Old Bones New Bones

DCI Boyd #2

by Alex Scarrow

When old bones are discovered buried beside an A-road it becomes clear that Leon Martin – dubbed 'The Ken Doll Killer' by the tabloid press – may not have taken his life 21 years ago.

As Boyd investigates the old case file it becomes clear that there may be new bodies buried at lay-bys around the country - more than that, something incredible was overlooked by the original investigating team.

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Fiction, Detective, Audiobook, Suspense, Procedural

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 9, 2021

About the author

I 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

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Bones New Bones is book two in the DCI Boyd Crime Series by Alex Scarrow. Twenty-one years ago, a serial killer called "The Ken Doll Kiler' was wandering around the A-Road, and law enforcement thought he had died when the killing stopped until another murdered victim turned up in the same area. DCI Boyd started investigating and found problems in the original investigation that changed how he would investigate this case. The readers of Old Bones New Bones will continue to follow DCI Boyd to find out what happens.

Old Bones New Bones is a fantastic addition to this excellent series by Alex Scarrow. Old Bones New Bones kept up my tradition with his books by ensuring I engaged with the plot from the first page. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and the way they interact with each other throughout this book. Old Bones New Bones was well written and researched by Alex Scarrow. I like Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of Old Bones and New Bones, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

Old Bones New Bones readers will learn about the consequences of a law enforcement investigation not following correct procedures. Also, the readers of Old Bones New Bones will know the name of a person who plays an electric bass guitar.

I recommend this book.

[Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in the DCI Boyd series, I often find that the second book in a series is a let down but that is not the case with Old Bones, New Bones. This time around Boyd appears to be more sure of himself and that allows us all to concentrate on the crime at hand. Of course, we still get to read about the other wonderful characters at the station, his daughter and the fabulous Ozzie. Great follow up, can't wait to read the next one.

[Cherry Mischievous · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts:

I still want to know what the Russians left Boyd with...

I am starting to see a pattern with this series. Justice seems to take a sort of sideways turn in these books. Including this one. But, oh well!

I enjoyed this book more than I did the first book. But then again, it might just be because I am now an entrenched fan of this series!

Aubrey Parsons is again being his wonderful self! Bringing the story to life! I specially like the Welsh accent that he gives Minter! What can I say, it is bang on!

Quantitative Evaluation:

Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 5
Story itself = 4.5
Writing Style = 5
Ending = 4.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 4.5
Pace = (7 hrs and 26 mins listening time)
Plot = 4
Narration = 5

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 cherries

[Irene Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooked

Totally immersed in this series. Although I had come to the conclusion that I knew how this book would end I am left wondering did I?? Clever , tense and totally addicting. Exciting to have more books in the DC I Boyd Crime Series to read.

[Angela Verdenius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series - great characters and intriguing storylines.

[Grace Brophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have in recent days been taste testing the British police procedurals (there seem to be thousands), finishing at least 20 pages per book before giving up. My rating for most is 2 or 3 stars, aside from Alex Scarrow and Stuart Pawson. Pawson makes me laugh and Scarrow keeps me reading. Five stars to Pawson for making me laugh out loud. Aside from the times his dead wife pops up and some actual questions that I have about procedures, I like Scarrow's writing and his very occasional sense of humor. With so few others as an attraction I’m actually rereading some of Scarrow's early ones. For me, the desire to reread is the highest praise I can give a genre writer. Of course, there are also the greats, the Austens, Dickens, Eliots, etc., but I don’t write reviews for those. I wouldn’t have the audacity. They are all perfection.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good second book in this series, a little more of a straightforward police procedural than the first one. I rather suspect I might be going through the rest of these before the year is out.

[Babydoclaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the second in the series, which builds on the first. I figured out the "bad guy" early on, but it was still a great read.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy reading books in this DCI Boyd series and plan to roll right into the third. This is a good police procedural with the challenge to Boyd and his team of discovering who is at the heart of a series of murders. This serial murderer is hard to discern and/or capture and gives his team more than a challenge.

Kindle Unlimited

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two in the DCI Boyd Crime Thriller Series and, following the brilliant first book, this must have been a challenge but one the author rose to with aplomb. This is another great book. I find this author so easy to read and every page is enjoyable. I may also have a very soft spot for Ozzie Boyd - you will know who I mean if you read the first book.

Briefly, DCI Boyd and his team are called in when some old bones are unearthed. Suspicions are raised that this may have been a victim of Leon Martin, The Ken Doll Killer. Martin was a serial killer back in the early 2000’s. He found young, homeless men and offered them a warm bed for the night then imprisoned and eventually murdered them, after which he took photographs posed, as if they were still alive. He committed suicide when his latest victim escaped and the murders stopped. However, there was soon the discover of another body and this time a recent murder. Is there a copycat killer out there? Did Leon Martin really commit suicide?

A great storyline that will keep you hooked and although I had my suspicions there are some great twists and turns in the book. I found it hard to put this down and it is a resounding 5* read from me. Thank you Mr Scarrow and roll on book 3.

[Donna Morfett · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review: Old Bones New Bones Alex Scarrow
Easy 5 stars

Thought I would wait until release day to post my review.
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this. I fell in love with Boyd, Ozzie, and everyone else that featured in book one of the series. I knew instantly that this would be an instant favourite.
The story picks up after the end of the last case, which was left on a slight cliffhanger as to whether Her Madge is corrupt.

This book is a new case, some bones are found in a layby and Boyd has to investigate an old case, but when some new remains turn up, he wonders if the two are linked. The original killer was supposed to have jumped over a cliff.
The elements from the first book that I loved so much, the humour, the team dynamic, the pooch, are still there. Okeke is a firm favourite. Boyd is not a grizzly detective with issues, he's new and knows he needs to earn the respect of his team.
We get to learn the name of the lady who is always telling him off for not picking up after his dog, and the seagulls that are always trying to steal Boyds chips are there too (called feathery scrotes which made me LOL)
I love the humour, but I also love the fact that once things start to ramp up, it is not prominent.
Love love loved this second installment and I absolutely cannot wait for more.

[Alyson Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

DCI William Boyd has already dealt with one harrowing case in East Sussex CID in the seaside town of Hastings since transferring down from London with his daughter Emma after two years compassionate leave following the tragic deaths of his wife and young son. Things are going well for them. Emma has a new boyfriend, Daniel, and they have a rescue spaniel, Ozzie, who has captured everyone’s hearts. Although this works fine as a standalone, I would recommend first reading book one, Silent Tide, where all the main characters and their history is introduced. The story begins when Boyd is alerted to the discovery of a body buried in a lay-by on the A21 several miles outside of Hastings. It turns out to be old bones, and forensics reveal a boy aged between 19 and 21, buried 15-25 years ago holding what looks like a wooden soldier. When Boyd relates the details to Supt Sutherland, something rings a bell and he connects it to an old case, the "Ken Doll Killer". A man called Leon Martin was suspected of murdering several boys, keeping the bodies and posing them for lifelike photographs. When he feared discovery in 2001, he fled and was thought to have killed himself. One boy managed to escape and survived to tell the horrific tale.
As 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 begin their investigation, it transpires that not everyone believes Martin died. They narrow down possible names for victims from hundreds of missing boys, and hope that new and better forensic skills will be able to bring closure to a few families at least. But as they discover more new bones, they have to face the terrible possibility that a killer is still alive and still at work.
There are some wonderful little touches of humour, such as Boyd's descriptions of Sutherland, which give a warmth to the characters and the writing, and all the main players are 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, as are his daughter Emma, Daniel and Ozzie of course! Even better than the very successful first story, this book is incredibly easy to get totally absorbed in with an excellent clever plot and highly satisfying ending. I am really looking forward to book three, A Burning Truth, out soon. 5*

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* gore score 1/5
#2 in the Boyd police procedural series.
Having loved the first book I was excited to get a chance to read the second one. I like the cover, it fits with the books theme well.
Bones are discovered in a lay by. They turn out to be old bones, nothing to get Boyd and the team over excited as it’s connected to a case from another force, but then new bones turn up with enough similarities to get fired up about.
We follow the story from Boyd and the teams perspective, as he tracks a serial killer.
I really enjoyed it. It’s a quick easy entertaining read. I love the humour.
It’s good to see the character development and the team dynamics and banter. I like the working relationship that’s building between Boyd and OKeke. Sully is growing on me too. However Boyd is my favourite character I enjoy his acerbic wit. He needs to stick to Emma’s healthy eating regime to be able to keep running after the perps 😊
It grabbed my interest straight away.
It has one main central theme, whether the old and new bones are connected. It has a diversions, revelations and twists to maintain really good interest.
It’s got a decent pace, the tension really ramps up towards the end. I love the end section, there are several elements to it that I love, but can’t afford any spoilers. There’s a bit of sadness, compassion and intrigue.
Nitpicking I feel that the decomposition of the old bones isn’t convincing from what I’ve previously read, having skin remaining after so many years.
I highly recommend this book as well as the previous book Silent Tide.

[John Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors comments in the acknowledgement at the end of the book about the difficulties in writing a second novel of a series are interesting. It must indeed be a problem to achieve the same level of excitement without copying scenes from the first. However, he manages to achieve it here. He also manages to extend our knowledge of his team as Boyd himself gets to know them more.
There is still humour in Boyd's comments but not as much or as funny as in the first, may be that will return.

As the title suggests the story line starts with the discovery of bones that have lain near a lay-by for 20 odd years and may have been one of a serial killers victims, and comes up to date with a fresh body with several similarities to the other- but isn't the original killer dead?

I often wonder what makes a good murder mystery for me. After just ditching a book because I didn't feel as if I cared enough about any of the characters, I believe the answer is empathy.
With Old Bones,New Bones I feel that I know several of the characters enough to know how they feel in particular parts of the story. I'm not sure what it says of me that the character I feel most empathy with is the grumpy overweight Boyd.!

A nice note at the end in the acknowledgement to Spaniels Aid UK for Ozzie the authors own dog and supporting cast member in the story.

[kellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, it’s the second in the series, which could be read as a stand alone however I would say if you want the most from the characters, I would definitely recommend reading in order.
Boyd really developed in this book, his humor and presents really makes his team become real for me. Having worked at Sussex police I can picture the whole team working there, the banter, the briefings, the author captured it well. Before even touching on the plot and writing style the characters alone make this a 5 star read for me.
The plot was well written, a mixture of an old case and now new entwine, having found old bones in a layby. The scene is set perfectly by the sea in Hastings, the descriptions are spot on. My only very minor and petty criticism with this is, is Hastings and Brighton were referenced in the book by Charlotte as “West Sussex” however they are East and purely because being from Sussex I noticed this.
The writing style is fantastic, just the right pace to keep the reader guessing, with a clever ending.
This series has become one of my favorite police/crime novels and I can’t wait to get my hands on the next

[Tina O'reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - great writer - hooked in from the very start! Serious subject but humour within the writing - 'are all lorry drivers called Dave?'.

A lorry driver stops in a layby to relieve himself and discovers parts of a body hidden in the undergrowth. He decides not to report it. Another driver does. These bones are old. However, more newer skeletons turn up in other places. There are similarities between recent discoveries and old and potentially the discovery of a bodged up previous investigation or is it just that science has moved on and crimes are easier to solve?

Boyd is definitely finding his feet after his move to Hastings (for anyone that knows Hastings and it's surrounding areas, I think most descriptions are actually quite true, which makes a nice change from other 'local' books I've read!). He has a good relationship with his daughter and both seem to be making friends and enjoying life, mostly.

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the first book in this new series, I was wondering if the next one would be as good. I needn't have worried.

This is another excellent read. Alex has such a great writing style that seems to make the story just flow, and you flow along with it. Add a great plot and lots of humour despite the storyline and it's a surefire winner in my view. I started this last night and finished it this evening which is a great sign.

The story starts with the discovery of some bones in a layby which have been there for a number of years and seems linked to the so-called Ken Doll killer from many years ago who was believed to have taken his own life at the time.

I'm really enjoying the banter in the team and also a bit more of Sully's sarcasm. It actually feels like you're there with them listening to it all. Roll on book 3 !

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t wait to read this book as the first one, Silent Tide, was brilliant. And so is this one - phew!

DCI Boyd & his team investigate the discovery of some old bones, off a lay-by alongside a major road. Due to some forensic hints, they conclude that it may have been the victim of a serial killer, Leon Martin, The Ken Doll Killer. Then, another body is discovered with many similarities except this one is only a few days old. Martin is supposedly dead by his own hands so is he or is there a copycat?
I love the writing style of these books; very easy to read, well explained police processes & plenty of humour. Boyd is fallible but Ozzie makes up for it (you’ll have to read & find out). Highly recommended.
I’m off for a coffee & a bacon roll...

[Joe’s Mum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book I have read this year by far. I picked the murderer earlier on and then decided it wasn’t that person, I then picked a couple more people during the book to be the murderer, I then thought so and so was involved but how could they be? and when the twist came in the end, I just stared at the kindle (mouth agape). What a ride. I absolutely love DCI Boyd, his team, Emma, Dan and especially Ozzie.
This was a fantastic crime thriller with a great cast of characters and a great story that kept me hooked from the first page to the last.....oh, and the last chapter gave me goosebumps and not the ‘I’ll be able to sleep easy at night kind’
I can’t wait for the next in this series.

[Kim J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding!

I am really liking DCI Boyd and his team! And that would be thanks to the author for the wonderful writing and character development! And the great storyline! I was enthralled throughout this book, and it took me no time to read. This was a serial killer plot with a twist! And although I knew who the suspect was (I guessed halfway through) the lives of the team and the plot were so interesting it didn't matter to me!.Alex Scarrow.said that the 2nd book in a series was the hardest to write, but you would never know it from the out come! I highly recommend this book, and I'm sure the rest of the series too!

[M Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story

Not too recycled. Always gonna be able to second guess the ending but still some good twists. Only thing I don’t like is the author’s assumption that EVERY reader will most certainly know his/her Harry Potter or LOTR’s - which I for one do not! For example, a description of a scene gets the HP similarity. I have zero knowledge of this scene so can’t form an imaginative description in my mind.

Still - a quite enjoyable read. Not a series that is making me want to pick up and read after waking in the middle of the night but definitely enough to get me into escape mode and some mental re-enactment.

[GCScott-Malden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot needs more characterisation

DCI Boyd is the classic policeman with a tragic past, gone to pastures new. He has to investigate a cold case, which turns out to be a serial killer. The plot moves along at a good pace, with several twists and turns and Boyd’s internal struggles coming to terms with his family tragedy are very well handled.
The big drawback is in the characterisation of the secondary figures, such as his sidekick Okeke who is barely fleshed out and also the lady he meets on the beach, who is not described at all but is obviously destined to be some sort of love interest. Maybe this will happen in subsequent books in the series. I shall keep reading…

[Gary Dowden · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the DCI Boyd series sees the recently relocated Boyd and his team investigate the discovery of a set of bones near a lay by. Its not long before it's linked to a similar situation back in 2001 where the killer apparently committed suicide. Things are not quite that simple though and it isn't long before a new discovery casts a shadow and doubt over the original investigation.
I'm really enjoying this series with its relatively low number of characters, fast pacing and decent twists, along with a decent chunk of humour, especially as Boyd's daughter seems intent on getting him into healthy eating! Good story and likeable characters make this one to recommend

[GingerbreadCat · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️ This was soo good I read it right after the first book and this was just perfect.

I didn’t really vibe with the characters in the beginning of the 1st book but after reading this one I love every single one of them. DCI Boyd and his team have to unravel an old case from the 90‘s after finding some old bones which are possibly related to a serial killer called the ‚Ken Doll Killer‘.
It had everything I wanted in a British crime/mystery book. Lovable characters, a dark murder story, a lot of jokes, a cozy setting and twists and turns.
A must read for crime fans I’m glad I gave the 1st one a second chance.
Will jump right into the next one in the series.

[SkyeWake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to have an ARC of this book, which is out soon. This is the second book in the series and is an excellent follow up to a promising start. DCI Boyd and the team are back up and running with what at first seems like a cold case but quickly develops. Boyd is such an affable character, you soon become immersed in his story as well as the crimes involved. There are nice touches of humour and wry observations too, but enough tension and twists to keep you guessing. Looking forward to the third!

[Anne Petter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

This book was as good as the first. Its lovely getting to know new characters, and these already feel like old friends. DCI Boyd now lives in Hastings and it feels weird to know the places he is writing about. The story is exciting and it keeps you guessing. I love the fact that Boyd is a hands on copper. The scrapes he gets into makes him feel real. He has a sad back story, but with his daughter and Ozzie the dog, he is moving forward. I can't wait to read the next book and see what he gets up to.

[Kath Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book begins with the discovery of an old body, seemingly part of a case in another area, many years back. The killer is assumed to have committed suicide, but Boyd’s not so sure. Then another body is found, in similar circumstances, only a few days old. I enjoyed the team’s fight to uncover a tangled story. I like this team, and as the series progresses I feel I know them better. I particularly loved the ending here, as we see that things are not at all what they seem. A great bit of plotting!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I Liked It Better than the First and . . .

I knew whodunit. I hardly ever do, and this time it was obvious to me. Boo. I liked the plot better than the first book. In fact, I didn’t like the first book in the series much at all. I gave it three stars too, however, primarily because of the main character’s heartbreaking backstory and the dog he adopts. Anyway, I may read the next one; I may not. And I usually devour a series. That should fill you in on my response to Book 2.

[margaret chalmers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bones to chew on.

DCI Boyd is back, settling into his new home with daughter and dog. A new case arises when a lorry driver discovers old bones at a lay-by. It seems they relate to an old case with a serial killer of young, homeless men. We follow Boyd, struggling, and failing, with a diet, and is there a tiny hint on the horizon of romance...in the shape of a fellow female dog walker? Time and more books will tell. Great story, well written, easy to follow. Very enjoyable. Highly recommended.

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great second book.

Loved the first book and hoped this one would be as good. Interesting storyline linking the past with the present. This author has a magic touch in creating his characters. DCI Boyd has quickly become one of my favorite Inspectors and Ozzie adds to your insight into who Boyd is. Every bit of dialogue between the characters and Boyd’s inner thoughts makes him leap off the page as someone real, someone you would like to meet.