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Maya Barton #2
Shattered Bones
How do you catch a killer if you can’t identify the victim? A scene of crime officer collects the evidence piece by piece in this gritty British mystery.
SOCO Maya Barton is called to a canal where a heavily decomposed male body has been discovered. A bank card belonging to Trevor Dawlish is found in the cadaver’s pocket, and the name matches that of a missing person. All seems straightforward—until Trevor’s wife phones the police to say that Trevor has returned home, leaving Maya and the team wondering who the unknown male is.
When it’s revealed that the male was dead before he entered the water, Maya finds herself with a murder on her hands. But when another body is discovered, the case becomes further complicated. The hope is that facial reconstruction of the first victim will help solve the mystery—but it may lead Maya and her team down an even darker path.
SOCO Maya Barton is called to a canal where a heavily decomposed male body has been discovered. A bank card belonging to Trevor Dawlish is found in the cadaver’s pocket, and the name matches that of a missing person. All seems straightforward—until Trevor’s wife phones the police to say that Trevor has returned home, leaving Maya and the team wondering who the unknown male is.
When it’s revealed that the male was dead before he entered the water, Maya finds herself with a murder on her hands. But when another body is discovered, the case becomes further complicated. The hope is that facial reconstruction of the first victim will help solve the mystery—but it may lead Maya and her team down an even darker path.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2021
21 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Kate Bendelow
5 books37 followersKate Bendelow is from Greater Manchester where she has worked as a CSI for over 19 years. Kate is also a writer and poet.
The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers was written after she combined her passion for writing with her day job.
Kate is passionate about helping crime writers write with authenticity and accuracy and also provides lectures at various writing events.
Definitely Dead is the first book in the SOCO Maya Barton trilogy.
Follow Kate on Twitter or her Facebook Author page for details of events and latest book news.
The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers was written after she combined her passion for writing with her day job.
Kate is passionate about helping crime writers write with authenticity and accuracy and also provides lectures at various writing events.
Definitely Dead is the first book in the SOCO Maya Barton trilogy.
Follow Kate on Twitter or her Facebook Author page for details of events and latest book news.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 19, 2021
SHATTERED BONES is the second gripping crime thriller novel in the Maya Barton Series by Kate Bendelow, a real-life CSI.
Books in the Series Include:
Definitely Dead (Book 1)
Shattered Bones (Book 2)
Maya Barton joins us again in book 2 in her dream job as a SOCO, Scene Of Crime Officer…the American version of a CSI.
Trevor Dawlish lived in the family home with his wife, Bernadette and elderly mother, Rose. A noisy neighbor, Laurel Miller, lived across the street and had always been in love and obsessed with Trevor.
SOCO Maya Barton was called to a canal where a heavily decomposed male body has been discovered. A call comes through from a woman crying that her husband, Trevor Dawlish had been missing, but just came home and assaulted her. A bank card belonging to Trevor Dawlish is found in the cadaver’s pocket, and the name matches that of a missing person, reported by the wife, Bernadette.
So, who is the body? How do you catch a killer if you can’t identify the victim?
SOCO Maya and her colleague, Chris Makin, are assigned by their boss, Senior crime-scene investigator, Kym Lawson, to this case… suspicious in nature. The post-mortem indicated the victim was dead before he entered the water. Cause of death was strangulation. Despite the lack of evidence, Maya suspects a crime has been committed.
As they were unable to identity the man, they requested a facial reconstruction to enable them to identify him.
Maya soon finds herself with a murder on her hands. But when another body is discovered, the case becomes further complicated. The hope is that facial reconstruction of the first victim will help solve the mystery—but it may lead Maya and her team down an even darker path.
Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her past come back to haunt her?
Maya is a likeable but strong woman who stands up for what she believes. She does not mince her words, but delivers her message clearly. I liked her and the plot based on forensics was very entertaining and enriching. I can only hope this novel marks the continuation of this new series, which I feel will appeal to a wide audience.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
Books in the Series Include:
Definitely Dead (Book 1)
Shattered Bones (Book 2)
Maya Barton joins us again in book 2 in her dream job as a SOCO, Scene Of Crime Officer…the American version of a CSI.
Trevor Dawlish lived in the family home with his wife, Bernadette and elderly mother, Rose. A noisy neighbor, Laurel Miller, lived across the street and had always been in love and obsessed with Trevor.
SOCO Maya Barton was called to a canal where a heavily decomposed male body has been discovered. A call comes through from a woman crying that her husband, Trevor Dawlish had been missing, but just came home and assaulted her. A bank card belonging to Trevor Dawlish is found in the cadaver’s pocket, and the name matches that of a missing person, reported by the wife, Bernadette.
So, who is the body? How do you catch a killer if you can’t identify the victim?
SOCO Maya and her colleague, Chris Makin, are assigned by their boss, Senior crime-scene investigator, Kym Lawson, to this case… suspicious in nature. The post-mortem indicated the victim was dead before he entered the water. Cause of death was strangulation. Despite the lack of evidence, Maya suspects a crime has been committed.
As they were unable to identity the man, they requested a facial reconstruction to enable them to identify him.
Maya soon finds herself with a murder on her hands. But when another body is discovered, the case becomes further complicated. The hope is that facial reconstruction of the first victim will help solve the mystery—but it may lead Maya and her team down an even darker path.
Can Maya catch a killer and escape from her troubled past, or will the skeletons from her past come back to haunt her?
Maya is a likeable but strong woman who stands up for what she believes. She does not mince her words, but delivers her message clearly. I liked her and the plot based on forensics was very entertaining and enriching. I can only hope this novel marks the continuation of this new series, which I feel will appeal to a wide audience.
Many thanks to the author, and Bloodhound Books for my digital copy.
October 25, 2021
SOCO Maya Barton, working with her team, are called to process a crime scene where a male body was found submerged in a canal.
The only piece of evidence they find is the bank card belonging to a man named Trevor Dawlish, whose wife has reported him missing. Just as they think they're getting somewhere, the man's wife calls to report that he has returned. But by the time the police get to his house to question him, he's disappeared again.
When it's revealed that the man was dead before being placed in the water, and the fact that another body has been found, leaves them all befuddled.
So how does one identify a killer when they can't even identify the victim?
Multiple story lines keep the reader engaged. I rather liked the blend of the professional with the personal. The characters are solidly drawn, taking their place along side of the forensics crime scene investigation. It's well written with intricate circumstances leading to an unexpected conclusion. As a (real life) CSI and the author of The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers. I expected a great deal of credibility .. I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this compelling British mystery/crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The only piece of evidence they find is the bank card belonging to a man named Trevor Dawlish, whose wife has reported him missing. Just as they think they're getting somewhere, the man's wife calls to report that he has returned. But by the time the police get to his house to question him, he's disappeared again.
When it's revealed that the man was dead before being placed in the water, and the fact that another body has been found, leaves them all befuddled.
So how does one identify a killer when they can't even identify the victim?
Multiple story lines keep the reader engaged. I rather liked the blend of the professional with the personal. The characters are solidly drawn, taking their place along side of the forensics crime scene investigation. It's well written with intricate circumstances leading to an unexpected conclusion. As a (real life) CSI and the author of The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for Crime Writers. I expected a great deal of credibility .. I was not disappointed.
Many thanks to the author / Bloodhound Books for the digital copy of this compelling British mystery/crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
October 20, 2021
Free ARC received from Bloodhound books
In brief, Maya, a Scene of Crimes Officer is involved in removing a body from a canal. Bloated & disfigured the body is unidentifiable, but a bank card belonging to a Trevor Dawlish is found on the body & so the team believe him to be the victim. However, Trevor’s wife later contacts the police to say her husband has just assaulted her before vanishing from the house. So who is the victim?....& if it isn’t Trevor, where is he? What follows is a real page turner, one where you may think you know how it’s going to go but I can pretty much guarantee that there’s still surprises to be had.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author & initially I did wonder if there was going to be too much forensic procedure for my taste but it turned out that the balance was just right. The info & detail added to the story without feeling like things were being padded out - & with the added bonus (for me) of not being bombarded with acronyms & jargon! I liked the way it was straight in with the action, kicking off with the gory details as the team pulled from the canal, a bloated body that was "ready to pop". The camaraderie between the group was good, with the banter & gallows humour helping to establish their personalities & relationships so I felt I was reading about characters I already knew & cared about.
From the Dawlish’s rather brash & brassy interfering neighbour, Laurel, to the particularly odious, misogynistic councillor, all the characters were credible – especially tactless Tara (most offices have one!) Maya herself was a rather endearing figure. As well as the investigation, Maya is dealing with personal issues with a violent father about to be released from prison & the sense of foreboding was palpable as I wondered just what was going to happen next…
…& that was what I found so clever & addictive about this book. It certainly caught me off guard a few times. Just when everything seemed to be panning out, *wham*, a real curve ball was thrown with the tension building beautifully right to the end.
A really good read, definitely one of the just-one-more-chapter variety. Expect a late night once you start it ;o)
In brief, Maya, a Scene of Crimes Officer is involved in removing a body from a canal. Bloated & disfigured the body is unidentifiable, but a bank card belonging to a Trevor Dawlish is found on the body & so the team believe him to be the victim. However, Trevor’s wife later contacts the police to say her husband has just assaulted her before vanishing from the house. So who is the victim?....& if it isn’t Trevor, where is he? What follows is a real page turner, one where you may think you know how it’s going to go but I can pretty much guarantee that there’s still surprises to be had.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author & initially I did wonder if there was going to be too much forensic procedure for my taste but it turned out that the balance was just right. The info & detail added to the story without feeling like things were being padded out - & with the added bonus (for me) of not being bombarded with acronyms & jargon! I liked the way it was straight in with the action, kicking off with the gory details as the team pulled from the canal, a bloated body that was "ready to pop". The camaraderie between the group was good, with the banter & gallows humour helping to establish their personalities & relationships so I felt I was reading about characters I already knew & cared about.
From the Dawlish’s rather brash & brassy interfering neighbour, Laurel, to the particularly odious, misogynistic councillor, all the characters were credible – especially tactless Tara (most offices have one!) Maya herself was a rather endearing figure. As well as the investigation, Maya is dealing with personal issues with a violent father about to be released from prison & the sense of foreboding was palpable as I wondered just what was going to happen next…
…& that was what I found so clever & addictive about this book. It certainly caught me off guard a few times. Just when everything seemed to be panning out, *wham*, a real curve ball was thrown with the tension building beautifully right to the end.
A really good read, definitely one of the just-one-more-chapter variety. Expect a late night once you start it ;o)
October 1, 2021
Maya Barton is called to the scene of a gruesome body. It has been in the canal and is in really bad shape. They find a bank card with a name on it, but the wife says that her husband has been home and is now missing. Is he missing or dead? If he is missing who does this body belong to? But that isn't the only thing going on in Maya's life. Her father is being released from prison. That isn't good news to her, but her mother thinks it will be okay. Another great story by Kate Bendelow! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
October 18, 2021
The idea of this book really appealed to me. A body found in water, badly decomposed, with a bank card. The 'victim' then, having been reported missing, turns up at home. Alongside this story, there is the imminent release of the SOCO's Dad from a long prison sentence. Also lots of different character stories making it a lively, interesting read.
I really enjoyed this. I found it very educational and informative, well written and also laugh out loud funny in parts - the descriptions in the morgue had me giggling. I felt I knew each character and really enjoyed seeing them develop. I look forward to the next book...
I really enjoyed this. I found it very educational and informative, well written and also laugh out loud funny in parts - the descriptions in the morgue had me giggling. I felt I knew each character and really enjoyed seeing them develop. I look forward to the next book...
April 6, 2022
When a heavily decomposed body is found in a canal and a bank card is found in the cadaver’s pocket belonging to Trevor Dawlish it looks like a pretty straightforward case for SOCO Maya Barton and her team. But when Trevor’s wife calls saying he just assaulted her and then disappeared things get more complicated. But the crazy twists in this case are only beginning…
This gripping audiobook packs a punch from the start with a rage-filled prologue that is immediately followed by a gruesome crime scene. I was caught on the author’s hook and on the edge of my seat as I listened.
While Shattered Bones is the second in Kate Bendelow’s Maya Barton trilogy, it was my introduction to both the series and the author. Despite this I never struggled to keep up or understand what was happening, making this a great standalone or introduction to the series. The story is skillfully written, the author’s history as a CSI shining through in the gritty, authentic feel and small details.
This story is a tangled web with many threads, some that I found hard to imagine how they wove together. But as the investigation goes on they slowly begin to weave together and I saw the final picture take shape. And it looked nothing like I’d imagined. I love it when a thriller is hard to predict and this one really was, forcing me to reassess my predictions again and again.
Maya is a great protagonist. I found her likeable, interesting, witty and adept. I loved her relationship with her mother Dominique and enjoyed the tension and emotion that their shared history added to the story. I was very invested in this particular thread of the story and listened with my heart in my throat and even tears in my eyes at one point.
Tense, twisty, unflinching and compelling, Shattered Bones was one of my favourite audiobooks yet and I look forward to the final part of this trilogy. A must-listen for anyone who enjoys a really well-written thriller.
This gripping audiobook packs a punch from the start with a rage-filled prologue that is immediately followed by a gruesome crime scene. I was caught on the author’s hook and on the edge of my seat as I listened.
While Shattered Bones is the second in Kate Bendelow’s Maya Barton trilogy, it was my introduction to both the series and the author. Despite this I never struggled to keep up or understand what was happening, making this a great standalone or introduction to the series. The story is skillfully written, the author’s history as a CSI shining through in the gritty, authentic feel and small details.
This story is a tangled web with many threads, some that I found hard to imagine how they wove together. But as the investigation goes on they slowly begin to weave together and I saw the final picture take shape. And it looked nothing like I’d imagined. I love it when a thriller is hard to predict and this one really was, forcing me to reassess my predictions again and again.
Maya is a great protagonist. I found her likeable, interesting, witty and adept. I loved her relationship with her mother Dominique and enjoyed the tension and emotion that their shared history added to the story. I was very invested in this particular thread of the story and listened with my heart in my throat and even tears in my eyes at one point.
Tense, twisty, unflinching and compelling, Shattered Bones was one of my favourite audiobooks yet and I look forward to the final part of this trilogy. A must-listen for anyone who enjoys a really well-written thriller.
November 15, 2021
Wow, what a brilliant book! So cleverly written, with great characters and shocking twists that will mean you can’t put this down.
I haven’t read the first book of the series but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book.
100% recommend.
I haven’t read the first book of the series but that didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book.
100% recommend.
October 25, 2021
Maya Barton is a very different and more mature character from the one we first met in book one, when she was the newbie with a propensity to make mistakes and have unfounded theories which annoyed her colleagues and led to doubts about her suitability for the job. Now Maya is far more confident, over the horrors of the recent murder-suicide and forms a great part of the SOCO team at Beech Field police station alongside Chris, Connor, Elaine, Nicola, Kym and Amanda. She still has a love/hate relationship with Jack Dwyer, now an Acting DI. The story begins with the recovery of a man’s body from the canal, one which has clearly been there for some time from the state it’s in, and it’s no accident either. The team first think they have struck lucky on identification after finding a bank card belonging to Trevor Dawlish, a council caretaker, but have a shock when the man in question returns home after being missing, assaults his wife and then takes off again. Something or someone has him scared and furious that his disappearance has been reported to the police. After exhaustive enquiries, the detectives are no further on identifying their victim. Facial reconstruction seems the only way forward but the detectives are in for a shock when they see the results. Maya’s personal life is also difficult. Her father’s release from prison is imminent, and she is unsure whether Spence wants a relationship or a friendship. Then another murder victim appears with a link to the first case, and more detectives from MIT join in the search for the truth.
This is a great police/forensics procedural where the real-life CSI author demonstrates her knowledge through Maya and the other SOCOs. The characters are well portrayed, and likeable, especially Chris and Sean. There are lots of twists and potential suspects in the story as it reaches its shocking conclusion, with a little teaser left at the end for the next book. 5*
This is a great police/forensics procedural where the real-life CSI author demonstrates her knowledge through Maya and the other SOCOs. The characters are well portrayed, and likeable, especially Chris and Sean. There are lots of twists and potential suspects in the story as it reaches its shocking conclusion, with a little teaser left at the end for the next book. 5*
October 21, 2021
Book 2 in the Maya Barton SOCO series and another great story. Can be read as a stand-alone but I would read the first book if you can. Well written police / SOCO procedural with a plethora of interesting characters. Not just the main characters but some of the smaller ones such as tactless Tara who has no off button and the massively unpleasant Councillor Hanford.
Briefly, a decomposing body is found with a credit card belonging to Trevor Dawlish who had been reported missing by his wife however, when his wife Bernadette contacts the police to say he has been home it appears that we have another victim. So who is the body? A facial reconstruction provides surprising results. Alongside this confusing case Maya’s father is due to be released from prison and Maya is worried for her mother Dominique.
I enjoyed book one and this is just as good. Well written with the case and the personal storylines not detracting from each other. This was a real page turner for me and I look forward to book 3, well there must be one! Fabulous read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, a decomposing body is found with a credit card belonging to Trevor Dawlish who had been reported missing by his wife however, when his wife Bernadette contacts the police to say he has been home it appears that we have another victim. So who is the body? A facial reconstruction provides surprising results. Alongside this confusing case Maya’s father is due to be released from prison and Maya is worried for her mother Dominique.
I enjoyed book one and this is just as good. Well written with the case and the personal storylines not detracting from each other. This was a real page turner for me and I look forward to book 3, well there must be one! Fabulous read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 25, 2021
I hadn't previously read any of Kate Bendelow's books, I was worried that I would be at a disadvantage but it certainly didn't feel like it. The character development and fast paced storyline kept me turning the pages of this thriller of a read.
SOCO Maya Barton is called to a canal where a seriously decomposed body of a man has been discovered. But who is the man? And is he the victim of a crime or an accident?
The novel follows the course of the investigation, with some startling revelations and plenty of twists to keep you guessing. And as if the main storyline wasn't enough of a hook, there's the parallel plot of Maya's criminal father being released from prison, and how he intends to take his life forward.
Altogether a riveting read and I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book from Bloodhound Books and am posting my honest review.
SOCO Maya Barton is called to a canal where a seriously decomposed body of a man has been discovered. But who is the man? And is he the victim of a crime or an accident?
The novel follows the course of the investigation, with some startling revelations and plenty of twists to keep you guessing. And as if the main storyline wasn't enough of a hook, there's the parallel plot of Maya's criminal father being released from prison, and how he intends to take his life forward.
Altogether a riveting read and I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC of this book from Bloodhound Books and am posting my honest review.
October 9, 2021
I was given a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Maya is back for her second adventure and it is even better than her first. Maya is a scenes of crime Officer (SOCO) and is called to a scene where the victim is believed to be Trevor Dawlish - until his wife phones the police to say he has just assaulted her. Cue the start of a very cleverly written plot that leaves you wondering until the bitter end. I thought I had it all figured out and was totally wrong - but I wasn’t disappointed when I discovered that - just impressed with the quality of the writing that had drawn me in. Add into the mix Maya’s criminal father being released from prison and you have a gem of a book that you can’t put down
Maya is back for her second adventure and it is even better than her first. Maya is a scenes of crime Officer (SOCO) and is called to a scene where the victim is believed to be Trevor Dawlish - until his wife phones the police to say he has just assaulted her. Cue the start of a very cleverly written plot that leaves you wondering until the bitter end. I thought I had it all figured out and was totally wrong - but I wasn’t disappointed when I discovered that - just impressed with the quality of the writing that had drawn me in. Add into the mix Maya’s criminal father being released from prison and you have a gem of a book that you can’t put down
October 20, 2021
This is the second book featuring Maya our SOCO and her colleagues, a really well written storyline and with a group of characters that just work well together. I like to get to know characters over a period of time and familiar faces are in the second instalment. I have to give a special mention to one character, Hanford what a complete bottom hole (trying to keep it polite rather than not having my review submitted for fowl language lol). I wanted to put my hands in to the book and give him a good slap. The sign of a good author is when they can cause readers to have such feelings towards characters whether it be love or hate. I won’t write about the storyline as that’s the job of the blurb but I will say what a great read and hope there are many more Maya books to come.
October 25, 2021
I enjoyed this suspenseful story. This is a newer author for me and the second book in her series. I look forward to reading the first book as well as what holds in the future for this author. This is a well written story about Maya and her next case of murder. What will the facial reconstruction lead Maya and her team to? It could be something much more darker than expected. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. The characters are connectable and brought the story to life. The twists and turns left me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what was lurking in the shadows. This is a great story that I am happy I picked up. I highly recommend this book.
October 25, 2021
Shattered Bones by Kate Bendelow is a highly enjoyable thriller with an exciting plot, clever twists and some memorable characters. As one would expect from a working SOCO, the crime scene investigations and forensic procedures are excellent, fitting naturally into the story and not appearing as “information dumps”. The banter between people doing an, often grisly, job is authentic and the lead protagonist, SOCO Maya Barton, is a credible character. Forget glossy American TV series – this is the real stuff. I’m really looking forward to Maya’s next outing. Brian.
October 24, 2021
I loved this book. I hadn't read the first in the series but I think this stands alone. We delve into Maya's life as a SOCO and how she manages her private life. When a body is recovered from the canal the team try and identify him by various means but this is not easy and the Murder Investigation has a job on their hands. A well written story with lots of twists and turns that keeps you turning the pages
October 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and it was as the saying goes a real page turner and I really wanted to know what was happening and why. I don't want to say much more but the ending was superb.
The author is very talented thinking of these plot lines and allowing the readers to escape down rabbit holes.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
The author is very talented thinking of these plot lines and allowing the readers to escape down rabbit holes.
I was given an advance copy by bloodhound books but the review is entirely my own.
October 21, 2021
Really enjoyed this 2nd book of the series about SOCO Maya. In fact I think I liked this one better than three first book. Familiar characters turn up in this sequel. The plot is very clever and lots of red herrings to keep you guessing. I like this author very much and will certainly buy book 3 when it's out.
October 12, 2021
Following SOCO Maya through another murder case where a body has been pulled from the river. Lots of intrigue and twists that I never saw coming. Loved the ending and looking forward to the next episode.
October 25, 2021
Strong female main character, Maya Barton, takes on a case that seems to have more questions than answers. The writing flows smoothly and the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
October 12, 2021
An interesting story with lot of twists and turns. A few red herrings, but the police get there in the end.
April 8, 2022
The story starts with a gruesome bang as SOCO Maya Barton and her colleagues pull a badly decomposed corpse from a canal. The state of the body makes it hard to identify the dead man, but there is a clue in his pocket - a bank card belonging to a Trevor Dawlish.
Mild-mannered Trevor has been reported missing, and it is possible that this could well be him, but the DNA evidence is confusing and the missing man's wife Bernadette claims to have seen her husband after this man apparently died... So begins a difficult investigation with multiple, twisty strands as Maya and the CSI team, and their CID confederates, attempt to get to the bottom of the Trevor Dawlish case.
This is the second book in the Maya Barton series, but can easily be read as a standalone. There are some details about Maya's family circumstances and the relationships between the team members of the various departments that obviously follow on from book one, but it is easy to pick up the threads quite early in this story and the investigation is self-contained.
Unusually, this police procedural is focused on the CSI department and, although there is a lot of interaction with their CID compatriots, it is through the fascinating forensic work of Maya and her team mates that this complex crime is eventually solved. Kate Bendelow is a real life CSI and the depth of her knowledge comes through so well in the detailed descriptions of the methods used to get to the truth in this story. I found it really interesting getting a glimpse of how all the aspects of police investigations work together from a fresh perspective.
But this is not just a straightforward fact finding mission, because there are many elements of human interest to spice things up nicely as you get to know the different characters, especially through the dynamics of the members of the investigating teams. There's plenty of opportunity to get into the nitty-gritty of the rivalries, friendships and flirtations, with lots of banter to inject some dark humour. There's oodles of tension as well, particularly through the story-line of Maya's sinister father who is released from prison after a long stretch for violent crimes, which adds real menace to the proceedings.
The narrator Isabelle Indge does an excellent job of all the voices and drives the story along at a good pace, carrying you with her through all the twists and turns. This tale was so twisty that I frequently found myself confident in the details of who did what to who, only to find that a new bit of evidence gets uncovered to shatter my illusions, and it was lots of fun to be led all round the houses by Bendelow before all the threads worked themselves out.
Highly entertaining, slick and intelligent, this story offers something a little bit different for crime fiction fans, and it kept me guessing all the way through!
Mild-mannered Trevor has been reported missing, and it is possible that this could well be him, but the DNA evidence is confusing and the missing man's wife Bernadette claims to have seen her husband after this man apparently died... So begins a difficult investigation with multiple, twisty strands as Maya and the CSI team, and their CID confederates, attempt to get to the bottom of the Trevor Dawlish case.
This is the second book in the Maya Barton series, but can easily be read as a standalone. There are some details about Maya's family circumstances and the relationships between the team members of the various departments that obviously follow on from book one, but it is easy to pick up the threads quite early in this story and the investigation is self-contained.
Unusually, this police procedural is focused on the CSI department and, although there is a lot of interaction with their CID compatriots, it is through the fascinating forensic work of Maya and her team mates that this complex crime is eventually solved. Kate Bendelow is a real life CSI and the depth of her knowledge comes through so well in the detailed descriptions of the methods used to get to the truth in this story. I found it really interesting getting a glimpse of how all the aspects of police investigations work together from a fresh perspective.
But this is not just a straightforward fact finding mission, because there are many elements of human interest to spice things up nicely as you get to know the different characters, especially through the dynamics of the members of the investigating teams. There's plenty of opportunity to get into the nitty-gritty of the rivalries, friendships and flirtations, with lots of banter to inject some dark humour. There's oodles of tension as well, particularly through the story-line of Maya's sinister father who is released from prison after a long stretch for violent crimes, which adds real menace to the proceedings.
The narrator Isabelle Indge does an excellent job of all the voices and drives the story along at a good pace, carrying you with her through all the twists and turns. This tale was so twisty that I frequently found myself confident in the details of who did what to who, only to find that a new bit of evidence gets uncovered to shatter my illusions, and it was lots of fun to be led all round the houses by Bendelow before all the threads worked themselves out.
Highly entertaining, slick and intelligent, this story offers something a little bit different for crime fiction fans, and it kept me guessing all the way through!
April 28, 2022
A body hauled out of the water which is too decomposed to get a clear identification. Who is poor unfortunate? That’s the first challenge which will face SOCO Maya Barton and her colleagues. Once they know who he is they will then have the unenviable task of working out who killed him.
There can be no doubt that the man in the water was murdered then dumped, post-mortem investigation shows he was strangled before entering the water. But cause of death seems to be all Maya and colleagues do know, their mystery man isn’t giving up many clues to his identity.
It could have been so much more simple. The body had a bank card in a pocket of his sodden clothes. Unfortunately the card belonged to Trevor Dawlish and Trevor has gone missing. His wife has seen him just once in the past fortnight when he briefly popped home but the body has been in the water for most, if not all of that two week period so the potential victim becomes a prime suspect. But Trevor is keeping well off the radar, much to the dispair of his wife.
For Maya the complexity of this challenging case is only one of the problems she is facing. Her estranged father is due to be released from prison. He has contacted Maya’s mother to assure her he is a new man and that he poses no threat to Maya or her mother but Maya isn’t convinced. As the story progresses and her father released Maya becomes increasingly concerned her father is lurking and plotting to come after her – is she right?
Shattered Bones was my introduction to Maya Barton but the second story in the series. It works well as a standalone story though and I didn’t feel I wasn’t following any of the plot threads in Shattered Bones because I had missed earlier events. Maya is a fascinating lead character and definitely one I would revisit – the fact she is a SOCO was a welcome change to the usual police procedural too.
I listened to Shattered Bones through an audiobook and, as I have come to expect from ISIS Audio, it was a quality production. The narrator did a fabulous job making Maya and colleagues relatable and engaging. I am a fan of shorter chapters in audiobooks too as it makes it easier to jump in and out of the story and fit in some listening around the school runs and dog walks, Shattered Bones very much ticked this box too.
The story did feel it took a little time to pick up the pace while the characters were introduced and slotted into their respective places. But in terms of a slow burn there came a point when events suddenly ignited and it all kicked off. I was blindsided by where events eventually ended up and was very pleasantly surprised as to how easily I had missed clues. Great fun.
There can be no doubt that the man in the water was murdered then dumped, post-mortem investigation shows he was strangled before entering the water. But cause of death seems to be all Maya and colleagues do know, their mystery man isn’t giving up many clues to his identity.
It could have been so much more simple. The body had a bank card in a pocket of his sodden clothes. Unfortunately the card belonged to Trevor Dawlish and Trevor has gone missing. His wife has seen him just once in the past fortnight when he briefly popped home but the body has been in the water for most, if not all of that two week period so the potential victim becomes a prime suspect. But Trevor is keeping well off the radar, much to the dispair of his wife.
For Maya the complexity of this challenging case is only one of the problems she is facing. Her estranged father is due to be released from prison. He has contacted Maya’s mother to assure her he is a new man and that he poses no threat to Maya or her mother but Maya isn’t convinced. As the story progresses and her father released Maya becomes increasingly concerned her father is lurking and plotting to come after her – is she right?
Shattered Bones was my introduction to Maya Barton but the second story in the series. It works well as a standalone story though and I didn’t feel I wasn’t following any of the plot threads in Shattered Bones because I had missed earlier events. Maya is a fascinating lead character and definitely one I would revisit – the fact she is a SOCO was a welcome change to the usual police procedural too.
I listened to Shattered Bones through an audiobook and, as I have come to expect from ISIS Audio, it was a quality production. The narrator did a fabulous job making Maya and colleagues relatable and engaging. I am a fan of shorter chapters in audiobooks too as it makes it easier to jump in and out of the story and fit in some listening around the school runs and dog walks, Shattered Bones very much ticked this box too.
The story did feel it took a little time to pick up the pace while the characters were introduced and slotted into their respective places. But in terms of a slow burn there came a point when events suddenly ignited and it all kicked off. I was blindsided by where events eventually ended up and was very pleasantly surprised as to how easily I had missed clues. Great fun.
April 11, 2022
This is book two in the Maya Barton Series, I have to admit as I like to read or listen to books in order I did listen to book one first Definitely Dead before listening to this one.
Maya is in her dream job as a Scene of Crime Officer or SOCO’S as they are called for short.
A decomposed body has been found in the canal, it’s a male, and a bank card in a pocket says it’s Trevor Dawlish. The wife of Trevor Dawlish had reported him missing, but then she called the police again in tears to say he had come back and had assaulted her, but when the police arrived to interview him he had disappeared again. So if the real Trevor Dawlish is alive whose body have they pulled from the canal? The body is too bloated to be identified and from the post-mortem they find out the person had been strangled so was dead before he was thrown in the canal.
How can you catch a murderer if you have no idea who has been murdered?
Kym Lawson the senior crime scene investigator, assigns Maya and her colleague Chris Makin to investigate. It’s not going to be an easy case to solve with no ID and no evidence.
The only way to identify the body is by getting, the face reconstructed and maybe then they will be able to move forward. However, it’s not long before another body is found, making Maya and Chris’s jobs even more complicated. Can identifying the first body help with solving both deaths.
Not only is Maya dealing with these two deaths but some skeletons from her own past come back to haunt her.
What I enjoyed with this is the strength of Maya as a character, she takes no nonsense from anyone, she is a really likeable and believable character.
I enjoyed the narration by Annabelle Inge you always new which character was speaking as the narrator gave them their own voices, she didn’t just read the story, but brought each of the characters to life. The multiple storylines also keep you engaged as you listen. I enjoyed the fact that there is not just the professional side of things but blended into the story was some of the personal life. I find this helps you to not just get to know the characters at work but they become more three dimensional, with a series it helps you relate with the characters, feel like you know them. They feel like friends especially after listening to both books.
If you enjoy a good audible book then I can definitely recommend this one. it’s well narrated. I liked the narrators voice which for me personally is important, if the narrator has a monotone voice it’s very easy for your mind to wander away from the story.
The forensic information was really well dealt with as well, informative but not overly so. As the author has written a book The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for CrimeWriters. You would expect the forensic side of things to be spot in.
If you are looking for a compelling, tense, engrossing story that draws you in from the start then look no further.
I look forward to the final book in this trilogy.
Maya is in her dream job as a Scene of Crime Officer or SOCO’S as they are called for short.
A decomposed body has been found in the canal, it’s a male, and a bank card in a pocket says it’s Trevor Dawlish. The wife of Trevor Dawlish had reported him missing, but then she called the police again in tears to say he had come back and had assaulted her, but when the police arrived to interview him he had disappeared again. So if the real Trevor Dawlish is alive whose body have they pulled from the canal? The body is too bloated to be identified and from the post-mortem they find out the person had been strangled so was dead before he was thrown in the canal.
How can you catch a murderer if you have no idea who has been murdered?
Kym Lawson the senior crime scene investigator, assigns Maya and her colleague Chris Makin to investigate. It’s not going to be an easy case to solve with no ID and no evidence.
The only way to identify the body is by getting, the face reconstructed and maybe then they will be able to move forward. However, it’s not long before another body is found, making Maya and Chris’s jobs even more complicated. Can identifying the first body help with solving both deaths.
Not only is Maya dealing with these two deaths but some skeletons from her own past come back to haunt her.
What I enjoyed with this is the strength of Maya as a character, she takes no nonsense from anyone, she is a really likeable and believable character.
I enjoyed the narration by Annabelle Inge you always new which character was speaking as the narrator gave them their own voices, she didn’t just read the story, but brought each of the characters to life. The multiple storylines also keep you engaged as you listen. I enjoyed the fact that there is not just the professional side of things but blended into the story was some of the personal life. I find this helps you to not just get to know the characters at work but they become more three dimensional, with a series it helps you relate with the characters, feel like you know them. They feel like friends especially after listening to both books.
If you enjoy a good audible book then I can definitely recommend this one. it’s well narrated. I liked the narrators voice which for me personally is important, if the narrator has a monotone voice it’s very easy for your mind to wander away from the story.
The forensic information was really well dealt with as well, informative but not overly so. As the author has written a book The Real CSI: A Forensic Handbook for CrimeWriters. You would expect the forensic side of things to be spot in.
If you are looking for a compelling, tense, engrossing story that draws you in from the start then look no further.
I look forward to the final book in this trilogy.
April 2, 2022
This is my first outing with Maya Barton but it won’t be my last. I loved this book and am definitely going to read the first one in the series and any new ones afterwards. Shattered Bones works well as a stand alone despite being a second book. I love discovering new authors and crime series’.
A dead body in the water and a bank card nearby identifying the victim seems like a good start to a case however when the card owner turns up alive and well, then disappears again things become murkier than the river itself. How do you solve a murder when you can’t even identify the victim?
I’ve always been fascinated by forensics from being a teen and enjoyed that element of this novel. It’s one of those carers I always wanted to do. Written by a very experienced CSI, I imagine that the details and procedures are very accurately depicted, and I found this informative.
The plot begins right in the action and doesn’t stop from there. I loved trying to solve the crime and piece clues together but there were so many twists that I failed miserably. Still had loads of fun trying though.
I always prefer my crime thrillers to have some elements of character development through their personal lives too. I feel it adds additional depth to the characters if we know the outside of work. Maya is a great character. She’s real, and the secondary plot of her dealing with the release of her father from prisons added extra tension and stress onto Maya’s shoulders.
I’m a little particular about narration and I really got into Annabelle’s story telling. She helped to create the tension really well and brought the atmosphere and characters to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Shattered Bones and I highly recommend this ‘edge of your seat’ crime thriller.
A dead body in the water and a bank card nearby identifying the victim seems like a good start to a case however when the card owner turns up alive and well, then disappears again things become murkier than the river itself. How do you solve a murder when you can’t even identify the victim?
I’ve always been fascinated by forensics from being a teen and enjoyed that element of this novel. It’s one of those carers I always wanted to do. Written by a very experienced CSI, I imagine that the details and procedures are very accurately depicted, and I found this informative.
The plot begins right in the action and doesn’t stop from there. I loved trying to solve the crime and piece clues together but there were so many twists that I failed miserably. Still had loads of fun trying though.
I always prefer my crime thrillers to have some elements of character development through their personal lives too. I feel it adds additional depth to the characters if we know the outside of work. Maya is a great character. She’s real, and the secondary plot of her dealing with the release of her father from prisons added extra tension and stress onto Maya’s shoulders.
I’m a little particular about narration and I really got into Annabelle’s story telling. She helped to create the tension really well and brought the atmosphere and characters to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Shattered Bones and I highly recommend this ‘edge of your seat’ crime thriller.
April 6, 2022
I have had Kate's books on my radar for a while now, as she is doing the job I have dreamed of for a while. When she used Diatoms in her first few chapters my inner geek was awoken and very happy.
This is an intriguing story in which a body is found, with a debit card in his pocket that doesnt belong to him. Due to the advanced state of decay the team are having trouble indentifying the deceased man. The man who was wrongly identifies was missing, returned home, attacked his wife, then disappeared again. What is going on with him? Whys he running scared?
I like Maya's character, she has a lot of her own personal issues but is still professional at work, and able to partake in the dark humour that gets them through each day. The rest of the team have gelled with me, and I think they are all likeable, even Jack, but Chris and Sean are standouts.
When another victim appears the team really have a tough job. The knowledge of the author into the role of a SOCO shine through, but never excessively. You can almost picture yourself alongside the team observing.
As I read this as an audiobook I will add that the narrator was spot on. There was a drunk amourous woman that was really irritating to listen to but that was exactly the point. Some of the chapters are very short and you fly though it at times. All in all, brilliant.
This is an intriguing story in which a body is found, with a debit card in his pocket that doesnt belong to him. Due to the advanced state of decay the team are having trouble indentifying the deceased man. The man who was wrongly identifies was missing, returned home, attacked his wife, then disappeared again. What is going on with him? Whys he running scared?
I like Maya's character, she has a lot of her own personal issues but is still professional at work, and able to partake in the dark humour that gets them through each day. The rest of the team have gelled with me, and I think they are all likeable, even Jack, but Chris and Sean are standouts.
When another victim appears the team really have a tough job. The knowledge of the author into the role of a SOCO shine through, but never excessively. You can almost picture yourself alongside the team observing.
As I read this as an audiobook I will add that the narrator was spot on. There was a drunk amourous woman that was really irritating to listen to but that was exactly the point. Some of the chapters are very short and you fly though it at times. All in all, brilliant.
April 7, 2022
Audiobook Review
What a gripping listen this has been. The audiobook gets off to a compelling start with a heavily decomposed body being found in a canal. The only ID found on the body is a bank card in a jeans pocket belong to a Trevor Dawlish. Though Trevor doesn't appear to be missing as his wife has just reported he's assaulted her!
I'd not come across this author before, and Shattered Bones is her second book featuring SOCO Maya Barton. This didn't detract from the storyline in any way. This worked well as a standalone, and I didn't feel I was missing any backstory needed to fill in gaps. It was easy to get into. I do however now want to listen to book 1.
The chapters were short and the narration spot on. It was always easy to pick up where I had left off.
The detailed CSI procedures made this an informative listen. The author has worked as a CSI for over 19 years so knows her stuff and this shines through.
Highly recommend listening to Shattered Bones.
What a gripping listen this has been. The audiobook gets off to a compelling start with a heavily decomposed body being found in a canal. The only ID found on the body is a bank card in a jeans pocket belong to a Trevor Dawlish. Though Trevor doesn't appear to be missing as his wife has just reported he's assaulted her!
I'd not come across this author before, and Shattered Bones is her second book featuring SOCO Maya Barton. This didn't detract from the storyline in any way. This worked well as a standalone, and I didn't feel I was missing any backstory needed to fill in gaps. It was easy to get into. I do however now want to listen to book 1.
The chapters were short and the narration spot on. It was always easy to pick up where I had left off.
The detailed CSI procedures made this an informative listen. The author has worked as a CSI for over 19 years so knows her stuff and this shines through.
Highly recommend listening to Shattered Bones.
October 11, 2023
This is an exceptional smartly plotted procedural with well rounded and believable characters. You can feel the camar of the team and the role they play in dealing with the crimes they investigate.
I was fully invested in the story and the twists and turns kept me intrigued throughout nothing seemed signposted so I always felt shocked and surprised when they happened.
My only niggle, that this was book 2 and I hadn't read book 1 but that's a good niggle to have. Looking forward to reading more of Kate Bendelows work.
November 13, 2021
Good until the last page.
An interesting story with a lot of insight into forensic work. The characters had depth,were interesting and a fair amount of action. My problem is how the book ended. Its like author got tired and just quit. If I had know it was book one of more( don’t know how many) I probably would not have read it.
An interesting story with a lot of insight into forensic work. The characters had depth,were interesting and a fair amount of action. My problem is how the book ended. Its like author got tired and just quit. If I had know it was book one of more( don’t know how many) I probably would not have read it.
April 8, 2022
Another gripping page turner about Maya Barton's work and life. The narrative really gives you a fantastic insight into the work of a CIS and hopefully the father of Maya will finally get his just deserts in the next volume.
April 4, 2022
Well done. Good to get to know the characters better. Surprise ending!
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