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Harvey and Birch #2
Small Bones
Listening Length: 9 hours and 32 minutes
If you can’t trust your father and you can’t trust the police, who can you trust?
Sue Hearn is planting a herb garden on the site of her grandfather’s old greenhouse. She’s spent the morning digging up all sorts of odds and ends already. But she doesn’t expect this grisly find.
Could it be the remains of her mother, Monica, who went missing thirty years ago?
Sue’s father, in hospital with dementia, insinuates that a police officer was involved in her mother’s disappearance. But can he be trusted?
So now Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch might be looking for a bent copper.
As they dig deeper into the past, Sue and Asha find secrets so dangerous it will put all their lives in danger.
If you can’t trust your father and you can’t trust the police, who can you trust?
Sue Hearn is planting a herb garden on the site of her grandfather’s old greenhouse. She’s spent the morning digging up all sorts of odds and ends already. But she doesn’t expect this grisly find.
Could it be the remains of her mother, Monica, who went missing thirty years ago?
Sue’s father, in hospital with dementia, insinuates that a police officer was involved in her mother’s disappearance. But can he be trusted?
So now Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch might be looking for a bent copper.
As they dig deeper into the past, Sue and Asha find secrets so dangerous it will put all their lives in danger.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published June 3, 2021
293 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Kerry Buchanan
20 books39 followersKerry Buchanan is a retired veterinary surgeon who lives with her family and a menagerie of animals on a farm in County Down. There are inspiring views of hills and lakes from every window.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
Kerry began writing fiction in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. She writes fantasy, science fiction and crime. Her Harvey and Birch crime thriller series, set in Northern Ireland, is published by Joffe Books. Knife Edge and Small Bones will be followed by the third book in the series very soon.
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April 2, 2022
Detective Harvey & Birch #2
Sue Hearn is planting a herb garden on the site of her grandfather's old greenhouse. She's spent the morning digging up all sorts of odds and ends already. But she didn't expect this grisly find. Could it be the remains of her mother Monica, who went missing thirty years ago? Sue's father is in hospital with dementia, insinuates that a police officer was involved with her mother's disappearance. Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch might be looking for a bent copper. As the dig deeper into the past, Sue and Asha find secrets so dangerous it will put all their lives in danger.
When Sue Hearn is digging to make a new herb garden she doesn't expect to dig up a skull and part of a fingerbone. She used to work in the path lab so she knows what she is looking at. She thinks it's her mother Monica who went missing thirty years ago. Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch have been called in to investigate.
Filled with twists, this well written story had me pulled in from the first page. It's tense and action packed. The characters are well developed and they all have their part to play. I did predict where the story was going. I will need to try and read the first book in this series before the next book is published.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBook and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #SmallBones in exchange for an honest review.
Sue Hearn is planting a herb garden on the site of her grandfather's old greenhouse. She's spent the morning digging up all sorts of odds and ends already. But she didn't expect this grisly find. Could it be the remains of her mother Monica, who went missing thirty years ago? Sue's father is in hospital with dementia, insinuates that a police officer was involved with her mother's disappearance. Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch might be looking for a bent copper. As the dig deeper into the past, Sue and Asha find secrets so dangerous it will put all their lives in danger.
When Sue Hearn is digging to make a new herb garden she doesn't expect to dig up a skull and part of a fingerbone. She used to work in the path lab so she knows what she is looking at. She thinks it's her mother Monica who went missing thirty years ago. Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch have been called in to investigate.
Filled with twists, this well written story had me pulled in from the first page. It's tense and action packed. The characters are well developed and they all have their part to play. I did predict where the story was going. I will need to try and read the first book in this series before the next book is published.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBook and the author #KerryBuchanan for my ARC of #SmallBones in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2021
Small Bones is the second instalment in the (Acting) Detective Inspector Asha Harvey and Detective Constable Aaron Birch (of the PSNI) Mysteries series set in Belfast, Northern Ireland in the midst of The Troubles. The prologue begins in 1992 with an unknown male out under the cover of darkness to bury a body in a secluded garden. The gardens of the Victorian mansion were surrounded on all sides by either tall hedges or walls so he buries the small child under slabs of concrete where the ground had just been levelled ready for the installation of a greenhouse. Back in the present-day Sue Hearn is digging around the same area under her ailing grandfather's defunct and dilapidated greenhouse hoping to plant and cultivate a herb garden when she discovers a small skull and part of a finger bone. Harvey and Birch are called in to investigate and after inspection they estimate the bones to be of a young child who was buried about thirty years ago.
Sue mentions that her mother, Monica Hearn, disappeared in 1992 under suspicious circumstances so they begin to investigate whether the two cases could be linked and discover that police corruption could very well be involved. Unfortunately, Sue’s father, who has dementia, cannot remember much that'll aid the investigation. Small Bones is a compelling read with a complex, wide-ranging plot that travels in unexpected directions. Featuring graphic violence, the detectives don't know who they can trust as a cover-up appears to be ongoing. Police corruption, protection rackets and murder seem to have been rife. Buchanan brings Belfast to life, for those of us who have never been, with superb descriptions, and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster. Asha and Aaron make a brilliant team; they are intelligent, tenacious and close to one another too. It does end on a cliffhanger which leaves you hanging so we shall see what the next book brings. Highly recommended.
Sue mentions that her mother, Monica Hearn, disappeared in 1992 under suspicious circumstances so they begin to investigate whether the two cases could be linked and discover that police corruption could very well be involved. Unfortunately, Sue’s father, who has dementia, cannot remember much that'll aid the investigation. Small Bones is a compelling read with a complex, wide-ranging plot that travels in unexpected directions. Featuring graphic violence, the detectives don't know who they can trust as a cover-up appears to be ongoing. Police corruption, protection rackets and murder seem to have been rife. Buchanan brings Belfast to life, for those of us who have never been, with superb descriptions, and I found myself turning the pages faster and faster. Asha and Aaron make a brilliant team; they are intelligent, tenacious and close to one another too. It does end on a cliffhanger which leaves you hanging so we shall see what the next book brings. Highly recommended.
June 3, 2021
Sue Ahearne makes a disturbing discovery while planting a herb garden on the site of her grandfather's greenhouse. Thanks to a major storm that went through the are, she's spent the morning picking up bits and bobs of varied items.
Unfortunately her father has dementia and often mistakes his daughter for his wife. Monica, who disappeared 3o years ago. In his rantings, he has said that the police were somehow involved .. and that it should have been him, not her, who had to pay.
Turning to Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch for help, she finds herself mired in a decades-old secret and cover-up. The more the detectives and Sue investigate, the more danger they face. Someone will do anything ..anything at all .. to keep these secrets buried forever.
From start to finish, this is an action-packed, page-turner with twists and turns involving multi-layered characters. The plot is well-crafted with chapters alternating between today and the past. The suspense maintains a high level carrying through the final unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of crime fiction / thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Unfortunately her father has dementia and often mistakes his daughter for his wife. Monica, who disappeared 3o years ago. In his rantings, he has said that the police were somehow involved .. and that it should have been him, not her, who had to pay.
Turning to Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch for help, she finds herself mired in a decades-old secret and cover-up. The more the detectives and Sue investigate, the more danger they face. Someone will do anything ..anything at all .. to keep these secrets buried forever.
From start to finish, this is an action-packed, page-turner with twists and turns involving multi-layered characters. The plot is well-crafted with chapters alternating between today and the past. The suspense maintains a high level carrying through the final unexpected conclusion.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Books n All Book Promotions / Netgalley for the digital copy of crime fiction / thriller. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 2, 2021
Small Bones by Kerry Buchanan is the second in the new detective series starring Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch.
First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Joffe Books (in particular Nina Kicul for sending me a widget), and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Series Background: (Warning – May contain spoilers from previous books)
Detectives Asha Harvey, and Aaron Birch handle crime in Belfast, Ireland. Asha is always trying to prove herself as the rare Indian woman in a largely white, male police force. Aaron, too is trying to prove himself, because he became a detective through a graduate recruitment scheme, so his fellow officers think he jumped procedures. Their boss is CS Yvonne Patterson, who can be a little abrupt.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Asha is now Acting Detective Inspector of the branch, and she feels even more determined to prove herself capable.
When the remains of a child are found in a garden, she is right there.
Sue Hearn was planting a herb garden, outside the family estate. It is just her and her father left, and he has dementia. She didn't expect to find a child's skeleton on the site of her grandfather's old greenhouse.
Asha and Aaron start trying to finding out the identity of the child, and also start looking into the disappearance of Sue's mother when Sue was just a teenager. It seems she went missing about 30 years ago, which is also along the timeline that the body had been buried.
Sue's father has been talking to her about her missing mother lately, and seems to be under the impression it could have been a policeman who was responsible. But with his memory issues, how much does Sue believe.
As the investigation continues, it appears that Sue's father may have been right, and now more lives are in danger.
My Opinions:
This is only the author's second novel (and the second in the series), and it is really good. The author continues to prove herself as the books are well-written and the plots good.
Yes, sometimes the descriptions are a little long, but all in all, I enjoyed the from start to finish.
The characters are great. I love both Asha and Aaron. Again, I was pleased that the victim (Sue) was very involved in the book. The story is told from different perspectives, and I really enjoyed Sue's take on everything that was happening around her.
As in the first, the book had a glossary of terms for "US readers". Maybe I have read enough British authors, but this didn't really seem necessary.
The book ended in a bit of a cliffhanger, and but definitely peaked my interest in reading the next book.
For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, as well as author information), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/
June 2, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Small Bones, the second novel to feature Acting DI Asha Harvey and DC Aaron Birch of PSNI.
Sue Hearn is digging in her garden when she unearths human bones. She is worried they belong to her mother who disappeared almost thirty years ago. Then her father who has dementia says a policeman was involved. Now Asha and Aaron are investigating a cold case and potentially a police officer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Small Bones which is an absorbing read that expands from the find of a bone to something much broader and unexpected. I liked where the story took me, although I was disappointed that it wasn’t finished completely and left probably not a cliffhanger but enough loose ends and unresolved issues to suggest that the follow up will involve them. They are intriguing, so I hope it comes soon before I forget the detail of this one.
I think the plot is great. It occupies the mind and gets the reader thinking as more information comes to light and the possibilities widen. Sure, there are lucky breaks where information suddenly appears to move the investigation forward, but so what? It’s entertainment. It should also be noted that this is quite a violent novel with physical attacks and gunplay. It’s always strange to see guns on UK soil, so I’m assuming that the rules are different in Northern Ireland.
Asha and Aaron are fast becoming one of my favourite detective teams. They are smart and dedicated and very close, saving each other time after time. Could there be romance in the future for them? Maybe, but circumstances etc.
Small Bones is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Sue Hearn is digging in her garden when she unearths human bones. She is worried they belong to her mother who disappeared almost thirty years ago. Then her father who has dementia says a policeman was involved. Now Asha and Aaron are investigating a cold case and potentially a police officer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Small Bones which is an absorbing read that expands from the find of a bone to something much broader and unexpected. I liked where the story took me, although I was disappointed that it wasn’t finished completely and left probably not a cliffhanger but enough loose ends and unresolved issues to suggest that the follow up will involve them. They are intriguing, so I hope it comes soon before I forget the detail of this one.
I think the plot is great. It occupies the mind and gets the reader thinking as more information comes to light and the possibilities widen. Sure, there are lucky breaks where information suddenly appears to move the investigation forward, but so what? It’s entertainment. It should also be noted that this is quite a violent novel with physical attacks and gunplay. It’s always strange to see guns on UK soil, so I’m assuming that the rules are different in Northern Ireland.
Asha and Aaron are fast becoming one of my favourite detective teams. They are smart and dedicated and very close, saving each other time after time. Could there be romance in the future for them? Maybe, but circumstances etc.
Small Bones is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
March 17, 2023
We are back with Acting Detective Inspector Asha Harvey and Detective Constable Aaron Birch. The tale is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It begins with an intriguing prologue set in 1992, before we fast forward to the backyard of Sue Hearn, well technically her father’s backyard, but he is suffering from dementia and the land has been in the family for generations. She is overturning the earth to put in an herb garden when she makes a discovery. The tale that unfolds was gripping with plenty of twists and surprises to keep the listener guessing.
I am really enjoying this crime thriller series. Asha is now the Acting Inspector, and the case before them is more complicated than bones in a garden. Buchanan does a stellar job of building the case, giving us the backstory and sending our detectives on a merry hunt.
The tale can get dark and gritty, but the author keeps it grounded and realistic. When Sue mentions that her mother went missing in 1992, the detectives search for a link between the bones and Monica Hearn. Things are complicated because Sue’s father suffers from dementia. He keeps telling Sue it’s all his fault… but for what? Was he involved in the murder?
Suspense, twists and danger build as it looks more and more like someone from the department may be involved. I loved the tension. I admit I was pretty confident in my suspect, but enjoyed seeing the detectives provide proof. Fans of crime thrillers will want to grab Small Bones and the other titles in the Harvey & Birch series.
I highly recommend listening. Esther Wane brings the characters and stories to life from her accent to tones. The story itself lends perfectly to audio.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I am really enjoying this crime thriller series. Asha is now the Acting Inspector, and the case before them is more complicated than bones in a garden. Buchanan does a stellar job of building the case, giving us the backstory and sending our detectives on a merry hunt.
The tale can get dark and gritty, but the author keeps it grounded and realistic. When Sue mentions that her mother went missing in 1992, the detectives search for a link between the bones and Monica Hearn. Things are complicated because Sue’s father suffers from dementia. He keeps telling Sue it’s all his fault… but for what? Was he involved in the murder?
Suspense, twists and danger build as it looks more and more like someone from the department may be involved. I loved the tension. I admit I was pretty confident in my suspect, but enjoyed seeing the detectives provide proof. Fans of crime thrillers will want to grab Small Bones and the other titles in the Harvey & Birch series.
I highly recommend listening. Esther Wane brings the characters and stories to life from her accent to tones. The story itself lends perfectly to audio.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 18, 2021
4.5⭐️
#2 in the Harvey and Birch series.
My first book by this author which is set in Belfast. It reads well as a standalone, there are references to the previous case, but nothing that made me feel that I needed to have read them in order.
It grabbed my interest straight away When Sue Hearn is digging over to make a herb garden in the old family home on the site that she remembers her grandfather erecting a greenhouse when she was a teenager Sue finds human bones, small bones.
The story is told in 2 timeframes December 1992 and the present. The main points of view are from Sue and Asha. Although we do points of view from other characters.
There isn’t any duplication of information given between the time lines it all seamlessly evolves between the 2.
The characters are well drawn. I especially like young Will. I like Asha the detective too, she has a gentle caring way about her. Lonnie seems to be the stations oracle and super efficient.
I have to mention the partnership of Asha and Aaron, they work well together, have implicit trust, and there’s a bit of chemistry too.
The writing style is so easy to read.
It has a healthy balance between character and plot. There’s some gentle humour too.
It really drew me in. So much going on, there are constant revelations and action which held my attention through out. It never fails to keep you guessing with the twists and turns.
The ending wasn’t what I was expecting.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
#2 in the Harvey and Birch series.
My first book by this author which is set in Belfast. It reads well as a standalone, there are references to the previous case, but nothing that made me feel that I needed to have read them in order.
It grabbed my interest straight away When Sue Hearn is digging over to make a herb garden in the old family home on the site that she remembers her grandfather erecting a greenhouse when she was a teenager Sue finds human bones, small bones.
The story is told in 2 timeframes December 1992 and the present. The main points of view are from Sue and Asha. Although we do points of view from other characters.
There isn’t any duplication of information given between the time lines it all seamlessly evolves between the 2.
The characters are well drawn. I especially like young Will. I like Asha the detective too, she has a gentle caring way about her. Lonnie seems to be the stations oracle and super efficient.
I have to mention the partnership of Asha and Aaron, they work well together, have implicit trust, and there’s a bit of chemistry too.
The writing style is so easy to read.
It has a healthy balance between character and plot. There’s some gentle humour too.
It really drew me in. So much going on, there are constant revelations and action which held my attention through out. It never fails to keep you guessing with the twists and turns.
The ending wasn’t what I was expecting.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2021
Acting DI Asha Harvey, along with her partner Aaron Birch, are back to solve another mystery. This time when Sue Hearn finds the skeleton in her garden. As they dig further into the mystery, they find that Sue's mother Monica went missing thirty years ago and was never heard of again. Are the two cases linked or is there something more going on?
This series is part psychological thriller, part police procedural with a whole heap of twists and turns along the way.
I enjoyed we got to see a bit more of Asha and Aaron in this book than we did in the first, getting to know them a bit better. Asha is a kind and caring copper, trying to prove herself, which bumps up nicely next to the loyal and sweet Aaron.
Sue was an interesting character, too. Looking after her dad, who had dementia, full time would be enough for anyone to cope with, but finding a body on top of all that? It amazed me to see she didn't fall to pieces (I would have) and became integral to the case.
I would say that I found this story a little slower to start than the first in the series but of course that's just my opinion.
Also, it leaves a few unanswered questions, paving the way for the next in the series which I'm looking forward to.
Small Bones is a well written and action packed mystery that was both entertaining and intriguing in equal measure.
This series is part psychological thriller, part police procedural with a whole heap of twists and turns along the way.
I enjoyed we got to see a bit more of Asha and Aaron in this book than we did in the first, getting to know them a bit better. Asha is a kind and caring copper, trying to prove herself, which bumps up nicely next to the loyal and sweet Aaron.
Sue was an interesting character, too. Looking after her dad, who had dementia, full time would be enough for anyone to cope with, but finding a body on top of all that? It amazed me to see she didn't fall to pieces (I would have) and became integral to the case.
I would say that I found this story a little slower to start than the first in the series but of course that's just my opinion.
Also, it leaves a few unanswered questions, paving the way for the next in the series which I'm looking forward to.
Small Bones is a well written and action packed mystery that was both entertaining and intriguing in equal measure.
May 26, 2021
Harvey & Birch book two Belfast Northern Ireland.
Sue Hearn at her home Carrow Lodge is gardening her vegetable plot, and unearths a gruesome find this is going to open a can of worms instead of the police she calls in Professor Mark Talbot for help and he promises to examine the skull and finger bone for its ageing but has no choice this is looking like murder, something happened thirty years ago in her family it's the skull of a child around ten years old and happens around the time Sue's mum Monica went missing. The book takes us back and forth to 1992 Sue was told nothing what her family have done.
Asha Harvey along with Aaron Birch are by her side. Small Bones what is the story behind all this?
Wow after enjoying book one I was eager to get into this book and the author never let me down loves these characters and I hope we get many more in the series to come. this book is full of twists and turns all the way and a big hard hitting story. well worth stars and more from me
Sue Hearn at her home Carrow Lodge is gardening her vegetable plot, and unearths a gruesome find this is going to open a can of worms instead of the police she calls in Professor Mark Talbot for help and he promises to examine the skull and finger bone for its ageing but has no choice this is looking like murder, something happened thirty years ago in her family it's the skull of a child around ten years old and happens around the time Sue's mum Monica went missing. The book takes us back and forth to 1992 Sue was told nothing what her family have done.
Asha Harvey along with Aaron Birch are by her side. Small Bones what is the story behind all this?
Wow after enjoying book one I was eager to get into this book and the author never let me down loves these characters and I hope we get many more in the series to come. this book is full of twists and turns all the way and a big hard hitting story. well worth stars and more from me
October 2, 2023
*4 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
Kerry Buchanan is a new to me author, and I'm currently clearing out my NetGalley backlog - this one took me a second to get into, but I was suddenly invested in the story and wanting to unravel the truth. There are so many things that happen in this book and during the course of the investigation that really have you wondering. There were some things I don't think were truly closed off, and I'd say they'll continue on in the series, which I'd be interested in reading. I really liked Asha and Aaron as characters, and I'd recommend this book.
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Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
Kerry Buchanan is a new to me author, and I'm currently clearing out my NetGalley backlog - this one took me a second to get into, but I was suddenly invested in the story and wanting to unravel the truth. There are so many things that happen in this book and during the course of the investigation that really have you wondering. There were some things I don't think were truly closed off, and I'd say they'll continue on in the series, which I'd be interested in reading. I really liked Asha and Aaron as characters, and I'd recommend this book.
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The Storygraph
May 27, 2021
This was a fast read with some interesting characters, and it was easy to read. I always like to read books set in Northern Ireland. I could feel the wind and the rain, and the atmosphere. Sue is planting her herb garden where her grandpa's greenhouse was. She did however not expect to find human remains. Her mother went missing years and years ago, could it be her?
Sue's father suffers from dementia and is not exactly a reliable source of information. Sue grew up in a house where no one ever talked about her mother gone missing. Weird things start happening, and soon the dark past will become present.
It's a nice enough read to spend an afternoon with, even though I liked the first half a lot more than the latter half. The build up was somehow intriguing, and it felt different from most other books in the genre.
Sue's father suffers from dementia and is not exactly a reliable source of information. Sue grew up in a house where no one ever talked about her mother gone missing. Weird things start happening, and soon the dark past will become present.
It's a nice enough read to spend an afternoon with, even though I liked the first half a lot more than the latter half. The build up was somehow intriguing, and it felt different from most other books in the genre.
August 16, 2021
Superb – very reminiscent of Line of Duty at it’s very best!
Clearing a bit of the garden should have been dull and boring, but when Sue Hearn discovers a skeleton that all changes. Could it be her mother who went missing over 30 years ago? With her father suffering from dementia, will she ever find out? As Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch begin investigating, Sue’s father mentions that there was a police officer involved in the disappearance of his wife; given his condition do they believe him and, if so, what do they do about it? As they begin to dig, they are putting themselves – and others – into serious danger . . .
Wow! I always enjoy it when I get into the second book in a series and this is, without doubt, one of the best. I really like these detectives (not always the case); they work well together and have each others backs 24/7. It’s more than a job to them and it shows. This is utterly thrilling! There is such a lot going on and it is both thought provoking and tremendously exciting! Every one of the characters is beautifully developed and the story itself is carefully plotted with twists and turns and revelations galore. I kept trying to work out who to trust and the most obvious answers was absolutely nobody! I live in hope that the third book is on it’s way – I can’t wait. Highly recommended and a fabulous 5* read.
Clearing a bit of the garden should have been dull and boring, but when Sue Hearn discovers a skeleton that all changes. Could it be her mother who went missing over 30 years ago? With her father suffering from dementia, will she ever find out? As Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch begin investigating, Sue’s father mentions that there was a police officer involved in the disappearance of his wife; given his condition do they believe him and, if so, what do they do about it? As they begin to dig, they are putting themselves – and others – into serious danger . . .
Wow! I always enjoy it when I get into the second book in a series and this is, without doubt, one of the best. I really like these detectives (not always the case); they work well together and have each others backs 24/7. It’s more than a job to them and it shows. This is utterly thrilling! There is such a lot going on and it is both thought provoking and tremendously exciting! Every one of the characters is beautifully developed and the story itself is carefully plotted with twists and turns and revelations galore. I kept trying to work out who to trust and the most obvious answers was absolutely nobody! I live in hope that the third book is on it’s way – I can’t wait. Highly recommended and a fabulous 5* read.
June 4, 2021
What a book!
I've been waiting with baited breath for this book, and it didn't let me down. I was hooked from the very first sentence. The characters are relatable, I feel as if they are old friends and the plot had me on the edge of my seat to the very last page. My only complaint? I have to wait for book 3!
Kerry has definitely become one of my favourite authors.....if you haven't read any of her books, you are missing out!
I've been waiting with baited breath for this book, and it didn't let me down. I was hooked from the very first sentence. The characters are relatable, I feel as if they are old friends and the plot had me on the edge of my seat to the very last page. My only complaint? I have to wait for book 3!
Kerry has definitely become one of my favourite authors.....if you haven't read any of her books, you are missing out!
May 22, 2021
4 stars
Harvey & Birch return to solve a case more intriguing than the first! Bent coppers, extortion, decades old missing persons cases, & danger lurking around every corner make for a fun & meaningful read. It’s well written & plotted, & I look forward to book 3.
[What I liked:]
•It was nice spending more time with Asha & Aaron, getting to know them better as characters. Aaron is so funny & Asha continues to prove her mettle as a DI; & as a team, the two seem to be growing closer...(do I sense a hint of romance for the future?)
•I also liked Sue a lot. She is a well developed character, I really empathized with her struggles, & was rooting for her. Especially compared to the reckless teenage MC of the last book, Sue made an astute & mature (& easy to like) protagonist. Her family dynamic was so poignant, I absolutely loved her grandfather with his study & books.
•The mystery in this book is sad, meaningful, exciting, & nicely complex. Some secrets are creatively revealed by the end. It’s pretty well done overall. The additions of inside antagonists & not knowing who you can trust really upped the stakes.
•Things end on a bit of a cliffhanger, with exciting secrets hinted at for the next book in the series. Things are really getting good, & I look forward to the next book. (The main case gets wrapped up by the end of this story, but danger is still lurking...)
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Well, I shouldn’t complain because it does come with the territory of this genre, but Asha & Aaron & Sue manage to get themselves hospitalized & kidnapped & nearly assassinated an extraordinary number of times. Sue’s escape from a certain vehicle in particular stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit. Overall, the danger they’re in is plausible, but still...at this rate they’re gonna know every nurse & doctor in that hospital!
CW: murder, kidnapping, physical violence & assault, violence towards a child, drug abuse
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
Harvey & Birch return to solve a case more intriguing than the first! Bent coppers, extortion, decades old missing persons cases, & danger lurking around every corner make for a fun & meaningful read. It’s well written & plotted, & I look forward to book 3.
[What I liked:]
•It was nice spending more time with Asha & Aaron, getting to know them better as characters. Aaron is so funny & Asha continues to prove her mettle as a DI; & as a team, the two seem to be growing closer...(do I sense a hint of romance for the future?)
•I also liked Sue a lot. She is a well developed character, I really empathized with her struggles, & was rooting for her. Especially compared to the reckless teenage MC of the last book, Sue made an astute & mature (& easy to like) protagonist. Her family dynamic was so poignant, I absolutely loved her grandfather with his study & books.
•The mystery in this book is sad, meaningful, exciting, & nicely complex. Some secrets are creatively revealed by the end. It’s pretty well done overall. The additions of inside antagonists & not knowing who you can trust really upped the stakes.
•Things end on a bit of a cliffhanger, with exciting secrets hinted at for the next book in the series. Things are really getting good, & I look forward to the next book. (The main case gets wrapped up by the end of this story, but danger is still lurking...)
[What I didn’t like as much:]
•Well, I shouldn’t complain because it does come with the territory of this genre, but Asha & Aaron & Sue manage to get themselves hospitalized & kidnapped & nearly assassinated an extraordinary number of times. Sue’s escape from a certain vehicle in particular stretched my suspension of disbelief a bit. Overall, the danger they’re in is plausible, but still...at this rate they’re gonna know every nurse & doctor in that hospital!
CW: murder, kidnapping, physical violence & assault, violence towards a child, drug abuse
[I received an ARC ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thank you for the book!]
June 2, 2021
Anything regarding this genre of book catches my attention but this one did in particular because of the family secret.
Sue, Asha and Aaron are Likeable characters. I liked the relationship between them and how they were quite relatable.
Loved the storyline, very cleverly done and definitely gave a sense of unease and mystery.
At times I felt it quite far fetched but I guess that’s the good thing about stories, they can be!
Overall an enjoyable thriller!
Sue, Asha and Aaron are Likeable characters. I liked the relationship between them and how they were quite relatable.
Loved the storyline, very cleverly done and definitely gave a sense of unease and mystery.
At times I felt it quite far fetched but I guess that’s the good thing about stories, they can be!
Overall an enjoyable thriller!
June 6, 2021
‘Small Bones’ is the second book to feature the detective pairing that is Harvey and Birch. The first book in the series was called ‘Knife Edge’ and it was released on 15th April 2021. I though ‘Knife Edge’ was good but ‘Small Bones’ was even better. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Small Bones’ but more about that in a bit.
I love the detective pairing of Harvey and Birch. Harvey is now an Acting Detective Inspector and Birch is a Detective Constable. Both work for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. It didn’t take me long to feel as though I had reunited with old friends in Harvey and Birch. I love the way in which they are friends as well as colleagues and I got the impression that both think the world of the other. You can certainly say that they have each other’s backs.
By the time I got to the end of the first page, I realised that I wasn’t going to be able to put this book down for any length of time. I was intrigued by the crime and I needed to know how the story panned out. To say that reading ‘Small Bones’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I would pick up the book only intending to read a chapter but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would sit be sat there reading half a dozen or more chapters later. My Kindle was certainly well travelled as it accompanied me wherever I went. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I found ‘Small Bones’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Small Bones’ is extremely well written. Kerry certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be a compelling story. I loved the fact that the story is set in Northern Ireland as I have relatives from there. The story is written using different timelines. One describes events as they happen in the present day and the other timeline is written using flashbacks to events as they happened in the past, which help to explain why the main characters are the way they are in the present day. I was a bit concerned to start with that this might prove to be confusing but I needn’t have worried because the chapters interlinked well and the story flowed seamlessly. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. As I mentioned above, I thought ‘Knife Edge’ was good but ‘Small Bones’ is even better. This is a series that is destined to go from strength to strength.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of ‘Small Bones’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Kerry’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I love the detective pairing of Harvey and Birch. Harvey is now an Acting Detective Inspector and Birch is a Detective Constable. Both work for the Police Service of Northern Ireland. It didn’t take me long to feel as though I had reunited with old friends in Harvey and Birch. I love the way in which they are friends as well as colleagues and I got the impression that both think the world of the other. You can certainly say that they have each other’s backs.
By the time I got to the end of the first page, I realised that I wasn’t going to be able to put this book down for any length of time. I was intrigued by the crime and I needed to know how the story panned out. To say that reading ‘Small Bones’ became addictive is a huge understatement. I would pick up the book only intending to read a chapter but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would sit be sat there reading half a dozen or more chapters later. My Kindle was certainly well travelled as it accompanied me wherever I went. I just couldn’t bear to miss a single second of the story. I found ‘Small Bones’ to be a gripping read, which certainly kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘Small Bones’ is extremely well written. Kerry certainly knows how to grab your attention and draw you into what proves to be a compelling story. I loved the fact that the story is set in Northern Ireland as I have relatives from there. The story is written using different timelines. One describes events as they happen in the present day and the other timeline is written using flashbacks to events as they happened in the past, which help to explain why the main characters are the way they are in the present day. I was a bit concerned to start with that this might prove to be confusing but I needn’t have worried because the chapters interlinked well and the story flowed seamlessly. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. As I mentioned above, I thought ‘Knife Edge’ was good but ‘Small Bones’ is even better. This is a series that is destined to go from strength to strength.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed every single minute of ‘Small Bones’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Kerry’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 29, 2021
Know your enemy.
Asha & Aaron recovered from their injuries, dealt in Knife Edge are still working together. Mutual trust is the foundation of their relationship and the fact they are both straight as a die. Others might take a back hander or turn a blind eye, not these two.
Since the UK stated naming storms, they seem to have increased. Storm Dennis was a good one, turning a strong greenhouse that had stood for thirty years into a pile of twisted metal, shards of glass everywhere.
Sue Hearn looked at the scrap and realised either she cleared it and put up a new one or changed the site into something useful. As she had had to give up her work in the Path lab. to look after her father, who suffered from dementia, money was tight & glasshouses were expensive, she decided a herb garden would be more practical and a lot less expensive.
She set to work, having cleared the area, she set about lifting the slabs which had been the base. Unearthing bits of old clay pipes, pottery and other scraps she picked up what initially looked like the stem of a clay pipe, it reminded her of a child's finger bone. She dismissed the thought and carried on - she couldn't dismiss her next find. The eye sockets in the skull were quite distinctive.
The police were called in, eventually the remains were identified as those of William Dee, an eleven year old schoolboy in Foster care at the time of his death. Murdered.
Miss Stewart, aka Mrs. Hearn, Sue's mum and Will's teacher went missing around the same time - December 1992 - January 1993.
Was Monica Hearn dead like Will?
Asha & Aaron are assigned to the case. Asha is acting DI and has been told her finishing this case quickly and tidily may make her acting a real promotion to DI permanent.
The deeper they go in their investigation, the more corruption they find. Two serving officers are up to their necks in it, but they are answerable to someone with more clout.
When his identity is discovered, Asha & Aaron believe he maybe the top person, but are they sure?
Something is nagging them, unanswered questions, the execution of the 'top man' during a search of his farm. Its not over yet.
Asha & Aaron recovered from their injuries, dealt in Knife Edge are still working together. Mutual trust is the foundation of their relationship and the fact they are both straight as a die. Others might take a back hander or turn a blind eye, not these two.
Since the UK stated naming storms, they seem to have increased. Storm Dennis was a good one, turning a strong greenhouse that had stood for thirty years into a pile of twisted metal, shards of glass everywhere.
Sue Hearn looked at the scrap and realised either she cleared it and put up a new one or changed the site into something useful. As she had had to give up her work in the Path lab. to look after her father, who suffered from dementia, money was tight & glasshouses were expensive, she decided a herb garden would be more practical and a lot less expensive.
She set to work, having cleared the area, she set about lifting the slabs which had been the base. Unearthing bits of old clay pipes, pottery and other scraps she picked up what initially looked like the stem of a clay pipe, it reminded her of a child's finger bone. She dismissed the thought and carried on - she couldn't dismiss her next find. The eye sockets in the skull were quite distinctive.
The police were called in, eventually the remains were identified as those of William Dee, an eleven year old schoolboy in Foster care at the time of his death. Murdered.
Miss Stewart, aka Mrs. Hearn, Sue's mum and Will's teacher went missing around the same time - December 1992 - January 1993.
Was Monica Hearn dead like Will?
Asha & Aaron are assigned to the case. Asha is acting DI and has been told her finishing this case quickly and tidily may make her acting a real promotion to DI permanent.
The deeper they go in their investigation, the more corruption they find. Two serving officers are up to their necks in it, but they are answerable to someone with more clout.
When his identity is discovered, Asha & Aaron believe he maybe the top person, but are they sure?
Something is nagging them, unanswered questions, the execution of the 'top man' during a search of his farm. Its not over yet.
September 8, 2021
This is the second book in the series featuring Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch, I hadn’t read the first book but found that this read fine as a stand-alone. The books are set in Belfast, Northern Ireland and the story is told in two time frames, the present day and 1992. The book opens with Sue Hearn digging up her grandfather’s old greenhouse to make a herb garden. Carrot Lodge has been in the family for a number of years. Sue’s father, Michael, still lives here and Sue gave up her job as a pathologist to care for him as he has dementia. While she is digging she reveals some small bone fragments. Are they human and could they be connected to the disappearance of her mother nearly thirty years ago? Sue takes the bones to her old boss who thinks they belong to a ten to twelve year old boy who was murdered. Asha and Aaron are called in to investigate the case and to find if there is a link between the boy and Sue’s mother and discover that police corruption could be involved. This is a fast paced and gripping read with plenty of twists and turns and a totally unexpected ending and one I couldn’t put down. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 12, 2021
I loved book 1 in this series (Knife Edge) so I was very much looking forward to book 2. They do work perfectly as stand-alone and Kerry has made sure there are no spoilers or big chunks of text referring to the first book which made it all the more enjoyable.
The characters continue to develop and I love the way Kerry has woven into the story the challenges facing a coloured woman in overcoming the challenges of the Police Force where the white male dominance is very ingrained.
Sue brings a different character to the story and I would like to see her appear in future books.
Sue is removing the flagstones after the greenhouse collapsed and she found something she really wasn't expecting. Having worked in the area before she knew a child's bone when she saw one. What follows is a very intriguing complex case that delves into live more than 3 decades ago and brings to light actions that make Asha and Arron wondering who they can trust.
Abduction, attempted murder, bullying, corruption, lies and revenge all play a part in this totally gripping thriller that will have you turning page after page all the way to the jaw-dropping ending.
Another brilliant read from a very talented author
The characters continue to develop and I love the way Kerry has woven into the story the challenges facing a coloured woman in overcoming the challenges of the Police Force where the white male dominance is very ingrained.
Sue brings a different character to the story and I would like to see her appear in future books.
Sue is removing the flagstones after the greenhouse collapsed and she found something she really wasn't expecting. Having worked in the area before she knew a child's bone when she saw one. What follows is a very intriguing complex case that delves into live more than 3 decades ago and brings to light actions that make Asha and Arron wondering who they can trust.
Abduction, attempted murder, bullying, corruption, lies and revenge all play a part in this totally gripping thriller that will have you turning page after page all the way to the jaw-dropping ending.
Another brilliant read from a very talented author
September 4, 2021
Great
Now this is a can'tputitdown story!!!!! Little slow start but then takes off. Well thought out and organized. I usually don't like stories with too many characters but this was carefully written to gradually bring them in. I wish I had read first in series first. I will go back and find it.
Now this is a can'tputitdown story!!!!! Little slow start but then takes off. Well thought out and organized. I usually don't like stories with too many characters but this was carefully written to gradually bring them in. I wish I had read first in series first. I will go back and find it.
July 3, 2021
Small Bones
I really liked these two books in this series, and I figured Patterson was involved, which makes me mad and fact the one police woman they trusted was involved too, because they didnt catch them. So there has to be a third book so they get caught.
I really liked these two books in this series, and I figured Patterson was involved, which makes me mad and fact the one police woman they trusted was involved too, because they didnt catch them. So there has to be a third book so they get caught.
August 27, 2021
I received a copy of this novel on NetGalley.
Kerry Buchanan is yet one more author I found on NetGalley. Her books are so suspenseful and filled with so many twist and turns. "Small Bones" does not disappoint. It is an easy yet great read.
Kerry Buchanan is yet one more author I found on NetGalley. Her books are so suspenseful and filled with so many twist and turns. "Small Bones" does not disappoint. It is an easy yet great read.
June 18, 2021
Another masterpiece from the talent Buchanan!
Harvey and Birch are back for there second stint and and just as in the first instalment it doesn't disappoint.
A compelling nail biting action packed read that draws you in from the off!
Harvey and Birch are back for there second stint and and just as in the first instalment it doesn't disappoint.
A compelling nail biting action packed read that draws you in from the off!
September 27, 2021
The story starts about thirty years ago when a mother and wife disappears without a trace. The discovering of small bones in a garden land starts a suspenseful hunt to unravel what happened all those years ago. I liked the book and will definitely continue with the series.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books!
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books!
December 11, 2021
I haven't finished reading this yet, but am really enjoying it! The characters are real and true to life and the story is captivating, with interesting glimpses into life and history in Northeren Ireland.
I looked on Amazon for book 3 in this series, but it's not there yet, Aarrgghh! Please tell me there is going to be a book 3 Kerry :-)
I looked on Amazon for book 3 in this series, but it's not there yet, Aarrgghh! Please tell me there is going to be a book 3 Kerry :-)
August 25, 2021
I wasnt disappointed by this book it Had me riveted just as much as the first one. Lots of twists that kept me guessing right to the end, I hope there is another one in the series as I’ve so enjoyed the first two
September 25, 2021
Couldn't put.it down.
Very good story. Characters are well written and develop ed. A little long for reading on a kindle but good bop
Very good story. Characters are well written and develop ed. A little long for reading on a kindle but good bop
September 26, 2021
Asha Harvey as acting DI, starts looking into a dangerous cold case
When Sue Hearn decides to plant herbs in the family garden, she uncovers a partial skeleton..Enter DI Asha Harvey and, detective Birch. This reopens and old missing persons case....and then the trouble and danger begins.. So many twists and suspicions. Excellent read, gripping thriller from beginning to end
When Sue Hearn decides to plant herbs in the family garden, she uncovers a partial skeleton..Enter DI Asha Harvey and, detective Birch. This reopens and old missing persons case....and then the trouble and danger begins.. So many twists and suspicions. Excellent read, gripping thriller from beginning to end
July 11, 2021
*5 Stars*
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This book was a very interesting read, especially when trying to figure out who was the actual culprit and who were the good guys. Really good characters and I look forward to reading more from this series.
Would recommend.
Copy kindly received via NetGalley for an honest review.
This book was a very interesting read, especially when trying to figure out who was the actual culprit and who were the good guys. Really good characters and I look forward to reading more from this series.
Would recommend.
July 11, 2021
An excellent crime thriller, I could not put it down. Who’s bones are buried underneath the old greenhouse and more importantly who put them there. I was gripped from the first page.
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