What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Fenella Sallow #4
Answered Bones
The deadliest secrets are the ones in plain sight…
Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow is haunted by her past and cannot escape its painful truth… no matter how hard she tries.
At a social designed to build team spirit, Fenella is called to a grim scene. A mummified woman throws her world into a spin, and the search for the truth tests Fenella to her limits.
As the investigation begins, she peels away a web of intrigue, betrayal, lust and troubling secrets the victim took to the grave.
In her toughest challenge yet, Fenella must face demons from her past and will pay a high price in the race to outwit a killer who leaves no clues.
Set against the backdrop of beautiful coastal Cumbria, an ancient land of legend, folklore and myth, these detective books are page-turning crime thrillers that will keep you hooked until the very end.
If you like detective mysteries with psychologically complex characters and shocking twists, then you’ll love this English police procedural books . Perfect for fans of J M Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, Ryhs Dylan and TG Reid.
Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow is haunted by her past and cannot escape its painful truth… no matter how hard she tries.
At a social designed to build team spirit, Fenella is called to a grim scene. A mummified woman throws her world into a spin, and the search for the truth tests Fenella to her limits.
As the investigation begins, she peels away a web of intrigue, betrayal, lust and troubling secrets the victim took to the grave.
In her toughest challenge yet, Fenella must face demons from her past and will pay a high price in the race to outwit a killer who leaves no clues.
Set against the backdrop of beautiful coastal Cumbria, an ancient land of legend, folklore and myth, these detective books are page-turning crime thrillers that will keep you hooked until the very end.
If you like detective mysteries with psychologically complex characters and shocking twists, then you’ll love this English police procedural books . Perfect for fans of J M Dalgliesh, Ann Cleeves, Ryhs Dylan and TG Reid.
367 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
1828 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
February 15, 2026
I am enjoying the story lines and characters in this series.
January 26, 2026
So D.I. Sallow does it again. This time it was tracking down a serial killer. N.C. Lewis leaves a multitude of false trails. The evidence will point to one suspect but we can't rely on that. The answer always comes from someone unexpected. This mystery involved narrow boats, cock fighting, illegal organ sales - not to mention murder and mutilation. I really need to read these in order, that might clear up a few things.
September 9, 2022
When a mummified body is found in the local pub’s basement, Fenella must get to work! Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow’s job is to discover the truth. Could it be the body of her missing sister? This suspenseful tale is well written. The characters are interesting and believable. There were many red herrings and plot twists. I was very surprised when the murderer was revealed. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from these characters. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a voluntary, unbiased review.
January 18, 2025
This is the 4th book in this series. Each one gets worse, they are badly written, quite a few grammatical errors, repeated phrases (Devils wisp, A bottle of Glenmorangie) and despite being set in Cumbria have lots of American references such as parking lot and vet's office.
It's as though the author has read some of the Vera stories by Ann Cleeves and decided to attempt a similar character and failed miserably.
I can't bring myself to read any more and no longer care what happened to her missing sister.
It's as though the author has read some of the Vera stories by Ann Cleeves and decided to attempt a similar character and failed miserably.
I can't bring myself to read any more and no longer care what happened to her missing sister.
April 6, 2024
I’m still reading …
Good storylines and characters. I’ve read continuously from Book 1 in the last week, so that says something! My main criticism is « how the hell does she identify the perpetrator »? We need to know how Fenella gets to the conclusion - even if it’s retrospectively. Otherwise it’s as if she’s using a crystal ball. Part of the enjoyment of a whodunnit is trying to guess whodunnit, and you can’t if there aren’t any clues.
Good storylines and characters. I’ve read continuously from Book 1 in the last week, so that says something! My main criticism is « how the hell does she identify the perpetrator »? We need to know how Fenella gets to the conclusion - even if it’s retrospectively. Otherwise it’s as if she’s using a crystal ball. Part of the enjoyment of a whodunnit is trying to guess whodunnit, and you can’t if there aren’t any clues.
April 15, 2024
faulty premise
I like the characters in this series. It’s a nice change to have a main character with a happy home life and the relationship between Fenella and Dexter works well. That being said, the premise behind the murders in this book is ridiculous. In order to avoid spoiling the plot I won’t get into specifics other than to say it is an urban myth, not reality.
I like the characters in this series. It’s a nice change to have a main character with a happy home life and the relationship between Fenella and Dexter works well. That being said, the premise behind the murders in this book is ridiculous. In order to avoid spoiling the plot I won’t get into specifics other than to say it is an urban myth, not reality.
June 25, 2025
I won't give a resume of the book, many others have already done so, so I will just give an overview to any future reader, though I suspect 99% do not read these reviews until they, themselves have read the book.
I've hung in reading this series and as they are short books I may make it until the end so I can keep seeing all the things that are bad with these books. There are clear errors, both in description and grammar, and like many authors, N.C. Lewis is repetitive with respect to character and other activities. I presume to assist those who starting reading Book. 7!!! Really! Readers should start from the beginning of the series but publishers are always pushing a special deal on a book which might be in the middle or towards the end of a series.
Some of the characters are pretty awful e.g. Superintendent Jeffery. I could not see the purpose of a dreadful character such as her's. If we want a bad boss, and most UK crime books have them, then make them a badass, not a phoney like Jeffery who wants to send the SIO on a management course when she is investigating a serial killer. This author has been pushed a lot e.g. Facebook, so you would assume that this is a topline author and a great read. That is not the case.
I've hung in reading this series and as they are short books I may make it until the end so I can keep seeing all the things that are bad with these books. There are clear errors, both in description and grammar, and like many authors, N.C. Lewis is repetitive with respect to character and other activities. I presume to assist those who starting reading Book. 7!!! Really! Readers should start from the beginning of the series but publishers are always pushing a special deal on a book which might be in the middle or towards the end of a series.
Some of the characters are pretty awful e.g. Superintendent Jeffery. I could not see the purpose of a dreadful character such as her's. If we want a bad boss, and most UK crime books have them, then make them a badass, not a phoney like Jeffery who wants to send the SIO on a management course when she is investigating a serial killer. This author has been pushed a lot e.g. Facebook, so you would assume that this is a topline author and a great read. That is not the case.
September 6, 2025
Good read but flawed..
This is the 3rd book of the series which I have read. The first I enjoyed but was.annoyed that the ending seemed to emerge from nowhere, implausible. The same impression from this story - an ending out of the blue.
I've also become used to recurring themes (e.g.dodgy coppers who somehow go unnoticed about their offside business unsuspected).
The style is now quite familiar with oft repeated images which have decreasing impact.
The character of Fennella is well fleshed out and credible, as is sidekick Dexter but lesser characters (e.g.boss.Jeffery) verge on caricature.
Lastly, what bearing on the plot does the title of any one of the series have?
I so wanted to find this series compelling but I have not been drawn in.
I have them on my phone to read when killing time and for that they are entertaining.
This is the 3rd book of the series which I have read. The first I enjoyed but was.annoyed that the ending seemed to emerge from nowhere, implausible. The same impression from this story - an ending out of the blue.
I've also become used to recurring themes (e.g.dodgy coppers who somehow go unnoticed about their offside business unsuspected).
The style is now quite familiar with oft repeated images which have decreasing impact.
The character of Fennella is well fleshed out and credible, as is sidekick Dexter but lesser characters (e.g.boss.Jeffery) verge on caricature.
Lastly, what bearing on the plot does the title of any one of the series have?
I so wanted to find this series compelling but I have not been drawn in.
I have them on my phone to read when killing time and for that they are entertaining.
September 2, 2022
Yet another incredibly well crafted novel by N.C Lewis. What an intricately laced web of lies, deceit and hideous murders, aptly named; Answered Bones.
With Detective inspector Fenella Sallow and her team searching for a killer the author sets scenes, oozing atmosphere with a hypnotic, poetic and dramatic flair. I was immediately immersed in the investigation and invested in the interesting characters, old and new alike. What an outcome! I am still reeling from the incredible turn of events that lead to uncovering the truth and the killer’s identity. Breadcrumbs have been left and we wait in anticipation for more in this series.
With Detective inspector Fenella Sallow and her team searching for a killer the author sets scenes, oozing atmosphere with a hypnotic, poetic and dramatic flair. I was immediately immersed in the investigation and invested in the interesting characters, old and new alike. What an outcome! I am still reeling from the incredible turn of events that lead to uncovering the truth and the killer’s identity. Breadcrumbs have been left and we wait in anticipation for more in this series.
February 3, 2026
For me this is the best of the series so far. I really like DI Fenella Sallow and her compatriots. The stories are woven with the Cumbria atmosphere, the weather, the places, the people…especially those wearing ‘tight headscarves’. I think there has been at least one person per book wearing one! But I love this theme of the locals. Murders are also the theme with complex plots and many suspects. These books are so good I’m already reading the 5th in the series, Hollowed Bones. Give them them a shot if you like a bit quirky, a lot atmospheric, and a great ‘whodunnit’.
August 22, 2022
Another wonderful addition the Detective Inspector Fenella Sallow series. The murders are a little grizzly, but no gorry details. Thought I guessed the killer the entire book and was stunned by the ending. Looking forward to book 5.
This is a definite read for fans of British crime dramas. DI Sallow reminds me of the character Vera.
The author grated me an advanced copy; however, the review is voluntary and my own opinion.
This is a definite read for fans of British crime dramas. DI Sallow reminds me of the character Vera.
The author grated me an advanced copy; however, the review is voluntary and my own opinion.
May 22, 2025
A Sad Take on Women
NC Lewis writes novels with a female lead heroine, but every other female character in the novel is either incompetent, stupid or an addict (and sometimes in combination). In addition, apparently there is no place on England that doesn’t smell bad. Her plots are good, but not fully explained. Having read 3 of her books in the series, I’m done. Hopefully she can find a place that she actually likes and where women aren’t all losers or victims.
NC Lewis writes novels with a female lead heroine, but every other female character in the novel is either incompetent, stupid or an addict (and sometimes in combination). In addition, apparently there is no place on England that doesn’t smell bad. Her plots are good, but not fully explained. Having read 3 of her books in the series, I’m done. Hopefully she can find a place that she actually likes and where women aren’t all losers or victims.
December 20, 2022
Answered Bones
Answered Bones was another of N.C.Lewis' mysteries. It was a little hard to follow with all of the characters and the troubles they each had. I think that is Lewis' method though. You never imagine who "did it" until the very end of the book. I almost felt this would be the last of this author's books that I would read for now but the ending changed my mind.
Answered Bones was another of N.C.Lewis' mysteries. It was a little hard to follow with all of the characters and the troubles they each had. I think that is Lewis' method though. You never imagine who "did it" until the very end of the book. I almost felt this would be the last of this author's books that I would read for now but the ending changed my mind.
July 23, 2024
This series keeps getting better and better. The support characters are as interesting as the main characters. The plot has many different twists and turns and even gets you to the point that you are sure who the killer and then takes another turn and a person that wasn't even on the radar is found to be the killer. These books are very hard to put down once you start reading them.
August 19, 2024
I definitely like the main characters of this series as they are predictable, caring, and all have foibles. However, there were too many variables that were not believable especially "who done it". Seemed like a bit of grasping compared to the other books.
With that said, I am not sure if I am going to continue on but time will tell. I am patiently waiting for DD Black, and ....
With that said, I am not sure if I am going to continue on but time will tell. I am patiently waiting for DD Black, and ....
October 4, 2024
great series
My wife suggested I buy the series as I am an avid mystery, thriller reader, and I have to say who is a great suggestion. I enjoyed each of these books and the twists and the turns. The characters are expressed in such detail that you can almost see them. And the plot is excellent.
My wife suggested I buy the series as I am an avid mystery, thriller reader, and I have to say who is a great suggestion. I enjoyed each of these books and the twists and the turns. The characters are expressed in such detail that you can almost see them. And the plot is excellent.
November 24, 2024
It's always the person you least suspect
I love the way the author has developed the characters and each storyline in this series. But it's always someone that you would never expect who commits the crime. I swear I had this one pinned but I didn't. Maybe that's a good plot twist, however, the author never develops a motive for the killer until the very end during the reveal.
I love the way the author has developed the characters and each storyline in this series. But it's always someone that you would never expect who commits the crime. I swear I had this one pinned but I didn't. Maybe that's a good plot twist, however, the author never develops a motive for the killer until the very end during the reveal.
February 19, 2023
Good Book!
DI Sallow is the kind of detective that I have wanted to read. She’s a hard working detective that also has a happy family life. I never had a clue who the murderer was! I highly recommend this book.
DI Sallow is the kind of detective that I have wanted to read. She’s a hard working detective that also has a happy family life. I never had a clue who the murderer was! I highly recommend this book.
March 21, 2023
The authors up to his old tricks. Not my favorite book, especially what may be coming in the future. This was a sequel to the third book and I’m sure that’s what’s to come rely on these books. Play with the mind as usually.
March 27, 2023
Interesting characters
Enjoyed reading this as much as the others. Fenella Sallow is a great character. A Murder amongst low life's can seem a foregone conclusion but the intricacies and double turns made this novel a great read.
Enjoyed reading this as much as the others. Fenella Sallow is a great character. A Murder amongst low life's can seem a foregone conclusion but the intricacies and double turns made this novel a great read.
August 3, 2023
Another cliffhanger ending
Such a cheap trick. But at least Lewis gave some hints, sort of, how Frenella figured out the killer. The red herrings are now apparent because they're in every book.
Such a cheap trick. But at least Lewis gave some hints, sort of, how Frenella figured out the killer. The red herrings are now apparent because they're in every book.
September 29, 2023
I really enjoy these books and I even figured out the killer in this one
I just wish the author would describe the physical appearance of the characters? It is difficult to know I think Dexter is black?
I just wish the author would describe the physical appearance of the characters? It is difficult to know I think Dexter is black?
July 29, 2024
Another Enjoyable Read
These Fenalla Sallow novels are always interesting, even with the occasional “British” slang word I don’t understand. This one was a bit more gruesome than the others, but I enjoyed the complicated plot. Plus, the ending was totally unexpected.
These Fenalla Sallow novels are always interesting, even with the occasional “British” slang word I don’t understand. This one was a bit more gruesome than the others, but I enjoyed the complicated plot. Plus, the ending was totally unexpected.
August 6, 2024
Great detective series!
Since the first book the writing has gotten better and better. Very much enjoying the series. I love that the author weaves a complex plot that leaves you guessing whodunnit.
Since the first book the writing has gotten better and better. Very much enjoying the series. I love that the author weaves a complex plot that leaves you guessing whodunnit.
September 21, 2024
Answered Bones
Quite a good read, I found it slow to start, and the storyline didn't grip me as others have previously. Fenella and Dexter make a good team and seem to find the answers to solve there casesin the end
Quite a good read, I found it slow to start, and the storyline didn't grip me as others have previously. Fenella and Dexter make a good team and seem to find the answers to solve there casesin the end
January 14, 2025
Not as good as the second in this series. Seems like N.C. is writing as fast as possible without a lot of character explanation. Hard to follow and figure out who was with who. I think I'm done with reading this series.
June 4, 2025
Not easy to figure out who done it.
In this forth book I finally was able to figure it out. Lots of solid possibilities in the four that I've read. Solid writing. Good character development. Going to start on book five now.
In this forth book I finally was able to figure it out. Lots of solid possibilities in the four that I've read. Solid writing. Good character development. Going to start on book five now.
June 10, 2025
Grisly murders of 3 young women. The perpetrator came out of nowhere.
This one didn't catch me at first. Again characters are introduced in no particular fashion. One starts putting people and scenarios together. Surprising ending.
This one didn't catch me at first. Again characters are introduced in no particular fashion. One starts putting people and scenarios together. Surprising ending.
January 16, 2026
When a mummified body is found in a wardrobe in a pub cellar, Fenella and her team are on the case. Could it be her sister Eve, who disappeared years ago. Then, more mutilated bodies turn up, are they connected?
October 26, 2022
Worth waiting for.
Great story, I was led into blaming the murders on the wrong person and never got who it really was. So well told.
Great story, I was led into blaming the murders on the wrong person and never got who it really was. So well told.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews