What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI Boyd #4
The Last Train
Returning home from a police conference DCI Boyd catches the last train back to Hastings from Brighton, unaware that he's about to play a central role in what will become a sensational news story.
But Boyd is reluctant to get caught up in the media hype or have his face plastered across the tabloids, particularly when it turns that what happened aboard the train may be the final act of a horrific and tragic story.
But Boyd is reluctant to get caught up in the media hype or have his face plastered across the tabloids, particularly when it turns that what happened aboard the train may be the final act of a horrific and tragic story.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
532 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
About the author
Alex Scarrow
63 books1,050 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 16, 2022
Another good read but suggest the copy editor get their red pen out. Continuity error from previous book (Arthur Sutton, not Jeffrey) and more than a couple of typos.
October 2, 2021
I'm not even sure where to begin with this.
This is book four in what has already been a fantastic series. This book has gone up a whole other level in both style, content and writing.
The book begins with a train hijack. It is however an unusual scenario. The hijacker doesnt seem to want anything, and is only keeping white middle aged men hostage. He has a suicide vest. Boyd and have a go hero Lucas tackle the would be terrorist. This makes Lucas famous, which he hates, especially as he is in the country illegally.
Boyd is put on enforced sick leave, so he is enjoying some time off and trying to finish his garden.
This leaves Okeke to come to the fore. She is under the command of temporary leader Williams, who is a ball breaker, and appears to have it in for Okeke.
Obviously Boyd cant stay completely out of the case, and does his own research in the background, with his friend Sunny. These interactions provide some of my favourite moments. A bit of light relief in what at times is a very intense story. I love how Sunny is coming out more as a character, and the banter between him and Boyd is first class.
The story ends up hinting at links to the Bosnian War of the early 90s. I am glad the author didnt go into all the hideous details, but hinted at their seriousness. It was an intriguing plot line, not one thats been covered before, or often, but was written to perfection, the exact perfect pitch of honouring the victims, and portraying the actions of the killers.
Once the story picks up the pace is intense, and breathtaking. I couldnt read it quick enough. The reveals as they come are as unexpected as they are shocking. The ending is amazing, and fitting.
Another stunning read by this author growing in skill and confidence. Absolutely cannot wait to see what he does next.
This is book four in what has already been a fantastic series. This book has gone up a whole other level in both style, content and writing.
The book begins with a train hijack. It is however an unusual scenario. The hijacker doesnt seem to want anything, and is only keeping white middle aged men hostage. He has a suicide vest. Boyd and have a go hero Lucas tackle the would be terrorist. This makes Lucas famous, which he hates, especially as he is in the country illegally.
Boyd is put on enforced sick leave, so he is enjoying some time off and trying to finish his garden.
This leaves Okeke to come to the fore. She is under the command of temporary leader Williams, who is a ball breaker, and appears to have it in for Okeke.
Obviously Boyd cant stay completely out of the case, and does his own research in the background, with his friend Sunny. These interactions provide some of my favourite moments. A bit of light relief in what at times is a very intense story. I love how Sunny is coming out more as a character, and the banter between him and Boyd is first class.
The story ends up hinting at links to the Bosnian War of the early 90s. I am glad the author didnt go into all the hideous details, but hinted at their seriousness. It was an intriguing plot line, not one thats been covered before, or often, but was written to perfection, the exact perfect pitch of honouring the victims, and portraying the actions of the killers.
Once the story picks up the pace is intense, and breathtaking. I couldnt read it quick enough. The reveals as they come are as unexpected as they are shocking. The ending is amazing, and fitting.
Another stunning read by this author growing in skill and confidence. Absolutely cannot wait to see what he does next.
January 26, 2025
Excellent addition to the DCI Boyd series, the best one so far. You can read this as a standalone, but reading it as part of the series will give you some insight into the characters (and the other books are really good). Well done thriller, with recent history rolled into this. Boyd finds horror and compassion as he moves through this case. I look forward to reading more from Alex Scarrow.
December 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Last Train – Alex Scarrow
I’m not even sure where to begin with this one — The Last Train is outstanding.
Book four in the DCI Bill Boyd series, this novel takes everything that’s already worked so well and elevates it to another level entirely. The writing is sharper, the themes darker, and the emotional weight far more powerful. While it can be read as a standalone, there’s a deeply rewarding family and character arc running through the series, and I’d strongly recommend reading them all.
The book opens with a gripping and unsettling train hijack. This is no typical terrorist scenario: the hijacker makes no demands, appears oddly selective with his hostages, and wears a suicide vest. Boyd — slightly worse for wear after a few drinks — and a brave Albanian passenger intervene, stopping the attack. One becomes an unwanted media hero, the other is shoved onto enforced sick leave.
With Boyd sidelined, the spotlight shifts to DC Samantha Okeke, now working under temporary counter-terrorism lead DCI Yolanda Williams — a formidable, no-nonsense presence who clearly has Okeke in her sights. Meanwhile, Boyd can’t let the case go. Certain details don’t add up, and from his garden (which he is definitely meant to be finishing), he begins running his own quiet investigation with the help of Sunny.
Those scenes with Sunny are absolute gold — sharp, warm, funny, and a welcome breather in an otherwise intense story. Their banter provides just the right amount of light relief, and Sunny continues to grow into a genuinely fantastic supporting character.
As the investigation unfolds, the story begins to hint at links to the Bosnian War of the early 1990s. Scarrow handles this with great care and restraint, avoiding gratuitous detail while still conveying the horror and gravity of the crimes. It’s an angle rarely explored in crime fiction, and it’s done with respect, intelligence, and emotional precision.
Once the pace accelerates, it becomes utterly relentless. The twists are shocking, the revelations perfectly timed, and the tension breathtaking. I genuinely couldn’t read fast enough. The ending is devastating, fitting, and incredibly powerful.
This is a sad, heavy story — different in tone from Boyd’s earlier cases — but it’s balanced beautifully with moments of warmth: Boyd’s rescue spaniel Ozzie (who steals every scene), his growing friendships, and the human connections that keep him grounded.
Alex Scarrow is writing with increasing confidence and skill, and The Last Train is, for me, the best book in the series so far. That prologue alone hooked me instantly. A gripping, emotional, expertly crafted crime procedural that stayed with me long after the final page.
I cannot wait for book five, The Safe Place.
I’m not even sure where to begin with this one — The Last Train is outstanding.
Book four in the DCI Bill Boyd series, this novel takes everything that’s already worked so well and elevates it to another level entirely. The writing is sharper, the themes darker, and the emotional weight far more powerful. While it can be read as a standalone, there’s a deeply rewarding family and character arc running through the series, and I’d strongly recommend reading them all.
The book opens with a gripping and unsettling train hijack. This is no typical terrorist scenario: the hijacker makes no demands, appears oddly selective with his hostages, and wears a suicide vest. Boyd — slightly worse for wear after a few drinks — and a brave Albanian passenger intervene, stopping the attack. One becomes an unwanted media hero, the other is shoved onto enforced sick leave.
With Boyd sidelined, the spotlight shifts to DC Samantha Okeke, now working under temporary counter-terrorism lead DCI Yolanda Williams — a formidable, no-nonsense presence who clearly has Okeke in her sights. Meanwhile, Boyd can’t let the case go. Certain details don’t add up, and from his garden (which he is definitely meant to be finishing), he begins running his own quiet investigation with the help of Sunny.
Those scenes with Sunny are absolute gold — sharp, warm, funny, and a welcome breather in an otherwise intense story. Their banter provides just the right amount of light relief, and Sunny continues to grow into a genuinely fantastic supporting character.
As the investigation unfolds, the story begins to hint at links to the Bosnian War of the early 1990s. Scarrow handles this with great care and restraint, avoiding gratuitous detail while still conveying the horror and gravity of the crimes. It’s an angle rarely explored in crime fiction, and it’s done with respect, intelligence, and emotional precision.
Once the pace accelerates, it becomes utterly relentless. The twists are shocking, the revelations perfectly timed, and the tension breathtaking. I genuinely couldn’t read fast enough. The ending is devastating, fitting, and incredibly powerful.
This is a sad, heavy story — different in tone from Boyd’s earlier cases — but it’s balanced beautifully with moments of warmth: Boyd’s rescue spaniel Ozzie (who steals every scene), his growing friendships, and the human connections that keep him grounded.
Alex Scarrow is writing with increasing confidence and skill, and The Last Train is, for me, the best book in the series so far. That prologue alone hooked me instantly. A gripping, emotional, expertly crafted crime procedural that stayed with me long after the final page.
I cannot wait for book five, The Safe Place.
October 10, 2021
Oh my goodness that prologue. Just a few words and already I’m hooked. Book four in the DCI Bill Boyd series and another cracker of a read. This could easily be read as a stand-alone but there is a fabulous family story running through the series so I would highly recommend reading the whole series. Scarrow has a way of writing that I find immensely enjoyable and easy to read. I’ve loved all this series but for me this one is the best. I was totally immersed in it from start to finish.
Briefly, Boyd is on his way home on the train. He has had a little too much to drink, but still has his wits about him. He spots a suspicious looking man a couple of times and his instincts are proved correct when the man, having already seriously injured the train driver, produces a gun and takes a number of hostages. Boyd’s training kicks in and he attacks the man but is overcome. But when one of the passengers, Pesic, gets involved he and Boyd overcome the gunman, who is then killed by the police. Boyd is put on leave and a team of specialist Terrorism police are put in charge of the case and his team. But Boyd can’t let it go, he believes there is something else behind the events on the train and quietly runs his own investigation…
This is a really great crime procedural, enough twists and turns to keep the interest peaked and a great last minute reveal. Scarrow is great at characterisations and whilst there are a lot of the usual characters there are some great new ones to get your teeth into, and for regular readers yes Ozzie is there! A great read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, Boyd is on his way home on the train. He has had a little too much to drink, but still has his wits about him. He spots a suspicious looking man a couple of times and his instincts are proved correct when the man, having already seriously injured the train driver, produces a gun and takes a number of hostages. Boyd’s training kicks in and he attacks the man but is overcome. But when one of the passengers, Pesic, gets involved he and Boyd overcome the gunman, who is then killed by the police. Boyd is put on leave and a team of specialist Terrorism police are put in charge of the case and his team. But Boyd can’t let it go, he believes there is something else behind the events on the train and quietly runs his own investigation…
This is a really great crime procedural, enough twists and turns to keep the interest peaked and a great last minute reveal. Scarrow is great at characterisations and whilst there are a lot of the usual characters there are some great new ones to get your teeth into, and for regular readers yes Ozzie is there! A great read and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 2, 2023
Received from KU and this is another brilliant and enjoyable read in this wonderful series.
Boyd again is brilliant and at his best when up against it.
Centres around goings on in the last train home for Boys and how he handles things.
Another brilliant book in this wonderful series.
Boyd again is brilliant and at his best when up against it.
Centres around goings on in the last train home for Boys and how he handles things.
Another brilliant book in this wonderful series.
September 29, 2021
4.65⭐️ which I’ve rounded up to 5⭐️
#4 in the DI Boyd series
Boyd gets involved with a hijacking on the last train home following a drinking session with a friend. Following which Boyd is put on sick leave and the investigation continues without his official help, but of course he has to get involved regardless.
This is my favourite book of the series. I was really engaged with the storyline. The plot had enough complexity to keep me engrossed.
As for the characters, I always like both Okeke and Boyd and their relationship. I like Boyd’s grumpy witticisms. We get a new boss drafted in, Williams who is a ball breaker, and not likeable. I really took to Lucas, the have a go hero. The PR manager who attaches herself to Lucas is an unlikeable character and very self serving.
Guessing we wanted to know if there was any further development in Boyd’s love life. On that my lips are sealed.
Of course Ozzie makes a few appearances, bless him.
I think it handles some sensitive subjects well, which I won’t specify to prevent spoilers. I do think the couple of covid references are too few to be pertinent and feel a bit random.
It maintains a decent pace throughout.
The ending is good, which is all I can say to avoid spoilers.
#4 in the DI Boyd series
Boyd gets involved with a hijacking on the last train home following a drinking session with a friend. Following which Boyd is put on sick leave and the investigation continues without his official help, but of course he has to get involved regardless.
This is my favourite book of the series. I was really engaged with the storyline. The plot had enough complexity to keep me engrossed.
As for the characters, I always like both Okeke and Boyd and their relationship. I like Boyd’s grumpy witticisms. We get a new boss drafted in, Williams who is a ball breaker, and not likeable. I really took to Lucas, the have a go hero. The PR manager who attaches herself to Lucas is an unlikeable character and very self serving.
Guessing we wanted to know if there was any further development in Boyd’s love life. On that my lips are sealed.
Of course Ozzie makes a few appearances, bless him.
I think it handles some sensitive subjects well, which I won’t specify to prevent spoilers. I do think the couple of covid references are too few to be pertinent and feel a bit random.
It maintains a decent pace throughout.
The ending is good, which is all I can say to avoid spoilers.
October 10, 2021
ARC read
Another gripping instalment of this excellent series. Boyd unwittingly finds himself in the centre of events and is, at first, sidelined from the investigation. But he has to find out more about why this happened and as he does, so we too are cast back into the turbulent times in the former Yugoslavia and reminded of the scant regard for human life at the time.
Lots of twists and turns ensue to ensure the interest of the reader which keeps you focused on the the events unravelling.
I’ve enjoyed all of these books, but in my opinion this is the best since book 1 and made me want to keep reading. Looking forward to the next!
Another gripping instalment of this excellent series. Boyd unwittingly finds himself in the centre of events and is, at first, sidelined from the investigation. But he has to find out more about why this happened and as he does, so we too are cast back into the turbulent times in the former Yugoslavia and reminded of the scant regard for human life at the time.
Lots of twists and turns ensue to ensure the interest of the reader which keeps you focused on the the events unravelling.
I’ve enjoyed all of these books, but in my opinion this is the best since book 1 and made me want to keep reading. Looking forward to the next!
May 31, 2022
Once again a brilliant crime thriller has been delivered. This is the 4th book in the Boyd series, it can be read as a stand alone however to get the best from these amazing characters I would start at the beginning. The author shows his talent by writing with care and respect about the Bosnian war and also making characters like Boyd come to life with charm and humor.
Boyd is heading back to Hastings on the last train from Brighton when a male takes a group, including Boyd, hostage. After everything Boyd has been through, he’s told to rest up and enjoy some beach walks with his gorgeous dog Ozzi. This is not an easy thing for Boyd and with the help from his number 2 Okeke, they find answers to question that would otherwise go unanswered.
This book is sharp, short and packs a punch just when you think you have all the answers. Can’t wait for the next Boyd installment
Boyd is heading back to Hastings on the last train from Brighton when a male takes a group, including Boyd, hostage. After everything Boyd has been through, he’s told to rest up and enjoy some beach walks with his gorgeous dog Ozzi. This is not an easy thing for Boyd and with the help from his number 2 Okeke, they find answers to question that would otherwise go unanswered.
This book is sharp, short and packs a punch just when you think you have all the answers. Can’t wait for the next Boyd installment
December 28, 2022
Good stories but bad character
I began to really like the main character Boyd, and the storyline was inventive, but one character just ruined the whole thing, Okeke,,,,,, rude, arrogant, condescending, no respect for authorities, but expects everyone to give her respect, huge chip on her shoulder, always poor me, because she is a black female policewoman, gives the real ethnic policewoman a bad wrap.
I began to really like the main character Boyd, and the storyline was inventive, but one character just ruined the whole thing, Okeke,,,,,, rude, arrogant, condescending, no respect for authorities, but expects everyone to give her respect, huge chip on her shoulder, always poor me, because she is a black female policewoman, gives the real ethnic policewoman a bad wrap.
April 26, 2023
After a day of workshops in Brighton and a catch up with old friend and colleague Sunny, a rather inebriated DCI William Boyd is on the late-night train home to Hastings. His move there with his daughter Emma after two years’ compassionate leave following the tragic deaths of his wife and young son was supposed to be a way of quietly easing him back into the job but that hasn’t gone quite to plan since he has already faced three big and harrowing cases and things are set to become even worse. He finds himself and other passengers being taken hostage by a man wearing a suicide vest and wielding a knife and a gun. The hijacker is tackled by a brave Albanian passenger together with Boyd, and then is shot by armed police. DCI Yolanda Williams from counter terrorism takes over the case from CID and co-opts DI Abbott, DS Steven Minter, DC Darren O’Neal and DC Samantha Okeke onto her team. But as they search for evidence that the man was a radicalised terrorist, Boyd, bored at home on enforced sick leave, starts to suspect that the dead man had a completely different motive – revenge for past atrocious crimes. Together with help from Sunny and Okeke, side-lined after clashing with Williams, he sets out to run a parallel investigation. Who will be proved right? Williams or Boyd? What they discover turns events on its head leading to a shocking and devastating conclusion.
This is a terribly sad story, quite different to Boyd’s other cases and some of the subject matter made for very difficult reading. Thank goodness for the little bits of light relief with Boyd and his rescue spaniel, Ozzie, who has captured everyone’s hearts, and also his growing friendship with Charlotte. Just like the first three stories in this series, this book is incredibly easy to get totally absorbed in with a great and very interesting plot and a twisty ending I didn’t expect. I am looking forward to book five, The Safe Place, next.
This is a terribly sad story, quite different to Boyd’s other cases and some of the subject matter made for very difficult reading. Thank goodness for the little bits of light relief with Boyd and his rescue spaniel, Ozzie, who has captured everyone’s hearts, and also his growing friendship with Charlotte. Just like the first three stories in this series, this book is incredibly easy to get totally absorbed in with a great and very interesting plot and a twisty ending I didn’t expect. I am looking forward to book five, The Safe Place, next.
November 19, 2022
The Last Train is book four in the DCI Boyd series by Alex Scarrow. DCI Boyd likes to keep out of the limelight and lets everyone else talk to the media. However, on the way back from a police conference, he became involved in a hostage situation on the train back to Hastings. Due to his position as a witness can not be engaged in the official law enforcement investigation. DCI Boyd started an inquiry by myself because he believed they were on the wrong track. The readers of The Last Train will continue to follow DCI Boyd to find out what happens.
The Last Train is an excellent addition to this fantastic English crime series that I enjoy reading immensely. I constantly engaged with the characters and the stories that make up this series, and The Last Train did not disappoint. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Last Train was well-written and researched by Alex Scarrow. I like Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of The Last Train, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Last Train will understand how grief and revenge can change people's beliefs, affecting the whole community. The readers of The Last Train will learn about some of the atrocities during the Bosnian War.
I recommend this book.
The Last Train is an excellent addition to this fantastic English crime series that I enjoy reading immensely. I constantly engaged with the characters and the stories that make up this series, and The Last Train did not disappoint. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Last Train was well-written and researched by Alex Scarrow. I like Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of The Last Train, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of The Last Train will understand how grief and revenge can change people's beliefs, affecting the whole community. The readers of The Last Train will learn about some of the atrocities during the Bosnian War.
I recommend this book.
October 10, 2021
I was thrilled to be able to BETA read this fourth instalment of the DCI Boyd series. I would suggest that the earlier books are read first; this does read well as a standalone but Boyd’s backstory would help.
I love these books. It’s just like meeting old friends for a drink & having a good catch up. This book is, I suppose, a police procedural but it starts off in such a dramatic way that although the investigation is being followed, the characters are driving the story.
Boyd is in Brighton for a training seminar, where he meets up with his old friend, Sunny. After going for a drink with him, Boyd ends up getting the last train home.
An incident on the train kicks off the main storyline & despite being on enforced sick leave afterwards, Boyd throws himself into investigating from home. Okeke lending able support.
I’m not going to give any further details, except to say this is not your usual crime book. It is about crime, & it is certainly a thriller, but it takes you in an unexpected direction.
With some flashbacks, the writing is very easy in style & the characters are great. Glimmers of humour & romance with plenty of Ozzie appearances.
If I could give it more stars, I would. Highly recommended & next please Mr Scarrow.
I love these books. It’s just like meeting old friends for a drink & having a good catch up. This book is, I suppose, a police procedural but it starts off in such a dramatic way that although the investigation is being followed, the characters are driving the story.
Boyd is in Brighton for a training seminar, where he meets up with his old friend, Sunny. After going for a drink with him, Boyd ends up getting the last train home.
An incident on the train kicks off the main storyline & despite being on enforced sick leave afterwards, Boyd throws himself into investigating from home. Okeke lending able support.
I’m not going to give any further details, except to say this is not your usual crime book. It is about crime, & it is certainly a thriller, but it takes you in an unexpected direction.
With some flashbacks, the writing is very easy in style & the characters are great. Glimmers of humour & romance with plenty of Ozzie appearances.
If I could give it more stars, I would. Highly recommended & next please Mr Scarrow.
October 3, 2021
Wow! I really enjoy this series and this is definitely my favourite so far. It begins with a drunken Boyd making his way home after attending some presentations, on the last train back to Hastings.
He notices a guy who ends up taking the passengers hostage.
As a result of Boyd being involved, he is on leave from work to recuperate and is not involved in the investigation. Enter DCI Williams who is leading the investigation and who brings in some extra personnel as the investigation seems to have a terrorist angle. Is it as cut and dried though?
Despite being off work, Boyd of course gets involved from the outside , with Okeke's help. In this book, I felt Okeke really comes into her own. I always liked her before but she has grown in my heart even more. Also I'm enjoying the ongoing saga with Boyd and Charlotte which feels totally real.
The book really builds up the tension into a final climax which was terrific and I really look forward to the next one in the series.
He notices a guy who ends up taking the passengers hostage.
As a result of Boyd being involved, he is on leave from work to recuperate and is not involved in the investigation. Enter DCI Williams who is leading the investigation and who brings in some extra personnel as the investigation seems to have a terrorist angle. Is it as cut and dried though?
Despite being off work, Boyd of course gets involved from the outside , with Okeke's help. In this book, I felt Okeke really comes into her own. I always liked her before but she has grown in my heart even more. Also I'm enjoying the ongoing saga with Boyd and Charlotte which feels totally real.
The book really builds up the tension into a final climax which was terrific and I really look forward to the next one in the series.
October 4, 2021
The Last Train is book 4 in Alex Scarrow’s DCI Boyd series and is released on 10 October. Boyd has had the day in Brighton on a course, catching up with an old friend, Sunny. He has a few under his belt as he heads for the last train home to Hastings. A lighter side to Boyd, but then the tension ratchets up a notch or two during his train ride home. He is sidelined from the investigation and does a bit of his own investigation along with Okeke. We have a few layers to the story with the normality of family life with Emma and her relationships and the happenings of those involved with the horror of their previous lives. But then we have the little references to something that happened in the previous book and you laugh out loud. A terrific read and this series just keeps getting better. Would definitely recommend.
October 13, 2021
I have read all of the DCI Boyd books and they are all amazing but this is the best yet. Wrong time, wrong place and Boyd ends up in what seems to be a terrorist incident. When a member of the public takes matters into his own hands Boyd helps and a connection is made. Little does a Boyd know that he has just become embroiled in an international matter spanning decades.
As ever this book is cleverly written with interweaving stories of Boyd’s personal and work life. Sidelined because of the terrorist incident Boyd is left isolated at home until a member of his team provides him with evidence that is being ignored which they then begin to investigate. To say more would give the story away but you won’t regret reading this.
I was given a free Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my review but my views are entirely my own.
As ever this book is cleverly written with interweaving stories of Boyd’s personal and work life. Sidelined because of the terrorist incident Boyd is left isolated at home until a member of his team provides him with evidence that is being ignored which they then begin to investigate. To say more would give the story away but you won’t regret reading this.
I was given a free Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my review but my views are entirely my own.
April 26, 2023
My next in this brilliant series.
We are still involved with DI Boyd's home life with daughter,dog and now possible love interest but not so much of his team in this one as for all except the first part , he is at home on sick leave.
On his way home by train and feeling definitely worse for wear, Boyd's police training takes over when the train is hijacked. The fellow passenger who helps him overcome the armed assailant becomes a reluctant hero. Boyd gets some sick leave.
DC Okeke plays a major role in Boyd's off duty investigation and perhaps learns an important personal lesson from the terrorist specialist DCI Williams brought in to take charge.
The background to the story is the civil war in the former Yugoslavia which, although only thirty years ago and in Europe seems to have been almost photoshopped from our history - to our shame.
We are still involved with DI Boyd's home life with daughter,dog and now possible love interest but not so much of his team in this one as for all except the first part , he is at home on sick leave.
On his way home by train and feeling definitely worse for wear, Boyd's police training takes over when the train is hijacked. The fellow passenger who helps him overcome the armed assailant becomes a reluctant hero. Boyd gets some sick leave.
DC Okeke plays a major role in Boyd's off duty investigation and perhaps learns an important personal lesson from the terrorist specialist DCI Williams brought in to take charge.
The background to the story is the civil war in the former Yugoslavia which, although only thirty years ago and in Europe seems to have been almost photoshopped from our history - to our shame.
April 27, 2025
Alex Scarrow does it again
Fast moving and fun as always to read anything by Mr. Scarrow. The only thing missing from the story is why the Serbs had such hatred for Muslims. As a Serbian who left the country long time ago, watching the news about atrocities being committed against Muslims, I was appalled. The people they were killing had nothing to do with the 500 years the Turks raided, stole boys and killed and maimed women and men. Today, their own history has been re-written and all those atrocities are denied. Regardless of all of that, in my heart Muslims had been part of the former Yugoslavia, and what happened in the past should have remained in the past. I have Muslim friends and they are wonderful, decent people. I was deeply ashamed of those Serbs who decided to act like animals.
Fast moving and fun as always to read anything by Mr. Scarrow. The only thing missing from the story is why the Serbs had such hatred for Muslims. As a Serbian who left the country long time ago, watching the news about atrocities being committed against Muslims, I was appalled. The people they were killing had nothing to do with the 500 years the Turks raided, stole boys and killed and maimed women and men. Today, their own history has been re-written and all those atrocities are denied. Regardless of all of that, in my heart Muslims had been part of the former Yugoslavia, and what happened in the past should have remained in the past. I have Muslim friends and they are wonderful, decent people. I was deeply ashamed of those Serbs who decided to act like animals.
October 15, 2021
The best yet!
Absolutely love this series, always good interesting stories and I just love the relationship between Boyd and his daughter Emma, not forgetting Ozzie the dog. This book is one hell of a ride, certainly had me on the edge of my seat throughout. A very sad story that doesn't have any winners and about another vile atrocity of the human race but written with decorum. Still plenty of humour interspersed within, including Ozzie and the parrot next door, that did make me chuckle. This is one of my favourite series at the moment and I can't wait to read the next one.
Absolutely love this series, always good interesting stories and I just love the relationship between Boyd and his daughter Emma, not forgetting Ozzie the dog. This book is one hell of a ride, certainly had me on the edge of my seat throughout. A very sad story that doesn't have any winners and about another vile atrocity of the human race but written with decorum. Still plenty of humour interspersed within, including Ozzie and the parrot next door, that did make me chuckle. This is one of my favourite series at the moment and I can't wait to read the next one.
January 9, 2023
If you are ready to give up sleep, pick up this book. From first word to last it cannot be put down. This is just my fourth book from this author and I am more impressed with each book so far. This one goes way beyond "police procedural" as it imbeds the horrors of events in Bosnia. How is that wed to the DCI Boyd we are now acquainted with? He is caught in middle of it all on a late night train ride back to Hastings. Dynamic action, lively and believable characters, conflict at work and British media behavior are just some of the elements that make this a very dynamic read.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
December 24, 2023
Book four in the DCI Boyd series is a bit of a departure from the norm as Boyd is caught up in a major news story when taking a late night train home. Given time off work after the incident, his plans to relax don't pan out when he realises something doesn't quite add up with the accounts doing the rounds.
While the usual team are back, so are some new faces, brought in to help with a massive case, much to the annoyance of a certain member of Boyd's team and its not the usual "chasing a killer" storyline either although there are plenty of twists and revelations along the way. Fast paced, great tension and a good chunk of humour, this is police procedure with a difference.
While the usual team are back, so are some new faces, brought in to help with a massive case, much to the annoyance of a certain member of Boyd's team and its not the usual "chasing a killer" storyline either although there are plenty of twists and revelations along the way. Fast paced, great tension and a good chunk of humour, this is police procedure with a difference.
October 6, 2021
Alex Scarrow has done it again. This is a great book. It begins with what seems to be a terrorist attack on a train and then the story moves on to finding out how and why the situation occurred. The tension in the first part of the book is excellent and hooks the reader immediately. One has to keep on reading to find out how the situation will be resolved. In figuring out what happened on the train, Boyd learns about the horrors of the Bosnian war - and so does the reader.
The characters are well developed and their relationships with each other are interesting.
The characters are well developed and their relationships with each other are interesting.
March 4, 2022
Wow, just Wow!
This book was amazing! It was well researched , which could not have been easy. It had very likeable suspects that you would never think of as a murderer. An extremely compelling storyline, one that will stick with me for a long time. And of course our normal cast of characters! It has all the components of excellence,. And it was that! This author just moved up within my top five all time favorites! If you haven't noticed, I highly recommend this book, and keep your eye out for the very end. As in life, not everything is as it seems!
This book was amazing! It was well researched , which could not have been easy. It had very likeable suspects that you would never think of as a murderer. An extremely compelling storyline, one that will stick with me for a long time. And of course our normal cast of characters! It has all the components of excellence,. And it was that! This author just moved up within my top five all time favorites! If you haven't noticed, I highly recommend this book, and keep your eye out for the very end. As in life, not everything is as it seems!
April 7, 2024
Maybe one of my favorite books so far in the series...the ending was complete and not abrupt, the story was heartbreaking and I loved Okeke showing her skills. Rooted in the Serbian/Bosnian war crimes, Boyd is traveling home from London on a trail that is hijacked and he helps take down the culprit but who is he and what is his motive for taking the hostages. Boyd takes some time off from work but as his memory comes back to him he seems to be helping Okeke with a separate investigation from the official terrorist angle. Moving story.
November 15, 2021
The past always comes back to haunt you !
Alex sparrow tells a good tale in this novel, not the usual crimes that Boyd gets evolved in , much more diverse and with a historical framework
A terrorist takes over Boyd’s train on the way home from Brighton which starts the ball rolling , with various twits and mis directions along the way , well crafted and evocative reading with a serious message in the subtext !
Alex sparrow tells a good tale in this novel, not the usual crimes that Boyd gets evolved in , much more diverse and with a historical framework
A terrorist takes over Boyd’s train on the way home from Brighton which starts the ball rolling , with various twits and mis directions along the way , well crafted and evocative reading with a serious message in the subtext !
February 3, 2022
The book gets off to a crackling start with Boyd involved in a hostage situation on the last train home. There’s a lot in this book about people’s assumptions. Is this an act of terror? Is the hijacker a jihadi? Boyd, who was actually there, thinks not. I really enjoyed the way he picked the detail out of the story and arrived at a truth. The ending is inspired! A great book and I can’t say how much I’m enjoying this series.
August 13, 2024
This story was the authors best yet. A great Story With Great Characters. I'm really impressed with the quality of the authors research, his plotting and the writing of a series of books with a can't put down once started flavour! This is the fourth of this series and following a stressful day the picking up my Kindle in the evening and turning to this series is similar to putting on a well worn pair of leather slippers! You know you can count on this author to lift your spirits with these police procedurals with their great stories. I hope he keeps it up!
March 31, 2025
This series of books is really well written and if you have any knowledge of Hastings then you might feel it is pretty true when Scarrow describes locations and distances between places (unlike so many books written by others who just don't do their research!).
DCI Boyd is on the last train back from Brighton and he is a little drunk. The train is packed and he has to sit with a bunch of other travellers. At first they chat but once they hear he is a policeman the chat dies down. He sees a fellow passenger acting a little off, inspecting everyone as he passes through the carriage. Despite being off duty, he is never 'off duty'. Suddenly there is screaming and people start running through the carriage. The train has stopped and someone has taken several people hostage. Unfolding before the DCI's eyes is an unbelievable scene.
As the story continues DCI Boyd is given leave to get over possible PTSD but he remains in the loop unofficially as his protegee needs his opinion and his sanity to help her work with his replacement.
I will say no more, apart from READ IT !
DCI Boyd is on the last train back from Brighton and he is a little drunk. The train is packed and he has to sit with a bunch of other travellers. At first they chat but once they hear he is a policeman the chat dies down. He sees a fellow passenger acting a little off, inspecting everyone as he passes through the carriage. Despite being off duty, he is never 'off duty'. Suddenly there is screaming and people start running through the carriage. The train has stopped and someone has taken several people hostage. Unfolding before the DCI's eyes is an unbelievable scene.
As the story continues DCI Boyd is given leave to get over possible PTSD but he remains in the loop unofficially as his protegee needs his opinion and his sanity to help her work with his replacement.
I will say no more, apart from READ IT !
October 13, 2021
Never disappoints.
Every book in this series is a five star read. Excellent characters that interact with each other with realistic and often humorous dialogue. Great beautiful descriptive writing and intriguing plot. Could be read as stand alone but the series is better when read in order.
Every book in this series is a five star read. Excellent characters that interact with each other with realistic and often humorous dialogue. Great beautiful descriptive writing and intriguing plot. Could be read as stand alone but the series is better when read in order.
October 14, 2021
I was lucky to get an early copy of this and it does not disappoint! Once again, Alex has taken the characters and made them come alive in this exciting continuation. Very impressed with how he's taken something from the news recently and written about a different viewpoint. Can't wait to see what comes next
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews