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DCI Boyd #8
The Lock Up
When a couple of storage auction bidders win the contents of unit 37 at 'Best Price Storage', they discover the mummified remains of three dismembered bodies inside. Thus begins a new murder case for Boyd and his team.
While East Sussex police force are concerned they may have another serial killer operating along the South Coast, Boyd suspects there may be a very different explanation.
While East Sussex police force are concerned they may have another serial killer operating along the South Coast, Boyd suspects there may be a very different explanation.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2023
About the author
Alex Scarrow
63 books1,060 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 58 reviews
January 8, 2024
This is the 9th of the D I Boyd series and every bit as good as the others.
By now we all know, not just Boyd but all of the team too and that adds to the enjoyment of this mainly Police procedural drama.
We have followed Boyd through the earlier major incident in his personal life and now find him settled with his new partner, his daughter and two dogs. We no longer have the worry about either partner or daughter being dragged into a case - that's all behind us too.
The eponymous lockup is a rented storage unit that is put out to auction when the lease has expired and the old tenant can't be found. When the successful bidders opens it up they make a guesome discovery.
The team investigate and Boyd makes a disturbing personal discovery.
The Acknowledgements at the end are worth reading and, maybe, explain the detail in one part of the story.
This would have been a 5* but for one thing which with hindsight doesn't seem right. Unfortunately, to ask the question would be a real spoiler.
Strangely, I have only felt like this once before and, I have just found out, that it was the previous book in the series.
Neither put me off looking for the next book which should now be available
By now we all know, not just Boyd but all of the team too and that adds to the enjoyment of this mainly Police procedural drama.
We have followed Boyd through the earlier major incident in his personal life and now find him settled with his new partner, his daughter and two dogs. We no longer have the worry about either partner or daughter being dragged into a case - that's all behind us too.
The eponymous lockup is a rented storage unit that is put out to auction when the lease has expired and the old tenant can't be found. When the successful bidders opens it up they make a guesome discovery.
The team investigate and Boyd makes a disturbing personal discovery.
The Acknowledgements at the end are worth reading and, maybe, explain the detail in one part of the story.
This would have been a 5* but for one thing which with hindsight doesn't seem right. Unfortunately, to ask the question would be a real spoiler.
Strangely, I have only felt like this once before and, I have just found out, that it was the previous book in the series.
Neither put me off looking for the next book which should now be available
May 19, 2024
The Lock Up is book eight of the DCI Boyd series by Alex Scarrow. A couple of storage auction bidders opened a storage unit and got more than they bargained for, which was three boxes with dismembered bodies inside. At first, the DCI Boyd's team thought they had another serial killer. However, Boyd believes there is a different reason for the killings. Will DCI Boyd discover the cause and the killer before someone else dies? The readers of The Lock Up will follow DCI Boyd's investigation to discover what happens.
I enjoy reading the DCI Boyd series books, and The Lock Up did not disappoint. I engaged with this book from the first page and continued to the end. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Lock Up is well-written and researched. I like Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of The Lock Up, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The Lock Up readers will learn about the importance of checking for bowel cancer regularly and understand the consequences of bullying on children.
I recommend this book.
I enjoy reading the DCI Boyd series books, and The Lock Up did not disappoint. I engaged with this book from the first page and continued to the end. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Lock Up is well-written and researched. I like Alex Scarrow's description of the settings of The Lock Up, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The Lock Up readers will learn about the importance of checking for bowel cancer regularly and understand the consequences of bullying on children.
I recommend this book.
September 13, 2024
4.5 stars.
This was a little slow to start, then it became very interesting. Major developments in the life of the main character. Listen all the way to the end, if you are doing audiobook, interesting talk by the author.
This was a little slow to start, then it became very interesting. Major developments in the life of the main character. Listen all the way to the end, if you are doing audiobook, interesting talk by the author.
April 30, 2023
I love the concept of this, and I think the first time I've read a story where I've read about a body being found in a lock-up.
Boyd is back as SIO and her Madge is back in charge.
The team find 3 bodies dismembered and stored in salt, and it leads the team on a strange journey to try and unravel firstly who they are, before they can even begin to uncover why there were killed.
I love this team, I think that's of the strengths of this series. Okeke being my favourite I think but I feel like I know them all. They are a strong team and the banter is brilliant.
There is a storyline running through that I was surprised but kind of pleased to see. I knew Alex had cancer and checked in regularly with him throughout, so it was nice to see that shared, and might make more people take concerns seriously and well as perhaps some catharsis writing it out.
This is another great outing from Boyd and his team, not forgetting Emma and her pregnancy, and Jay and his new job, all coming together to create a real family, we are in it together dynamic.
Already looking forward to book 9.
Boyd is back as SIO and her Madge is back in charge.
The team find 3 bodies dismembered and stored in salt, and it leads the team on a strange journey to try and unravel firstly who they are, before they can even begin to uncover why there were killed.
I love this team, I think that's of the strengths of this series. Okeke being my favourite I think but I feel like I know them all. They are a strong team and the banter is brilliant.
There is a storyline running through that I was surprised but kind of pleased to see. I knew Alex had cancer and checked in regularly with him throughout, so it was nice to see that shared, and might make more people take concerns seriously and well as perhaps some catharsis writing it out.
This is another great outing from Boyd and his team, not forgetting Emma and her pregnancy, and Jay and his new job, all coming together to create a real family, we are in it together dynamic.
Already looking forward to book 9.
April 30, 2023
4-4.25⭐️
# 8 DCI Boyd
Bodies are found in sealed containers in a lock up whose contents have just been auctioned off. The plot is a more straightforward single thread.
I enjoy the easy reading writing style, the team dynamics, we get a good mix of their personal lives as well as the crimes they are solving, theres always some political / societal digs along the way. Boyd has personal problems in this book.
I’m tending to veer away from police procedurals, but this one sticks with me, I’m invested with the main characters.
There’s some nasty characters to get your teeth into with this one, worse for me as they’re not the usual antagonists.
The dedication is moving, as is the authors note.
This one lacked a strong ending for me.
I’m already looking forward to the next instalment of Boyd.
# 8 DCI Boyd
Bodies are found in sealed containers in a lock up whose contents have just been auctioned off. The plot is a more straightforward single thread.
I enjoy the easy reading writing style, the team dynamics, we get a good mix of their personal lives as well as the crimes they are solving, theres always some political / societal digs along the way. Boyd has personal problems in this book.
I’m tending to veer away from police procedurals, but this one sticks with me, I’m invested with the main characters.
There’s some nasty characters to get your teeth into with this one, worse for me as they’re not the usual antagonists.
The dedication is moving, as is the authors note.
This one lacked a strong ending for me.
I’m already looking forward to the next instalment of Boyd.
May 26, 2023
Brilliant just brilliant
I love this series. This one went to my heart with Boyd having cancer and then reading that Alex Scarrow also has the same. I found it profound that Alex decided to write about this. Lots of us have been touched by this disease.
I truly hope Alex and Boyd will overcome this mean disease.
I love this series. This one went to my heart with Boyd having cancer and then reading that Alex Scarrow also has the same. I found it profound that Alex decided to write about this. Lots of us have been touched by this disease.
I truly hope Alex and Boyd will overcome this mean disease.
September 19, 2023
Good story
This mystery spans several decades and really gives the team a fit researching historical crime and trying to place the perpetrators there ages after most of the evidence is gone. Boyd also has to deal with a personal issues which keeps the personal touch going in the books.
This mystery spans several decades and really gives the team a fit researching historical crime and trying to place the perpetrators there ages after most of the evidence is gone. Boyd also has to deal with a personal issues which keeps the personal touch going in the books.
April 30, 2023
Congratulations Alex on yet another brilliantly written book which once I started reading I could not put it down. I Absolutely enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend to other avid readers like me.
May 14, 2023
Having read this series from the beginning, getting the next installment is like meeting up with an old friend for coffee. Love seeing the characters grow with each book and can't wait for the next one
May 17, 2023
Very good! Very exciting. Super plot that pulls you along. Could have used more doggie action in the story. 😍 Thank you to the author for producing his works in the midst of personal pain and sorrow and for his honesty. Glad he has Ozzie among others as a support system!
November 9, 2023
Full of twists and turns, false leads, and time jumps back and forth. Quite a read, and the whodunit was most unexpected.
Another "keep you guessing", and I had no idea. But I'm not the detective.
And so, onto the next one in the series.
Thank you for keeping me engrossed.
Another "keep you guessing", and I had no idea. But I'm not the detective.
And so, onto the next one in the series.
Thank you for keeping me engrossed.
May 11, 2023
I love this series of books, part of the storyline hit me in the feels but I've already pre ordered the next book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2023
Gripping
But a little predictable. The flashbacks got a little confusing. But boss Boyce doing? Perhaps we will find out in book 9.
But a little predictable. The flashbacks got a little confusing. But boss Boyce doing? Perhaps we will find out in book 9.
April 21, 2023
Book 8 in the DCI Boyd crimes series set in Hastings, and I’ve read them all, it’s such a good police procedural series I can’t wait for the next one to come out. As always this could be read as a stand-alone but it’s good to read them in order as there are threads about the personal lives of the main characters, particularly Boyd. This time alongside the crime investigation Boyd is having to deal with a personal matter and the emotional results of this are brilliantly detailed. When you reach the authors notes at the end of the book it becomes patently clear just why this is written so well.
Briefly, Charlotte has moved in so Ozzie (who doesn’t love Ozzie) has a friend in Mia, Emma is now 3 months pregnant but her partner is still off the radar. Boyd is back where he wants to be, working a case not shuffling papers and two of his team are in line for promotion. His first case back as SIO is a strange one. Two men bid for a unit in a lockup sale of unpaid units but when they go inside all that’s in there are 12 containers containing 3 dismembered bodies. The postmortem reveals some chilling details. Can the team solve what is effectively a cold case?
A well written and well plotted story with red herrings that had me fooled, the killer escaped my attention until the reveal and that doesn’t happen often. This is more poignant than previous books, although Boyd has had a tumultuous personal life, and it’s been very well handled. An excellent read in an excellent series.
Briefly, Charlotte has moved in so Ozzie (who doesn’t love Ozzie) has a friend in Mia, Emma is now 3 months pregnant but her partner is still off the radar. Boyd is back where he wants to be, working a case not shuffling papers and two of his team are in line for promotion. His first case back as SIO is a strange one. Two men bid for a unit in a lockup sale of unpaid units but when they go inside all that’s in there are 12 containers containing 3 dismembered bodies. The postmortem reveals some chilling details. Can the team solve what is effectively a cold case?
A well written and well plotted story with red herrings that had me fooled, the killer escaped my attention until the reveal and that doesn’t happen often. This is more poignant than previous books, although Boyd has had a tumultuous personal life, and it’s been very well handled. An excellent read in an excellent series.
April 25, 2023
I can't believe we're at book 8 already in this terrific series , yet here we are. This time Boyd is back as SIO and his first case back in this role is a weird one. Remains of some bodies are discovered in a lock-up which are discovered when 2 guys win a bid on the lock-up and eagerly open up some cases to see what they bid on.
As usual, this has lots of red herrings and I didn't come close to the reveal of the murderer at all. This has a more emotional tone than previous books for Boyd which I must admit tugged at my heartstrings. At the same time, Emma is getting on with her pregnancy without Dan so there's also that to deal with. The banter flows as usual within the team and a new change of career for Jay, so a lot going on. That said, it's easy to read as you are gripped and it's another brilliant read. Roll on book 9 !
As usual, this has lots of red herrings and I didn't come close to the reveal of the murderer at all. This has a more emotional tone than previous books for Boyd which I must admit tugged at my heartstrings. At the same time, Emma is getting on with her pregnancy without Dan so there's also that to deal with. The banter flows as usual within the team and a new change of career for Jay, so a lot going on. That said, it's easy to read as you are gripped and it's another brilliant read. Roll on book 9 !
August 28, 2024
DCI Boyd has to investigate a very strange case when a couple of men win an auction for the contents of a storage locker (think Storage Hunters TV show!) and get more than they bargained for! In this book Boyd has a more settled home life with his partner, his pregnant daughter and two dogs. Unfortunately Boyd has a health scare and it becomes a very worrying time for them all. I admit to shedding a few tears, and then a few more as I listened to the author's notes at the end of the book. Bravo Alex Scarrow for writing this book during a very difficult period in your life,
I love this series, The stories are well written and interesting, and Boyd and his team are all great characters. They all feel like old friends now, especially Boyd and Okeke.
As always, brilliantly narrated by Aubrey Parsons.
I love this series, The stories are well written and interesting, and Boyd and his team are all great characters. They all feel like old friends now, especially Boyd and Okeke.
As always, brilliantly narrated by Aubrey Parsons.
April 19, 2023
The Lock-Up by Alex Scarrow is book 8 in the DCI Boyd series. When Colin and Sid buy a lock-up at auction, they get more than they bargained for and make a gruesome find. It is wonderful to meet up with Boyd and his team again - Okeke is a great character. She is my favourite of Boyd’s team. I also like the characters of Emma, Boyd's daughter, and also Charlotte, Boyd's partner. The case progresses fairly slowly at first as evidence is gathered, but then the pace ramps up and you are carried along for the ride. The story is gripping. Something that happened so long ago has now reared its ugly head decades later and the effects it has are devastating. And throughout all this, Boyd has to deal with an unexpected challenge. I also love the humour throughout.
May 12, 2023
I can’t believe this is book 8 in the Boyd series already, I have been luckily enough to have read them all but to anyone who wants to read as a standalone they can. If you love a good series with excellent characters then I would suggest reading in order as the characters really make the books so engaging. This police procedural has it all, fast paced crime, the goodies and baddies and the writing style is outstanding, with witty comments and serious issue’s all mixed up in one place.
I loved the end dedication from the author, it was written with love and I have the upmost respect for him and the way he has tied in his life to Boyd’s.
I loved the end dedication from the author, it was written with love and I have the upmost respect for him and the way he has tied in his life to Boyd’s.
June 11, 2023
This is the eighth book in the Hastings based DCI Boyd series & what a fabulous continuation it is. Yes, it can be read as a standalone but why do that? Go back to the beginning & immerse yourself in all things Boyd & Ozzie - warts & all.
I’m going to chicken out of giving too many plot details. The blurb covers the salient points but Boyd definitely has a different mindset this time. When you read the authors notes at the end, you’ll understand why.
A well written, pacy read with a few misdirections to keep you on your toes. I love this series & this is another excellent addition. Ready for book nine now. No pressure Alex & I’m sure your doggy assistant will help!
I’m going to chicken out of giving too many plot details. The blurb covers the salient points but Boyd definitely has a different mindset this time. When you read the authors notes at the end, you’ll understand why.
A well written, pacy read with a few misdirections to keep you on your toes. I love this series & this is another excellent addition. Ready for book nine now. No pressure Alex & I’m sure your doggy assistant will help!
April 30, 2023
This is another well plotted book by the author, with DCI Boyd investigating what appears to be a cold case. I love the developing characterisation and the dynamics within the team, especially Okeke, and Emma, Boyd's daughter. There are plenty twists and suspense to keep the reader interested until the end. Boyd has to deal with some personal issues in this book which might affect his judgement and I do hope there is a positive outcome for him in the next book. It can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading the full series as it's one of the best in the genre.
May 1, 2023
It's only taken me a couple of days to read this, which speaks for itself. A couple of chaps bid for the contents of a lock-up whose lease has expired. Boyd and his team have a real puzzle ahead of them when the case becomes a murder hunt. As always, I love the way the puzzle pieces are revealed and put together. Boyd's team are dogged, and are interesting characters in their own right. There's more in here about Boyd's personal life too. A must for those who've read the previous books. I loved it.
April 28, 2023
Spot on once again with the latest DCI Bill Boyd outing. A gripping storyline with the usual cast of characters. Boyd has a lot going on in his private life that may be causing him to slip from his ‘A’ game a little, allowing Okeke and Minter to step up. Plenty of twists and humour as usual. As always can’t wait for the next one, with, hopefully, a very positive outcome in Boyd’s personal life. Thanks Alex.
May 11, 2023
The Lock Up. DCI Boyd Crime Series
I liked all the regular characters, as usual. They are fully fleshed out and their back stories are believable. Some Interesting plot twists.
To tell the truth I was tired of reading stories of unhinged serial killers who kidnap women to feed their fantasies. These books are good old fashioned police procedurals. The killers are deadly but without lots of details about what they do to their captive victims.
I recommend Scarrow's books.
I liked all the regular characters, as usual. They are fully fleshed out and their back stories are believable. Some Interesting plot twists.
To tell the truth I was tired of reading stories of unhinged serial killers who kidnap women to feed their fantasies. These books are good old fashioned police procedurals. The killers are deadly but without lots of details about what they do to their captive victims.
I recommend Scarrow's books.
June 25, 2023
Excellent
This is one of my top favourite series. A fabulous read that you just don't want to put down. The crimes committed are really heinous, however you begin to feel sorry for the culprit and hoping he doesn't get caught. Boyd is struggling with his own personal problems whilst trying to put together all the pieces of this puzzling crime. Another excellent instalment and can't wait to catch up with Boyd and his team.
This is one of my top favourite series. A fabulous read that you just don't want to put down. The crimes committed are really heinous, however you begin to feel sorry for the culprit and hoping he doesn't get caught. Boyd is struggling with his own personal problems whilst trying to put together all the pieces of this puzzling crime. Another excellent instalment and can't wait to catch up with Boyd and his team.
July 10, 2023
I think the first seven books from the DCI Boyd series were awarded 4 stars by me, but I just can't go with that due to highly descriptive levels of extreme and twisted violence. Boyd's team continues to work well together and most effectively in this ugly scenario of crime. There are new developments on the personal side and will keep me reading, but now I just want a cozy to calm down.
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June 15, 2024
Lots going on with Boyd! Emma has some news, Boyd has some personal health news....Charlotte grows closer, Jay spreads his wings....but the story revolves around a storage unit being auctioned off due to non payment and the guys who win the bid open it to find containers with human remains. The team will have to identify them but it looks like an historic case. All hands on board. Lots of characters movements/developments here.
April 30, 2023
the lock up.
Brilliant read!! Long awaited, read within a day … just couldn’t put it down at all…! Looking forward to the next instalment of DCI boyd….
Story line was really really good, some bits hard to read, but you’ll know what I mean when you get to it.
Next book please !! 🙏
Brilliant read!! Long awaited, read within a day … just couldn’t put it down at all…! Looking forward to the next instalment of DCI boyd….
Story line was really really good, some bits hard to read, but you’ll know what I mean when you get to it.
Next book please !! 🙏
May 1, 2023
A remarkable book
No spoilers but this book was the best yet. It was a murder based in the past. Are Boyd and team up to the task? Of course they are! With Boyd going through a crisis of his own, he still manages to figure it out. Alex, you and Boyd are in my thoughts and prayers. Beth P.
No spoilers but this book was the best yet. It was a murder based in the past. Are Boyd and team up to the task? Of course they are! With Boyd going through a crisis of his own, he still manages to figure it out. Alex, you and Boyd are in my thoughts and prayers. Beth P.
May 1, 2023
Spinetingling
Another thrilling instalment in this series. 3 dismembered murdered bodies found and Boyd and his team has to identify them and figure out what links them and their killer. Plus dealing with a personal health crisis as well. Lots of intrigue and lots of love and support as well from a team that we have come to know and care for over each book.
Another thrilling instalment in this series. 3 dismembered murdered bodies found and Boyd and his team has to identify them and figure out what links them and their killer. Plus dealing with a personal health crisis as well. Lots of intrigue and lots of love and support as well from a team that we have come to know and care for over each book.
June 3, 2023
This was quite an emotional ine, both concerning the team and the case they are investigating. I don't want to spoil anything, so I can't say much, but in a way I wish things had gone differently.
Can't wait for the next in the series
Can't wait for the next in the series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews