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DS Vicky Dodds #4
Skin and Bone
When a teenage boy is abducted from a Dundee street in broad daylight, DS Vicky Dodds and her team are put on the case. The drowned body is found with just one clue — an inscrutable code scratched onto his arm.
Vicky must hunt across Dundee for the brutal killers, drawing on old friends and family to probe the deep corners of the dark web and Scottish gangs.
As Vicky learns to doubt who she can trust, she connects with a new friend, someone who can maybe help her resolve her own murky past.
Vicky must hunt across Dundee for the brutal killers, drawing on old friends and family to probe the deep corners of the dark web and Scottish gangs.
As Vicky learns to doubt who she can trust, she connects with a new friend, someone who can maybe help her resolve her own murky past.
274 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 30, 2021
It's DS Vickie Dodd's birthday and she's out with her family for a leisurely outing. The calm is shattered by the news of a teenage boys attempted abduction and death, while another teenaged girl goes missing.
As she's pulled in to unravel the secrets lurking behind the sinister plot, old acquaintances, friends and family all become extremely important in the twisted plot. The terrible evil has to be stopped, whatever the cost!
Please read my detailed review from the link below
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#edjames #skinandbone #scottishcrimefiction #dundee
As she's pulled in to unravel the secrets lurking behind the sinister plot, old acquaintances, friends and family all become extremely important in the twisted plot. The terrible evil has to be stopped, whatever the cost!
Please read my detailed review from the link below
https://www.aniblogshere.com/book-rev...
Do visit🏃🏽, read 📖, like 👍🏼, comment 💭 or share 🚩
🙏🏼🙏🏼
#edjames #skinandbone #scottishcrimefiction #dundee
May 23, 2025
Book four in the DS Vicky Dodds series focuses on the kidnap and murder of a teenage boy and the kidnap of a teenage girl. However, as Dodds searches for answers, the case slowly becomes darker: child trafficking, paedophiles, and corrupt detectives going far up the rank. This is a lot for Dodds to deal with and, when her family is threatened, she knows she has some difficult choices to make. Will Dodds be able to stop all of this, or is this case far too complex and risky for her to solve?
While I preferred book three, this was still an excellent novel that had me as gripped as the last. The series has certainly gotten better throughout and the plots have grown in intensity. This book had you on the edge of your seat and the ending was as brilliant as the last book.
In regards to characters, I was glad DS MacDonald wasn’t involved as much, however I find it hard to believe he was still able to keep his job once it came out that he’d been giving a reporter information on cases as they were blackmailing him. Book three ended with the idea it would be unlikely he’d keep his job, but then he was in book four with none of his previous wrongdoing being mentioned… that felt a bit odd to me and I expected him to be absent from future books.
I liked the other characters though and find Dodds more likeable with each book. It’s a shame there’s now only one book left as it feels like when I’m finally starting to like her that the series is coming to an end!
Overall, a great novel with a gripping plot, but it’s sad that there is now only one book left in the series!
While I preferred book three, this was still an excellent novel that had me as gripped as the last. The series has certainly gotten better throughout and the plots have grown in intensity. This book had you on the edge of your seat and the ending was as brilliant as the last book.
In regards to characters, I was glad DS MacDonald wasn’t involved as much, however I find it hard to believe he was still able to keep his job once it came out that he’d been giving a reporter information on cases as they were blackmailing him. Book three ended with the idea it would be unlikely he’d keep his job, but then he was in book four with none of his previous wrongdoing being mentioned… that felt a bit odd to me and I expected him to be absent from future books.
I liked the other characters though and find Dodds more likeable with each book. It’s a shame there’s now only one book left as it feels like when I’m finally starting to like her that the series is coming to an end!
Overall, a great novel with a gripping plot, but it’s sad that there is now only one book left in the series!
June 16, 2021
Skin and Bone - loved this book!
I couldn’t put this book down! I love the character Vicky Dodds. A great read that keeps you wanting more!
I couldn’t put this book down! I love the character Vicky Dodds. A great read that keeps you wanting more!
May 1, 2021
One problem with being a police detective is even birthday outings aren't sacrosanct. DS Vicky Dodds was enjoying a family day at the V&A in Dundee when she was instructed to investigate after the body of a teenage boy is found. Not happy about losing her day off she soon realises the death is only part of a much bigger, complicated, and traumatic case than even her worst nightmares can envisage.
With help left by the victim himself Vicky is soon following clues which seem to involve family, friends and colleagues alike. No longer sure who to trust she finds herself working with unlikely allies as the case threatens to take off in unexpected and ever more dangerous directions.
As one of my favourite authors I am always excited to read new books from Ed James especially as he very rarely disappoins his many fans. Once again he has written a thriller which has so much more happening than first appears with the research undertaken obvious from the detail included. One of the reasons I enjoy his various series is because it has always seemed that Mr James enjoys every word he writes and this storyline is no different in that regard. The characters are flawed but real and as an added treat characters and investigations from some of his other books also appear here which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author Ed James and Grey Dog Books but the opinions expressed are my own. This a brilliant read by a first class author which will keep you engrossed from start to finish.
With help left by the victim himself Vicky is soon following clues which seem to involve family, friends and colleagues alike. No longer sure who to trust she finds herself working with unlikely allies as the case threatens to take off in unexpected and ever more dangerous directions.
As one of my favourite authors I am always excited to read new books from Ed James especially as he very rarely disappoins his many fans. Once again he has written a thriller which has so much more happening than first appears with the research undertaken obvious from the detail included. One of the reasons I enjoy his various series is because it has always seemed that Mr James enjoys every word he writes and this storyline is no different in that regard. The characters are flawed but real and as an added treat characters and investigations from some of his other books also appear here which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to the author Ed James and Grey Dog Books but the opinions expressed are my own. This a brilliant read by a first class author which will keep you engrossed from start to finish.
October 25, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Vicky Dodd’s series by author Ed James.
This a good addition to the series with a decent plot set in Dundee. Detective Sergeant Vicky Dodd’s leads her team in the investigation into the abduction of a teenage boy in broad daylight. A harrowing crime that rapidly turns into a far more sinister one.
The team discovers that the victim’s drowned body was marked with a cryptic code etched onto his arm. The code leads Vicky and her team into the frightening world of gangs and ruthless killers.
This is a very good police procedural that is set in the dark and dangerous part of Dundee. Interesting characters, especially Vicky Dodd’s who I enjoy more and more with each book in this series. Vicky is contentious, vulnerable but very determined when seeking justice.
This series is getting better with each book.
This a good addition to the series with a decent plot set in Dundee. Detective Sergeant Vicky Dodd’s leads her team in the investigation into the abduction of a teenage boy in broad daylight. A harrowing crime that rapidly turns into a far more sinister one.
The team discovers that the victim’s drowned body was marked with a cryptic code etched onto his arm. The code leads Vicky and her team into the frightening world of gangs and ruthless killers.
This is a very good police procedural that is set in the dark and dangerous part of Dundee. Interesting characters, especially Vicky Dodd’s who I enjoy more and more with each book in this series. Vicky is contentious, vulnerable but very determined when seeking justice.
This series is getting better with each book.
April 5, 2021
Absolutely fantastic. Read in 4hrs, a one-sitting job, could not put it down. Kept me completely gripped and I had no idea who the main villain was (there were so many to choose from). Ed James writes Crime Thrillers so well, and he has some fantastic main characters, but Vicky Dodds is without doubt my favourite from his catalogue (will always have a soft spot for Scott Cullen though) Always nice to see crossovers between his books as well.
July 5, 2021
Excellent and gripping tale!
Really 5 stars is not enough for this book. I loved every page and could not put it down...will be recommending this to all my Dundee pals. We need to support great local talent whenever we can. Nice to read a book written by someone who knows our language well and no some American author who thinks we run around saying och aye the noo and other such nonsense. As only a Dundee born and bred could say... This book was teckle :)
Really 5 stars is not enough for this book. I loved every page and could not put it down...will be recommending this to all my Dundee pals. We need to support great local talent whenever we can. Nice to read a book written by someone who knows our language well and no some American author who thinks we run around saying och aye the noo and other such nonsense. As only a Dundee born and bred could say... This book was teckle :)
March 28, 2023
Up and down
Another book where the stories are inconsistent and don't always make sense. It's like two different people are writing sometimes. Again the spell-check has been missed and there are some very random words in there that have obviously been made by Word. Read the book to iron out these wee things and it could be a much more enjoyable read. Sometimes I'm left scratching my head trying to figure out what's happened.
Another book where the stories are inconsistent and don't always make sense. It's like two different people are writing sometimes. Again the spell-check has been missed and there are some very random words in there that have obviously been made by Word. Read the book to iron out these wee things and it could be a much more enjoyable read. Sometimes I'm left scratching my head trying to figure out what's happened.
May 1, 2021
Thank you to Grey Dog Books for the Advanced Review Copy.
This is the kind of writing that Ed James handles so brilliantly. This is a truly intense read from start to finish, Vicky is a credible character who is fast becoming one of my favourites from this author, if you're looking for a fast paced, gritty read look no further. A simply brilliant book from a very talented author.
This is the kind of writing that Ed James handles so brilliantly. This is a truly intense read from start to finish, Vicky is a credible character who is fast becoming one of my favourites from this author, if you're looking for a fast paced, gritty read look no further. A simply brilliant book from a very talented author.
July 14, 2021
Absolute cracker!
What an addition to the Dodds series, had it all! Well written and a great pace that kept going through the whole book, some more nice character development and great crime story. Loved how it all came together at the end, couple of good twist and turns in there. No wonder Ed James is one of my favourite authors with great books like this!
What an addition to the Dodds series, had it all! Well written and a great pace that kept going through the whole book, some more nice character development and great crime story. Loved how it all came together at the end, couple of good twist and turns in there. No wonder Ed James is one of my favourite authors with great books like this!
April 16, 2022
Vicky Dodds my new police heroine
I had to read all 4 books back to back, Ed James has created a wonderful gritty Police Detective in Vicky Dodds. She is a Mum trying to juggle being a single parent and a demanding job. Her job is demanding but she seems to be the one able to join the dots and solve difficult cases.
I had to read all 4 books back to back, Ed James has created a wonderful gritty Police Detective in Vicky Dodds. She is a Mum trying to juggle being a single parent and a demanding job. Her job is demanding but she seems to be the one able to join the dots and solve difficult cases.
Read
April 6, 2025Vicky is called away from her birthday trip with the family to investigate the kidnapping and death of a 15 year old boy. At first it's thought that it's to do with drugs but it gets linked to another disappearance. Vicky finds herself investigating a paedophile ring involving prominent locals and the police.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
Another Gripping DS Vicki Dodds Story
I enjoyed this DS Vicki Dodds story very much. This is the fourth in the series and involves a pedophile ring and people trafficking.
The story was well plotted and up to Ed James' usual high standard. However, I have to confess that I found the ending was a bit unbelievable.
Nevertheless, it's a good read.
I enjoyed this DS Vicki Dodds story very much. This is the fourth in the series and involves a pedophile ring and people trafficking.
The story was well plotted and up to Ed James' usual high standard. However, I have to confess that I found the ending was a bit unbelievable.
Nevertheless, it's a good read.
May 9, 2021
Intriguing well written story
Vicky Codes has joined the group of characters I want to keep in touch with. Ed James has created a fascinating character that has enough variables and unknowns to keep intriguing
Vicky Codes has joined the group of characters I want to keep in touch with. Ed James has created a fascinating character that has enough variables and unknowns to keep intriguing
May 24, 2021
DS Dodds is back
I've waited a long time for Vicky to return! This book did not disappoint. I'm a big fan of all Ed's series. You don't need to read the other books but it is a delight when characters from the other books appear! Great story, fast paced and great characters 👍
I've waited a long time for Vicky to return! This book did not disappoint. I'm a big fan of all Ed's series. You don't need to read the other books but it is a delight when characters from the other books appear! Great story, fast paced and great characters 👍
October 3, 2021
Great story tull of twists.
Very up to date in terms of what is happening in society and the very start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Believable storyline with complex relationships. Nice to have a story from my home town. Loved it.
Very up to date in terms of what is happening in society and the very start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Believable storyline with complex relationships. Nice to have a story from my home town. Loved it.
June 7, 2025
An excellent series so far.
This is a very relatable character, who I wish would get some sleep occasionally. Fast moving plots, a fair degree of intricacy and she sometimes gets a little of her own back on the more dislikeable characters. Good read all round.
This is a very relatable character, who I wish would get some sleep occasionally. Fast moving plots, a fair degree of intricacy and she sometimes gets a little of her own back on the more dislikeable characters. Good read all round.
September 20, 2025
Always a cracking read
As always I enjoyed this Ed James book from start to finish. Not really a whodunit, more a procedural. Some good characters, likeable heroes and unlikeable bad guys. Can't wait for another.
As always I enjoyed this Ed James book from start to finish. Not really a whodunit, more a procedural. Some good characters, likeable heroes and unlikeable bad guys. Can't wait for another.
May 3, 2021
Fast paced exciting read
As an avid Ed James fan I enjoy the Vicky Dodd books best.
This one is a really exciting read,great work Ed
As an avid Ed James fan I enjoy the Vicky Dodd books best.
This one is a really exciting read,great work Ed
May 5, 2021
Good story
I really like these stories, it's very cleverly written and describes places well, I like the Fenchurch series as well
I really like these stories, it's very cleverly written and describes places well, I like the Fenchurch series as well
May 7, 2021
Cracking pacy read, up to his usual standard, read in one sitting as usual, 'Way fair' to say a great plot and Dodds is my fave character, though I like them all.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
July 11, 2021
Another great read!
Gripping story from beginning to end. Good to see a female character to the lead in a storyline. Looking forward to more of the same!
Gripping story from beginning to end. Good to see a female character to the lead in a storyline. Looking forward to more of the same!
October 12, 2021
As good if not better than anything that’s gone before, good, concise story with some great cross references to other book series that the Author has created.
Completely enjoyable.
Completely enjoyable.
November 16, 2021
A strong police procedural set in Dundee, featuring computer gaming and the dark web leading to trafficking and worse.
December 5, 2021
Good read like the first two.
May 24, 2022
Another great read
Just a wee bit to technical with the computer jargon. Still totally enjoyed Vicky and her life out side work.
Just a wee bit to technical with the computer jargon. Still totally enjoyed Vicky and her life out side work.
June 15, 2023
Another brilliant book by Ed. The ending to this was fantastic. A bit of a slow start though. Can't wait for the next book! Highly recommend this series.
September 30, 2023
Whilst I enjoyed this book I wasn’t entirely happy with the ending which seemed so out of character f9r the individuals involved
February 8, 2024
unputdownable.
Great read, characters are solid & great story line, once started it was hard to pet down even for a cuppa.
Great read, characters are solid & great story line, once started it was hard to pet down even for a cuppa.
February 9, 2024
Pacey
Good storyline that moves along at pace, great characters. A Very enjoyable book, read the previous in the series will read more
Good storyline that moves along at pace, great characters. A Very enjoyable book, read the previous in the series will read more
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews