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DCI Boyd #7
Argyle House
Argyle House, the most hated home on Cottle Street. A place where the town’s unwanted and despised are housed. Given the local hostility, it’s no surprise to anyone when a body is discovered in one of its flats.
Boyd wastes no time despatching Minter and Okeke to investigate.
But it’s not long before the team realise that any one of the residents could have been the target for a trolling that went too far.
Boyd wastes no time despatching Minter and Okeke to investigate.
But it’s not long before the team realise that any one of the residents could have been the target for a trolling that went too far.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 20, 2022
497 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Alex Scarrow
63 books1,048 followersI live a nomadic existence with my wife Frances, and son Jacob. For now we're living in Norwich. I spent the first 10 years out of college in the music business chasing record deals and the next 12 years in the computer games business as a graphic artist and eventually a games designer. For those of you who like their computer games, here's some of the titles I've worked on:
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena
Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan.
-Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 21, 2022
Argyll House is the most hated home in Cottle Street. Unfortunately there is one home like this in every town and city. This is where the dregs of society live. From addicts, immigrants, sex offenders, alcoholics and the old. As I said before this house is a blight on the street and the inhabitants of the house are verbally abused and sometimes more on a daily basis. It is no surprise when a body is found in one of the flats in Argyle House and this is only the beginning of a very difficult case for Boyd who has been newly promoted and hates it and Minter who is now acting SIO and his team. A poignant and emotional tale and hit in this fantastic series.
Many thanks to the author Alex Scarrow for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Many thanks to the author Alex Scarrow for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
March 27, 2024
Argyle House is book 7 in Alex Scarrow's DCI Boyd series. When DCI Boyd receives a call about a body at Argyle House, he sends Detective Sergeant Minter and Detective Constable Okeke to investigate. However, on arrival, Detective Sergeant Minter and Detective Constable Okeke realised that due to the reputation of Argyle House in the community, the case involved more than the death of the older resident. At this point, DCI Boyd became involved in the case. The readers will continue to follow Detective Sergeant Minter and Detective Constable Okeke's investigation to discover what happens.
Argyle House is another fantastic addition to Alex Scarrow's excellent DCI Boyd series. I love the way he incorporates the social issues that law enforcement officers face in his stories. I engage with this book from the first page until the end. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Argyle House is well-written and researched by Alex Scarrow, allowing me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Argyle House's readers will learn about the consequences of trolling on the community and the person involved. They will also know the difference between carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
I recommend this book.
Argyle House is another fantastic addition to Alex Scarrow's excellent DCI Boyd series. I love the way he incorporates the social issues that law enforcement officers face in his stories. I engage with this book from the first page until the end. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Argyle House is well-written and researched by Alex Scarrow, allowing me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
Argyle House's readers will learn about the consequences of trolling on the community and the person involved. They will also know the difference between carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.
I recommend this book.
November 24, 2022
Excellent
I really loved this book, but felt boyd would be happier as a sio, than where he is now. Yes I know he is a fictional character so it shows how good the characterisation is.
I really loved this book, but felt boyd would be happier as a sio, than where he is now. Yes I know he is a fictional character so it shows how good the characterisation is.
November 20, 2022
Well what a cracker of a real this is. Its annoyingly one of those books I tore through, turning the pages quickly because I was so engrossed and truly hooked.
Argyle House is where the dregs of society end up, and are hated for it. There is a slight rivalry with other estates and buildings.
The way Alex has written this shows you shouldn't ever judge a book by its cover, and gives enough back story to each of the residents to make you think they are just people trying to do their best. I liked them all and had a lot of sympathy for them.
Argyle House is a more character driven story this time around. Boyd and his team return with their trademark good humour and banter. The star of this however is Minter, he heads up the investigation due to Boyds temporary promotion. He also gets one of the funniest scenes, actually laugh out loud funny. No mean fear in the middle of a crime novel, but written sublimely and was utterly superb.
I missed some of the back and forth between Boyd and Okeke, but it didn't actually impact on my enjoyment at all.
You also got to learn a bit more about Boyd out of work and his daughter Emma.
There's nothing not to love. Its cracking cast of characters is backed up by a clever storying, with more twists and turns than the world's twistiest rollercoaster.
Argyle House is where the dregs of society end up, and are hated for it. There is a slight rivalry with other estates and buildings.
The way Alex has written this shows you shouldn't ever judge a book by its cover, and gives enough back story to each of the residents to make you think they are just people trying to do their best. I liked them all and had a lot of sympathy for them.
Argyle House is a more character driven story this time around. Boyd and his team return with their trademark good humour and banter. The star of this however is Minter, he heads up the investigation due to Boyds temporary promotion. He also gets one of the funniest scenes, actually laugh out loud funny. No mean fear in the middle of a crime novel, but written sublimely and was utterly superb.
I missed some of the back and forth between Boyd and Okeke, but it didn't actually impact on my enjoyment at all.
You also got to learn a bit more about Boyd out of work and his daughter Emma.
There's nothing not to love. Its cracking cast of characters is backed up by a clever storying, with more twists and turns than the world's twistiest rollercoaster.
January 22, 2023
Rating this book has given me error message so don't know if this review will log either. I liked this mystery that found Boyd in a new temporary role as head dude, allowing his team to show their colors in solving the murders of some unfortunate residents of a run-down house. The focus is on who in the neighborhood of unfriendly and violent people may be guilty of causing these deaths.
A very good read that includes some new developments for Boyd and family.
Kindle Unlimited
A very good read that includes some new developments for Boyd and family.
Kindle Unlimited
December 30, 2024
Hands down the best one in the series so far. Tragic, plausible, and unexpected.
November 15, 2022
Book 7 in the DCI Boyd Series set in Hastings and it’s another cracking read. This would read well as a stand-alone but it’s such a good series why would you? A bit different to the previous books in that Boyd takes a bit of a back seat having been temporarily moved up to DSI and having a more desk based role. But conversely we see a bit more of his personal life as his relationship with Charlotte moves on and there is a life changing event that affects his whole family. As always this is a very well written and plotted story and I was gripped from start to finish.
Briefly, Minter is appointed SIO for the latest case to hit the team and this is a strange one. Six residents of Argyle House, a run down property in a deprived area, are found dead. Each of them, and the two surviving residents, have been targeted by the locals who call them ‘the dregs of society’. When it’s confirmed that this was not accidental the team have to look at all the residents for motive.
Okeke now has Minter to banter with rather than Boyd but he’s much easier to wind up and I never thought I would read a police procedural which included ‘red budgie smugglers’ - you’ll have to read it! This moves at a bit of a slower pace than some of the previous books but it’s a great read in its genre, in fact in any genre, and I loved it. I’m ready for book 8
Briefly, Minter is appointed SIO for the latest case to hit the team and this is a strange one. Six residents of Argyle House, a run down property in a deprived area, are found dead. Each of them, and the two surviving residents, have been targeted by the locals who call them ‘the dregs of society’. When it’s confirmed that this was not accidental the team have to look at all the residents for motive.
Okeke now has Minter to banter with rather than Boyd but he’s much easier to wind up and I never thought I would read a police procedural which included ‘red budgie smugglers’ - you’ll have to read it! This moves at a bit of a slower pace than some of the previous books but it’s a great read in its genre, in fact in any genre, and I loved it. I’m ready for book 8
December 15, 2023
The seventh of this cracking series and well up there with the best. Its a series that I have enjoyed so much that I have now rationed myself for the few remaining books to make them last a bit longer. Still, it doesnt seem like 6 months since my last visit to Hastings Police , as when I started this one, all the back stories and characters came flooding back.
Perhaps the books synopsis didnt make it sound too great but as usual with this author you get drawn in, deeper and deeper. Argyle House - the eponymous home of people at the bottom of life's heap. A place for the local youths to vandalise and the locals to object to. Its home to its occupants, however who all care for each other.
The story starts when Howard, one of the residents, the alcoholic, returns home after a night on a bench, to discover the body of the old Jewish lady for whom he did the shopping, dead in her apartment.
The complex story that opens up strongly features the team that Boyd has built up since his arrival from the Met. Previous books have given us a good background to them ( because of which it would be a mistake not to start this series from the beginning). Boyd's home life has featured in earlier books too but is only touched on here for purposes of continuity.
This would have been 5* but I have one doubt remaining of the 'but why would he have done that' type. If I have missed something then I apologise but it is something that I cant ask as it would be a spoiler.
Rationing or not, I wont be able to leave the next for very long.
Perhaps the books synopsis didnt make it sound too great but as usual with this author you get drawn in, deeper and deeper. Argyle House - the eponymous home of people at the bottom of life's heap. A place for the local youths to vandalise and the locals to object to. Its home to its occupants, however who all care for each other.
The story starts when Howard, one of the residents, the alcoholic, returns home after a night on a bench, to discover the body of the old Jewish lady for whom he did the shopping, dead in her apartment.
The complex story that opens up strongly features the team that Boyd has built up since his arrival from the Met. Previous books have given us a good background to them ( because of which it would be a mistake not to start this series from the beginning). Boyd's home life has featured in earlier books too but is only touched on here for purposes of continuity.
This would have been 5* but I have one doubt remaining of the 'but why would he have done that' type. If I have missed something then I apologise but it is something that I cant ask as it would be a spoiler.
Rationing or not, I wont be able to leave the next for very long.
November 25, 2024
I used to be obsessed with police procedurals and in particular, those that were set in the UK. Those types of mysteries were all that I read for several years until one day I realized I had had enough for a while, and needed a break. So I've branched out and only dip my toe back into procedurals when I find a good author with a good series. I've just started the DCI Boyd series by Scarrow and even though I jumped in at book #7, it was easy to get into and understand who was who.
In this mystery, a group of people were killed by carbon dioxide poisoning. The 6 of them all lived in a decrepit house - Argyle House - in a decrepit part of town. The house holds those who have their own backstories of pain, despair, and wrongdoings that they can't seem to escape and continue to pay for day after day.
DCI Boyd is acting Superintendent and so the lead investigator role goes to DI Minter. He and his team talk to the neighbors, all of whom have their own nasty things to say about the dead residents. Thus the suspect list begins to build to an unmanageable level until they start to get the forensic evidence back.
I was surprised at the ending and overall was sad about the deaths, which is how realistic the author made the story about these people, their lives and the cause of their deaths.
I've downloaded book #9 to try next!
In this mystery, a group of people were killed by carbon dioxide poisoning. The 6 of them all lived in a decrepit house - Argyle House - in a decrepit part of town. The house holds those who have their own backstories of pain, despair, and wrongdoings that they can't seem to escape and continue to pay for day after day.
DCI Boyd is acting Superintendent and so the lead investigator role goes to DI Minter. He and his team talk to the neighbors, all of whom have their own nasty things to say about the dead residents. Thus the suspect list begins to build to an unmanageable level until they start to get the forensic evidence back.
I was surprised at the ending and overall was sad about the deaths, which is how realistic the author made the story about these people, their lives and the cause of their deaths.
I've downloaded book #9 to try next!
September 23, 2025
Book seven in one of my favourite series is actually less about DCI Boyd and more about his team as Boyd's new role involves more paperwork and spreadsheets than he would like, however he does play a role to oversee a case of six bodies found in Aygyle House, poisoned due to carbon dioxide gas.
The house homes those that humanity doesn't want - drug addicts, alcoholics, foreigners etc and the finger of blame soon goes towards local youngsters whose constant taunts towards the residents are both shocking and nasty. This is emphasised further when an air pipe is found deliberately blocked however was one resident the target, or were all of them?
I really enjoyed this as the team gradually uncover things about the residents and potential killers that change the narrative and gives the reader plenty of options as to who and why this happened. I also liked the sub-stories of Boyd's home life which is, thankfully, not filled with the usual grizzled detective tropes. His new love Charlotte and his daughter Emma both have great roles to play in what are welcome distractions to the main story and I'll be really interested to see how certain things pan out.
All told, great characters, a really interesting and (at times) emotional storyline and a resolution that I'll remember for quite a while.
The house homes those that humanity doesn't want - drug addicts, alcoholics, foreigners etc and the finger of blame soon goes towards local youngsters whose constant taunts towards the residents are both shocking and nasty. This is emphasised further when an air pipe is found deliberately blocked however was one resident the target, or were all of them?
I really enjoyed this as the team gradually uncover things about the residents and potential killers that change the narrative and gives the reader plenty of options as to who and why this happened. I also liked the sub-stories of Boyd's home life which is, thankfully, not filled with the usual grizzled detective tropes. His new love Charlotte and his daughter Emma both have great roles to play in what are welcome distractions to the main story and I'll be really interested to see how certain things pan out.
All told, great characters, a really interesting and (at times) emotional storyline and a resolution that I'll remember for quite a while.
November 20, 2022
5⭐️
#7 DCI Boyd
I am a fan of the series. This book has a lovely light tone as we meet up with Boyd again, it opens with a peek into his home life.
Then a call comes in with a bunch of deaths at Argyle House.
Argyle house has a bad reputation, for housing the dregs of society. There’s constant friction between the local residents and the tenants of Argyll house. It’s quite an emotive read, very character driven. There are some funny scenarios. You go through the gamete of emotions with this book, laughter, happiness, sadness and anger. We get to see more character development with the team. Minter comes to the forefront in this one which is good to see. Theres decent plot development too with twists and turns, so for me this one has it all!
This is my favourite of the Boyd series. It’s slower paced, lacking action, but the emotional content more than makes up for that for me. I Loved it 😍
Favourite quote ‘Ozzie’s internal food fuelled chronometer was as precise and accurate as any digital clock’ when talking about daylight saving clock change.
One I’d highly recommend. It can be read as a standalone, but as always as it’s a part of a series best to read in order.
#7 DCI Boyd
I am a fan of the series. This book has a lovely light tone as we meet up with Boyd again, it opens with a peek into his home life.
Then a call comes in with a bunch of deaths at Argyle House.
Argyle house has a bad reputation, for housing the dregs of society. There’s constant friction between the local residents and the tenants of Argyll house. It’s quite an emotive read, very character driven. There are some funny scenarios. You go through the gamete of emotions with this book, laughter, happiness, sadness and anger. We get to see more character development with the team. Minter comes to the forefront in this one which is good to see. Theres decent plot development too with twists and turns, so for me this one has it all!
This is my favourite of the Boyd series. It’s slower paced, lacking action, but the emotional content more than makes up for that for me. I Loved it 😍
Favourite quote ‘Ozzie’s internal food fuelled chronometer was as precise and accurate as any digital clock’ when talking about daylight saving clock change.
One I’d highly recommend. It can be read as a standalone, but as always as it’s a part of a series best to read in order.
December 4, 2022
I love a good crime novel and DCI Boyd never fails to give me what I want. Argyle House is another Boyd novel by Alex Scarrow and I think is the best yet. Boyd is enjoying his fledging relationship and is settled into life on the coast. And then Boyd has to act up and isn’t on the ground and Argyle House happens. Ahouse turned into flats which has a dodgy reputation and then all the occupants are found dead one morning apart from Howard Crossley. DS Minter is now acting DI and along with Okeke goes to investigate. It looks like an horrific case of carbon monoxide poisoning but after the post mortem it turns out not to be accidental and a murder investigation begins.
This novel is fast paced, engaging and it is fabulous to get to know Boyd’s underlings better. But we don’t miss out on Boyd’s private life either and learn more about his relationship with Mia and about Emma and her boyfriend.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough - another fabulous read.
I was given an ARC of this book but all views expressed are my own.
This novel is fast paced, engaging and it is fabulous to get to know Boyd’s underlings better. But we don’t miss out on Boyd’s private life either and learn more about his relationship with Mia and about Emma and her boyfriend.
I can’t recommend this book highly enough - another fabulous read.
I was given an ARC of this book but all views expressed are my own.
November 12, 2022
Well that was something else. It's more of a slow-burner this time but absolutely riveting nonetheless. The story had everything which had me run the gamut of emotions throughout.
I loved the more personal side of things this time, probably as everyone feels like family really. Maybe it's a getting older thing but I find myself getting totally invested these days in more and more characters, or maybe that's just the quality of writing that Alex and my other favourite authors brings to the table.
The character development has really come to the fore here especially with Minter and while I miss the usual Boyd and Okeke banter, I really enjoyed the unfolding of the story from a different perspective with Boyd ensconced in his new temporary role. There are a few threads there also left dangling to make the wait for the next book feel even longer. It's hard to see how the next book can top this one.
I loved the more personal side of things this time, probably as everyone feels like family really. Maybe it's a getting older thing but I find myself getting totally invested these days in more and more characters, or maybe that's just the quality of writing that Alex and my other favourite authors brings to the table.
The character development has really come to the fore here especially with Minter and while I miss the usual Boyd and Okeke banter, I really enjoyed the unfolding of the story from a different perspective with Boyd ensconced in his new temporary role. There are a few threads there also left dangling to make the wait for the next book feel even longer. It's hard to see how the next book can top this one.
November 11, 2022
Another outing for Boyd and team. Bill Boyd is now acting DSI so taking a bit of a back seat, whilst steering his detective sergeant into taking the lead in the investigation. Argyll House is a run down house lived in by people who have fallen on hard times. They have formed a bond and look out for each other. One morning several of the residents are found dead. The team have to investigate each of the deceased residents in order to find out any connections which could point to a solution to the crime.
I always look forward to a new book featuring Boyd and his team. This one is just as good as all that have preceded it. There is plenty of humour as usual and more glimpses of the private and home lives of the individuals concerned.
Will eagerly await the next book in the series and thanks again to Alex for the advanced copy.
I always look forward to a new book featuring Boyd and his team. This one is just as good as all that have preceded it. There is plenty of humour as usual and more glimpses of the private and home lives of the individuals concerned.
Will eagerly await the next book in the series and thanks again to Alex for the advanced copy.
November 11, 2022
The DCI Boyd series is one of the best in the genre. This one finds the team investigating a number of deaths at Argyle House, a large block of bedsits, housing a collection of drug addicts, asylum seekers and a prostitute, amongst others. It's a powerful, emotional and character driven read, different from previous books in the series. The pace is slower, with insights into the personal life of Boyd, which I really loved. There is good character development, especially Minter's and my emotions were all over the place, from anger to happiness and everything in between! I felt as if I was on a journey with the author, one which I never wanted to end. It's an easy 5* from me for this book and my grateful thanks to Alex Scarrow for my ARC. I highly recommend the read.
November 11, 2022
Argyle House by Alex Scarrow is book 7 in the DCI Boyd series. Love this series. The residents of Argyle House are the dregs of society according to the other residents in the area, but they all look out for each other. It hits hard when there are quite a few deaths in the block of flats. Minter is very much in the forefront of this book and it is great to see his development as a character, providing some very funny moments where I laughed out loud. But as the investigation progresses the feeling of despair is so vividly portrayed, I was quite emotional. It is a book I will think about for quite some time. We see more of Boyd’s personal life involving Charlotte and his daughter Emma too, which is great. It is not a fast-paced book, more of a slow burner, but a wonderful read.
November 20, 2022
I absolutely love the Boyd books and was excited to get the next installment. This book is slightly different from the last few as Boyd takes a step back and his team get to shine on the case. Minter is SIO on the investigation on the Argyle House case, he and the team show differences in thoughts and how well they work together. Boyd, not being good at not being hands on, still has some involvement but not like within the other books. The way the story is written really highlights how well rounded the team is.
In this book we see more about Boyd’s private life and I really enjoyed seeing his and charlotte’s relationship blossoming. While it’s ok to be read as a stand alone, I believe reading from book 1, like I have, makes the reader invested more in each character.
In this book we see more about Boyd’s private life and I really enjoyed seeing his and charlotte’s relationship blossoming. While it’s ok to be read as a stand alone, I believe reading from book 1, like I have, makes the reader invested more in each character.
June 13, 2024
One of the saddest books in the series. Boyd is covering for Sutherland so Minter will head up the case when an entire house occupants are found dead in their apartments. 2 people were gone. Not Carbon Monoxide but Carbon Dioxide poisoning....that's what a car produces... how in the world did a car exhaust kill everyone! And what motive would they have. The people on the street are horrible to the residents because inside resides a convicted pedo, immigrants, an antifa girl, a 90 yr old Jewish Holocaust victim, a druggie, a sex worker and a drunk. But this ragtag group have found friendship and acceptance among them. Finding out how it happened is what police do but the why lingers with you.
June 30, 2025
Another great book in the series. Having lived in Hastings I totally get the true feeling the author knows Hastings and thereabouts. This story centres on a house of multiple occupancy which sadly seems to house those down on their luck or in dire circumstances. A body is discovered in one flat, two flats have absent owners at the time of the death, one is occupied and that resident seems to be witness to nothing. People in the street seem happy there is one less person living there. There seems to be malice against many residents whether it's because they are a 'lady of the night' or a presumed 'paedophile'.
It's a growing job when more than one body is then discovered. Was it the house that was targetted or was it one murder gone wrong?
Read it!
It's a growing job when more than one body is then discovered. Was it the house that was targetted or was it one murder gone wrong?
Read it!
November 23, 2022
Neatly Wrapped Up!
Another winner in the DCI Boyd series. This one sustained my interest throughout but wasn't quite as exciting as some of his. It's all a matter of degrees, isn't it, because they can't all be pulse thumpers. A good solid crime mystery with engaging characters, Boyd's personal story line and lots of red herrings. Even a hint of some police corruption. Perhaps the reason for the slightly milder tension build up was the fact that Boyd was not in the thick of things because he was filling in on desk duty and needed to delegate the bulk of the investigation to Minter and the crew. Looking forward to the next one.
Another winner in the DCI Boyd series. This one sustained my interest throughout but wasn't quite as exciting as some of his. It's all a matter of degrees, isn't it, because they can't all be pulse thumpers. A good solid crime mystery with engaging characters, Boyd's personal story line and lots of red herrings. Even a hint of some police corruption. Perhaps the reason for the slightly milder tension build up was the fact that Boyd was not in the thick of things because he was filling in on desk duty and needed to delegate the bulk of the investigation to Minter and the crew. Looking forward to the next one.
November 12, 2022
Boyd is temporarily ‘kicked upstairs’ to a desk job when Her Madge is on long term sick leave. He hates it, but it leaves Minter to step up to SIO on a strange case of six deaths in a house where, to quote neighbours, ‘the dregs of society’ are placed. The story is intense, as indeed is the private life of Boyd himself. I found the evolution of the mysterious deaths thread brilliantly done, and enjoyed the way Boyd was confounded by the two women in his life. There are a few threads left dangling and I really look forward to reading on.
November 21, 2022
I have just finished this and thoroughly enjoyed it. It made such a pleasant change to read a book where the detective isn’t the target of the bad guys but there is so much more to it than good guys versus bad guys, it is more a story of human foibles and our weaknesses and, sometimes, strengths. Yes some of the characters are downright unpleasant, some have nasty little habits, some are a product of their upbringing and surroundings and some are living with the consequences of their own actions. It does indeed hold up a mirror to the world we live in.
Excellent.
Excellent.
November 23, 2022
As always Alex Scarrow delivers a great story, laced with humour, pathos and rich observation.The seven books in the DCI Boyd series get better and better.
The twists involved in this one take you by surprise and keep you turning the pages until the early hours.
The Hasting's environs are based in reality, with a fair dollop of fiction, as an ex Hastonian I can attest to his descriptions of certain pubs are spot on!
I cannot recommend these books more highly for a great British police procedural.
The twists involved in this one take you by surprise and keep you turning the pages until the early hours.
The Hasting's environs are based in reality, with a fair dollop of fiction, as an ex Hastonian I can attest to his descriptions of certain pubs are spot on!
I cannot recommend these books more highly for a great British police procedural.
November 27, 2022
Excellent series
Another excellent, gripping story which I have come to expect from this Author. This is up with my top favourite series. DCI Boyd is standing in as DSI therefore Mintster is taking the lead as SIO on this one but with Boyds' input. Another complex case which results in various suspect's and culminates into a sad and devastating ending. Needs to be read in sequence to really appreciate, as there is a lot of backstory for all the main characters to consider. Looking forward to the next instalment as there are still some outstanding questions to answer.
Another excellent, gripping story which I have come to expect from this Author. This is up with my top favourite series. DCI Boyd is standing in as DSI therefore Mintster is taking the lead as SIO on this one but with Boyds' input. Another complex case which results in various suspect's and culminates into a sad and devastating ending. Needs to be read in sequence to really appreciate, as there is a lot of backstory for all the main characters to consider. Looking forward to the next instalment as there are still some outstanding questions to answer.
February 15, 2023
Good read
Another good Boyd read, although to be honest, for me it was a bit boring and flat in some places. I like the other stories where Boyd gets involved. This book was good but it didn't make me rush to turn to the next page to find out what's going to happen. The story lines with Charlotte and Emma were both a bit old hat quite honestly. I do like Minter and thought his part in this story was really good. Hope the next one goes back to Boyd getting more involved with crime and less of the more soppy bits.
Another good Boyd read, although to be honest, for me it was a bit boring and flat in some places. I like the other stories where Boyd gets involved. This book was good but it didn't make me rush to turn to the next page to find out what's going to happen. The story lines with Charlotte and Emma were both a bit old hat quite honestly. I do like Minter and thought his part in this story was really good. Hope the next one goes back to Boyd getting more involved with crime and less of the more soppy bits.
November 20, 2022
Excellent read
The DCI Boyd novels are one of the best police procedurals around. Boyd and his team are like old friends now and fully rounded characters. Boyd takes a step back in this book as he reluctantly steps up to acting DSI leaving Minter to take a more active role as SIO in a tragic gassing case while trying to keep his first modelling contract a secret from his team. A perfect mix of humour and drama that builds up to shocking reveal.
The DCI Boyd novels are one of the best police procedurals around. Boyd and his team are like old friends now and fully rounded characters. Boyd takes a step back in this book as he reluctantly steps up to acting DSI leaving Minter to take a more active role as SIO in a tragic gassing case while trying to keep his first modelling contract a secret from his team. A perfect mix of humour and drama that builds up to shocking reveal.
November 29, 2022
Beautiful book. Where the previous instalment in the series was very fast-paced and full.of suspense and action, this story is much more character-driven. This far into the series I feel very close to the main characters and it's a pleasure to know more about them, so not boring at all.
Without wanting to give anything away, the plot, the crime, is actually a sad story. Well done once again, Alex Scarrow
Without wanting to give anything away, the plot, the crime, is actually a sad story. Well done once again, Alex Scarrow
September 18, 2023
Good read
DCI Boyd has quite a mystery on his hands when a whole houseful of society's cast offs die at once under suspicious circumstances. Only it's not really Boyd's case because he's been appointed acting DSI, so the team has to run the case themselves. The characters are engaging and real, which is always what I look for first in a series. This series creates a good blend of private and professional lives that turns the characters into three dimensional people.
DCI Boyd has quite a mystery on his hands when a whole houseful of society's cast offs die at once under suspicious circumstances. Only it's not really Boyd's case because he's been appointed acting DSI, so the team has to run the case themselves. The characters are engaging and real, which is always what I look for first in a series. This series creates a good blend of private and professional lives that turns the characters into three dimensional people.
December 6, 2022
A sad tale
The occupants of a house, each with a last seen by others as something to remind them of, are killed by one of their own. Addiction leads to things being forgotten and errors made. Boyd is made up to DC I and the team search through and reveal the evidence. The perpetrator cannot go on.
The occupants of a house, each with a last seen by others as something to remind them of, are killed by one of their own. Addiction leads to things being forgotten and errors made. Boyd is made up to DC I and the team search through and reveal the evidence. The perpetrator cannot go on.
November 18, 2023
This was a different story completely Boyd more in the background and Minter outfront with Boyd’s backiing Maybe his name will be changed to Mentor. I was fooled as to the murderer in this one and the conclusion was not the run of the Mill ending. Yeah for imagination and a different story line wlf MD
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