Reviews

Small Bones by Kerry Buchanan

meegzreads's review

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4.0

*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.

ljwrites85's review

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4.0

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.

watermeglon's review

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4.0

Thank you Netgalley for an e - ARC in exchange for an honest review!

My rating - 3.5/5

The Harvey Birch detective duo is back with a gripping mystery and I am so here for it! Asha is such a refreshing character to read about especially in a setting like this because it's quite rare to find a good female protagonist, and the fact that she is well connected with her culture is just a bonus for me.

The premise itself is okay, but a fast paced plot and every character having a well developed background makes up for it. Sue Hearn has been explored in detail in this book and it is evident that her story has been mapped out with a lot of effort, and she adds a layer of interest to the story.

Overall the plot keeps you on your toes and there is never a dull moment throughout the book. I love how carefully every detail has been worked out. The back and forth narratives made the ending a little predictable but I am excited to see where Asha and Aaron's relationship will work out in the future and also waiting for the next book in the series because the cliffhanger left me wanting more.

glouise92's review

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4.0

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!

cassiecat's review

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

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’s listed as a crime thriller, it’s not your standard police procedural, it’s more of a fusion with a domestic noir. It has a Belinda Bauer style feel about it, which is a compliment as I love her books. 
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. 
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 make a great team, they get on really well, there’s some chemistry there 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. 
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