Blast from the Past

DI Bob Willis #2

by Damien Boyd

The past left scars. The killer left clues, in this tense thriller from the bestselling DI Bob Willis series.

It is 1986. Assigned to a new Cold Case Unit, retired Detective Inspector Mungo ‘Bob’ Willis has reopened the investigation into the 1962 disappearance of a nine-year-old boy. Paul Bromfield was snatched from one of the last steam trains from Evercreech Junction to Burnham-on-Sea and later found dead in an abandoned bunker.

A day at the seaside turned to tragedy. And a child’s name everyone remembers.

The killer has been watching—waiting for this moment. When another child vanishes and chilling messages begin to arrive, Bob finds himself caught in a dangerous game. With time running out, he must decipher clues that have been hidden in plain sight for decades; clues that point to the lasting fallout from a forgotten nightmare.

The truth is still out there. And it’s not finished with him yet.

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Damien Boyd is a former solicitor turned crime fiction writer.

Drawing on extensive experience of criminal law as well as a spell in the Crown Prosecution Service, Damien writes fast paced crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Nick Dixon.

Damien is published by Thomas & Mercer.

Reviews

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh I just love this lil maverick. Authority? Eff it. Police procedure? Never met her. Gut instincts almost always hitting the mark? Priceless.
Completely sprinted through this book and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Mrs Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

this 2nd book in what I hope will be a fantastic series set in the 1980's, has Mungo 'Bob' Willis starting on his 1st cold case, looking into the disappearance of a 9 year old boy from a steam train trip on 1962, whose body was found weeks later in a nuclear bunker, while Bob is starting to talk to people who were on the train another 9 year old is taken on the anniversary of the first boys death, this gets Bob working alongside a team on the current investigation, where his instincts find the boy alive, then following another murder and finally a kidnapping, we get to see a side to Bob that was hidden, his stubbornness and sheer determination to find the person who seeks revenge on all the people he blames for the tragic deaths of his family. we're led through past events, to a yacht filled with explosives, the atmosphere of wading through ditches and peat fields to barrage balloon hangers... an intense thought provoking tale that keeps the reader wanting to read until the last page without stopping. Damien Boyd has produced another 5🌟book ... roll on No.3 cannot wait 👌

[David Highton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book set in 1986 - retired Bob Willis starts on a cold case from 1962 concerning the abandonment of a 9 year old in a nuclear bunker and a second similiar abduction occurs 24 years after the first.

[Babydoclaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent mystery/thriller from Damien Boyd. Mungo 'Bob' Willis is back, working the cold case unit. He's darker and more flawed than Nick Dixon from Boyd's other series, but just as dogged in pursuit of the truth and doing the right thing. These mysteries are set in the 1980s, which lend a a different feel to the books as well. I really enjoy the characters and the tension as the mystery deepens. I look forward to the next DI Willis.

[Desney King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bob Willis is not Nick Dixon

I've gobbled up each of Damien Boyd's Nick Dixon novels - they're excellent! Five stars, every one of them.
So I was eager to meet Boyd's new hero (if you could call him that, because he certainly doesn't have great self-esteem).
The story is a page-turner, more captivating than the first in this series, with a cast of quirky, interesting characters.
Apart from DI Bob Willis, that is. Do you see what I did there? That's right! I'm imitating the deeply irritating Willis. But you probably knew that, didn't you?
A constant stream of gratuitous asides to the reader and rhetorical questions had me wanting to throw my Kindle at the wall. Only Boyd's clever plotting and pacing kept me reading.
Dear Damien Boyd, please let Bob experience a transformative personal growth spurt before he arrives in Book 3.
He's the most irritating character I've spent time with in years. He'll never get Shirley back at this rate.
Blast from the Past has earned 4 stars despite its protagonist and because it's a ripping good yarn.
I don't know whether I could stand more of Bob Willis though, unless he cleans up his act.

[Susan Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read over two days, I very much enjoyed this complicated thriller - the second featuring DI Bob Willis, who has now been assigned 'cold cases' following his so-called retirement following PTSD after the events that fuelled the previous book in this new series. It's set in 1986 (so no mobile phones, which is nice sometimes...) and the cold case happened in 1962, when a young boy was left in a nuclear bunker down in Somerset and died of thirst and starvation. When a second child goes missing and there is another murder, the complexities of this case become apparent, reaching back to nuclear tests after World War Two, the Navy, all to be deciphered from the signs the killer left after each bunker incident by Bob (real name Mungo). Liked the police procedurals and Mungo's back story too as well as the Somerset setting.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece

Wow, what a fabulous read! I literally couldn’t make myself put this book down, so now I’m writing this review at 1am. ‘Bob’ Willis is most definitely flawed, but he is also a very good detective, all be it retired. With instincts that can’t be ignored, determination that might also be described as sheer bloody mindness and a talent for sidestepping authority when needed, Bob is out to get his man, especially when a cold case becomes a live case…and then it gets personal.

Damien Boyd is without doubt my favourite crime fiction writer, with storylines that keep you guessing and lead detectives that have you cheering them on, whilst always confident that they will get their killer.

[Katrina Calder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good old Bob Willis has returned!

After reading the first book in this series, I really took to the character of Bob Willis and his adventure. At long last this second book has now dropped and I couldn’t wait to get stuck into it. The story does not disappoint with the dipping into a child abduction from the early 60’s which is the very first cold case Bob has decided to review in his new post. I just couldn’t put it down and as mentioned previously, Bob’s a super character who is seriously underestimated and I really enjoyed the narrator. I read so many detective books and it’s been years since I reviewed one, this book was deserving. I hope the next one comes out soon.

[Rosemary Dreyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was glad there was another book in the Bob Willis series. He’s such a good, tortured character and I like that he’s retired, acting as a consultant. Sharp is still obnoxious but he made some growth. Mary is an excellent new character and I hope she’ll feature in the next book. Last book, I wanted to know more about Shirley and their children. This book did not disappoint. Honestly, I hope Bob and Shirley do get back together. Having read the Dixon novels, I appreciated the nods to that character. Mr. Boyd does a great job of pacing, from the mundane follow up in detective work, balanced with exciting developments and racing to aid. Overall, I do recommend these books.

[Maddie Hoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the series doesn't disappoint

I know I'm in for an engaging and entertaining read whenever I pick up a Damien Boyd book. I enjoy the author's writing style and the stories being set in the mid 1980s feel nostalgic to me, with references to places I remember very well from my own past.

I like Bob Willis as a character and am becoming invested in his redemption arc regarding his relationship with his ex wife Shirley.

Looking forward to the next in this series.

[virginia king · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another rerun from Damien Boyd

Although a good story for anyone who hasn't read a Damien Boyd book, unfortunately Mr Boyd never strays far from his original ideas, each of his books always revolves around revenge, which after reading a couple becomes not only boring but tedious, so this is it for me I'm afraid, I'm done, life's too short to read a repetition of previous books, there's better authors out there.

[Michelle Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blast From The Past is another great addition to the DI Bob Willis series. Bob has retired and is now working as a civilian consultant in the Cold Case Unit. While investigating a crime from 1962, the offender strikes again. Can Bob and the team find the culprit before someone else dies? The solo narration by Nicholas Boulton was spectacular. He portrayed each and every character perfectly. I highly recommend listening to this fabulous audiobook.

[Jennine Oldis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This feels like a trip down memory lane with a truly skilled but slightly difficult to manage Mungo Willis returning to help with a cold case unit. Enter a case no one wants to talk about and some new characters trying to stop this great detective in his tracks what is there not to love. Brings back great memories of the Little Chef in Farrington Gurney and love the throwbacks of a time before cctv. Fingers crossed this series will continue as it is a great read!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read from Damien Boyd

I love,the way Damien writes in the first person. It makes you,feel like he talking to you personally! Another gripping story about Bob Willis and I really, really enjoyed it. It feels like real life policing and he certainly gets results

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in the 80s and Bob is attached to a brand new Cold Case Unit. The first case is a 9 year old boy abducted in the 60s. It was such a great read with several twists and turns and plenty of edge of the seat moments. Bob is a tenacious retired detective. Angela is a journalist and is also determined. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Valerie Douthwaite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read several Damien Boyd books and this one definitely didn't disappoint. I'm already a fan of retired cop Bob Willis, he's got grit and he's determined to follow his gut feelings despite the senior dectective not having faith in his decisions. He's like a dog with a bone and follows his instinct.
A well put together crime story and hard to put down. Will look forward to the next one. 👍🏻

[sandra arthur · Rating 5 out of 5]

enthralling as always

Love bob willis stories, hope he comes back again soon. Takes no nonsense of anyone. Like his style. Great story, albeit sad too for a child to have died. Or should I say children to have died. But war is never a fair playing field. Highly recommend this book.

[John Wintersteen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cripes I just started this book and it already reads better than 80% of the books I’ve read. Damien Boyd makes it look easy but no one writes like Damien Boyd and I’ve read a lot of books since I started reading Boyd’s books. Glad he started writing a new series although I notice he’s got another of the old series coming up. Excellent. I’ll get back to you later when I’ve read more than the first 10 pages. Would love to meet Damien Boyd. Well on to page 11 of the Bob Willis book. Well it was a Great book. Damien Boyd is so good. Who writes a book directed to one person ME. I love it. Now I’m going to have to wait a year before reading another Bob Willis book. Meanwhile I’ve got,his other series which is coming up soon

[Phil Chaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery

Damien has jumped up a level with this crime mystery that improves on the slightly stilted and a little disjointed first book in the series.

This book flowed much better and is full of the essential surprises required when crafting a quality `whodunnit'. Well done, Damien

[Paddy Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive Tale

You will be bowled over by another Mungo “Bob” Willis story that moves faster than the steam trains featured.
Well researched and written as always by the inventive author Damien Boyd

[Jane Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! What a read . This book is damien Boyd’s 2nd outing for retired detective inspector mungo “Bob “ Willis. It’s fast paced and gripping and to coin a phrase, a real page turner. Hope we don’t have to wait too long for book 3

[Diana Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

quirky and original

Loved it. Damien Boyd never disappoints. Bob Willis is a great character; difficult to second guess. Boyd always manages to root his stories in Somerset, for those interested in the area.

[irene mcgovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitement at its best

Excitement at its best a non stop rollercoaster with the quiet, calm retired detective. Well written the audience being included constantly. I await the next one

[pauline hadfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I could not put this down, read in one sitting. I just love Damien Boyds easy way of writting. Thoroughly enjoy getting to know the characters. location s. And plots. Always looking g out for his latest offering.

[Judi Strain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved spotting places in Somerset

A very clever book with twists and turns throughout. It's great to see Bob Willis investigate without the constraints of being a serving officer. Look forward to his next adventure

[Colin Catt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blast from the Past

Always enjoyed reading Damien Boyd's books. Read the first in the new series last year and came across this one. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Bob Willis and his investigation. A good read to be had.

[Roger Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Willis is a rebel who always seems to be able to out think and out smart his peers and superiors. Good story line. Better than the first book in this series which is always a good sign for book 3.

[Robert Anastasiades · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant episode which kept you reading , Bob Willis in his unorthodox way of working got there in the end . Really looking forward to him working his next case. The author is brilliant in the way he draws you in

[christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very clever plot

A book to get the reader intrigued from the start. Very well thought out plot with a satisfying outcome. An unusual way of writing which got into the character nicely

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Damien Boyd never fails to deliver, another CRACKING read. Mungo ‘Everyone calls me Bob’ Willis is emerging as another strong likeable no nonsense character. Totally looking forward to the next instalment