When Jay Turner – a nightclub doorman accidentally overhears a murder being planned he suddenly becomes Hastings' MOST WANTED man! Not only is he wanted by East Sussex Police for a violent crime that he's been framed for, but, by a desperate psychopath with limitless resources who simply can't afford for Jay to live... and for the truth to come out.
With Jay on the run and DCI Boyd doing his best to keep him alive, the noose is tightening and his only chance is to go to ground.
I live a nomadic existence with my wife Frances, and son Jacob. For now we're living in Norwich. I spent the first 10 years out of college in the music business chasing record deals and the next 12 years in the computer games business as a graphic artist and eventually a games designer. For those of you who like their computer games, here's some of the titles I've worked on: Waterworld, Evolva, The Thing, Spartan, Gates of Troy, Legion Arena Since signing up as an author with Orion, I seem to spend most of my time hunched over my laptop in various cafes and coffee bars sipping lattes, tapping keys and watching the ebb and flow of shoppers outside on the street. As I write this, I'm awaiting the launch of my next book - the sequel to , LAST LIGHT, and getting ready to find a publisher for the first book in a separate series, ELLIE QUIN. Ahead of me, lies research work for my next thriller, and also some screenplays I'm looking forward to writing. Although I'm glad to be where I am now, I do occasionally kick myself for not having succumbed to the writing bug much earlier. But then we all just muddle along through life, don't we? There's rarely a plan. -Source: http://www.scarrow.co.uk/page9.html
Well, another action packed episode that includes kidnapping, killing, Russian thugs and more troubles that could not possibly conform to the normal events found in Hastings. You must read this one if you have been enjoying the first five books featuring DCI Boyd, his daughter Emma, a dog and other main characters playing important roles in this cinematic adventure. I dare not spoil it.
Each time I travel back to Hastings and DCI Boyd and his team I know that I am in for a treat and Gone To Ground is on another level. This is what i call a tour de force of a crime thriller. What starts off as a body in a wheelie bin, involves a Russian mafia family and even more terrifying the FSB. I literally devoured this book in one sitting and have no nails left. In my opinion this is best book so far. Another addition to this gripping and very addictive series and please can I have the next book now PLEASE!!!!. Many thanks to one of my favourite and very talented authors for the ARC.
Gone to Ground is book six in the DCI Boyd series is Alex Scarrow. One night doorman Jay Turner accidentally heard someone talking about murder. Consequently, he becomes a suspect with the local law enforcement and a psychopath who wants him dead. Jay Turner went on the run, and DCI Boyd's team is racing to keep him alive. The readers of Gone to Ground will continue following DCI Boyd's investigation to discover what happens.
Gone to Ground is another fantastic book by Alex Scarrow and an excellent addition to the DCI Boyd series. Gone to Ground was slow to start with due to the plot of this book. However, I did engage with the story about halfway through the book. I love Alex Scarrow's portrayal of the characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Gone to Ground is well-written and researched by Alex Scarrow. I like Alex Scarrow's Gone to Ground settings description that commented on the book's plot.
The readers of Gone to Ground will learn about the consequences of being blamed for something you did not do. Also, the readers of Gone to Ground will understand the stress some senior law enforcement officers face in their jobs.
I enjoyed this one above average. It was different and really kept my interest. And I didn’t predict everything way ahead of time. There were a couple things that were a bit of a stretch, or a tiny hole, but overall I am quite pleased.
Another excellent thriller from Alex Scarrow. Personal stakes are upped for members of DCI Boyd's team (again, still). Tense reading as they sort out how to make this work out for everyone except the bad guys. Looking forward to the next one!
The Russian family rear their heads again, as suspected serious money-laundering is going in in the area. A younger member of the family kills the colleague and best friend of Jay, Okeke’s partner, and things go downhill from there. Boyd is warned off by his superior but knows his daughter may be in danger. It’s a tangled web, and gets very exciting before the end. A very enjoyable addition to this very readable series.
Book 6 in the DI Boyd series and it was another cracking read. I love a good police procedural and this is certainly that; I think this was my favourite in the series so far. A heart stopping prologue and it didn’t let up from there. At times I was almost holding my breath and at one point I distinctly remember saying to myself if xxx (can’t say as spoiler) happens I will never forgive the author. Although this would read well as a stand-alone there are references to previous books and as they are so good no problem in recommending you read those first.
Briefly, when a body is found in a distressing state Boyd’s team soon discover the victim was a close friend of Okeke’s boyfriend Jay. Investigations soon lead back to the son of Rovshan Salikov a Georgian mafia boss and the belief that the man died because of a telephone conversation he overheard. When the Georgian realise Jay was also aware of the conversation they need to terminate him. Can Boyd and his team prevent another murder?
A real page turner, I had to know what was going to happen, this was fast paced from the start and the momentum continued to the end. A couple of new characters and I have to say I liked Jay’s brother - thought he was a great character. This is one of those series where, the minute I finish the book, I can’t wait for the next one in the series. The author needs to write faster ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the 6th in the series and if anyone tells you that it’s a stand-alone story, they are wrong. This episode is a follow on to a couple of incidents, a personal one from the last book and also a more serious business that was left open ended a few books ago .
Centre stage this time is Jay – Boyd’s number two’s boy friend who has to go on the run from both the police and the Georgian mafia. I cant say that I am a great fan of the tales concerning the mafia ( or put another way, I don’t like them and try to avoid them) and I was a little concerned about the way that this one was heading . The author’s skill shone through again and turned this into the most exciting of the series so far, in my opinion.
My only criticism was that I felt there was a chapter missing which could have dealt with the aftermath of action-packed finale. Not to give anything away but how the main victim came though it and the seriousness of injuries to others all seemed to be glossed over. Apologies in advance if these are covered in the next book.
Hidden in the story is a serious warning to everyone who uses social media, about the amount of personal information they are unconsciously giving away by even the most innocuous games and how this information is used, for far worse purposes than just doctoring, the adverts you see.
I have already got the next in the series on my shelf.
My Thoughts: I liked that we hear about the aftermath of what happened in the last book in this one. Gave the series a sense of continuity and gave the satisfaction from The Safe Place an extended shelf life.
There was a funeral at the start of this book and of course, I start wondering, whose funeral were they attending?? Then by chapter 9, I had a good guess. Broke my heart!
It seems that Her Madge's sole role is to block justice, i.e., curtail Boyd's investigation... For the good of the rich and the powerful. Victims be damned! Too bad! Welcome to the civilised world!
I think this is the best book in the series thus far! The plot is not that convoluted but it is well told!
Quantitative Evaluation: Story telling quality = 4.5 Character development = 5 Story itself = 5 Writing Style = 5 Ending = 4.5 World building = 5 Cover art = 4 Pace = (7 hrs and 56 mins listening time) Plot = 4 Narration = 5
Reading book 1, this fast became one of my favourite police procedural series, and that's all down to the characters and the humour that runs throughout. I can't believe we are at book 6, and what a ride. This starts off high octane in the prologue and doesn't let up until the last sentence. A body is found in a wheelie bin, but it's only realised once it's been through the bins compactor. Thankfully something that's not described in any graphic detail but stomach churning nonetheless! This book references a case that has been long running through the series, and I would recommend reading them in order to get this back story in particular. (Did I mention they were all amazing?) This book features a lot on Okeke and her boyfriend Jay. I love their relationship, and I love how it's portrayed and the strength of it. It shows that police can have normal, stable, happy relationships. There was one odious, pompous, entitled brat that I really wanted to come to harm. A proper spoilt child in an adults body! Alex Scarrow can do no wrong, another incredible read and I'm already waiting with baited breath for the next installment.
Another corker from Alex Scarrow - DCI Boyd is a very believable character. There were a few different things about this book than his previous ones in this series. There was a lot about being in Brighton rather than nearly all about being in Hastings, not a problem for readers unless you really enjoy the locations as you know them. Personally, I started the series because of the Hastings links but I love the main characters as they evolve especially the banter between the members of the police force. This was a much more pacey book this time, so even less putdownable! Okeke's boyfriend, Jay is a bouncer at a club. At work, his friend overhears a punter's conversation and ends up a victim of violent crime because of it. The punter belongs to a dangerous family and they have history with the British police force, including DCI Boyd. Their previous contact had included a warning not to mess again with the family (think body part in the post!). However, a crime has been committed and Boyd is a conscientious PO, with or without his senior's endorsement and his loyalty to friends is outstanding.
This is the sixth book in the DCI Boyd series & they just get better & better. It could be read as a standalone but why do that to yourself? Start at the beginning & get to know & understand Boyd as well as his team.
I hate the phrase ‘hits the ground running’ but that is exactly what this book does. I held my breath during the prologue &, if I’d stayed like that during the rest of the book, I’d be blue by now! Fast paced & heart stopping does not do it justice.
I don’t want to reveal spoilers so, suffice it to say, a body is found & the victim is known to one of the team. Which in turn puts them & their loved ones in danger. The network of characters has been expanded & I hope we see more of them in the next book.
Roll on book 7. Love this series. More than a police procedural. Highly recommended.
After the discovery of a man's body in a rubbish compactor, it sets off a string of events for Boyd and his team but this time also involving Okeke's boyfriend Jay.
This is the sixth in the series and as the series has grown, so has my love for Boyd and his team. They almost feel like family, and with the involvement of Jay and even Emma this time, things felt more personal for me and I was more invested in the ongoing events. There is also a tie-in back to events in the first in the series and the ending is intriguing as it is clear that there is a thread that will be revisited in time to come.
A top read in a top series and it's a total delight when I see the announcement of the publication date of the next book. Hope there's not too long to wait.
Oh my word! I don’t have the words to describe how amazing this book is. I have been a huge fan of DCI Boyd for a while yet but this book is far and away the best yet. Drawing on themes from all the previous books you will still have a rip roaring read if it’s your first Boyd book. Russian mafia, drugs, kidnapping, blackmail to name but a few of the things that happen. Boyd is put in an unimaginable position and despite the odds eventually comes out the victor with a clear conscience. Without giving more of the plot away I can’t describe how utterly amazing this book is - I read it in two sittings (would have been one but I had to go to work!) - and am now impatiently waiting for the next book. I was given an ARC in exchange for a review but my views are my own.
Wow, what a crazy ride that was! The action starts from the first page in the book, and hardly ever let's up until the end! Reading this book was a feeling like going back home! You get to see all your friends, stir up some trouble, and have a lovely end to your time there. DCI Boyd and his team are still a strong unit, even though trouble finds them (yet again). Will Boyd ever trust Hatcher again? Will Boyd and Charlotte finally find happiness? Will Emma amd Daniel find their way back? All these questions were hinted at throughout the book, but never quite answered. I suppose I will have to spend another afternoon finding out when #7 comes out. Because I can hardly wait!
Alex Scarrow’s DCI Boyd series continues to provide readers with exciting, well written and interesting stories. Gone to Ground is a fabulous read. The crime in this book hits very close to home, resulting in Boyd and his team becoming extremely emotionally involved in the case. The pace of the book is fabulous. The story’s momentum builds and builds and reaches an exciting climax. The characters are well drawn and realistic. After a few books, they feel like friends I care about, as opposed to people on the page. I highly recommend this book. One does not have to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy it.
Gone to Ground by Alex Scarrow is book 6 in the DCI Boyd series set mainly in Hastings. A body found in a garbage truck compactor, sets off a series of events involving Jay, Okeke’s partner. Others are brought into the affair as well which could have devastating consequences. There is always humour in Alex’s books though and this is no exception. I don’t think I will forget the picture in my mind of Jay dressed in Okeke’s dressing gown. It will stay with me for a while. A fabulous read and I kept going Oh man as the tension increased.
What an amazing addition to the DCI Boyd series of books! A rollercoaster of a ride from start to finish, packed full of action and great characterisation. My heart was in my mouth due to events surrounding Ozzie, the dog. and Emma, Boyd's daughter. I am totally addicted to this series, the writing is superb, the characters feel as if I know them personally, and the plots draw the reader in as you race to the finale. Another cracker of a read from Alex Scarrow which I highly recommend to lovers of the genre. My grateful thanks to the author for my ARC.
Book six of the DCI Boyd series begins with a funeral before we backtrack a few weeks without discovering who the unlucky person is! The story then begins in earnest with an overheard conversation, a body in a wheely bin and a revenge attack which sparks ripples through Boyd, his team and his family as one small situation spirals spectacularly out of control. This is fast paced, police procedure at its best with twists, turns and shocks with the story told from the POV of both the police and the chief bad guy who really is thoroughly unlikeable. Top quality read and highly recommended
I am an ardent fan of Mr Scarrow's DCI Boyd series, having been an inhabitant of Hastings old town is just an added bonus. This book revisits book 1 plot, but it is not necessary to have read it, but again I recommend reading this entire series. There is a delightful whimsy in all these books, along with edge of your seat plotting, as well as a very real and believable characters. Once again pure page turning enjoyment.
I absolutely love Boyd and his team, this book did not disappoint, my heart was in my mouth when I read the prologue and I really felt very invested in this book because I love the characters. Boyd races with time to save those close to him while having his hands tied by the people that he works for. I loved how the story connects to a past book. The writing is clever as it works as a stand-alone and for the harden team Boyd’s like me. Can’t wait for the next
Loving this series and just gets better. I'm invested in the character's now so this book had me on tenderhooks throughout and Alex would have been in trouble if anything had happened to my favourite character, I was shouting noooo on lots of occasions. Can't wait to read the next instalment as it leaves you wondering about a certain aspect, however I think I know. Thanks Alex for another great read 👍
This was my favorite one so far in the series. They just keep getting better. I like the fact that some villains from earlier tales reappear from time to time and that there is a through line from earlier cases. All the good guys ( and gals) acquit themselves cleverly and heroically. Can'r wait to read the next edition. There were a number of little editorial items missed in the Kindle edition, e.g., here for hear.
DCI Boyd and his crew have become one of my favorites of all time( and at 76 years of age that is a really long time).
Russian mobsters in turf war with Georgian ( European not US Georgia) in the English coastal countryside. Brutal crimes and yet Mr. Scarrow still manages to make his characters multidimensional . There is love, humor and courage . Have been reading thru the series this last week and am ordering next in series right now.
Excellent book. I have enjoyed all of this series so far but this has been the best yet. The Russians have resurfaced in Boyds life yet again now dragging Jay and Okeke back in too and forcing Jay to go on the run. Boyd needs to put on two faces maintaining a smoke screen for Her Madge and the Russians while trying to help Jay and Okeke . Always love the endings to these books. Always a twist. Just downloaded number 7. Keep them coming Alex Scarrow.
Detective Boyd must play cat and mouse with a mafia leaders son who killed Jay's best friend and co-worker to Emma and Jay. Jay slaps up the son, Mafia threatens the "Madge" and she threatens Boyd and Okeke with dismissal if they don't turn over Jay to the Mafia. All seems lost for the unit of detectives. Hang on as this Detective series is fast pace and filled with great developing characters. Love it!
Alex Scarrow and DCI Boyd just keep on giving. Number Six in the series and no let up in these fast paced adventures that Boyd and his team get caught in. This time back with the Russian nasties from a previous case with Okeke’s boyfriend Jay taking a bit of the centre stage. Now I’m on tenterhooks waiting for the next one.
DCI Boyd and team are one of my favorites. This book was a little different than the previous books. It concentrated on a Russian “bad guy” that was after Boyd and team. It was intense and gripping. I absolutely loved it! I highly recommend this series. You will lose sleep but you won’t mind a bit!
I really had to think about this review. This is a good series with nice character development. However, the plot of this one was hard to believe. The Russian mafia is back and Okeke’s boyfriend, Jay, is in a world of hurt. How Boyd and his team handle this was really hard to believe.