I engaged with the plot and the characters from the first page. I am pleased that I found this fantastic new series. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and how the characters interact throughout the book. Silent Tide is well written and researched by Alex Scarrow. I like Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of Silent Tide, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Silent Tide will learn about law enforcement officers' grieving process when their families are involved in a traffic accident. Also, the readers of Silent Tide will understand the importance of dogs for people with anxieties.
I recommend this book.
April 17, 2022
Silent Tide is a new-to-me series featuring DCI Boyd, a slightly overweight widower newly back on the job after compassion leave. He has moved to a quieter town, along with his adult daughter and their newly adopted doggie, but on his first day on the job he is thrown into a murder case that is like no other case he has worked. Boyd will either solve this case or die trying - no hyperbole intended.
There were parts of the book that had the feel of a cozy mystery. Boyd is such a likeable character and his interactions with his dog are too funny. However, the case is far from "cozy" and leads Boyd into the depth of the dark criminal world. There is plenty of action as well as humor in this terrific gem of police procedural!
There were parts of the book that had the feel of a cozy mystery. Boyd is such a likeable character and his interactions with his dog are too funny. However, the case is far from "cozy" and leads Boyd into the depth of the dark criminal world. There is plenty of action as well as humor in this terrific gem of police procedural!
March 7, 2021
4.5*
Gore score 2/5
#1 in the DCI Boyd series. A new author to me. I loved it, the characters, the plot, the pace and especially the humour.
Boyd is recently transferred from The Met to Hastings with his daughter Emma following a 2 year period of compassionate leave after the death of his wife and son.
On his first day he is greeted with the news of his first case, that of a newly married couple whose yacht is discovered abandoned in a bad state of repair in the English Channel. From the grisly findings on board it is a presumed a murder scene.
The prologue grabs your attention.
The writing style is easy going and Humour runs throughout. A really intriguing plot.
His Team comprises of DS Minter, DC Warren,DC O’Neal and DC Samantha Okeke (pronounced car key)
I do like Sully and his deadpan sense of humour.
I’ve also engaged with Boyd, he is considerate, thorough, and funny. His character is developed well through the book, warming me to him more
Ozzie is just a sweetheart 😍
Memorable quotes ‘ blag, shag then bag’
‘ for Ozzie to check his pee-Mail inbox and fire off a few replies’
The tension and action ramps up at the end. A bit of an action movie ending, which was in keeping with the plot line.
There’s an emotional part that had me close to tears.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
Gore score 2/5
#1 in the DCI Boyd series. A new author to me. I loved it, the characters, the plot, the pace and especially the humour.
Boyd is recently transferred from The Met to Hastings with his daughter Emma following a 2 year period of compassionate leave after the death of his wife and son.
On his first day he is greeted with the news of his first case, that of a newly married couple whose yacht is discovered abandoned in a bad state of repair in the English Channel. From the grisly findings on board it is a presumed a murder scene.
The prologue grabs your attention.
The writing style is easy going and Humour runs throughout. A really intriguing plot.
His Team comprises of DS Minter, DC Warren,DC O’Neal and DC Samantha Okeke (pronounced car key)
I do like Sully and his deadpan sense of humour.
I’ve also engaged with Boyd, he is considerate, thorough, and funny. His character is developed well through the book, warming me to him more
Ozzie is just a sweetheart 😍
Memorable quotes ‘ blag, shag then bag’
‘ for Ozzie to check his pee-Mail inbox and fire off a few replies’
The tension and action ramps up at the end. A bit of an action movie ending, which was in keeping with the plot line.
There’s an emotional part that had me close to tears.
I’m looking forward to the next one.
November 27, 2023
2023 52 Book Challenge - 36) Chapters Have Cliffhangers
I know I'm in the minority for this book, but I found it boring. The plot didn't pull me in at all, and I found the main character to be too much of an old style masculine humour type of guy, which is a shame because I love Alex Scarrow as an author.
While I'm okay with authors having their own political beliefs and it having an effect on the book in some format, it was very evident in this book as the anti-right, anti-far right of America, pro-left was referenced in almost every chapter, not even just as thoughts by the characters, but as descriptions of the surroundings, such as the Border Force. Like yeah, okay, I get it.
I did like the references to various British shows and locations. I do love Silent Witness.
I know I'm in the minority for this book, but I found it boring. The plot didn't pull me in at all, and I found the main character to be too much of an old style masculine humour type of guy, which is a shame because I love Alex Scarrow as an author.
While I'm okay with authors having their own political beliefs and it having an effect on the book in some format, it was very evident in this book as the anti-right, anti-far right of America, pro-left was referenced in almost every chapter, not even just as thoughts by the characters, but as descriptions of the surroundings, such as the Border Force. Like yeah, okay, I get it.
I did like the references to various British shows and locations. I do love Silent Witness.
January 6, 2023
DCI Boyd transfers from London to Hastings to work for the East Sussex CID, bringing his young adult daughter with him for the move. His family used to include a wife and son, but they lost their lives in auto accident. It's up to him to restart, recover and keep his daughter with him, or is she keeping him? They do well together.
The first major case he is assigned is a doozy and he gets off to a rocky start with his female boss. I'm thinking that will continue through the series but I will soon find out. I enjoyed this book so much I wish to immediately launch into the second of the series.
This one involved Russians and money laundering and cover-ups and a load of danger.
Great pacing and action! Reading this on my birthday was a good and rewarding choice.
I recommended this book to my two brothers and one of them just served me up the rich opening line of the book which I had forgotten: "It's funny how flesh in the moonlight looks like puff pastry."
Kindle Unlimited
The first major case he is assigned is a doozy and he gets off to a rocky start with his female boss. I'm thinking that will continue through the series but I will soon find out. I enjoyed this book so much I wish to immediately launch into the second of the series.
This one involved Russians and money laundering and cover-ups and a load of danger.
Great pacing and action! Reading this on my birthday was a good and rewarding choice.
I recommended this book to my two brothers and one of them just served me up the rich opening line of the book which I had forgotten: "It's funny how flesh in the moonlight looks like puff pastry."
Kindle Unlimited
November 17, 2023
Great start to a new series with characters that are instantly likeable or memorable . I’ve been looking for something for a while now to fill the Ruth Galloway shaped hole in my life and this is very promising. Police procedural without the boring true to the nth degree detail many ex police turned authors put in . Also plenty of personal interest stories to develop . Just bought the next one.
October 5, 2023
My Thoughts:
A very promising start to a new-to-me series!
I don't like Her Madge very much. But I guess there has to be one of those, eh?
The plot is not very straight forward, but not very twisty either. Just enough for a crime fiction to snag interest.
What I want to know is, what did the Russians left Boyd with?!...Ozzie
I would like to see Ozzie take a more meaningful part in the story!
This is my second Aubrey Parsons series. The first one is DCI Harry Grimm series in which the first book is Grimm Up North by David J. Gatward. Love this book and this series! That is why I was so happy to discover another book/series that he is narrating! The sample of the audiobook got this book bought!
The audiobook is what sold this book to me!
Quantitative Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (7 hrs and 34 mins listening time)
Plot = 4.5
Narration = 5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 4
Ending = 4
World building = 4.5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (7 hrs and 34 mins listening time)
Plot = 4.5
Narration = 5
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5
February 21, 2022
Enjoyed the book. Easy to read. Fast paced near the end and wrapped up in a believable (but not outlandish) way. My father-in-law was a London Policeman (who now lives on Isle of Man) and I could hear him "speaking" throughout the entire book. :) p.s. I'm American.
June 10, 2025
I've had mixed success with British mysteries, but I liked this one a lot. Partly due to the era (2020s) and the location (Brighton), the mystery had a nice balance of detective work and red herrings, along with side characters that were more fleshed out than usual. The main detective and his female officer do their jobs with a mix of procedural doggedness and by-the-gut creativity. His back-story takes up a lot of space without adding much to his character, other than he's a good man on a tough road. The contemporary political climate was pushed a bit too hard, but it left room to become a longer arc.
I'll read the next one.
I'll read the next one.
June 6, 2022
I've often seen this series recommended by other readers, and was disappointed that it wasn't available on Audible. But now it is!
DCI William Boyd has been on compassionate leave from the Met for the past two years. Now he has moved to Hastings, East Sussex with his daughter and is ready for a new start. He is thrown straight in at the deep end when he is assigned a suspected murder case when a yacht is found floating in the Channel. There is lots of blood but no bodies.
I was hooked right from the prologue. I liked Alex Scarrow's easy to read/listen to writing style. The book is well plotted, fast paced and is peppered with humour. I don't know Hastings, but the author described it well enough that I could envisage the landscape and places. The characters, especially Boyd, his daughter Emma and DC Samantha Okeke are realistically portrayed. Boyd himself is extremely likeable and could easily become one of my favourite fictional cops. He's 46 and slighly overweight and obviously still grieving for his wife and child. But he's dedicated and hard working and isn't afraid to break the rules! We are drip-fed Boyd's back story a little at a time and when I finally found out the truth I'm not ashamed to say I shed a few tears. DC Okeke is perfect as his partner, though we didn't get to know the rest of the team in any detail. But I'm sure that will be remedied in future books. And the icing on the cake is a rescue spaniel called Ozzie :-) There are lots of police procedural series out there but this is definitely one of the better ones and I can't wait for book 2.
The book is read by Aubrey Parsons and his excellent narration added another dimension to a fantastic book.
DCI William Boyd has been on compassionate leave from the Met for the past two years. Now he has moved to Hastings, East Sussex with his daughter and is ready for a new start. He is thrown straight in at the deep end when he is assigned a suspected murder case when a yacht is found floating in the Channel. There is lots of blood but no bodies.
I was hooked right from the prologue. I liked Alex Scarrow's easy to read/listen to writing style. The book is well plotted, fast paced and is peppered with humour. I don't know Hastings, but the author described it well enough that I could envisage the landscape and places. The characters, especially Boyd, his daughter Emma and DC Samantha Okeke are realistically portrayed. Boyd himself is extremely likeable and could easily become one of my favourite fictional cops. He's 46 and slighly overweight and obviously still grieving for his wife and child. But he's dedicated and hard working and isn't afraid to break the rules! We are drip-fed Boyd's back story a little at a time and when I finally found out the truth I'm not ashamed to say I shed a few tears. DC Okeke is perfect as his partner, though we didn't get to know the rest of the team in any detail. But I'm sure that will be remedied in future books. And the icing on the cake is a rescue spaniel called Ozzie :-) There are lots of police procedural series out there but this is definitely one of the better ones and I can't wait for book 2.
The book is read by Aubrey Parsons and his excellent narration added another dimension to a fantastic book.
March 8, 2021
The first in a new series, and a new author for me so I had no expectations. I loved it. It really was one of the easiest reads I’ve had recently. Great characters, good plot line, wonderful humour and good relationships. And a gorgeous rescue dog. What more could you want.
Briefly, DCI Bill Boyd and his daughter Emma have move to Hastings following the death of his wife and 4 year old son, two years earlier. Expecting a quieter life away from London, on his first day he is given a suspected murder case. A boat has been found drifting in the sea and on boarding it is found to be covered in blood but no bodies, dead or alive. But the answer to this mystery isn’t going to be straightforward and Boyd’s investigations are hampered by his superiors...
A fabulous police procedural and I’m already looking forward to book 2 in the series. Easily a 5* from me.
Briefly, DCI Bill Boyd and his daughter Emma have move to Hastings following the death of his wife and 4 year old son, two years earlier. Expecting a quieter life away from London, on his first day he is given a suspected murder case. A boat has been found drifting in the sea and on boarding it is found to be covered in blood but no bodies, dead or alive. But the answer to this mystery isn’t going to be straightforward and Boyd’s investigations are hampered by his superiors...
A fabulous police procedural and I’m already looking forward to book 2 in the series. Easily a 5* from me.
March 11, 2021
This is a new series featuring DCI Boyd, recently relocated to the South Coast with his adult daughter Emma. After the loss of his infant son and wife in a horrific car crash. He's been on compassionate leave from the MET for 2 years so decides to completely start afresh.
However when a boat washes up full of blood and who knows what else, Boyd is not in for a slow introduction to his new station.
This was a great book. A brilliant mix of serious and light hearted. There is a great pairing with Okeke that I can't wait to read more of. They have already clicked and get each other and have the trust that means they are going to get in many scrapes together.
There's the hint of corruption and some Russian mafia for future books.
However when a boat washes up full of blood and who knows what else, Boyd is not in for a slow introduction to his new station.
This was a great book. A brilliant mix of serious and light hearted. There is a great pairing with Okeke that I can't wait to read more of. They have already clicked and get each other and have the trust that means they are going to get in many scrapes together.
There's the hint of corruption and some Russian mafia for future books.
March 17, 2022
Great first of series
I really, really enjoyed this first of the Boyd series and very pleased I came across it. A really well written storyline and likeable characters, I liked how Boyd’s backstory came out a bit at a time and why he was new in town. I found that I read this through pretty quickly as I just had to keep reading to find out what happens next!
Would really recommend especially if you like your UK police/ crime novels, Boyd might become one of my favourite characters…I actually liked it so much I’ve just bought the rest of them.
I really, really enjoyed this first of the Boyd series and very pleased I came across it. A really well written storyline and likeable characters, I liked how Boyd’s backstory came out a bit at a time and why he was new in town. I found that I read this through pretty quickly as I just had to keep reading to find out what happens next!
Would really recommend especially if you like your UK police/ crime novels, Boyd might become one of my favourite characters…I actually liked it so much I’ve just bought the rest of them.
April 30, 2021
Loved this book, particularly how the references and context allowed it to be happening now. This added something extra to it that I didn't even realise other books were missing, until I read this one. Can't wait to see what Boyd gets upto in the next installment.
July 4, 2022
This was my first book by this author and narrator but it wont be the last. I really enjoyed the characterisations and loved Ozzie, you can tell the author has so much love for his dog - loved it.
Looking forward to seeing the other characters in the team develop and great to find yet another police procedural that I love.
Looking forward to seeing the other characters in the team develop and great to find yet another police procedural that I love.
March 20, 2021
Excellent book, can't wait for the next one, well written it drew me in at the start and didn't let me go until the end. I would definitely recommend this book.
November 24, 2024
Great read, decent plot and characters I enjoy. Looking forward to the next one
July 22, 2021
Today's I finished Silent Tide, an arc by Alex Scarrow
This is a new series featuring DCI Boyd, recently relocated to the South Coast with his adult daughter Emma. After the loss of his infant son and wife in a horrific car crash. He's been on compassionate leave from the MET for 2 years so decides to completely start afresh.
However when a boat washes up full of blood and who knows what else, Boyd is not in for a slow introduction to his new station.
This was a great book. A brilliant mix of serious and light hearted. There is a great pairing with Okeke that I can't wait to read more of. They have already clicked and get each other and have the trust that means they are going to get in many scrapes together.
There's the hint of corruption and some Russian mafia for future books.
This is a new series featuring DCI Boyd, recently relocated to the South Coast with his adult daughter Emma. After the loss of his infant son and wife in a horrific car crash. He's been on compassionate leave from the MET for 2 years so decides to completely start afresh.
However when a boat washes up full of blood and who knows what else, Boyd is not in for a slow introduction to his new station.
This was a great book. A brilliant mix of serious and light hearted. There is a great pairing with Okeke that I can't wait to read more of. They have already clicked and get each other and have the trust that means they are going to get in many scrapes together.
There's the hint of corruption and some Russian mafia for future books.
March 14, 2021
DCI William Boyd is on his first day back at work in East Sussex CID in the seaside town of Hastings after two years compassionate leave following the tragic deaths of his wife and son, having now transferred down from London with his daughter Emma. He walks straight into a case of possible murder. A lot of blood and bits of flesh but no actual body have been found on a yacht which was drifting in the Channel. The boat has been scuppered to make it sink and hide the crime scene but it looks like someone had been attacked, killed and then dismembered on it. The boat was moored at Eastbourne and paid for by a company, and it transpires it was taken out of the marina three months previously and never returned. Forensics show at least three people were on board but how many died and how many survived? Boyd and the small team of detectives allocated to him, comprising DS Steven Minter, DC Eddie Warren, DC Darren O’Neal and DC Samantha Okeke under the command of Supt Sutherland, are soon able to identify two people, the owner, a man reported as missing by his estranged and bitter wife, and his new young girlfriend, but just who was the third person? Their investigation flags up a couple of good suspects and motives but very strangely someone is trying to steer them into a different line of enquiry altogether. Boyd gets quite a battering in his first few days and is determined to follow his own theories, leading to some great action and a dramatic ending, with just a little bit of a twisty cliff hanger at the end.
The are some wonderful little touches of humour which give a warmth to the characters and the writing, and all the main players are very quickly and very well drawn, with an excellent relationship established between Boyd and his team members. I particularly liked SOCO Kevin Sully with his deadpan brand of humour and also the bright intelligent DC Samantha Okeke. Boyd is a very likeable character, already forming a great partnership with DC Okeke, and his daughter Emma, their adopted rescue spaniel Ozzie and Okeke’s boyfriend all play great roles too. I hope we will see more of them all soon. This book is incredibly easy to get absorbed in with an excellent plot, and I am really looking forward to book two, Old Bones New Bones, coming out in May 2021. 5*
The are some wonderful little touches of humour which give a warmth to the characters and the writing, and all the main players are very quickly and very well drawn, with an excellent relationship established between Boyd and his team members. I particularly liked SOCO Kevin Sully with his deadpan brand of humour and also the bright intelligent DC Samantha Okeke. Boyd is a very likeable character, already forming a great partnership with DC Okeke, and his daughter Emma, their adopted rescue spaniel Ozzie and Okeke’s boyfriend all play great roles too. I hope we will see more of them all soon. This book is incredibly easy to get absorbed in with an excellent plot, and I am really looking forward to book two, Old Bones New Bones, coming out in May 2021. 5*
January 9, 2022
Silent Tide was an enjoyable read. I liked the cast of characters, including Boyd who was a bit bumbling and made a change from the all-seeing, wonder detectives around.
The setting, introduction of the team, Boyd's personal life and the main plot were all woven together well and ensured that something was always progressing thus keeping it interesting and well paced.
The plot was immediately interesting and kept me reading. I would say that it transitioned into a plot where the bad guy(s) were an all powerful, people-in-pockets, big bad which personally I hate as a plot. Had this been revealed earlier in the book then I may not have carried on reading, just because I personally don't like this trope. Although it was written well enough, I did feel it left for a bit of an unsatisfactory ending a nd was largely used just to set up an on-going series plot.
I will definitely read the next in the series.
The setting, introduction of the team, Boyd's personal life and the main plot were all woven together well and ensured that something was always progressing thus keeping it interesting and well paced.
The plot was immediately interesting and kept me reading. I would say that it transitioned into a plot where the bad guy(s) were an all powerful, people-in-pockets, big bad which personally I hate as a plot. Had this been revealed earlier in the book then I may not have carried on reading, just because I personally don't like this trope. Although it was written well enough, I did feel it left for a bit of an unsatisfactory ending a nd was largely used just to set up an on-going series plot.
I will definitely read the next in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2021
What a dull book this was.
It started off fairly interesting, a boat bobbing around in the water, empty but with lots of blood inside.
Unfortunately the story goes downhill from there.
Boring, unlikeable characters.
And as for bringing the dog, Ozzie into the story, perhaps place him with owners that actually walk him more than once a day.
Won't be reading any other books by this author.
It started off fairly interesting, a boat bobbing around in the water, empty but with lots of blood inside.
Unfortunately the story goes downhill from there.
Boring, unlikeable characters.
And as for bringing the dog, Ozzie into the story, perhaps place him with owners that actually walk him more than once a day.
Won't be reading any other books by this author.
Read
February 7, 2022I gave it one star because the author had to interject his political views with unnecessary remarks about political figures he obviously does not agree with. That overshadowed the story, which may or may not have been interesting. I read books for entertainment. The author's political leanings mean nothing to me. i will not bother reading another by this author.
December 28, 2025
This book had an intriguing mystery, a good protagonist and supporting team. It's just that, as far as I am concerned, the mystery got a bit out of hand towards the end. Which means there is no neat ending which always disappoints me.
December 18, 2021
DCI Boyd and his daughter have relocated from London to Hastings in a bid to move on from a family tragedy. A sedate return to work ends before it begins as he is embroiled in the investigation of a grisly crime scene aboard an abandoned yacht.
With the owner of the boat missing, presumed dead, and answers in short supply Boyd and his new team search for answers but just as some threads unravel to reveal the victim had an acrimonious split from his wife, a precarious financial position and dodgy business links, Boyd’s superiors shut him down. Is it incompetence on their part or something more insidious?
SILENT TIDE is the first in the DCI Boyd books and offers a great introduction to a new cast of characters and series. I had the privilege to share an interview panel with the author and his talent for story telling shone through (must be in the family genes- his brother is novelist Simon Scarrow).
SILENT TIDE is a fast paced (at times comedic, at times touching) police procedural highlighting l some of the more relevant topics headlining the news in recent times- the migrant crisis, the complex dynamics of personality and politics in the upper echelons of policing and inter-agency rivalry.
Alex nails a tight, intriguing premise as he takes the reader along on the investigation, Boyd growing into his new role and developing relationships with the new team. The threads of the backstory behind Boyd’s recent tragedy and his struggle to recovery with the aid of his daughter and wet nosed and waggy tailed spaniel, Ozzie, are deftly woven in.
If contemporary crime thrillers are your thing you’ll not be disappointed. A satisfying start to what I’m sure will be a well loved series. Recommended reading.
With the owner of the boat missing, presumed dead, and answers in short supply Boyd and his new team search for answers but just as some threads unravel to reveal the victim had an acrimonious split from his wife, a precarious financial position and dodgy business links, Boyd’s superiors shut him down. Is it incompetence on their part or something more insidious?
SILENT TIDE is the first in the DCI Boyd books and offers a great introduction to a new cast of characters and series. I had the privilege to share an interview panel with the author and his talent for story telling shone through (must be in the family genes- his brother is novelist Simon Scarrow).
SILENT TIDE is a fast paced (at times comedic, at times touching) police procedural highlighting l some of the more relevant topics headlining the news in recent times- the migrant crisis, the complex dynamics of personality and politics in the upper echelons of policing and inter-agency rivalry.
Alex nails a tight, intriguing premise as he takes the reader along on the investigation, Boyd growing into his new role and developing relationships with the new team. The threads of the backstory behind Boyd’s recent tragedy and his struggle to recovery with the aid of his daughter and wet nosed and waggy tailed spaniel, Ozzie, are deftly woven in.
If contemporary crime thrillers are your thing you’ll not be disappointed. A satisfying start to what I’m sure will be a well loved series. Recommended reading.
March 25, 2022
A bare bones offering of a mystery.
I liked the character of Boyd from the very first page. A detective, a father, a widower, he struggles with his grief but relocating to a new police force in Hastings is an opportunity for him to move forward with his career and his life.
However, rather than the gentle easing into his new position he had hoped for he finds himself hurled straight into a double murder and a mystery that reaches far across the continent to the Russian Mafia and he finds not only his own life is in danger but also that of his daughter and his new colleague.
That's the premise....and it could have been an excellent edge of the seat thriller but sadly the story lacks any real depth.
The characters are sketchy (do we even get to find out who the 2nd victim was?) the plot simply wasn't padded out enough and the ending left me speechless. Rarely have I reached the end of a book to find nothing but a huge question mark.
That aside, I give the book 4* because, although it was a little disappointing, I did find the writing style overall to be quite accomplished in that the author managed to make Boyd a very believable character.
I do intend to read further books in this series because I believe the character will grow but for me this first tale does leave the reader hanging in limbo.
I liked the character of Boyd from the very first page. A detective, a father, a widower, he struggles with his grief but relocating to a new police force in Hastings is an opportunity for him to move forward with his career and his life.
However, rather than the gentle easing into his new position he had hoped for he finds himself hurled straight into a double murder and a mystery that reaches far across the continent to the Russian Mafia and he finds not only his own life is in danger but also that of his daughter and his new colleague.
That's the premise....and it could have been an excellent edge of the seat thriller but sadly the story lacks any real depth.
The characters are sketchy (do we even get to find out who the 2nd victim was?) the plot simply wasn't padded out enough and the ending left me speechless. Rarely have I reached the end of a book to find nothing but a huge question mark.
That aside, I give the book 4* because, although it was a little disappointing, I did find the writing style overall to be quite accomplished in that the author managed to make Boyd a very believable character.
I do intend to read further books in this series because I believe the character will grow but for me this first tale does leave the reader hanging in limbo.
March 12, 2021
Thanks to the author Alex Scarrow for access to an advance reader e-copy of Silent Tide, the first in his new DCI Boyd series. This is an honest and voluntary review.
Boyd and daughter Emma have moved for London to the coastal town of Hastings. Two years on from the death of his wife and their infant son Boyd is finally ready to go back to work as a CID officer. Instead of the quiet introduction he’d expected Boyd is plunged straight into investigating an abandoned boat full of blood stains and belonging to a man reported missing by his estranged wife.
As with many first in a series books we spend a bit of time getting to know Boyd, his daughter, their adopted dog Ozzie and his CID colleagues. Boyd gives the impression of a no nonsense cop who isn’t against bending the rules when he feels it’s justified. His baggage is his grief, the impact of which is honestly discussed and not simply used as an excuse for another grumpy loner detective. Overall there’s a good balance between backstory and establishing conversations and actual plot.
It’s a good start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.
Boyd and daughter Emma have moved for London to the coastal town of Hastings. Two years on from the death of his wife and their infant son Boyd is finally ready to go back to work as a CID officer. Instead of the quiet introduction he’d expected Boyd is plunged straight into investigating an abandoned boat full of blood stains and belonging to a man reported missing by his estranged wife.
As with many first in a series books we spend a bit of time getting to know Boyd, his daughter, their adopted dog Ozzie and his CID colleagues. Boyd gives the impression of a no nonsense cop who isn’t against bending the rules when he feels it’s justified. His baggage is his grief, the impact of which is honestly discussed and not simply used as an excuse for another grumpy loner detective. Overall there’s a good balance between backstory and establishing conversations and actual plot.
It’s a good start to a new series and I look forward to reading more.
July 22, 2022
The book starts out well, except it seems to be trying far too hard to be funny. Much of the humour seeming forced and so missing the mark. For example the flippent way the coroner talks on the boat. It settles down into quite a good story as Bill Boyd settles in with his new team. However, by the end the momentum is lost. The worst aspect of the book is how Boyd lets his family members come out to dangerous situations with him in a way that would be both unheard of from someone in his position and also unbelievable from a person who had already suffered such tragedy. This aspect of the story spoiled the book completely and is enough to put me off wanting to continue with the series. It was just implausible.
A new detective arrives in Hastings with his daughter. Both suffering from grief after his wife and son died in a house fire resulting in them leaving London to have a fresh start. On the day he starts his new job a boat is found just about afloat with a quantity of blood sloshing around in the bottom. Although his superiors want to write it off as a migrant killing, Boyd is convinced there is much more to the grizzly events.
A new detective arrives in Hastings with his daughter. Both suffering from grief after his wife and son died in a house fire resulting in them leaving London to have a fresh start. On the day he starts his new job a boat is found just about afloat with a quantity of blood sloshing around in the bottom. Although his superiors want to write it off as a migrant killing, Boyd is convinced there is much more to the grizzly events.
March 16, 2021
In a yacht off the coast of Hastings the grisly remains of a murder are discovered. For DCI Boyd, relocated from London to Sussex CID after extended sick leave, it’s his first case in his new job. Still recovering from the death of his wife and son, he has no choice but to hit the ground running with his new colleagues.
It soon becomes clear that this is a case with few concrete leads. But Boyd’s no quitter and shows he can ruffle feathers if he needs to. Slowly, with the help of DS Okeka, he makes a surprising discovery that turns the case on its head.
Written in an upbeat style with plenty of humorous observations and one liners, this is an easy to read story with a brisk pace, likeable characters and an unusual and intriguing plot. Like many police procedurals on the market, Boyd has a traumatic past and maverick behaviour, which can stretch credibility at times, but it remains an entertaining story and a solid start to a new series.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
It soon becomes clear that this is a case with few concrete leads. But Boyd’s no quitter and shows he can ruffle feathers if he needs to. Slowly, with the help of DS Okeka, he makes a surprising discovery that turns the case on its head.
Written in an upbeat style with plenty of humorous observations and one liners, this is an easy to read story with a brisk pace, likeable characters and an unusual and intriguing plot. Like many police procedurals on the market, Boyd has a traumatic past and maverick behaviour, which can stretch credibility at times, but it remains an entertaining story and a solid start to a new series.
I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review.
August 14, 2023
3.5 ⭐ rounded down. A fun read. I enjoyed the plot unfold unfold in an unexpected way: the protagonist doesnt get to prove everybody wrong (even though he was right). And the bad guys win - despite 2 casualties. Also i appreciated the way the ptss is handled in the story, it is dealt with delicately in one chapter - where some author choose to gradually telling about something terrible in countless flashbacks. The writing is fast paced.
On the negative side: i found the jokes a bit forced now and then. Also in the last part of the book the protagonist meets someone he doesnt know. This could be an informant, or the russian maffia trying to make him think he is meeting an informant. This does not sound like a meeting you would bring your daughter to. However, that is exactly what happens. His only collegue from the police even brings along her boyfriend, although that seems slightly more credible since he is a bouncer. Despite this, an enjoyable read.
On the negative side: i found the jokes a bit forced now and then. Also in the last part of the book the protagonist meets someone he doesnt know. This could be an informant, or the russian maffia trying to make him think he is meeting an informant. This does not sound like a meeting you would bring your daughter to. However, that is exactly what happens. His only collegue from the police even brings along her boyfriend, although that seems slightly more credible since he is a bouncer. Despite this, an enjoyable read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2021
A stunning book, I highly recommend this first of hopefully many DCI Boyd books from Alex Scarrow.
His depth of descriptions, characters and humour is stunning, I become emotionally invested in all of the characters and could picture the scenes so clearly.
DCI Boyd has moved from London to Hastings with his daughter after 2 years of compassionate leave after the death of his wife and young son.
On his first day back at work he is handed an unusual murder scene to investigate. The story follows him and his new dog Ozzie into settling into a new home and the strange events of the murder case.
The only question I have for the author is, what was in the box at the very end of the book? You can't leave me hanging like that, will we find out in the next book?
I highly recommend this book and will be adding this and the rest of the series to my collection.
His depth of descriptions, characters and humour is stunning, I become emotionally invested in all of the characters and could picture the scenes so clearly.
DCI Boyd has moved from London to Hastings with his daughter after 2 years of compassionate leave after the death of his wife and young son.
On his first day back at work he is handed an unusual murder scene to investigate. The story follows him and his new dog Ozzie into settling into a new home and the strange events of the murder case.
The only question I have for the author is, what was in the box at the very end of the book? You can't leave me hanging like that, will we find out in the next book?
I highly recommend this book and will be adding this and the rest of the series to my collection.
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