When a fire destroys a landmark home in Hastings and 'national treasure' Sir Arthur Sutton's body is found in the debris, it seems that arson may be to blame.
But who would want the old man dead? Could it be his children - both with a strong motive? Or his ex-wife? His live-in caregiver? Or perhaps it's one of those Westminster 'chums' he got to know during his short spell in the Cabinet? Boyd had better find out before he becomes another detail for someone to tidy up.
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
DCI Boyd is Back with his Team, Daughter and Dog. Book No. 3 and it Really is a great series.. Totally Believable Stories and I cannot wait for the next Book
Burning Truth by Alex Scarrow – 3.5 Stars "Not every case sizzles—some just simmer. A lot."
By book three in the DCI Boyd series, you’d expect things to be settling down. But Hastings is proving to be less quaint coastal town and more “Midsomer Murders,” and Boyd? Still just trying to enjoy his chips without being dive-bombed by seagulls or emotionally compromised by trauma flashbacks.
We’re back with Boyd, Emma, and Ozzie (the world’s least helpful emotional support spaniel), and it’s comforting to rejoin this little trio. There’s warmth here—Boyd’s decency, Emma’s steady presence, Ozzie stealing socks. And yes, you’ll want to have read the first two books to really enjoy these moments. It’s not strictly necessary, but jumping in here would be like turning up to a garden party halfway through and not knowing why the parrot’s yelling obscenities.
The plot kicks off with a fire at Eagle House, which quickly turns from tragic accident to political murder scene. A disgraced former MP found tortured on a snooker table? Subtle, this is not. Add in a badly injured woman, some mysteriously vanished files, and an official from Parliamentary Protection sticking his nose in, and you’ve got yourself a full-blown intrigue stew.
The problem? The investigation takes a backseat for a surprising amount of the book. We get lots of excellent character moments—banter, garden parties, a foul-mouthed parrot named Fergie (truly the emotional MVP)—but the pace meanders. At one point, I found myself wondering if the team was going to crack the case or just politely outlive it.
To be fair, Boyd’s squad is still a joy:
DS Minter, eternally steady.
DC Warren and DC O’Neal, bringing that lovable odd-couple energy.
DC Okeke, still the smartest in the room and still somehow patient with all of them.
And SOCO Kevin Sully, with the best dry wit this side of forensic science.
The writing remains as approachable as ever—readable in a weekend, warm in tone, and peppered with humanity. It’s just that Burning Truth doesn’t burn quite as hot as its title suggests. For a good stretch, it reads more like a slow Sunday roast than a sharp crime procedural.
That said, the final third does kick into high gear, with a genuinely thrilling conclusion and a satisfyingly twisted motive. It reminds you that Scarrow can deliver when the flames finally catch. The humour still sparkles, the interpersonal dynamics are top notch, and Boyd continues to be refreshingly not-a-cliché.
Is this my favourite in the series? No. It’s a little padded, and I found myself missing the tight procedural tension of the first two books. But even with the slower pace, it’s still a solid entry—especially if you’re here as much for the characters as the crime-solving.
Recommended for fans of the series, and anyone who thinks crime fiction could use just a few more swearing parrots.
If there was a fourth book available in this series I would immediately roll into it. This was an excellent read. The investigation of murder by arson becomes a political and physical challenge for DCI Boyd and his team. This is a lively tale one cannot put down.
Wow, what a ride! This third outing for DCI Boyd sees him investigating a suspicious fire in which an ex MP is killed. After six months in Hastings, he’s also forging deeper friendships with his team. I really enjoyed the political side of this, pressure being put on Boyd’s superiors from very high up in government. It feels horribly true to life at the moment. There are some heart-in-the-mouth moments, but these are tempered by humour, especially at his ‘gardening party’ so there’s light and shade here. These are very entertaining reads and I look forward to having the time to read more.
Burning Truth is book 3 in the DCI Boyd series by Alex Scarrow and is published on 25 July. It can be pre-ordered now. What a ride this takes you on. It is a tense, gripping read, especially towards the end of the book. Arthur Sutton is an author, who had previously been a Cabinet Minister. What secrets and dirt does he have that someone doesn’t want to get out. DI Douglas Lane from the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Unit has been sent from the Met to assist in the investigation of the fire at Eagle House, where a dead body has been discovered. There are moments of hilarity involving Boyd’s dog Ozzie and also a gardening party Boyd has, to tame his back yard. Loved it.
I’ve read the others in the series, and in order too, although I think they read well as a standalone, although best read in order.
A retired politician is found murdered at his home in a fire. As it’s in Hastings Boyd and the team are investigating but have the help of a protection officer DI Lane from the Met whose job it is to keep government secrets hidden.
The title and book cover are both very fitting. The point of view is mostly from Boyd and the team although we hear occasionally from the killer.
There’s a couple of emotional scenes, which I don’t want to describe due to spoilers.
A quick easy read, more of a conspiracy thriller feel to this book.
It has a very good start and an excellent ending. However for me the middle lacks the impact and humour of the other books, so not my favourite but still a very good read.
I feel that there is an element of having a dig at the writing quality of an ex politician now crime author which is sustained through several of the characters responses.
Third in a wonderful series with DCI Boyd and I loved it again. The characters are brilliantly written and you cannot help but feel for Boys as he goes through the motions to find a killer. Thoroughly enjoyable story and will definitely read next in series.
DCI William Boyd might have thought life working in East Sussex CID in the seaside town of Hastings was going to be quieter for him since transferring down from London with his daughter Emma after two years compassionate leave following the tragic deaths of his wife and young son, but he has already had to deal with two harrowing cases. Things are going well for them now. 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 reading the series in order to get to know all the main characters and their past cases. The story begins when a fire rips through Eagle House, killing a brave firefighter and leaving a woman badly injured. The house is home to Sir Arthur Sutton, a former MP and cabinet minister, who is now turning his hand to writing thrillers, and it’s not long before he is found dead in the ruins, tortured and tied to a snooker table. Boyd sticks with his previous small team of detectives, comprising DS Steven Minter, DC Eddie Warren, DC Darren O’Neal and DC Samantha Okeke, and as they begin their investigation, it transpires that there are plenty of motives and suspects for the man’s murder. Since the case could reveal sensitive government secrets, Boyd is given DI Douglas Lane from Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection to assist him. As the true motive is finally revealed, a whole can of worms is opened, and that puts more lives in danger. It’s a slow and steady investigation until near the end when the action really hots up in a fast and furious ending that shocks everyone concerned. Again there are some wonderful touches of humour which give a warmth to the characters and the writing such as the appearance of Fergie the foul-mouthed parrot and one garden party no one will forget in a hurry! 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 interaction between Warren and O’Neal. Boyd is extremely likeable, as are his daughter Emma, Daniel and Ozzie the sock eater of course! Just like the first two stories this book is incredibly easy to get totally absorbed in with an excellent clever plot and gripping ending. I am really looking forward to book four, The Last Train, out soon. 5*
Book 3 in the DCI Boyd crime thriller series and it goes from strength to strength. This book could be read as a stand-alone but I really recommend reading the whole series. You will thank me. This really is a proper police procedural / thriller and I love it. Not just the police procedural side of it but just the right amount of time spent on exploring Boyd’s private life. As always the lovely Ozzie is featured in the book, having eaten a foreign object he is rushed to the vet in the middle of the night. Ok so I was worried then I remembered it’s only a story.
Briefly, Boyd and his team are investigating the murder of a former cabinet minister, Sir Arthur Sutton. His home set on fire and his housekeeper, Margot Bajek, found seriously burned but still alive, barely. As the investigation ramps up DI Douglas Lane joins the team from The Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Unit, part of the Metropolitan police force, to ensure that any sensitive information is redacted. Previously a journalist Sutton had become an author since leaving politics and is a very wealthy man. Who benefits from his will? Does he have ‘dirt’ on someone in power from his journalism days? Or from his parliamentary time?
A really well written and constructed story and there are definitely a few little loose ends that must be leading to book four. Bring it on. I’m ready ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Burning Truth is book three in the DCI Boyd series by Alex Scarrow. DCI Boyd caught a new case of the death of Sir Arthur Sutton. Was the fire the cause of death, or was he murdered? The more DCI Boyd and his team investigated, the more it leaned towards murder. However, will DCI Boyd realise that he has been a puppeteer to complete the case by the others? The readers of Burning Truth will continue to follow DCI Boyd to find out what happens.
I was surprised by the ending of Burning Truth; however, it ensured that I kept engaged with the story and characters of this book. I enjoyed how Alex Scarrow included the twists and turns and how Alex incorporated political and law enforcement stories into this book. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of the characters and how they interact throughout this book. Burning Truth is well-written and researched by Alex Scarrow. I liked Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of Buring Truth which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Burning Truth will learn about a neurodegenerative disease called Infantile Batten and the consequences of the suffering. Also, the readers of Burning Truth will understand the problems and causes of psoriasis disease.
Published on 25th July, this is the third book in the Boyd series & although it would read well as a standalone; I would recommend reading them in order as any back references would make more sense. I love these books. Picking this one up was like greeting old friends. They are an easy, comfortable read but not in a cosy mystery way, just everything is explained well & the writing style effortlessly flows (although I’m sure the author wouldn’t say that!). So, to the plot. An ex- MP, now author, is found inside his burnt out house. Arson is assumed, especially as he was tied, naked & spread eagled, to a snooker table. The question is why? He hadn’t been in government for many years. Due to the possible political nature of the investigation, Boyd is given an extra pair of hands in the form of a DI from the Met protection unit. Which is just as well as the story moves at such a pace, the extra body is required. Plenty of humour, a touch of romance &, of course, good old Ozzie. I can’t wait for book 4 & this one is highly recommended.
Oh, just a word of warning, if you’re invited to Boyd’s next gardening party DECLINE.
This is the third of the DCI Boyd series and once again I had left too long since reading the previous one. Even though I have read many books since I was last down in Hastings with DCI Boyd, it didnt take many pages before I felt at home with the team once again. The story starts with the report of a house fire which comes in just as Boyd starts his shift so lands on him. However, the details of what happened and the possible reasons for it take time to come to the surface.
The Police team that we have been introduced to us in the previous books have, after a difficult start when he moved in, now come together to support Boyd both on this case and also at an unexpectedly drug fueled garden clearance. Boyd's potential doubts about his superior 'Her Madge', from previous books, get an airing too.
Excitement builds as reader and police realise about the same time who is playing a double role but is it too late?
Did I enjoy it? Lets just say I am not going to make the same mistake I have in the past. I have already downloaded the rest of the series and am moving on to the next.
I love this series. This is the 3rd book and each one is great. The story starts with the arson attack on a house owned by an ex-MP and his body is found inside where it looks like he was bound to a snooker table before the fire was set. Who could have wanted him dead?
This is a cracking read. The story just charges along, and this time, Boyd and his team have an extra member thrust upon them from the protection unit who generally work alongside government ministers (think of the Bodyguard series that was on the BBC). I find I'm just drawn into the story as usual from the start and have to keep reading it to see what is about to happen next.
Again as normal, there is plenty of humour and no spoilers but there is 1 scene in particular that is hilarious. I'm still laughing to myself thinking back on it !
Roll on October when book 4 is out. I just hope that the relatively short break between each book release continues as I'm not sure if I could wait much longer each time as seems to be the case for other authors.
I absolutely adore the DCI Boyd series, this being the third, it just keeps getting better. I like to read my books in order however this and the other two could well be read as stand alone. Boyd and his team are back doing what they do best, police work that’s real and relationships that are so truth to life. I don’t normally like books with a political story but this one was so different, it’s wasn’t far fetched and could be worryingly true. There wasn’t any full on political scenes , just a well written story about corruption in the upper class. I love how the author makes Boyd and his team feel real, many a time through out the book it has me chuckling to myself at their action and great one liners.
Boyd dips into getting to know his team better with hilarious results, he steps into a more flirtatious stance with his dog walking friend from the shore and he has a govt. DI working with him to make sure that no Political Secrets are exposed when a former cabinet member is found bound and murdered in his home which has been burned to the ground on top of him and his housekeeper. The only problem I have with this series is I hate the abrupt ending...I mean there's are resolution and it's satisfying but it just ends and I still have questions....but I've noticed most are answered in the next book sooooo, pretty clever I guess. I still love this series.
Loving this series, really good characters who you can relate to and love the humour. I laughed so much when DCI Boyd had his barbeque and some of the scenes you can just picture . Boyds relationship with his daughter and dog Ollie is just lovely especially after all the heartache they've suffered. Great story, a gripping ending with a twist. Just wish it didn't end as seems to be a lot of loose ends so hopefully we will find out the consequences in future. Can't wait to read the next one 😍
This was another good book in the series. Another book I couldn't put down. Boyd is after a killer, but it turns out to be not as simple as just a murder case. I love all the camaraderie between the characters. Boyd fits into the team like he's always known them. I love how they all get stoned while doing the garden. If you like books with great detectives, then this series is definitely for you. It's on par with DCI Jack Logan and DCI Robert Kett. All fantastic books. Thank goodness we have such good writers in our midst.
Book three in the DCI Boyd series begins with a local historic building burning to the ground, however it seems that it wasn't empty at the time and that the former politician inside had made enough enemies during his lifetime to keep Boyd and his team very occupied as they are met with frustration and cover ups to accompany the vast list of suspects. Great characters as always and a fast paced storyline and although I guessed one twist early on, it didn't actually pan out as I'd thought it would. Another strong addition to the series.
Another cracker from Alex Scarrow. DCI Boyd and the team back together doing what they do best. The latest investigation involves a burning house, a former member of parliament and an omg ending. Side stories involving a dippy dog and an amusing bonfire party give just the right amount of lighthearted relief from a sometimes gruesome crime. Hurry up with the next one please Mr S and thank you very much for the early access.
This is the third book in the DCI Boyd series. It follow on from the previous 2, with Boyd, Okake, Minter and the rest of the team investigating the murder of a politician. I love the chemistry between Boyd and his team, and Boyd’s family unit. I can identify with some of the family goings-on, and yes, vet bills are expensive! I’ve read each book in a couple of days and would highly recommend them.
And I never saw it coming! I honestly haven't seen this plot in any other book I've read, and it was a fantastic one! And my eyes grew huge while reading the last 70 pages or so! This is the kind of book that you don't want to put down when you state reading it. I suggest starting at the beginning of the series so you understand the lives of these characters, it will mean so much more to you. But this bok could also be read as a stand alone.
Our reluctant hero is quickly embroiled in more danger following a slow build up of tension in this novel ending in an explosive and believable climax for many conspiracy theorists . Fine writing , good imagination and a popular subject bring home an enjoyable read in this series of DCI Boyd thrillers that seem to grow in appeal with each new book
This is a great series, i discovered on a recommendation. I find the characters quite refreshing compared to some other stock characters in this genre (although they are a bit “stock” at times. The plots are really interesting but do windup with a bit of implausibility, but that’s ok. Everything else makes up for that.
Another stonking good read. Fast paced well written, keeps you hooked til the last page. I cannot wait to read the next one. Downside is that, I think there are only one or two books left. At this rate, I will have read them and be hanging on waiting for more to be written by the end of the week.
I loved this police procedural detective story, DCI Boyd & his team are such good characters, just hard working coppers getting on with their jobs. A very believable modern story of corruption & cover-ups, exciting & compelling, & with a pleasant scattering of humour. Can't wait to read another Alex Scarrow, The Last Train next!
Mistakes by the higher-ups put Boyd in a predicament involving scurrilous goings on in the establishment. A former government minister, threatening to spill the beans, is disposed of. But what of the outcome of his carer? And what happened to the protagonist?
Another outstanding murder investigation with DCI Boyd and his interesting, entertaining team. This is a brutal murder, by torture and fire, that sends the investigators all the countryside searching for clues and reasons for the murder. It is a very unusual situation, with shocking reasons. The final result is shocking, scary, and very dangerous!