The past comes back to haunt DCI Jack Logan. A boy has disappeared, and the case has all the characteristics of "Mister Whisper," a serial child-killer Logan put away ten years ago. When another child goes missing, Jack is sent to lead the investigation. Did Jack have the wrong man all those years ago? Is this a copycat? Either way, Jack needs to do everything possible to rescue the boy.
It takes very little time to recognize the quality of Kirk's writing and his skill for dialogue. He provides a well-done introduction to Logan's team and their personalities. PC Sinead Bell and DC Hamza Khaled are particularly well utilized in their roles.
One appreciates the hints of humour with their very Scottish flair—"But in a minute, I'm going to hear a cry for help from within this house, giving me no choice but to break this door down and investigate." …Sinead hesitated, then nodded. …He watched as Sinead leaned past him, turned the handle, and pushed the door open. "It's the Highlands," she told him. "We don't always lock our doors." What a good example of Logan being out of his element while showing his fallibility.
Kirk establishes an excellent sense of place, whether it be a small, mid-terrace house, or an open area. Yet it is the excellence of conveying the fear and frustration of the family which is particularly compelling. His ability to escalate suspense is palpable, cementing the plot as being a ripping page-turner filled with wicked twists. Be aware that there are scenes related to animal torture, and others not for the faint of stomach.
LITTER OF BONES is a straight-through, non-stop read filled with great characters, action, suspense, emotional impact, twists, and just enough humor for balance. There are no portents, just a wicked good story that keeps on turning the pages. It is dark, and there are scenes unpleasant to read, yet the positive qualities outweigh the negative and compel one to read the next book.
LITTER OF BONES (PolProc-DCI Jack Logan-Scotland-Contemp) – Ex
Kirk, J.D. – 1st in series
Zertex Crime, Oct 2020, 320 pp.
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I like the setting for this one. And like you, I always appreciate some wit in a book. I think that's especially true in books like this one, that could be just too bleak without a bit of a lift.
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