Circle Of Bones

P.I. Blake Hollow #1

by Malcolm Richards

A killer on the loose in Cornwall. A private eye on a desperate hunt to unmask him.

For eighteen years, private investigator Blake Hollow has been haunted by the disappearance of her childhood friend. Now, Blake has returned home to Cornwall to care for her injured mother – just as another local teenager goes missing.

Troubled by painful memories, Blake is determined to find Lucy Truscott alive. Until a chilling message leads her to the young woman's mutilated corpse on the moors.

As the police take control, Blake is convinced that Lucy isn’t the killer’s first victim and begins her own investigation. But as she searches for a connection between her long-missing friend and Lucy, is she wasting precious time? Or has she uncovered a secret serial killer whose grisly intentions are about to reach terrifying new heights?

To identify him, Blake must confront her past and expose dangerous secrets that lurk beneath the surface of her hometown – before more young lives are taken.

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Ebooks, Crime

ebook

First published April 13, 2021

About the author

Malcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, where he was born and raised.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and a cat named Sukey.

Reviews

[Gatorman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery from Richards about Blake, a PI, returning home to help take care of her recovering mum who stumbles into the discovery of a dead missing girl, posed ritualistically, that may be connected to a string of murders over eighteen years. The writing is solid if somewhat lacking of the type of gravitas than I prefer in books of this nature. The characters have a nice bit of depth to them which adds to the plot developments. The resolution of the mystery is well-done, with some real surprises and some I saw coming. A little simpler in plot than I was hoping for but still worth the read. The start of a new series with which I intend to continue. 3.5-3.75 stars but not quite 4.

[Aristotle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mind governed by the flesh is death

A wacko took this bible verse literally
He started hunting the sinners.

A good read. Lets see where Blake Hollow takes me in book 2
3 1/2 stars

[Watchdogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshingly original thriller/mystery about a PI determined to solve a years old mystery where local investigators get blinded by narrow thinking and planted clues. Well done.

[Lucy Appadoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first book of the PI Blake Hollow Series about a private investigator who returns to her hometown of Cornwall after her mother injures her leg. A friend's daughter, Lucy goes missing and she attempts to search for her, using her PI skills and circle of friends and family. More young girls go missing, and Blake finds that the closer she gets to the truth, the more it connects to her past and stirs up secrets and memories. Clues lead to a serial killer lurking in the small country town, but who will survive? I absolutely found this story to be quite the page-turner and I struggled to put it down. The characters were realistic and the plot was authentic. It was an amazing read that I would definitely recommend. The only critique would be that the author added a little too much description of surroundings that sometimes took away from the suspenseful movement of the story. Generally, though, it was a captivating story.

[Lise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Returning home to Cornwall to care for her temporarily invalided mother, PI Blake Hollow finds herself caught up in the mystery of the disappearance of a local girl, a case that has eerie similarities to one that saw Blake's best friend vanish.

Since the plot kept me modestly involved, I was able to finish the story. I had a hard time liking any of the characters, including the main one. And, while the subject matter was serious, a little lightening of the mood from time to time would have given me a chance to pause and catch my breath. As it was, the story was unrelenting sorrow from start to finish.

[Mrs B E Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent and heart rending story full of twists and turn. An excellent and extremely gripping story that willl have you reading into the wee small hours!

Blake Hoĺlow is a private investigator living and working in Manchester but has returned home to Cornwall to help care for her mother who has recently had an operation.

Blake's visit home is tinged with sadness as it brings back memories of the sudden and unexplained disappearance of her best friend some ten years ago. When the daughter of another of her group of friends goes missing, Blake is asked by her distraught friend to find the young girl and bring her home.

As Blake begins her investigation, nothing is as it seems and, from here on in, the story moves at a fast and furious pace.

It was impossible to put the book down and the ending was totally unexpected.

Malcolm Richards knows how to keep the reader totally engrossed right until the very end.

I cannot wait for the next Blake Hollow novel.

Highly Recomnded.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle Of Bones
Malcolm Richards

The story started with a slow pace (for me - I like to be gripped to the story by the end of the first paragraph), but then suddenly, I was so intrigued that I literally didn't want to put it down for a second to do my own urgent work. I just had to finish the book, even though I knew I was going to struggle with getting up early again. I finished the book in one go.
There were a few things I could predict early on in the story, but I needed to know the details. Details were given. And then the twists I did not see coming ... Oh my ... I literally spoke out loud telling the characters what I knew and what I thought I knew.

I would recommend this book to anyone enjoying reading thrillers and suspense stories.
Some things can't be unseen (un"read").

[Julie Liggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can honestly say I thought Devils Cove was one of Malcoms finest pieces, however I have to say undeniably Circle Of Bones is way up there! This was a real page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and at times I struggled to keep my heart in my chest. I love the way that Malcolm sends you off in a direction and then pulls you in another with twists and turns, he always leaves you doubting or guessing.. The way he linked in DS Will Turner made it even more special as it made you feel at home in the story, with a landscape and cast you were already familiar with, (talking of landscapes he makes me want to go visit my old childhood haunts, a holiday in Cornwall this year is on the cards). Malcolms abilities in keeping his audience engrossed and engaged is becoming stronger in each book he creates and I seriously cannot wait to see what is in store for PI Blake Hollow next, I feel she will give Emily Swanson a run for her money. A truelly talented crime author and one to watch.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This made me a happy reader who was most eager knowing when I got into this one it was also the beginning of a series. PI Blake Hollow takes us into this one with something she can not let go of. It happened to be the disappearance of a childhood friend. I know if it happened in my life it would also be that way with a puzzle too it would be. Now back to take care of her mom in her home town it happens again a teen disappearance. By then you are a hostage by this author inside you are in this intriguing story. Wanting answers like she does you follow her closely. She hopes to help with this and maybe lay some ghosts to rest in doing so. Time is clicking but then anticipation escalates until we get the answers. The pages by then are flying.

[Agna · Rating 4 out of 5]

When PI Blake Hollow returns home to Cornwall to care for her injured mother, a teenage girl goes missing. This brings back horrible memories of the disappearance of her childhood friend, eighteen years ago. This time, Blake is desperate to find the missing girl and bring her home. But the kidnapper has other plans…
Circle of Bones is the first book in the Blake Hollow series. This is a well-crafted crime novel with very believable characters in a beautiful setting. It has a lot of twists and turns, and the end is a complete surprise.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this was the first in the Blake Hollow series, there was a bit of time spent setting the scene, introducing the character and her background, etc. As fete would have it, Blake's a PI and discovers her friend's daughter has gone missing when she visits her mother in Cornwall. It reminds her of the time her childhood friend went missing and so the story follows Blake's determination to solve the mystery and save the missing girls. There are a few twists and turns along the way, as well as an exciting ending. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping! Suspenseful! Malcolm Richards has aptly portrayed the bizarre scenario in which Blake finds herself while dealing with a devious psychopath. Her friend's eighteen year old daughter, Lucy is missing. Blake is reminded of her friend who disappeared eighteen years ago and was never found. Unfortunately, Blake finds Lucy's body in a mutilated condition and two teenage girls are abducted. Will she find them? A well crafted mystery which is highly recommended.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book, Blake was a good character and the plot was suspenseful. Best of all, this was a Kobo freebie. New to me author but I will look for more of his books.

*Edit
Apparently I have read previous books by this author with varying reviews. I guess the books I read before were forgettable…

[Kim Dunstan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read from my this author, it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed it. I loved his style of writing, the story line was good, just the right mixture of information and mystery. The characters were well rounded and interesting. I honestly couldn’t put it down.

[Larry Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG this author just gets better with every novel, words can’t express the feelings triggered from this newest story. Unbelievable I absolutely loved this one. If you try one new author this year, make it Malcolm Richards.

[Lugene VerPloeg]

Circle of Bones

Not bad. I happened to read the second book first & I liked this one better. The first book in a series is usually the best. I probably won't be reading any of the remaining books in this series.

[James Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hollow is an English PI without much to do so she moves into her parents home temporarily to help her mom who has a broken leg. The disappearance of a friend from long ago haunts her then when other young girls are taken she has her next mission.

England. Kings proper English.

[Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

An extremely well written well researched book i had trouble putting it down a very nice very sad story weaved it's way through Cornwall nicely. I have not read such a well written book in a long while a would urge to to read it

[Susan Spraker · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is a good book

Blake has a lot of bravery to find the truth. She had to find a lot of truths about her dad and discover what went wrong with the relationship. It is well written and would read more.

[Kelci Vickors · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read, good story and well written to keep you intrigued to the end. I actually felt anxious reading the end as I could sort of guess what was coming but didn’t know how it would pan out.
Will read more of these

[shirley james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

When I started to read this book I did not realise how chilling it was.
I did not put it down until the end. The ending was so good and unexpected will definitely read book 2

[Diana Febry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book started slowly, and I almost didn't continue reading it. I'm pleased I did, as from the midway point, the story picks up and becomes a suspenseful read.
Recommend for lovers of suspense and thrillers.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow!

Blake’s PI business is slowing, her mum needs help following surgery, and her decision to go home lands her in the midst of a horrifying series of events. Richards has continued to write exceptional stories. This one was hard to put down. Kudos to this writer.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by this great author
Thank you for the free Arc
Great book

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story and an introduction to a new character, Blake. He is definitely a plus at his job. Learned how British Crime works. Keeps you intrigued.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A excellent and thrilling novel, I hope this will turn into a long serie of books.

[Muschicktang · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. Quite enjoyed this book. Liked the ending. Well written and kept me intrigued.

[Nola Thorburn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not usually a fan of murder mystery but this book kept me turning pages and the ending was scary and surprising.
Wonderful read

[MR L BOSWORTH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Circle of Bones

Great debut novel, set in the county of Cornwall. Looking forward to the next tale in the Blake Hollow PI series.

[Cheryl Landmark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actual Rating: 3.5 Stars