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Michael Brady #3
The Echo of Bones
“Find her for me, Mr Brady. I know she’s dead. I know I’ll never see her again. But find her. Give me a place to go on her birthday. Christmas Day. Somewhere I can take her teddy bear. Lay flowers. Find Alice for me, Mr Brady. Please...”
It’s 20 years since Alice went missing.
There’s never been any trace.
Until now.
Until some bones are found in a shallow grave on the cold, bleak North York Moors.
But is it Alice?
Or Becky? The other girl – who disappeared a month earlier…
Two local two families that have finally learned to live with their grief.
But now Michael Brady must tell one family their daughter has been found.
And break the bad news to the other family.
No-one was ever convicted. Everyone’s convinced the killer is in jail.
Everyone except Brady.
He thinks the real killer is still out there.
Brady has to re-open the old wounds. He has to find the real killer. And he has to stop seeing the similarities between his daughter and one of the murdered girls.
With the local families waiting for the ‘killer’ to come out of jail, with a boss determined to stop him discovering the truth – and without Frankie Thomson to help him – this is a case that affects Michael Brady like no other.
The Echo of Bones is the third book in the Michael Brady series. It follows Salt in the Wounds…
“Had me gripped from the start. A truly captivating story, very well told. Really didn’t want it to end and eagerly awaiting the next one in this series.”
“Fabulous! Had me gripped from start to finish. Brady reminds me of Mark Billingham’s detective, Tom Thorne.”
“You know you’re hooked when you really care what happens to the characters. Read it in three sittings.”
…and The River Runs Deep.
“I read a lot of detective books, but none has drawn me into another world like this one. Loved it. Cannot wait for the rest of the Michael Brady series.”
“Michael Brady book 1 was brilliant. Book 2 is every bit as good. Believable characters, strong plot, intriguing story.”
“Another thrilling read. Could not put it down! The depth of the characters is so good I couldn’t stop thinking about the story after I’d finished it.”
“That’s the trouble with a really good book – you want to keep reading but you don’t want it to end. Loved the natural witty and believable.”
It’s 20 years since Alice went missing.
There’s never been any trace.
Until now.
Until some bones are found in a shallow grave on the cold, bleak North York Moors.
But is it Alice?
Or Becky? The other girl – who disappeared a month earlier…
Two local two families that have finally learned to live with their grief.
But now Michael Brady must tell one family their daughter has been found.
And break the bad news to the other family.
No-one was ever convicted. Everyone’s convinced the killer is in jail.
Everyone except Brady.
He thinks the real killer is still out there.
Brady has to re-open the old wounds. He has to find the real killer. And he has to stop seeing the similarities between his daughter and one of the murdered girls.
With the local families waiting for the ‘killer’ to come out of jail, with a boss determined to stop him discovering the truth – and without Frankie Thomson to help him – this is a case that affects Michael Brady like no other.
The Echo of Bones is the third book in the Michael Brady series. It follows Salt in the Wounds…
“Had me gripped from the start. A truly captivating story, very well told. Really didn’t want it to end and eagerly awaiting the next one in this series.”
“Fabulous! Had me gripped from start to finish. Brady reminds me of Mark Billingham’s detective, Tom Thorne.”
“You know you’re hooked when you really care what happens to the characters. Read it in three sittings.”
…and The River Runs Deep.
“I read a lot of detective books, but none has drawn me into another world like this one. Loved it. Cannot wait for the rest of the Michael Brady series.”
“Michael Brady book 1 was brilliant. Book 2 is every bit as good. Believable characters, strong plot, intriguing story.”
“Another thrilling read. Could not put it down! The depth of the characters is so good I couldn’t stop thinking about the story after I’d finished it.”
“That’s the trouble with a really good book – you want to keep reading but you don’t want it to end. Loved the natural witty and believable.”
- GenresAudiobook
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2021
29 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 12, 2022
This series is going from strength to strength, and by book 3 and I'm totally in love with the characters and care what happens to them.
This time the case mainly focuses on the old bones that have been found on the moors, linking back to a case from 20 years previously, where 2 young girls went missing with around a month between them. The case at the time was flimsy and a man was quickly arrested and jailed.
This book sees the introduction of some pretty awful characters, the rich toffs who think they can buy their way out of any situation.
Then there is Ruby, a grieving mother. She knows she's not going to win mother of the year, she's uncouth, blunt, brash, loud,but I loved her. Her heart was always in the right place, the interactions between her and Brady were particularly pleasing to read.
There seems to be a little more focus on the relationships of those closest to Brady in this book, but cleverly balanced against the case. Richards knows what he's doing here and is almost talking to us directly as the reader.
There was a particularly poignant section in the middle that brought a tear to my eye.
There was also a very delicate, sensitive portrayal of someone with autism. Having known someone autistic, the author has absolutely nailed this character and I'd like to see more of him too.
Another brilliant read, a great story, great characters, lots happening. What's not to love.
This time the case mainly focuses on the old bones that have been found on the moors, linking back to a case from 20 years previously, where 2 young girls went missing with around a month between them. The case at the time was flimsy and a man was quickly arrested and jailed.
This book sees the introduction of some pretty awful characters, the rich toffs who think they can buy their way out of any situation.
Then there is Ruby, a grieving mother. She knows she's not going to win mother of the year, she's uncouth, blunt, brash, loud,but I loved her. Her heart was always in the right place, the interactions between her and Brady were particularly pleasing to read.
There seems to be a little more focus on the relationships of those closest to Brady in this book, but cleverly balanced against the case. Richards knows what he's doing here and is almost talking to us directly as the reader.
There was a particularly poignant section in the middle that brought a tear to my eye.
There was also a very delicate, sensitive portrayal of someone with autism. Having known someone autistic, the author has absolutely nailed this character and I'd like to see more of him too.
Another brilliant read, a great story, great characters, lots happening. What's not to love.
July 24, 2022
What an absolutely amazing book. Each book in the series just gets better and better and this is a real corker.
By now, I feel like I know Brady, Frankie and all the characters so well and Whitby feels like home. This time, he has to deal with the discovery of old bones, 20 years old, from a time when there were 2 separate cases close together of 2 young girls going missing. The author has created some wonderful contrasts here between the rich upper-class family and the quite astonishing coldness and aloofness of a father, and the heart-wrenching devastation of a single mother on the other side. Alongside this, he deals with the subject of autism in a wonderful sensitive manner.
Mike has to do this all without Frankie from a work perspective but of course she is not far away as a sounding board and friend to talk things through. Frankie has her own personal stuff going on and I feel for her. The author also manages to bring a very realistic side of being a parent to life when dealing with a teenager and the normal teenage issues that happens. In a nutshell, it's quite a story, compelling and realistic with characters that you will always want to root for. I hope this series goes on for a long time.
By now, I feel like I know Brady, Frankie and all the characters so well and Whitby feels like home. This time, he has to deal with the discovery of old bones, 20 years old, from a time when there were 2 separate cases close together of 2 young girls going missing. The author has created some wonderful contrasts here between the rich upper-class family and the quite astonishing coldness and aloofness of a father, and the heart-wrenching devastation of a single mother on the other side. Alongside this, he deals with the subject of autism in a wonderful sensitive manner.
Mike has to do this all without Frankie from a work perspective but of course she is not far away as a sounding board and friend to talk things through. Frankie has her own personal stuff going on and I feel for her. The author also manages to bring a very realistic side of being a parent to life when dealing with a teenager and the normal teenage issues that happens. In a nutshell, it's quite a story, compelling and realistic with characters that you will always want to root for. I hope this series goes on for a long time.
June 10, 2022
Two walkers out on the moors and one uncovers what they think is a piece of wood but on closer inspection is a bone.
Who does the bone belong to and are there any other indications as to who the victim is?
Who is Blake and why is he in prison?
Who are the Simpson family and what truths unfold about them?
This book is a fantastic and riveting walk across the moors following DI Brady in a trek to uncover the mystery of the discovered bones
Mark Richard’s certainly knows how to write a story that takes you on a journey of mysteries that gradually fit together like a perfect puzzle. The fluidity and simplistic writing really gets to the heart of the characters and has given me a real connection to them. I have absolutely loved following Brady and his daughters Ash’s and sidekick Frankies relationships and how Brady thinks out every aspect of his work and life.
This author has fast become a favourite of mine his work is sublime
Who does the bone belong to and are there any other indications as to who the victim is?
Who is Blake and why is he in prison?
Who are the Simpson family and what truths unfold about them?
This book is a fantastic and riveting walk across the moors following DI Brady in a trek to uncover the mystery of the discovered bones
Mark Richard’s certainly knows how to write a story that takes you on a journey of mysteries that gradually fit together like a perfect puzzle. The fluidity and simplistic writing really gets to the heart of the characters and has given me a real connection to them. I have absolutely loved following Brady and his daughters Ash’s and sidekick Frankies relationships and how Brady thinks out every aspect of his work and life.
This author has fast become a favourite of mine his work is sublime
October 9, 2022
Another great read!
These Mike Brady books are addictive!
After really enjoying the first two books in this series, I couldn't wait to start the third. I was not disappointed!
Mark Richards is a very talented writer who obviously does his research so that he gets it right, when writing a crime thriller.
Ruby is a great character in this book! Rough around the edges. Been around the block. But she loves her kids!
Her teenage daughter has been missing for twenty years. Ruby knows she's dead, but she needs to know what happened to her child, and she needs to know where her daughter's body is.
Will Mike Brady be the one who will finally give Ruby the answers she so desperately needs. I suggest you read this book to find out.
Highly recommended!
These Mike Brady books are addictive!
After really enjoying the first two books in this series, I couldn't wait to start the third. I was not disappointed!
Mark Richards is a very talented writer who obviously does his research so that he gets it right, when writing a crime thriller.
Ruby is a great character in this book! Rough around the edges. Been around the block. But she loves her kids!
Her teenage daughter has been missing for twenty years. Ruby knows she's dead, but she needs to know what happened to her child, and she needs to know where her daughter's body is.
Will Mike Brady be the one who will finally give Ruby the answers she so desperately needs. I suggest you read this book to find out.
Highly recommended!
October 17, 2021
Five stars plus
I have been in a reading slump for a while. Reading a few chapters of many books but then putting them back down. The first three books in this series have certainly changed that and I read them in 3 days, simply couldn't put them down. Five stars for all three books and eagerly waiting for the next instalment. Thank you Mark Richards for getting me back to reading.
I have been in a reading slump for a while. Reading a few chapters of many books but then putting them back down. The first three books in this series have certainly changed that and I read them in 3 days, simply couldn't put them down. Five stars for all three books and eagerly waiting for the next instalment. Thank you Mark Richards for getting me back to reading.
March 1, 2022
Walkers find the bones of a young person on the moor. Two girls went missing about twenty years ago, around the time when these are believed to have been buried. Which is it? A grieving mother wants to find her child, to know where to lay flowers, to visit a grave. A curiously cold father is parent to the other. Brady is, as always, doggedly persistent and unafraid to go out on a limb. Another fantastic episode in the series and my favourite so far.
March 28, 2022
ENGROSSING SUSPENSE MYSTERY!
ECHO OF BONES kicks off with a horrifying discovery which leads to a labyrinthine mystery that will keep you riveted as the pages fly by. High tension is all pervasive as the the baffling conundrum makes different twists and turns. The possibility of a solution has suspense skyrocketing into an explosive, dynamite conclusion.
ECHO OF BONES IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN!
ECHO OF BONES kicks off with a horrifying discovery which leads to a labyrinthine mystery that will keep you riveted as the pages fly by. High tension is all pervasive as the the baffling conundrum makes different twists and turns. The possibility of a solution has suspense skyrocketing into an explosive, dynamite conclusion.
ECHO OF BONES IS IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN!
February 11, 2024
The 6th Brady book iv read (so far)… given this has been the only one iv found to be a little predictable it was so well written I didn’t loose interest nor was I disappointed with the fact that I saw a couple of “things coming”.
The echo of bones has definitely made it in to my top 3 and i have no regrets investing the 3-4 hours out of my day that it’s took me to read it! Who wanted to clean on a Sunday anyway ?👀
The echo of bones has definitely made it in to my top 3 and i have no regrets investing the 3-4 hours out of my day that it’s took me to read it! Who wanted to clean on a Sunday anyway ?👀
February 28, 2022
Another page turner
I finished Brady Book 2 yesterday and started Book 3 immediately. I am growing to love the main characters like friends and since this was another page turner, I have just finished Book 3!
Now I stuck waiting for Book 4 this summer!
Definitely recommend this book and this series, great writing.
I finished Brady Book 2 yesterday and started Book 3 immediately. I am growing to love the main characters like friends and since this was another page turner, I have just finished Book 3!
Now I stuck waiting for Book 4 this summer!
Definitely recommend this book and this series, great writing.
March 5, 2022
Good mystery. Complex characters.
I've enjoyed all three novels by Mark Richards. He reminds me of Ann Cleeves. The good guys and bad guys are not black and white but shades of grey. Except perhaps Jimmy Gorse who was a true psychopath. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Richards.
I've enjoyed all three novels by Mark Richards. He reminds me of Ann Cleeves. The good guys and bad guys are not black and white but shades of grey. Except perhaps Jimmy Gorse who was a true psychopath. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Richards.
March 7, 2022
I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting Michael Brady and his daughter Ash along with his (on a sabbatical) sergeant Frankie. The first book Salt in the Wounds hooked me and the second was just as good but I think this one tops them both. The only thing missing, for me, was being sure Norman got his fishing trip. Happily I know there are more to come in the series
September 5, 2022
Just couldn't put it down, addictive from the start.
Book 3 in the series and just gets better.
Bones of a teenager are found on the moors dated from 20 Yr ago only two teenagers went missing then so which one could it be.
A well written book, love how Brady and his daughter Ash's characters are progressing also Frankie. Can't wait to read the next one.
Book 3 in the series and just gets better.
Bones of a teenager are found on the moors dated from 20 Yr ago only two teenagers went missing then so which one could it be.
A well written book, love how Brady and his daughter Ash's characters are progressing also Frankie. Can't wait to read the next one.
November 22, 2021
when a bone is found Brady is drawn into a case that becomes quite personal
the plot and the pace were both good, the characters came to life on the page
well written and another great stepping stone for a cop that is becoming the Yorkshire rebus
the plot and the pace were both good, the characters came to life on the page
well written and another great stepping stone for a cop that is becoming the Yorkshire rebus
March 6, 2022
What a ripper of a yarn. A great story and love the characters, particularly Ruby. She is real 'salt of the earth'. A few layers within the story but woven together very well. Have loved the whole series so far and look forward to the next one in the series whenever that may be
January 4, 2023
Hearbreakingly chilling, yet with heart and humour. Loved this and read it in a matter of hours and straight onto the next. Thankfully there's a trio of shorts to move onto after book 4 too which will keep me going tll the next one's out in February
July 27, 2025
I was so sad when I heard this author had did two years ago. I had only just discovered him and there were only two books available on Audible. So imagine my joy when I found out that the rest of the series was being produced.
Twenty years ago two girls went missing, and now a body has been found and Michael Brady has to find out which one. This is a compelling story about a family's heartbreak and I felt for Alice's mum. The storyline is very realistic. It is exciting and not too gory, for those without strong stomachs! Michael Brady has to juggle work life with looking after his teenage daughter and also has to do without his colleague, Frankie, who is on leave. As always the book is set in Whitby and the North York Moors.
Luke R Francis narrates brilliantly.
Twenty years ago two girls went missing, and now a body has been found and Michael Brady has to find out which one. This is a compelling story about a family's heartbreak and I felt for Alice's mum. The storyline is very realistic. It is exciting and not too gory, for those without strong stomachs! Michael Brady has to juggle work life with looking after his teenage daughter and also has to do without his colleague, Frankie, who is on leave. As always the book is set in Whitby and the North York Moors.
Luke R Francis narrates brilliantly.
September 30, 2021
I thoughly enjoyed reading this book it had twists and turns i never saw coming. Love all the characters especially Brady. I would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
December 30, 2021
I enjoyed all 3 books. Kept me intrigued until the very end. Excellent writing, excited and patiently waiting for book 4.
December 30, 2022
What a great read
February 1, 2023
Another good yarn but didn’t quite grip me as much as the last two books. Will I read more? Of course!
July 16, 2025
I love these Michael Brady books. This story's ending was quite sad but done well. The narrator is perfect for the character he's reading.
February 28, 2023
SO grateful to have found another series that keeps getting better. The story is smart, dialogue and characters believable. Really liked this one and will keep going to #4.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews