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Paterson & Clocks #7
His Mother's Bones
This could be the case that breaks Paterson and Clocks. The police detectives who NEVER play by the rules.
Christine Lord, a judge, is tethered to a court roof. And sentenced to death. By her son.
Detectives Paterson and Clocks are called to the scene of a murder. A man has been publicly displayed in a local park. His method of death is an ancient ritual known as a ‘Blood Eagle’.
The victim is someone with very close ties to the detectives.
And now another gruesome ritualistic killing . . . who is behind them and why the elaborate murder methods? Time is running out for Paterson and Clocks to stop their ultimate enemy.
This is the seventh in a series of action-packed, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers, with an ending that will have your heart in your mouth.
Christine Lord, a judge, is tethered to a court roof. And sentenced to death. By her son.
Detectives Paterson and Clocks are called to the scene of a murder. A man has been publicly displayed in a local park. His method of death is an ancient ritual known as a ‘Blood Eagle’.
The victim is someone with very close ties to the detectives.
And now another gruesome ritualistic killing . . . who is behind them and why the elaborate murder methods? Time is running out for Paterson and Clocks to stop their ultimate enemy.
This is the seventh in a series of action-packed, edge-of-your-seat crime thrillers, with an ending that will have your heart in your mouth.
- GenresFiction
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First published July 22, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 22, 2021
A judge is tethered to the court's roof .. and sentenced to death. The detectives have never seen this kind of barbarianism before .. and they thought they had seen it all.
Another man is found in a local park. His method of death is an ancient ritual known as a ‘Blood Eagle’. When the detectives learn who the victim is .. they are absolutely shocked. He is one of theirs ... a man known to have spent several years trying to get Paterson and Clocks thrown off the force and charged with various crimes.
Who is behind these elaborate murder methods?
One of their own is taken and time is running out. The detectives will do anything ...anything at all... to get their colleague back before she is also killed.
Although 7th in this series, it is easily read as a stand alone. But I highly recommend starting at the beginning. The relationship between the detectives is something I've rarely seen. They have worked together for years and prove that opposites attract. While Paterson may not always play by the rules, Clocks is just downright rude and impertinent to just about anyone. On the other hand, these men will always have each other's backs. The action is a real nail biter from start to finish. The last sentence on the last page has me tapping my toes waiting for the next book.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of this British Crime Fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 19, 2021
His Mother's Bones is the seventh instalment in the Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson series in which Paterson and his partner Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks are called in to investigate a series of seemingly ritualistic murders occurring on their patch. DS Paterson is currently on sick leave after being signed off by Met Police psychiatrist Eileen Markham, but when Clocks catches wind of the gruesome and bizarre case he persuades him to join him in checking it out. They find the body draped on its stomach across a large ornamental rock in Southwark Park. The head turned away from them and the arms secured by ropes attached to two metal spikes had been driven into the ground at angles. Someone had then made a hole in his back with a knife or small axe, ripped it open, severed his ribs from his spine and both lungs had been pulled out through his body and placed on either side of his back. This method of killing is known as a Blood Eagle, a Viking method of killing carried out against someone who had done the perpetrator grievous harm.
The deceased turns out to be the Met Police Commissioner Sir Scott Anderson. Then another victim is discovered in the river stuffed into a leather bag and submerged in the water. The victim was naked, his body had been ripped to shreds and inside the bag were two dogs, five snakes and a small monkey. The unconventional pairing of Paterson and Clocks must race against time to identify the killer as they have received notification that more bodies will drop imminently. This is a compulsive and absorbing addition to a brilliantly engrossing series with gory, graphic and unusual murders and twists that just keep coming. The relationship and dynamic between Clocks and Paterson is one of the best in the crime genre with them both being quite idiosyncratic and because they do things a little differently and don't always follow the rules, this often gets them into trouble with top brass. It's fast-paced, packed full of action and drama, office politics, and a narrative laced with black humour. Highly recommended.
The deceased turns out to be the Met Police Commissioner Sir Scott Anderson. Then another victim is discovered in the river stuffed into a leather bag and submerged in the water. The victim was naked, his body had been ripped to shreds and inside the bag were two dogs, five snakes and a small monkey. The unconventional pairing of Paterson and Clocks must race against time to identify the killer as they have received notification that more bodies will drop imminently. This is a compulsive and absorbing addition to a brilliantly engrossing series with gory, graphic and unusual murders and twists that just keep coming. The relationship and dynamic between Clocks and Paterson is one of the best in the crime genre with them both being quite idiosyncratic and because they do things a little differently and don't always follow the rules, this often gets them into trouble with top brass. It's fast-paced, packed full of action and drama, office politics, and a narrative laced with black humour. Highly recommended.
July 23, 2021
This is the seventh book featuring Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and his team from the Homicide and Major Crime Command unit in Bermondsey, London. Paterson is young, good looking and extremely wealthy, and at the start of the series was on a fast track to the top, whilst DI Johnny Clocks is the complete opposite - loud, foul-mouthed and brash having come up through the ranks but a loyal friend for life once he decides he likes you. He’ll never change though - as Paterson says about Clocks, they’ve sent him on courses but three instructors went home in tears and one was a man! Definitely more Sweeney than pc and I completely love the pair of them! Clocks has mellowed a little thanks to the addition of his fiancée DI Lyndsey Kitchener, a Metropolitan Police tactical firearms officer who is a terrific match for him (in fact for anyone!) and often appears in these stories. Until his retirement the pair had received complete support from former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Wallace (Wol) Young but he was replaced by a complete different kettle of fish in Sir Scott Anderson who was determined to bring down Paterson and Clocks at any cost. Despite being put on gardening leave he is still pursuing his vendetta against the pair and is delighted when DCI Goodwin brings him Lambert’s dying declaration.
The main story commences on a rooftop with judge Christine Lord being bizarrely sentenced to death by her own son and “The King”, and we’ll hear more about this later. On the meantime a man’s body is discovered in Southwark Park, tethered over a large rock with truly horrific injuries which Paterson identifies as a Dark Ages revenge punishment called the “Blood Eagle”. The detectives are stunned when they learn the identity of the victim and realise they will be prime suspects. Thank goodness for Acting Commissioner Sam Morne, an old friend of Wol's and someone prepared to defend their innocence in the crimes they were previously accused of, especially since the assistant crime commissioner Stannard seems intent on bringing them down and now implicating them in this new murder of one of their own. It looks like once again they’ll have to find the killer in order to prove themselves not guilty. Day 2 of their investigation brings the discovery of another gruesome murder which surely cannot be a coincidence. They receive a lead to a very strange band of people, and with help from a quite wonderful and original character (I don’t think Clocks will ever recover!), they finally seem to be making some headway until their hopes are dashed on day 3. This time they are really out on their own and the danger is greater than ever.
I can never seem to praise this series enough! Paterson and Clocks are one of my absolute favourite detective pairings and each book is a delight to read. As in all the other books in this series the pace is terrific with loads of shocking and gripping action, and this really is a book that kept me hooked till the last very unexpected page. Clocks and Paterson make a great team and have a fantastic relationship built on the shared traumatic events of the first six stories in this series, in fact they wouldn’t have survived without each other. There is a lot of humorous banter between the two and also with others in their team, making the book fun at the same time as tackling deadly serious crimes.
If you haven't, I urge you to read the series in order. There is a lot of history and although it is well described and the books can be enjoyed as standalones it wouldn't be the same reading them out of turn. There’s a great little surprise too at the end of the book which leaves me desperate to know what comes next! 5*
The main story commences on a rooftop with judge Christine Lord being bizarrely sentenced to death by her own son and “The King”, and we’ll hear more about this later. On the meantime a man’s body is discovered in Southwark Park, tethered over a large rock with truly horrific injuries which Paterson identifies as a Dark Ages revenge punishment called the “Blood Eagle”. The detectives are stunned when they learn the identity of the victim and realise they will be prime suspects. Thank goodness for Acting Commissioner Sam Morne, an old friend of Wol's and someone prepared to defend their innocence in the crimes they were previously accused of, especially since the assistant crime commissioner Stannard seems intent on bringing them down and now implicating them in this new murder of one of their own. It looks like once again they’ll have to find the killer in order to prove themselves not guilty. Day 2 of their investigation brings the discovery of another gruesome murder which surely cannot be a coincidence. They receive a lead to a very strange band of people, and with help from a quite wonderful and original character (I don’t think Clocks will ever recover!), they finally seem to be making some headway until their hopes are dashed on day 3. This time they are really out on their own and the danger is greater than ever.
I can never seem to praise this series enough! Paterson and Clocks are one of my absolute favourite detective pairings and each book is a delight to read. As in all the other books in this series the pace is terrific with loads of shocking and gripping action, and this really is a book that kept me hooked till the last very unexpected page. Clocks and Paterson make a great team and have a fantastic relationship built on the shared traumatic events of the first six stories in this series, in fact they wouldn’t have survived without each other. There is a lot of humorous banter between the two and also with others in their team, making the book fun at the same time as tackling deadly serious crimes.
If you haven't, I urge you to read the series in order. There is a lot of history and although it is well described and the books can be enjoyed as standalones it wouldn't be the same reading them out of turn. There’s a great little surprise too at the end of the book which leaves me desperate to know what comes next! 5*
July 24, 2021
799 kb
4 stars
There are a series of very brutal and bizarre murders occurring. Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and DI Johnny Clocks catch the cases. They are unconventional detectives, but most of the brass agree that they are the best fit for this case.
However, at the same time, some of the big brass are out to get Paterson and Clocks. They want to pin something on them, a murder would be best.
They’re going to need some outside help for these murders. Somewhat unconventional help. Clocks is his usual irreverent, un-PC self, while Paterson is the very picture of decorum - most of the time.
This book is a great adventure with action and surprises. It is well written and plotted. The transitions are smooth. I had forgotten how much “fun” the two were. Yeah, their behavior is questionable, all right, simply awful at times, but it seems to be infused with a sense of humor. At least that’s how I chose to take it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
4 stars
There are a series of very brutal and bizarre murders occurring. Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and DI Johnny Clocks catch the cases. They are unconventional detectives, but most of the brass agree that they are the best fit for this case.
However, at the same time, some of the big brass are out to get Paterson and Clocks. They want to pin something on them, a murder would be best.
They’re going to need some outside help for these murders. Somewhat unconventional help. Clocks is his usual irreverent, un-PC self, while Paterson is the very picture of decorum - most of the time.
This book is a great adventure with action and surprises. It is well written and plotted. The transitions are smooth. I had forgotten how much “fun” the two were. Yeah, their behavior is questionable, all right, simply awful at times, but it seems to be infused with a sense of humor. At least that’s how I chose to take it.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this great book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 11, 2021
Book Seven and this author hasn't lost his touch.
Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks are back two very different men that make a good superintendent and inspector together combined.
A dead bloke is found in Southwark Park with the most horrendous death Blood Eagle, ancient ritual that viking's use to do and its not pretty or for the faint hearted.
and this victim is known to them and there's more when another body is found in a leather bag after a tip off, who is their enemy? who loathed these two and is going all out to get them imprisoned and away from scotland yard? its payback time the lads are coming out to play these two always crack a murder.
this book has a wicked sense of humour that makes you laugh out loud especially from Clocks two very gruesome murders that are going to make your stomach churn but there's always full on banter from these two this is what makes this authors work so unique I loved this series and this has been so worth waiting for and will Clocks make it to the alter with his love of his life Lyndsey Kitchener? that's for me to know and for you to find out, so pick it up and read it you wont be disappointed. well worth 5 * and more from me and worthy of a best seller thank you Netgalley and Joffe publishers
Ray Paterson and Johnny Clocks are back two very different men that make a good superintendent and inspector together combined.
A dead bloke is found in Southwark Park with the most horrendous death Blood Eagle, ancient ritual that viking's use to do and its not pretty or for the faint hearted.
and this victim is known to them and there's more when another body is found in a leather bag after a tip off, who is their enemy? who loathed these two and is going all out to get them imprisoned and away from scotland yard? its payback time the lads are coming out to play these two always crack a murder.
this book has a wicked sense of humour that makes you laugh out loud especially from Clocks two very gruesome murders that are going to make your stomach churn but there's always full on banter from these two this is what makes this authors work so unique I loved this series and this has been so worth waiting for and will Clocks make it to the alter with his love of his life Lyndsey Kitchener? that's for me to know and for you to find out, so pick it up and read it you wont be disappointed. well worth 5 * and more from me and worthy of a best seller thank you Netgalley and Joffe publishers
July 17, 2021
The best in the series so far, my favourite crime combination of Paterson and Clocks beats the rest hands down. The humour and wit that flies between these two plays down the goriness of the murders. Serious crime in a book that has you in fits of laughter throughout has just got to be a winning combination. Seriously clever and brilliant writing.Thanks to Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing book.
July 29, 2021
I have been a fan of Steve’s work for a while now. I have loved each and every book in the bestselling series featuring Detectives Paterson and Clocks. When I heard that Steve was due to release the next instalment of the series I just knew that I had to grab a copy as soon as I could. Well the next instalment is called ‘His Mother’s Bones’ and it was released on 22nd July 2021. I absolutely loved reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘His Mother’s Bones’. In fact the synopsis alone was enough to grab my attention from the start and draw me into this compelling story. As soon as I started reading the story that was it and I knew that I wasn’t going to be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the day until I had read the very last word on the very last page. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book quickly enough as I worked through the story. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. I finished ‘His Mother’s Bones’ is the space of a day which is pretty good going for me. I found ‘His Mother’s Bones’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I found ‘His Mother’s Bones’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read.
‘His Mother’s Bones’ is superbly written but then I feel that to be true of all of Steve’s books to date. In Paterson and Clocks, he has created two very memorable characters. Both characters ended up feeling more like friends of mine. I have to say that I have a bit of a soft spot for Clocks, even if he doesn’t always toe the line and he is less than diplomatic at times. As I mentioned above, Steve grabbed my attention from the start and reeled me in. Reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ felt like being on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns along the way. I have to admit that certain details of the crime committed are rather gruesome in nature. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Steve’s fantastic, vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Steve’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘His Mother’s Bones’. In fact the synopsis alone was enough to grab my attention from the start and draw me into this compelling story. As soon as I started reading the story that was it and I knew that I wasn’t going to be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the day until I had read the very last word on the very last page. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book quickly enough as I worked through the story. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. I finished ‘His Mother’s Bones’ is the space of a day which is pretty good going for me. I found ‘His Mother’s Bones’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I found ‘His Mother’s Bones’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read.
‘His Mother’s Bones’ is superbly written but then I feel that to be true of all of Steve’s books to date. In Paterson and Clocks, he has created two very memorable characters. Both characters ended up feeling more like friends of mine. I have to say that I have a bit of a soft spot for Clocks, even if he doesn’t always toe the line and he is less than diplomatic at times. As I mentioned above, Steve grabbed my attention from the start and reeled me in. Reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ felt like being on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns along the way. I have to admit that certain details of the crime committed are rather gruesome in nature. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Steve’s fantastic, vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Steve’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
September 20, 2021
How I wish I had been in on this series from the very beginning!
Detectives Paterson and Clock have their work cut out for them in this, their seventh outing. With bodies mounting up, and the methods of murder each more gruesome than the last, these are not going to be easy to solve. But when the latest body turns out to be known to them, the stakes – and the pressure from above – suddenly increase. So who is the killer – and why?
There is no doubting that the murders are gruesome but it’s all set off by the relationship between the two main characters and their constant quips. A fast-paced novel always keeping the reader on their toes, this is a cracking read. I’m not sure I even knew where each scene was heading, but it certainly kept me reading to find out, by which time there was something new going on which I absolutely HAD to discover how it ended! A thrilling and exciting read and one I highly recommend! No doubt about it, this one easily earns all five shining stars.
Detectives Paterson and Clock have their work cut out for them in this, their seventh outing. With bodies mounting up, and the methods of murder each more gruesome than the last, these are not going to be easy to solve. But when the latest body turns out to be known to them, the stakes – and the pressure from above – suddenly increase. So who is the killer – and why?
There is no doubting that the murders are gruesome but it’s all set off by the relationship between the two main characters and their constant quips. A fast-paced novel always keeping the reader on their toes, this is a cracking read. I’m not sure I even knew where each scene was heading, but it certainly kept me reading to find out, by which time there was something new going on which I absolutely HAD to discover how it ended! A thrilling and exciting read and one I highly recommend! No doubt about it, this one easily earns all five shining stars.
July 20, 2021
I have absolutely loved the Paterson & Clocks novels from the very first book and this one is an excellent addition to the series. Once more we join the two unorthodox detectives as they try to track down an extremely violent killer at the same time as evading their superiors who are determined to prove their guilt in the murder of DCI Lambert. This time though the game gets much tougher when the first victim turns out to be someone very close to home and a huge shock to them both. Things begin to take a very gruesome turn when they realise that the killing is not going to end unless they catch the perpetrator, something that is clearly not going to be easy.
The banter between the two guys continues to be a source of amusement and, although not to everyone’s taste, John Clocks is as vulgar and offensive as always. Some of the comments he makes are hilarious at the same time as often being distasteful. The plot of this episode is fast paced and exciting all the way through, hardly giving the reader time to take a breath in places. As we race on the end we get a sudden dread that everything is going to go horrendously wrong and I found myself reading faster to find out if the intrepid duo survive. The multilayered ending is both satisfying and teasing, with a humorous twist just before the close.
I highly recommend this entire series of books, but especially this one. Although I would caution prospective readers that it is not for the faint hearted, and would most definitely recommend that you read the previous 6 episodes to put it into perspective. I am extremely grateful to Joffe Books for sending me an advance copy and am seriously looking forward to book number 8 which I trust will be forthcoming.
The banter between the two guys continues to be a source of amusement and, although not to everyone’s taste, John Clocks is as vulgar and offensive as always. Some of the comments he makes are hilarious at the same time as often being distasteful. The plot of this episode is fast paced and exciting all the way through, hardly giving the reader time to take a breath in places. As we race on the end we get a sudden dread that everything is going to go horrendously wrong and I found myself reading faster to find out if the intrepid duo survive. The multilayered ending is both satisfying and teasing, with a humorous twist just before the close.
I highly recommend this entire series of books, but especially this one. Although I would caution prospective readers that it is not for the faint hearted, and would most definitely recommend that you read the previous 6 episodes to put it into perspective. I am extremely grateful to Joffe Books for sending me an advance copy and am seriously looking forward to book number 8 which I trust will be forthcoming.
August 5, 2021
A small group of adult children is killing their parents using medieval methods of torture because they believe they were cruel to them when they were younger. Fast-paced and quite gruesome in places, I might have given this four stars were it not for the fact that the relationship between the two main characters, Ray Paterson and John Clocks, was so completely unbelievable. The dialogue between them was simply unrealistic in my opinion, and I found Clocks to be increasingly annoying.
August 15, 2021
Enjoyable action packed read
I've really enjoyed this series, great characters and action packed stories and usually give a 5stars but had to drop a couple due to Clocks now OTT. He's always been a loose cannon and I've laughed my socks off in the previous books but I think in this book he comes across as a total complete idiot which surely he would never have climbed to the ranks of DI and now even Paterson is becoming like him. I loved the posh boy and the rough around the edges combo in previous books now it's just getting silly.
I've really enjoyed this series, great characters and action packed stories and usually give a 5stars but had to drop a couple due to Clocks now OTT. He's always been a loose cannon and I've laughed my socks off in the previous books but I think in this book he comes across as a total complete idiot which surely he would never have climbed to the ranks of DI and now even Paterson is becoming like him. I loved the posh boy and the rough around the edges combo in previous books now it's just getting silly.
September 17, 2021
A brutal murder sees Ray Paterson back on the police force with his irreverent colleague John Clocks. But their superior officers do not trust them. Can they solve the case before any other murders take place and they are arrested?
His Mother's Bones is the seventh book to feature Paterson and Clocks, and it is the second book that I have read (see link in list at end of post for my review).
Detectives Paterson and Clocks are reunited for another dark case. The murders are very grisly, featuring ancient forms of torture to maximise pain to the victims. It is extremely unpleasant and there are also several violent incidents which are graphically described.
Paterson and Clocks are an unlikely pairing which makes their relationship so much more enjoyable to witness. Paterson bends the rules with an air of wealthy confidence. Clocks breaks the rules and stamps on them! Their banter is superbly enjoyable, the language is almost more swear words than not!
Clocks definitely seems to be stuck in the 1970s with his attitudes to women. Some may find this offensive but I suspended my disbelief that he would have been allowed to get away with this behviour in the modern police force.
The pace is intense as the drama unfolds and this was a gripping read as Paterson and Clocks attempt to foil the avenging killer. The ending is action packed and enthralling with a high level of swearing and violence due to the nature of the scenario.
His Mother's Bones is a brilliantly written book with wonderful lead characters and I loved it!
His Mother's Bones is the seventh book to feature Paterson and Clocks, and it is the second book that I have read (see link in list at end of post for my review).
Detectives Paterson and Clocks are reunited for another dark case. The murders are very grisly, featuring ancient forms of torture to maximise pain to the victims. It is extremely unpleasant and there are also several violent incidents which are graphically described.
Paterson and Clocks are an unlikely pairing which makes their relationship so much more enjoyable to witness. Paterson bends the rules with an air of wealthy confidence. Clocks breaks the rules and stamps on them! Their banter is superbly enjoyable, the language is almost more swear words than not!
Clocks definitely seems to be stuck in the 1970s with his attitudes to women. Some may find this offensive but I suspended my disbelief that he would have been allowed to get away with this behviour in the modern police force.
The pace is intense as the drama unfolds and this was a gripping read as Paterson and Clocks attempt to foil the avenging killer. The ending is action packed and enthralling with a high level of swearing and violence due to the nature of the scenario.
His Mother's Bones is a brilliantly written book with wonderful lead characters and I loved it!
July 20, 2021
Yey Paterson and Clocks are back. If you like a fast paced thriller that starts the adrenaline pumping at the beginning and keeps increasing the flow all the way to the very end while also having the potential to make you laugh then this book is definitely for you.
If you haven't read the earlier books this will work as stand alone but you will enjoy it all the more if you read the series in sequence.
Paterson and Clocks started out in book 1 hating each other but they soon developed a very healthy working relationship, healthy for them that is not sure about the people who cross them. They also have a unique way of working, they get results, quickly, but it is usually because they work by their own rules. This has caused some people at the top of Met Police hierarchy to resent them and try to find a way to bring them into line or into custody.
A gruesome murder is just the tip of the iceberg as more bodies turn up murdered by very weird and barbaric methods will this dynamic duo be able to find out what links the cases?
Very unique characters that even at book 7 keep on giving developing more with each book and the cases are also unusual and definitely not for the faint hearted.
An absolutely stunning read that I couldn't put down additional interest is brought in to the mix which adds another dimension to what is already an outstanding book
Absolutely brilliant read definitely 5
If you haven't read the earlier books this will work as stand alone but you will enjoy it all the more if you read the series in sequence.
Paterson and Clocks started out in book 1 hating each other but they soon developed a very healthy working relationship, healthy for them that is not sure about the people who cross them. They also have a unique way of working, they get results, quickly, but it is usually because they work by their own rules. This has caused some people at the top of Met Police hierarchy to resent them and try to find a way to bring them into line or into custody.
A gruesome murder is just the tip of the iceberg as more bodies turn up murdered by very weird and barbaric methods will this dynamic duo be able to find out what links the cases?
Very unique characters that even at book 7 keep on giving developing more with each book and the cases are also unusual and definitely not for the faint hearted.
An absolutely stunning read that I couldn't put down additional interest is brought in to the mix which adds another dimension to what is already an outstanding book
Absolutely brilliant read definitely 5
April 14, 2022
What a formidable pair Detective Superintendent Ray Patterson and Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks make!
I LOVE Clocksy and I love them together and I would never read this series of books in public as I laugh so hard - one scene in particular and my husband asked me if I was ok as I couldn't stop laughing.
This author is a brilliant writer and I love that I'm laughing one minute, cringing another, then the next my heart is racing as I know (or think I know!) what's coming next. You never know with this pair, they do things their way and their way only. Or should I say Johnny Clocksy's way!
The killings are brutal but nothing puts Clocksy off his food and neither will stop until they catch the perpetrators.
I love that we learn who the killer is before the end but we're treated to a huge twist that really threw me as I certainly didn't see it coming. And then another.
Just fabulous and worth well more than five stars!
I LOVE Clocksy and I love them together and I would never read this series of books in public as I laugh so hard - one scene in particular and my husband asked me if I was ok as I couldn't stop laughing.
This author is a brilliant writer and I love that I'm laughing one minute, cringing another, then the next my heart is racing as I know (or think I know!) what's coming next. You never know with this pair, they do things their way and their way only. Or should I say Johnny Clocksy's way!
The killings are brutal but nothing puts Clocksy off his food and neither will stop until they catch the perpetrators.
I love that we learn who the killer is before the end but we're treated to a huge twist that really threw me as I certainly didn't see it coming. And then another.
Just fabulous and worth well more than five stars!
September 2, 2021
Gruesome Yet Funny
I know. An oxymoron. But it's true. Mr Parker has a wicked imagination when it comes to crime. So far I've read every one in this series and each one was a screen flipper (Kindle, y'know). After each of the installments, I told myself I'd read something else just so I wouldn't burn out. Nah! I had to read the next book to find out what was going to happen with Paterson and Clocks. The dynamics between the two as each became a little more like the other as their story progressed was truly intriguing. Yet neither lost their center. Now I'm here at the latest (last?) of the stories of the mismatched dynamic duo. Part of me wishes they'd accepted the offer from Wallace Young. That would/could present some interesting story lines. Part of me hopes there will be more P&C adventures inside the Met.
Either way, I just hope there is more.
I know. An oxymoron. But it's true. Mr Parker has a wicked imagination when it comes to crime. So far I've read every one in this series and each one was a screen flipper (Kindle, y'know). After each of the installments, I told myself I'd read something else just so I wouldn't burn out. Nah! I had to read the next book to find out what was going to happen with Paterson and Clocks. The dynamics between the two as each became a little more like the other as their story progressed was truly intriguing. Yet neither lost their center. Now I'm here at the latest (last?) of the stories of the mismatched dynamic duo. Part of me wishes they'd accepted the offer from Wallace Young. That would/could present some interesting story lines. Part of me hopes there will be more P&C adventures inside the Met.
Either way, I just hope there is more.
October 4, 2021
A very confusing book. In the beginning Temple killed his mother in a very horrible way. Then he goes on to killing his father. Strange thing about this plot is, later on the detective Ray and Clocks go to the mother's sister's home and question the mother about her son. Now we already read where the son, Temple had killed her in the beginning of the book. Left me with a high question mark. The other thing about this book was the fact the vocabulary was so limited. Every other word started with that big F word. Very offensive. I started several times to just put it aside and go on to the next book. Then, I wanted too see Temple get caught and punished for killing his mother or whoever she was. That plot was really down played.
Now where is the next book about Clock's wedding. Is there a book 8 in this series?
Now where is the next book about Clock's wedding. Is there a book 8 in this series?
December 23, 2023
I'm not sure how I got to this point without ever reading a Steve Parker title but I'll fix that. I've read a lot of books but Parker's books are definitely unforgettable. As members of the Major Crimes squad, the crime scenes they visit are typically bloody and gruesome. Graphic descriptions are included in the story line so if you're squeamish, you'd better skip those parts. These two policemen will go to any lengths to solve a crime, breaking every rule along the way if they have to. The only rule they can not break is an oath of loyalty to each other, which is a very good thing as these two men need someone to trust. The story line is pretty straight forward, someone dies and someone pays. How this plays out is completely different from the mystery/ thrillers I've read lately. Easy 5 stars from me and I will recommend to my reading circle.
August 13, 2021
Another triumph from Steve Parker
I have loved these books since the first one was published and each one has got better. Clocks and Paterson are brilliant characters and the banter and humour from them balances the gruesome violence of the plots nicely. Give these two their own TV show someone! Can't really think of any actors that would do them justice though so maybe not such a good idea! I'm sure most readers will have read the whole series but if you haven't I urge you to. Fast paced, violent yes but disturbingly funny too with laugh out loud moments usually coming from Johnny Clocks. Highly recommended.
I have loved these books since the first one was published and each one has got better. Clocks and Paterson are brilliant characters and the banter and humour from them balances the gruesome violence of the plots nicely. Give these two their own TV show someone! Can't really think of any actors that would do them justice though so maybe not such a good idea! I'm sure most readers will have read the whole series but if you haven't I urge you to. Fast paced, violent yes but disturbingly funny too with laugh out loud moments usually coming from Johnny Clocks. Highly recommended.
July 14, 2021
An entertaining read, set in East London with cockney dialect. DS Ray Patterson and Inspector Johnny Clocks form a comedy duo and are famous for their unorthodox crime solving methods. Humour is key to the plot to offset the gruesome murders. The scene with Alice, a computer genius and the babies is particularly amusing. The action and drama never stop and had me reading into the night.
This is book 8 in the highly successful Patterson and Clocks series and I would recommend reading in order to get the best enjoyment from them, though book 8 can be read as a stand alone.
This is book 8 in the highly successful Patterson and Clocks series and I would recommend reading in order to get the best enjoyment from them, though book 8 can be read as a stand alone.
December 22, 2021
This author has done it again.... written a book that I couldn't put down. Once again, I was engaged from the beginning until the last page. I enjoy Paterson and Clocks, they're unorthodox, sometimes unlikable and incredibly good at what they due. The murder is gruesome, the language is rough but for me this is one of the better police procedurals out there. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and all views are my own.
October 26, 2023
His Mother’s Bones (Detective Ray Paterson crime thrillers Book 7)
Wow!! Each book just gets better and better!! I can thoroughly recommend you read any of this Author’s books. He writes to excite and make you squirm. Tastefully in the next sentence then you just can’t put the book down until you finish it and can breathe again normally. Thank you Ray Paterson for writing for us all to enjoy 💕
Wow!! Each book just gets better and better!! I can thoroughly recommend you read any of this Author’s books. He writes to excite and make you squirm. Tastefully in the next sentence then you just can’t put the book down until you finish it and can breathe again normally. Thank you Ray Paterson for writing for us all to enjoy 💕
July 23, 2021
This is the seventh book in the Paterson and Clocks series.
Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks is called out to the discovery of mans body in a local park.
He has suffered a barbaric death, his body stripped to the waist, draped face down over a large rock. His arms secured to spikes in the ground by ropes on either side, his back opened, ribs severed from the spine, his lungs pulled out through his body and laid on his back.
This is known as a Blood Eagle, a method used by the vikings against someone who has committed a grievous harm.
Johnny calls in his Superintendent Ray Paterson.
The identity of their victim is confirmed as Met Police Commissioner Sir Scott Anderson.
This murder is swiftly followed by another bizarre and ritualistic killing, the body found, following a tip off, in a leather bag submerged in water.
Who can be behind these murders?
Will there be more to follow?
Then one of their colleagues is taken, can they get her back before she is killed as well?
Paterson and Clocks may be unconventional but they always get the job done.
An exciting, action packed read that gripped me from the start.
Love this series and can`t wait for Paterson and Clocks next case.
Many thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this as an ARC.
Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks is called out to the discovery of mans body in a local park.
He has suffered a barbaric death, his body stripped to the waist, draped face down over a large rock. His arms secured to spikes in the ground by ropes on either side, his back opened, ribs severed from the spine, his lungs pulled out through his body and laid on his back.
This is known as a Blood Eagle, a method used by the vikings against someone who has committed a grievous harm.
Johnny calls in his Superintendent Ray Paterson.
The identity of their victim is confirmed as Met Police Commissioner Sir Scott Anderson.
This murder is swiftly followed by another bizarre and ritualistic killing, the body found, following a tip off, in a leather bag submerged in water.
Who can be behind these murders?
Will there be more to follow?
Then one of their colleagues is taken, can they get her back before she is killed as well?
Paterson and Clocks may be unconventional but they always get the job done.
An exciting, action packed read that gripped me from the start.
Love this series and can`t wait for Paterson and Clocks next case.
Many thanks to Joffe books for the chance to read this as an ARC.
July 28, 2021
Bleedin marvellous!
Mr Parker does it again with this one! There are continuous laugh out loud moments in this story. I loved it and if you've read Paterson and Clocks before you won't be disappointed. I'm not going to recount the story...no point...just read it!! I'm surprised this series isn't being televised, it's soooo good!! Thank you Steve!
Mr Parker does it again with this one! There are continuous laugh out loud moments in this story. I loved it and if you've read Paterson and Clocks before you won't be disappointed. I'm not going to recount the story...no point...just read it!! I'm surprised this series isn't being televised, it's soooo good!! Thank you Steve!
August 29, 2021
GREAT READ!!
Good storyline, characters believable! I loved Ray and John's bantering. John had me in stitches and the names he gave the other cops were fitting. Funny. Some readers bothered by the killing descriptions, not me, they were necessary for the book. Adding to my favorite writers!
Good storyline, characters believable! I loved Ray and John's bantering. John had me in stitches and the names he gave the other cops were fitting. Funny. Some readers bothered by the killing descriptions, not me, they were necessary for the book. Adding to my favorite writers!
September 23, 2021
Wow, what gruesome murders. Clocks is one strange character. I can see where he is supposed to add humor. But I really didn't like him much. Ray and Clocks do their own thing with no regard for the law. However they do make for a good story with lots of twists and turns. I was surprisingly engrossed and found it hard to put down.
I read the book on NetGalley
I read the book on NetGalley
November 12, 2021
Just gets better
Have read all the Patterson and Clocks books from the beginning. You find yourself rooting for these two mavericks with their disdain for their superiors but a grim determination to catch the bad guys no matter what or who tries to hinder them. Kudos to Steve Parker for creating characters you can't help but root for, can't wait for the next instalment.
Have read all the Patterson and Clocks books from the beginning. You find yourself rooting for these two mavericks with their disdain for their superiors but a grim determination to catch the bad guys no matter what or who tries to hinder them. Kudos to Steve Parker for creating characters you can't help but root for, can't wait for the next instalment.
February 10, 2022
Fantastic
The final book, so sad, loved all of the books about paterson and clocksy, oh wow, we need more about them, especially clocksy, he was a right character with his craziness and sayings, left this one on a cliffhanger, is there gonna be more stories about them, I for one surely hope so.
Fantastic stories and books by an awesome author.
The final book, so sad, loved all of the books about paterson and clocksy, oh wow, we need more about them, especially clocksy, he was a right character with his craziness and sayings, left this one on a cliffhanger, is there gonna be more stories about them, I for one surely hope so.
Fantastic stories and books by an awesome author.
November 10, 2022
Just when you thought Steve Parker's two partners in crime (solving that is) can't get any better, along comes Episode 7. Whilst the murders are particulary gory, and some of the top brass are determined to get rid of them, Patterson and Clocks continue along their merry, unorthodox way of crime fighting. Plenty of action, suspense, and an abundance of humour thrown in. Fantastic reading.
September 23, 2023
I read this as a standalone and it worked but it would have been better reading it as part of the series, which I will now go back to doing.
The two characters work together and I am looking forward to reading more about them.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
The two characters work together and I am looking forward to reading more about them.
I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.
July 27, 2021
Brilliant!
Gosh, waiting for each new book to come out is torture! Grizzly, horrendous murders. A totally irreverent Clicks. And Paterson. Always Paterson. What more can one ask for?
Gosh, waiting for each new book to come out is torture! Grizzly, horrendous murders. A totally irreverent Clicks. And Paterson. Always Paterson. What more can one ask for?
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