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The Boxwood Torso: A Sebastien Grey Novel
A skull in one state, a torso in another. Are they connected?Thirty years ago, the authorities didn’t think so. But the ingenious forensic anthropologist Dr. Sebastien Grey is now on the case, and he believes they both belong to the same victim – an unidentified man who was shot, dismembered, scattered in two states and burned. But time is not the only thing standing in the way of the truth. A pair of professional rivals, a spy inside the sheriff’s office and a local family with a dark secret are all obstacles to untying this murderous knot.This second book in the Sebastien Grey series finds Dr. Grey once again in the Black Hills of South Dakota and teamed up with Tiffany Reese – a shrewd and tough detective who doubles as the love of his life and the only woman who can coax him out of his awkward social isolation. Will their relationship survive the pressure of high stakes cold case work?
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2021
77 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
Ryburn Dobbs
5 books31 followersRyburn Dobbs taught biological anthropology and forensic anthropology at several colleges throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and spent ten years as a forensic anthropologist, working dozens of death investigations. In addition to his anthropological pursuits, Ryburn also worked as an investigative analyst specializing in homicides and unsolved cases.
His work as a forensic anthropologist inspired him to write The Sebastien Grey Novels. The first book in the series, The Comfort of Distance, was released in September 2020, followed by The Boxwood Torso (The Sebastien Grey Novels Book 2) in July 2021. Where the Blood is Made (The Sebastien Grey Novels Book 3) will be released in Spring 2022.
His work as a forensic anthropologist inspired him to write The Sebastien Grey Novels. The first book in the series, The Comfort of Distance, was released in September 2020, followed by The Boxwood Torso (The Sebastien Grey Novels Book 2) in July 2021. Where the Blood is Made (The Sebastien Grey Novels Book 3) will be released in Spring 2022.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 25, 2022
LOVING the Tiffany Reese and Sebastien Grey duo!! It gave me such Bones vibes - does anyone else remember that tv series??
Obsessed with the direction the author is taking with the Cold Case team. I find cold cases extremely fascinating, and it was so interesting seeing all the pieces of the puzzle come together as I turned the pages.
That cliffhanger at the end though! I can't wait to see what happens in book three!!
Side note: These books can be read as a standalone but I would highly suggest reading The Comfort Of Distance first.
Huge thanks to Book Publicity Services for this gifted copy!
Obsessed with the direction the author is taking with the Cold Case team. I find cold cases extremely fascinating, and it was so interesting seeing all the pieces of the puzzle come together as I turned the pages.
That cliffhanger at the end though! I can't wait to see what happens in book three!!
Side note: These books can be read as a standalone but I would highly suggest reading The Comfort Of Distance first.
Huge thanks to Book Publicity Services for this gifted copy!
March 7, 2022
The Boxwood Torso is the second book in the Sebastien Grey series and has the same amount of punch— if not more—than the first book. Ryburn Dobbs has written two exciting, fresh, and edge-of-your-seat murder mysteries that will have you hooked from the very first line. I especially love the humor and genuineness of the characters Mr. Dobbs created; it has made the books that much more enjoyable to read. This series is not to be missed if you enjoy a good mystery with high-quality writing!
The Boxwood Torso ended on a cliffhanger, and I'm already champing at the bit for the third book. I'm excited to see where Mr. Dobbs is going to take us next!
A big thank you to Book Publicity Services for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Boxwood Torso ended on a cliffhanger, and I'm already champing at the bit for the third book. I'm excited to see where Mr. Dobbs is going to take us next!
A big thank you to Book Publicity Services for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2022
I received this ebook by the publisher for my honest review.
Sebastien Grey and Tiffany Reese are the best duo in the crime genre world. This book was better than the first one and I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment.
We find ourselves back with Grey, Reese, and the South Dakota police department but this time working on cold cases. Through Grey and Reese’s detective work and forensic knowledge they prove once again that they can tackle any job.
What I appreciated the most was the storyline, it was semi-Predictable in some parts but honestly I was NOT expecting the ending at all. Without spoilers, it is NOT who you think it is.
I cannot wait for the installment of the Sebastien Grey series and to see what happens next with him and lovely Tiffany Reese.
Sebastien Grey and Tiffany Reese are the best duo in the crime genre world. This book was better than the first one and I thoroughly enjoyed the first installment.
We find ourselves back with Grey, Reese, and the South Dakota police department but this time working on cold cases. Through Grey and Reese’s detective work and forensic knowledge they prove once again that they can tackle any job.
What I appreciated the most was the storyline, it was semi-Predictable in some parts but honestly I was NOT expecting the ending at all. Without spoilers, it is NOT who you think it is.
I cannot wait for the installment of the Sebastien Grey series and to see what happens next with him and lovely Tiffany Reese.
June 21, 2022
After I finished the first book in this series, "The Comfort of Distance," I was left wondering what Sebastien was going to do once he left Black Hills. I loved this second book! Dr. Sebastien Grey comes back to Black Hills ready to lend a hand to Custer County Police Department and work alongside his brother, Sgt. Hank LeGris. He's partnered up with Detective Tiffany Reese to help her solve some cold cases she's been assigned to. The two make such a cute pair and it's fun to see them rekindle their attraction to one another. All the characters in this series are so relatable and likable. I love Dr. Grey's quirkiness and vast knowledge of forensic anthropology.
I couldn't put this one down! And now I can't wait to read book three in this series!!
I couldn't put this one down! And now I can't wait to read book three in this series!!
December 23, 2021
Kindle Unlimited
The second in the Sebastien Grey Series Novels, The Boxwood Torso could be considered a stand-alone novel, however, I don't think you would experience the same depth of the tale without first reading The Comfort of Distance. Just my opinion - I am most grateful to have been introduced to Ryburn Dobbs with the first novel of this series. Set in the beautiful Black Hills of Western South Dakota, this is a who-done-it to keep you up late. Lots of little towns, lots of interesting, intriguing residents, tons of intrigue.
The relationship between Sebastien Grey and Detective Tiffany Reese is interesting to follow. Grey remains OCDC, fairly high on the autism scale, though he is obviously mellowing, and Tiffany is a strong caring woman who sees him as he really is. The mystery is involved and complex, the other characters are well-formed and sympathetic, and the relationships among the character carried over from the first novel are maturing and moving along well. Can't wait for number three.
Reviewed on December 23, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay.
The second in the Sebastien Grey Series Novels, The Boxwood Torso could be considered a stand-alone novel, however, I don't think you would experience the same depth of the tale without first reading The Comfort of Distance. Just my opinion - I am most grateful to have been introduced to Ryburn Dobbs with the first novel of this series. Set in the beautiful Black Hills of Western South Dakota, this is a who-done-it to keep you up late. Lots of little towns, lots of interesting, intriguing residents, tons of intrigue.
The relationship between Sebastien Grey and Detective Tiffany Reese is interesting to follow. Grey remains OCDC, fairly high on the autism scale, though he is obviously mellowing, and Tiffany is a strong caring woman who sees him as he really is. The mystery is involved and complex, the other characters are well-formed and sympathetic, and the relationships among the character carried over from the first novel are maturing and moving along well. Can't wait for number three.
Reviewed on December 23, 2021, at Goodreads, AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, and BookBub. Not available for review on Kobo or GooglePlay.
November 23, 2021
I enjoyed this second book in the Sebastien Grey series, as I did with the first. The quirky and smart protagonists of Tiffany and Sebastien make this a very interesting series. The only thing which made it less than perfect were the typos. I am surprised there wasn't a professional editor to catch them. I hope by the third book, the author will have found an editor to go carefully over his writing. I am looking forward to the solving of the next mystery, which suggests a rock-climbing theme. As my daughter is a rock-climbing professional and coach, who lived in Colorado for 6 years and has since relocated to the Tennessee-Georgia border area, I would love to see how much the author really knows about the sport. I can do some fact-checking with my daughter. Thank you to Kindle Unlimited for making this book available to its subscribers and introducing us to new authors.
June 30, 2022
A spy inside the sheriffs office, a dark deadly secret, and murder in the Black Hills makes this book a page turner. There’s a bit a action but the story moved along at a good pace and there are several scenes that had me on the edge of my seat. It’s a really good murder mystery and I enjoyed following Dr. Grey, Tiffany and Hank around Black Hills and other cities.
Conner Goff, the narrator did a wonderful job portraying the male characters. I did prefer his male tones vs the female.
The second installment in the Sebastien Grey series is an addicting read. If you enjoyed watching Bones or CSI shows, I recommend grabbing this series up.
The book ended in a nice hook and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
✨Special thanks to Book Publicity Services for the gifted book.
Conner Goff, the narrator did a wonderful job portraying the male characters. I did prefer his male tones vs the female.
The second installment in the Sebastien Grey series is an addicting read. If you enjoyed watching Bones or CSI shows, I recommend grabbing this series up.
The book ended in a nice hook and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
✨Special thanks to Book Publicity Services for the gifted book.
January 23, 2022
Brilliant!
Along with his first in the series book, "The Comfort of Distance," Author Ryburn Dobbs has given the reader an exceptionally well-written and hugely enjoyable read. The plot, story-line, dialog, and characters are all first-rate, and I, especially, enjoyed the humor that's generously sprinkled throughout the book. Fans of forensic science will LOVE the book, as well as anybody who loves a good police-procedural, replete with characters that are so well written as to seem like they're real.
... and, Mr. Dobbs, if you get to read this, please bring us more books in this awesome series of yours!!
Along with his first in the series book, "The Comfort of Distance," Author Ryburn Dobbs has given the reader an exceptionally well-written and hugely enjoyable read. The plot, story-line, dialog, and characters are all first-rate, and I, especially, enjoyed the humor that's generously sprinkled throughout the book. Fans of forensic science will LOVE the book, as well as anybody who loves a good police-procedural, replete with characters that are so well written as to seem like they're real.
... and, Mr. Dobbs, if you get to read this, please bring us more books in this awesome series of yours!!
November 26, 2022
Sadly, I just cannot finish this book. I liked The Comfort of Distance (Book 1), but Book 2 has apparently abandoned forensic anthropology and opted for an unhealthy romance between Sebastien and Tiffany. In addition, Sebastien's social awkwardness is amplified and everyone is trying to "fix" him, including and especially Tiffany, who takes delight in goading Sebastien with passive-aggressive baiting. I had a choice of sporadically drifting off to sleep through boredom, or skimming. Even the skimming didn't help! Where was the forensic case they were working on? How did this book evolve into a ridiculous and unhealthy romance? I'm SO disappointed!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2024
Cold Cases and High Emotions
This is the second book in a series about a forensic anthropologist. Our hero makes his home near San Francisco but has been called to help out his brother's cop shop with some cold cases. One of the cases involves a case over 35 years old and involves 3 states. Our hero tends to think a bit outside of the box and can see connections others miss. This is a series of clean books. There is no foul language, no gore, little violence, and no sex. But, there is plenty to stretch your brain, both with the mystery and with the science. I am so enjoying this series! I will be starting book 3 later today.
This is the second book in a series about a forensic anthropologist. Our hero makes his home near San Francisco but has been called to help out his brother's cop shop with some cold cases. One of the cases involves a case over 35 years old and involves 3 states. Our hero tends to think a bit outside of the box and can see connections others miss. This is a series of clean books. There is no foul language, no gore, little violence, and no sex. But, there is plenty to stretch your brain, both with the mystery and with the science. I am so enjoying this series! I will be starting book 3 later today.
January 26, 2022
The Boxwood Torso is the second installment in the Sebastien Grey series. Sebastien Is back in the Black Hills of South Dakota permanently. To work on a cold case team with girlfriend, Detective Tiffany Reese of the Custer County Sheriff. There first task, a thirty-year-old case involving incomplete skeletal (human) remains found in Hell Canyon. They may be linked to a burned/persevered torso in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The story takes Sebastien and Tiffany, from Custer, South Dakota, to Cheyenne to Denver in order to solve this mystery. With plenty of action and suspense mixed in.
September 17, 2022
Dr. Sebastien Grey continues to consult with his brother and work with Detective Tiffany Reese. The department received a grant to work cold cases. Tiffany and Sebastien are a great team. Sebastien is a great detective because he approaches things differently than police normally would. The books are an interesting mix of forensics, police procedural, family, character development with a little romance. The case is very interesting. Sebastien continues his growth and is able to begin to tackle some of his insecurities.
September 23, 2022
Intelligent investigations
Great teamwork using logic and seasoned investigating skills lead to a cold case murder. The dismembered torso is torched in Cheyenne, WY in 1987 while the head and other parts are discovered in South Dakota in 1988 250 miles away.
There is a connection that covers several states and numerous suspects. Dr. Grey and Tiffany are able to solve the case. Great suspense with a wonderful set of characters.
Besides the feature cold case, other current cases are ongoing.
I hope you enjoy a clean story and an entertaining read.
Great teamwork using logic and seasoned investigating skills lead to a cold case murder. The dismembered torso is torched in Cheyenne, WY in 1987 while the head and other parts are discovered in South Dakota in 1988 250 miles away.
There is a connection that covers several states and numerous suspects. Dr. Grey and Tiffany are able to solve the case. Great suspense with a wonderful set of characters.
Besides the feature cold case, other current cases are ongoing.
I hope you enjoy a clean story and an entertaining read.
August 11, 2021
This sequel is as good as the first book ... better!
I have always held a fascination for forensic anthropology. This book has that and so much more; it's a police procedural and character study, as well.
I'm hooked! So looking forward to the third book. Well done Mr. Ryburn Hobbs, again! I've been to you're website and works lke to request more from your blog. The history of your name was so interesting. 🙏
I have always held a fascination for forensic anthropology. This book has that and so much more; it's a police procedural and character study, as well.
I'm hooked! So looking forward to the third book. Well done Mr. Ryburn Hobbs, again! I've been to you're website and works lke to request more from your blog. The history of your name was so interesting. 🙏
August 12, 2022
Piecing it Together
A chance to work with a beautiful deputy on cold cases brings Sebastien back into his brother's orbit. They literally piece a case together where the torso is in one jurisdiction and other parts are in another. Will Sebastien commit to love and a bug move?
This is an interesting novel. I like Sebastien and the forensic anthropology is presented in an interesting and entertaining style. A few too many characters but overall a good read.
A chance to work with a beautiful deputy on cold cases brings Sebastien back into his brother's orbit. They literally piece a case together where the torso is in one jurisdiction and other parts are in another. Will Sebastien commit to love and a bug move?
This is an interesting novel. I like Sebastien and the forensic anthropology is presented in an interesting and entertaining style. A few too many characters but overall a good read.
August 29, 2022
An absolute stellar follow up to “The Comfort of Distance”. I love the mixture this book offered of cold case and present day investigative work. Plus, I love how much Sebastien Grey reminds me of Spencer Reed from “Criminal Minds”. Boxwood Torso was a fantastic read, and I can not wait to continue the Sebastien Grey series. If you are a murder mystery/ true crime lover- this book (series) is right up your alley!
November 14, 2021
Hope there are more of these stories coming.
I really enjoyed the first book, “The Comfort of Distance.” I really, really enjoyed this second book. The mystery kept me involved - the police procedures and the blooming relationships Dr. Grey continues to experience with his brother, brother’s family, Tiffany and, most of all, with himself. Well done, Mr. Dobbs. Well done.
I really enjoyed the first book, “The Comfort of Distance.” I really, really enjoyed this second book. The mystery kept me involved - the police procedures and the blooming relationships Dr. Grey continues to experience with his brother, brother’s family, Tiffany and, most of all, with himself. Well done, Mr. Dobbs. Well done.
Read
March 18, 2022A new favourite author!
Don't you hate it when a newly discovered author doesn't write fast enough?
I crushed the two novel mysteries Ryburn Dobbs has written. I am about to start the second read through. I wish I could read the third novel, right now!
Very in depth characters involved in a twisty plot. An entertaining, very fun start to a superlative writing career.
Don't you hate it when a newly discovered author doesn't write fast enough?
I crushed the two novel mysteries Ryburn Dobbs has written. I am about to start the second read through. I wish I could read the third novel, right now!
Very in depth characters involved in a twisty plot. An entertaining, very fun start to a superlative writing career.
April 30, 2022
A good series and hopefully they will continue!
A good series and hopefully they will continue! Enjoyable characters and developed from the first to this, the second book in the series. Read number one first. Dr. Gray is a little bit Quincy and a little bit Monk and Tiffany compliments him just perfectly!
A good series and hopefully they will continue! Enjoyable characters and developed from the first to this, the second book in the series. Read number one first. Dr. Gray is a little bit Quincy and a little bit Monk and Tiffany compliments him just perfectly!
April 13, 2023
Another great book by Ryburn Dobbs. Sebastien Grey moves to South Dakota to become part of a team investigating cold cases. He works along side Detective Reese to connect 2 cold cases in different states and uncover the killers. This again reminds me of a mix between the show Bones and the character Spencer Reed on Criminal Minds.
September 28, 2021
Pretty Good
I like the fact that this book was not filled with profanity. It was a good story with cold cases to solve. Dr. Grey and Detective Reece are back at mystery solving in South Dakota. They have great chemistry.
I like the fact that this book was not filled with profanity. It was a good story with cold cases to solve. Dr. Grey and Detective Reece are back at mystery solving in South Dakota. They have great chemistry.
October 22, 2021
Great series, very well written
The characters in the book are relatable, and the story is easy to follow. I read both books and hope for a third. One thing, though, I'm getting tired of Sebastien's I security. It's time for him to move on, at least by degrees.
The characters in the book are relatable, and the story is easy to follow. I read both books and hope for a third. One thing, though, I'm getting tired of Sebastien's I security. It's time for him to move on, at least by degrees.
November 12, 2021
It’s a 3.5 but that’s not allowed.
After receiving a grant to use to solve cold cases Hank asks Sebastian to come back and help Tiffany solve some cases. The first case they choose involves some pretty wealthy and powerful people.
After receiving a grant to use to solve cold cases Hank asks Sebastian to come back and help Tiffany solve some cases. The first case they choose involves some pretty wealthy and powerful people.
January 14, 2022
fun easy read
Found this series randomly when it was on sale and ended being surprisingly pleased. Well written detective novel focusing on an anthropologist and his girlfriend detective.
Found this series randomly when it was on sale and ended being surprisingly pleased. Well written detective novel focusing on an anthropologist and his girlfriend detective.
April 8, 2022
another engrossing procedural; waiting for #3!
Parts of the same body end up miles and jurisdictions apart, in a cold, cold case.
Sebastien and Tiffany are making great progress on many fronts!
Parts of the same body end up miles and jurisdictions apart, in a cold, cold case.
Sebastien and Tiffany are making great progress on many fronts!
June 7, 2022
Another great read
A other great read in the Sebastian Grey series. Very enlightening and informative as well as entertaining. Can't wait to read the text of the books in this series.
A other great read in the Sebastian Grey series. Very enlightening and informative as well as entertaining. Can't wait to read the text of the books in this series.
July 1, 2022
Excellent read
I found the story interesting and informative. The personal interaction between brothers was compelling, repairing some issues from their past. Love interest was enhanced by the different expertise used in working to solve cold cases.
I found the story interesting and informative. The personal interaction between brothers was compelling, repairing some issues from their past. Love interest was enhanced by the different expertise used in working to solve cold cases.
June 17, 2023
Out f his shell
I love this series. It is great to see Sebastian come out of his shell more. Tiffany is a good influence on him. I also like that Sebastian is getting closer to his brother and his family.
I love this series. It is great to see Sebastian come out of his shell more. Tiffany is a good influence on him. I also like that Sebastian is getting closer to his brother and his family.
July 24, 2021
Fun
I loved this book. Realistic, moves along well and the characters are great. I'm looking forward to the next one.
I loved this book. Realistic, moves along well and the characters are great. I'm looking forward to the next one.
September 14, 2021
great series
Loved the two books!!!! great plot and characters the 2d book ended on a cliffhanger!!!! Can't wait for book #3 and see how Dr Grey and Tiffany end up!!!!
Loved the two books!!!! great plot and characters the 2d book ended on a cliffhanger!!!! Can't wait for book #3 and see how Dr Grey and Tiffany end up!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews