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DI Fenella Sallow #3
Twisted Bones
You can't silence the dead...
Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow is tormented by a dark past and obsessive about the truth…no matter how shocking.
Fenella thought she'd seen it all—until a routine call at a local beauty spot uncovers a gruesome find that digs up dark memories from her past.
With the public baying for blood, politicians up in arms and police superiors circling, Fenella faces the toughest case of her career. One in which she will have to battle psychological demons from her past and face down her fears about the future.
Pressure mounts as Fenella attempts to find the truth about the murder. Is it linked to her sister's disappearance? And what about the man with the devil whisp beard? He was the last person to see her sister alive. Does he hold the clue to what happened?
Set against the backdrop of beautiful coastal Cumbria, an ancient land of legend, folklore and myth, Whispered Bones is the third book in the Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow series.
This page-turning crime thriller will keep you hooked until the very end. If you like police procedurals with psychologically complex characters and shocking twists, then you’ll love Twistered Bones.
Perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, Rachel McLean, JD. Kirk, Simon McCleave, Stuart MacBride, Matt Brolly, Angela Marsons, Alex Smith, JM. Dalgliesh, JE. Mayhew, David J. Gatward, TG Reid, Damien Boyd, Jack Gatland, Robert F Barker and JR. Ellis.
Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow is tormented by a dark past and obsessive about the truth…no matter how shocking.
Fenella thought she'd seen it all—until a routine call at a local beauty spot uncovers a gruesome find that digs up dark memories from her past.
With the public baying for blood, politicians up in arms and police superiors circling, Fenella faces the toughest case of her career. One in which she will have to battle psychological demons from her past and face down her fears about the future.
Pressure mounts as Fenella attempts to find the truth about the murder. Is it linked to her sister's disappearance? And what about the man with the devil whisp beard? He was the last person to see her sister alive. Does he hold the clue to what happened?
Set against the backdrop of beautiful coastal Cumbria, an ancient land of legend, folklore and myth, Whispered Bones is the third book in the Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow series.
This page-turning crime thriller will keep you hooked until the very end. If you like police procedurals with psychologically complex characters and shocking twists, then you’ll love Twistered Bones.
Perfect for fans of L. J. Ross, Rachel McLean, JD. Kirk, Simon McCleave, Stuart MacBride, Matt Brolly, Angela Marsons, Alex Smith, JM. Dalgliesh, JE. Mayhew, David J. Gatward, TG Reid, Damien Boyd, Jack Gatland, Robert F Barker and JR. Ellis.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2022
2026 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 1, 2024
DI Sallow and team are seeking a murderer who has apparently returned to terrorize their corner of the world after escaping prison. Multiple twists, engaging characters, and an expert consultant add depth to this engrossing mystery.
March 11, 2023
Another great book in this new series by N.C. Lewis. It definitely reminds me of the British series Vera. There are several storylines in this book that come together in the end. Expect a lot of twists and turns and your guesses to be wrong... I know mine were several times. The ending was a total surprise. I never saw that one coming! Highly recommend.
April 12, 2025
I won't be reading any more of this series. I find the storylines odd and some of the conclusions are a real stretch of reality. I have tried about 3 of her books after reading the rave reviews and can't see the reason for such high praise. I kept hoping there would be an improvement but nope. I'm done. Absolutely no comparison with the Vera series by Anne Cleeves of whom I've been a fan ever since I read her first book.
April 18, 2022
It is rare to find a read that is so well written, wonderfully descriptive, atmospheric and thought provoking. N.C Lewis surpasses herself in this woeful story of the kidnapping of a disabled child, murders old and new, and as for the murderer!!! I was left shocked, stunned, saddened but also relieved.
Twisted bones has an array of characters with flaws and addictions that leave you questioning human nature. Great care has been given to each character’s depiction, the strong, kind, thoughtful and haunted detective inspector Fenella Sallow especially so.
Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
Twisted bones has an array of characters with flaws and addictions that leave you questioning human nature. Great care has been given to each character’s depiction, the strong, kind, thoughtful and haunted detective inspector Fenella Sallow especially so.
Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
August 15, 2024
Growing on me
Nancy Drew for adults?
Fenella isn’t the typical obsessive, flawed cop-protagonist. She’s balanced. Although I’ve rated these mysteries as average, I have yet to figure out “who-done-it” —even at the end. That is very fun.
Fenella’s sidekicks help round out her almost-too-motherly character. All in all, all three books have been good, and I’ve been unable to put them down. Even now, I’m reaching for my Kindle to buy the next installment in the Detective Fenella Sallow mystery series.
Nancy Drew for adults?
Fenella isn’t the typical obsessive, flawed cop-protagonist. She’s balanced. Although I’ve rated these mysteries as average, I have yet to figure out “who-done-it” —even at the end. That is very fun.
Fenella’s sidekicks help round out her almost-too-motherly character. All in all, all three books have been good, and I’ve been unable to put them down. Even now, I’m reaching for my Kindle to buy the next installment in the Detective Fenella Sallow mystery series.
June 29, 2022
The third in a series of four…the latter of which will not arrive until September :-(
I’m finding each of these books better than the last. This book had me wondering, since the first 25% was spent introducing characters with no apparent connection. As the story develops, connections start to appear and Fenella has a murder and kidnapping to solve.
I would recommend this series highly to anyone who like to read British mysteries. The books are not too violent and Fenella has gray hair!!
I’m finding each of these books better than the last. This book had me wondering, since the first 25% was spent introducing characters with no apparent connection. As the story develops, connections start to appear and Fenella has a murder and kidnapping to solve.
I would recommend this series highly to anyone who like to read British mysteries. The books are not too violent and Fenella has gray hair!!
January 21, 2023
Convoluted
I enjoyed the first two in the series, but this one was difficult to get through. The story was all over the place, characters confusing, and overall just hard to follow. A good bit of unnecessary fluff thrown in, to speed read through. There main wrap up of the story was ok but other sidelines weren't finished and remained a bit confused. I would recommend skipping this one.
I enjoyed the first two in the series, but this one was difficult to get through. The story was all over the place, characters confusing, and overall just hard to follow. A good bit of unnecessary fluff thrown in, to speed read through. There main wrap up of the story was ok but other sidelines weren't finished and remained a bit confused. I would recommend skipping this one.
April 14, 2024
some odd imagery
Lots of twists and turns, I didn’t guess the murderer or the motive. There were some odd word choices that really grated when I was reading. One, which was used several times, was a description of “fat and juicy potatoes.” I can’t even imagine what a fat, juicy potato would be like. Another was a description of someone’s mouth being open so wide that his tonsils looked like spears. Seriously?
Lots of twists and turns, I didn’t guess the murderer or the motive. There were some odd word choices that really grated when I was reading. One, which was used several times, was a description of “fat and juicy potatoes.” I can’t even imagine what a fat, juicy potato would be like. Another was a description of someone’s mouth being open so wide that his tonsils looked like spears. Seriously?
January 8, 2025
Didn't like quite as well as #2 but am warming up to Fenella and her team... The plot was not my favorite and I still had questions at the end. Only thing editorially I would like to ask Lewis revolves around 'lime green' is what was/is the significance of that. Everyone but Fanella and Dexter seemed to sport either a lime green t-shirt, blouse, tie, dress and even one of the hospital wards was lime green paint. Lots of green mentioned.. ;)
April 17, 2022
This series gets better with every book! This time Fenella has a kidnapping and a murder to solve. Skilled storytelling, interesting characters and plenty of plot twists make this one hard to put down. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
May 3, 2022
Twisted heart a!so
I really enjoyed Fenella AND her fearless squad! The tale is excellent, full of excitement, heartache Ang enjoyment. This is the second book in the series that I have thoroughly e enjoyed with heart ringing pain at times.And I am sure to enjoy more of N.C.LEWIS'S'S writiNGS. Please carry on writing please!
I really enjoyed Fenella AND her fearless squad! The tale is excellent, full of excitement, heartache Ang enjoyment. This is the second book in the series that I have thoroughly e enjoyed with heart ringing pain at times.And I am sure to enjoy more of N.C.LEWIS'S'S writiNGS. Please carry on writing please!
September 13, 2024
Mystery with a Hint of the Macabre
These books are just fun to read, interesting and mysterious. Describing it I would say the main character is kind of a “down home” detective inspector, one I can imagine having a conversation with. Fenella Sallow lives with her husband and mother, kids all grown and gone with a razor-sharp mind and a kind heart.
These books are just fun to read, interesting and mysterious. Describing it I would say the main character is kind of a “down home” detective inspector, one I can imagine having a conversation with. Fenella Sallow lives with her husband and mother, kids all grown and gone with a razor-sharp mind and a kind heart.
September 27, 2024
love DI Fanella - couldn’t put this down!
This series has really captured me - Fanella, Dexter, Finn, Jones, Rab - they’re all so perfectly imperfect - the villains often aren’t hate-able, they live in all the gray areas. The plots are unique, the locations are fascinating, I am really enjoying NC Lewis & I’m now looking for the 4th book!
This series has really captured me - Fanella, Dexter, Finn, Jones, Rab - they’re all so perfectly imperfect - the villains often aren’t hate-able, they live in all the gray areas. The plots are unique, the locations are fascinating, I am really enjoying NC Lewis & I’m now looking for the 4th book!
March 31, 2025
desperate
Of all the mysteries I’ve read for many years, this one is so messy with horrific events that l just had to laugh. It’s like the author was so desperate to create a story that she went overboard and threw in everything she could think of, making the book ridiculous. Thanks, I’ve had enough.
Of all the mysteries I’ve read for many years, this one is so messy with horrific events that l just had to laugh. It’s like the author was so desperate to create a story that she went overboard and threw in everything she could think of, making the book ridiculous. Thanks, I’ve had enough.
April 28, 2022
liking the characters
I have enjoyed all the books so far, and am looking forward to the next one. My only criticism is an excessive use of the word “nowt” which, in my opinion, does not flow withe rest of the narrative.
I have enjoyed all the books so far, and am looking forward to the next one. My only criticism is an excessive use of the word “nowt” which, in my opinion, does not flow withe rest of the narrative.
May 20, 2022
Good mystery
Lots of twists and turns keep this story moving. The characters are interesting and complex and the story is told from multiple points of view. The ending was a bit of a surprise and not all of the questions get neatly answered, sort of like real life.
Lots of twists and turns keep this story moving. The characters are interesting and complex and the story is told from multiple points of view. The ending was a bit of a surprise and not all of the questions get neatly answered, sort of like real life.
July 6, 2022
Loving this series
I find myself caught up in the lives of Fenella, Dexter, and the other police officers. Not just in the crime they're solving but in their personal lives as well. I can't wait to read on!
I find myself caught up in the lives of Fenella, Dexter, and the other police officers. Not just in the crime they're solving but in their personal lives as well. I can't wait to read on!
July 13, 2022
An exceptional story.
This has to be one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. So many twist and turns. It kept me guessing all along. I can't wait for the next book. 5 stars all the way. A winner for sure.
This has to be one of the best mysteries I have read in a long time. So many twist and turns. It kept me guessing all along. I can't wait for the next book. 5 stars all the way. A winner for sure.
August 7, 2022
Good Book
I enjoyed this book. I liked the team. Especially DI Sallow. It’s nice to have a DI with a healthy family life. I didn’t have a clue who the murderer was! I highly recommend this book.
I enjoyed this book. I liked the team. Especially DI Sallow. It’s nice to have a DI with a healthy family life. I didn’t have a clue who the murderer was! I highly recommend this book.
September 18, 2022
Total garbage. He needs to take a writing course. Nonsensical plot and dialogues. The copy editing is good, but he needs to pay a developmentmental editor. I've read a few of his books in the past, for free: they're not worth the money he charges.
October 15, 2022
For once I had no idea of where this plot was going. The author managed to make so many people seem guilty it was just impossible to work out the culprit was and whether there was more than one. A lot of people were guilty of different things but not what you might think.
October 30, 2022
A Chilling Read
I absolutely love the DI Finella Sallow series. Cases involving children are always the worst. The clock is constantly ticking and the child needs medication. It’s suspense that doesn’t end.
I absolutely love the DI Finella Sallow series. Cases involving children are always the worst. The clock is constantly ticking and the child needs medication. It’s suspense that doesn’t end.
December 16, 2022
Twisted Bones
Twisted Bones was an exciting mystery or "who done it". The characters were believable and likable. Throughout the entire book you will guess who did what but until the end, you will not know. If you enjoy light mysteries, read N.C. Lewis.
Twisted Bones was an exciting mystery or "who done it". The characters were believable and likable. Throughout the entire book you will guess who did what but until the end, you will not know. If you enjoy light mysteries, read N.C. Lewis.
March 4, 2023
Corvus
What can I say that won’t spoil this wonderful book? Different style of writing mysteries - like. A thinking persons book, never seem to get who dunnit! Corruption, drugs and superstition.
What can I say that won’t spoil this wonderful book? Different style of writing mysteries - like. A thinking persons book, never seem to get who dunnit! Corruption, drugs and superstition.
March 18, 2023
Twisted Bones book 3
Another good read, Fenella is tracking a murderer and looking for the kidnapped girl. Well written with twists and turns plus people linked together through the storyline. Surprises to the end. Recommend x
Another good read, Fenella is tracking a murderer and looking for the kidnapped girl. Well written with twists and turns plus people linked together through the storyline. Surprises to the end. Recommend x
April 7, 2023
Yet another terrific detective story by N.C. Lewis!
If you like detective tales, you’ll enjoy this one. Lots of characters, and you’ll probably not guess which one did the deed. Aye, there’s nowt but good writing in this book.
If you like detective tales, you’ll enjoy this one. Lots of characters, and you’ll probably not guess which one did the deed. Aye, there’s nowt but good writing in this book.
August 3, 2023
Better than the first two
Though we still don't know how Fenella figures it out, no clues, just a leap of faith. Hate how this ended with a cliffhanger - cheap way to sell the next book instead of relying on talent.
Though we still don't know how Fenella figures it out, no clues, just a leap of faith. Hate how this ended with a cliffhanger - cheap way to sell the next book instead of relying on talent.
September 7, 2023
Very strong police-procedural series. DI Fenella Sallow is a great, human character. She leads a team of interesting characters. It starts off as a kidnapping and moves into a murder. There are also several other crimes and mysteries in the story. Good series.
April 17, 2024
A Very Strange Cast of Characters
Of all the Fenella Sallow novels this one had the most complicated plot and the biggest collection of strange characters. The ending was a surprise, and I’m still not sure how she determined who the perpetrator was.
Of all the Fenella Sallow novels this one had the most complicated plot and the biggest collection of strange characters. The ending was a surprise, and I’m still not sure how she determined who the perpetrator was.
June 9, 2024
Fantastic read
This book was excellent as were the first two, keeps you in suspense from beginning to the very end, hard to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading book 4. Great author highly recommend!
This book was excellent as were the first two, keeps you in suspense from beginning to the very end, hard to put it down. I'm looking forward to reading book 4. Great author highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews