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DCI Bone #5
Isle of the Dead
Till Death Do Us Part
Enjoying a rare break in his remote lochside cabin, DCI Bone suddenly finds himself cut off when the mother of all snowstorms hits the Campsie Fells. Bored but intrigued by the flickering lights from one of the loch’s uninhabited islands, Bone commandeers a local boat and heads out across stormy waters to investigate.
There amongst the island’s ancient Celtic gravestones, Bone makes a grisly, surreal discovery: a mutilated bride and groom, bound together in frozen union.
Unable to contact his team at Kilwinnoch Police Station and ill-prepared for the weather, Bone faces one of the most gruelling cases of his career, as he battles fierce elemental forces to catch an ingenious killer with a heart far colder than a Scottish winter.
Set among the dramatic hills and glens of Scotland's Campsie Fells, Isle of the Dead is the fifth book in the bestselling edge-of-your-seat Scottish crime series that will keep you guessing right up to the nail-biting, heart-stopping climax.
Enjoying a rare break in his remote lochside cabin, DCI Bone suddenly finds himself cut off when the mother of all snowstorms hits the Campsie Fells. Bored but intrigued by the flickering lights from one of the loch’s uninhabited islands, Bone commandeers a local boat and heads out across stormy waters to investigate.
There amongst the island’s ancient Celtic gravestones, Bone makes a grisly, surreal discovery: a mutilated bride and groom, bound together in frozen union.
Unable to contact his team at Kilwinnoch Police Station and ill-prepared for the weather, Bone faces one of the most gruelling cases of his career, as he battles fierce elemental forces to catch an ingenious killer with a heart far colder than a Scottish winter.
Set among the dramatic hills and glens of Scotland's Campsie Fells, Isle of the Dead is the fifth book in the bestselling edge-of-your-seat Scottish crime series that will keep you guessing right up to the nail-biting, heart-stopping climax.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2023
930 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
T.G. Reid
12 books306 followersTG Reid is a bestselling British crime novelist. His DCI Bone Scottish detective series has topped the Amazon charts in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. Since publication of Book 1 in the series, Dark is the Grave, in 2021, he has sold over 300,000 books and surpassed 50 million page reads on Kindle Unlimited.
This bestselling series continues to grow from strength to strength, with many more books still to come, and plans to adapt DCI Bone for TV. Sign up to the author’s mailing list to keep informed about future release dates, giveaways, and exclusives.
TG Reid grew up in his native Scotland and the DCI Bone series is set in and around his hometown, among the brooding hills and glens of Scotland’s Campsie Fells. After working as a musician and English lecturer, TG turned to full-time writing and has never looked back. He now lives in Bath with his wife, daughter and hyper-neurotic cat.
TG Reid’s books will appeal to readers who enjoy dark, atmospheric, edge-of-you-seat mysteries with added touches of Scottish humour.
Readers can reach him via his website at www.tgreid.com or find him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
This bestselling series continues to grow from strength to strength, with many more books still to come, and plans to adapt DCI Bone for TV. Sign up to the author’s mailing list to keep informed about future release dates, giveaways, and exclusives.
TG Reid grew up in his native Scotland and the DCI Bone series is set in and around his hometown, among the brooding hills and glens of Scotland’s Campsie Fells. After working as a musician and English lecturer, TG turned to full-time writing and has never looked back. He now lives in Bath with his wife, daughter and hyper-neurotic cat.
TG Reid’s books will appeal to readers who enjoy dark, atmospheric, edge-of-you-seat mysteries with added touches of Scottish humour.
Readers can reach him via his website at www.tgreid.com or find him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
December 14, 2025
This book really made me want to go to Scotland, even though it’s about a murder! The back drop of the highlands just makes the crime solving that much better. I always enjoy the cast of characters and getting to dive deeper into their personal lives whilst in the midst of horrific crime. What more could a reader ask for?
December 30, 2025
Isle of the Dead by T.G. Reid is written as a standalone within the Bone series, and while it can be read that way, it really feels like it shouldn’t have been. The story is interesting enough, but it lacks the depth and emotional pull that the wider cast and ongoing arcs from previous books have brought. Without that backdrop, everything feels a little thinner than it needs to be.
As a crime thriller, this one sits firmly in the middle of the road. The plot is engaging in places, the twist is fairly standard, and the ending does the job without making much of an impact. It’s competent and readable, but never gripping or memorable.
Overall, it’s not a bad book, just not a standout. Decent enough for fans of the series, but nothing special here.
As a crime thriller, this one sits firmly in the middle of the road. The plot is engaging in places, the twist is fairly standard, and the ending does the job without making much of an impact. It’s competent and readable, but never gripping or memorable.
Overall, it’s not a bad book, just not a standout. Decent enough for fans of the series, but nothing special here.
April 27, 2023
With all the feels of The Shining, DCI Bone is resting at a cabin when he sees lights from an abandoned island; determined to find out what is happening on the island, nothing will stand in Bone’s way … not even a snow storm of the century. Battling the elements, Bones will have to rely on the kindness of others if he wants to solve this mystery.
This is book five in the series, but it can be read as a standalone just fine. I didn’t come across any major plot issues while reading. This fast-paced mystery thriller will have you glued to the pages. I found this book to be an atmospheric read while also being character-driven. The snowy scenes and descriptions give off that cold chill feeling, but the story is run mostly off the characters.
Well written and executed I loved this book and would recommend to anyone who loves a good crime mystery. This was my first time reading T.G. Reid but I plan on reading the rest of his work now. You can buy this book on Amazon.
#ad I received a free copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord. I also bought my own paperback copy. Thanks so much to Reid and LoveBooksTours!
This is book five in the series, but it can be read as a standalone just fine. I didn’t come across any major plot issues while reading. This fast-paced mystery thriller will have you glued to the pages. I found this book to be an atmospheric read while also being character-driven. The snowy scenes and descriptions give off that cold chill feeling, but the story is run mostly off the characters.
Well written and executed I loved this book and would recommend to anyone who loves a good crime mystery. This was my first time reading T.G. Reid but I plan on reading the rest of his work now. You can buy this book on Amazon.
#ad I received a free copy of this book and leave this review of my own accord. I also bought my own paperback copy. Thanks so much to Reid and LoveBooksTours!
April 11, 2023
It was great to revisit the colorful team of DCI Bones' detectives in Scotland. This book started a little slow and choppy with DCI isolated from his team by a blizzard, power outage and communication shut-down. He had to resort to old-fashioned investigation when he discovers a brutal assault. The setting, especially the island where the Celts buried their important leaders, was spooky and atmospheric, especially during a blizzard. Soon, Bone's team arrive or are in communication and the pace picks up in this complicated plot with lots of potential suspects and motives. I like that the main characters are fleshed out and the story updates the reader on Bone's marital problems, Mullens (always the comic relief) heart attack and other character details. Lots happen in the end, which is very satisfying.
October 4, 2025
Isle of the Dead is book 5 in the DCI Bone in the T. G. Reid series. On a short break from work in an isolated lochside cabin, he finds himself involved in the brutal murder of a groom. The bride is critically injured, with no support from his team back at Kilwinnoch Police Station, DCI Bone started to investigate. It became a race to find the killer for DCI Bone after enough local was murdered. Readers of Isle of the Dead will continue to follow the twist and turns in DCI Bone's investigation to discover what happens.
I have to stop forgetting about this fantastic series. Every time I read a book in this series, I become engrossed in the story and the characters. I learnt about the isolation and ruggedness of the Lochs in Scotland. In addition, T. G. Reid prompted me to consider how snow can impact law enforcement officers during a snowstorm.
I love T. G. Reid's portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Isle of the Dead is well-written and researched by T. G. Reid. I like T. G. Reid's description of the settings of Isle of the Dead, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
I have to stop forgetting about this fantastic series. Every time I read a book in this series, I become engrossed in the story and the characters. I learnt about the isolation and ruggedness of the Lochs in Scotland. In addition, T. G. Reid prompted me to consider how snow can impact law enforcement officers during a snowstorm.
I love T. G. Reid's portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. Isle of the Dead is well-written and researched by T. G. Reid. I like T. G. Reid's description of the settings of Isle of the Dead, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
I recommend this book.
April 7, 2024
I am so enjoying this series and book 5 was another brilliant read.
DCI Bone and his team are fantastic characters, you can really connect with them, and they make the books seem “real”.
A blizzard hits whilst DCI Bone is in a remote loch side cabin, this adds such atmosphere to the book you can almost feel the chill.
Plenty in this book to keep you gripped and guessing.
Well written and very descriptive. One fantastic read.
Happy Reading.
DCI Bone and his team are fantastic characters, you can really connect with them, and they make the books seem “real”.
A blizzard hits whilst DCI Bone is in a remote loch side cabin, this adds such atmosphere to the book you can almost feel the chill.
Plenty in this book to keep you gripped and guessing.
Well written and very descriptive. One fantastic read.
Happy Reading.
May 30, 2023
Whenever there is a new TG Reid audio book, I just have to stop listening to everything else and put this right to the front.
Really getting into the scottishness of this series and this one had such great scenery, I could just see it with the narration. The team are growing and getting along so well. Just an overall really great police procedural.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
Really getting into the scottishness of this series and this one had such great scenery, I could just see it with the narration. The team are growing and getting along so well. Just an overall really great police procedural.
I was given a free copy by the author but the review is entirely my own.
May 26, 2025
I love DCI Bone, love the characters and the setting in Scotland. This one didn’t disappoint and the crimes weren’t too gruesome. The setting in a snow storm helped to keep me cool as I worked in the heat planting my garden.
September 22, 2025
Audio version of this book 📕 - another great addition to the series!
August 31, 2023
I feel like I needed a murder board just to keep track of everything happening!
I had a great time with this read. The people in this series feel so real.
T.G. Reid knows how to keep you enthralled
I had a great time with this read. The people in this series feel so real.
T.G. Reid knows how to keep you enthralled
December 20, 2024
Good story except
would have enjoyed it more except for the almost constant use of the f.... word. Not sure why that would be necessary?
would have enjoyed it more except for the almost constant use of the f.... word. Not sure why that would be necessary?
April 5, 2023
It’s quite a different setting for the latest case to hit DCI Duncan Bone and his team of DI Rhona Walker, DS Sheila Baxter, DS Mark Mullins and DC Will Harper from the Rural Crime Unit in Kilwinnoch. A blizzard hits the area and Bone is stuck in his lodge on the edge of Loch Gillan with the power out and roads blocked. As the storm keeps him awake at night, he thinks he sees lights moving on Balhuish Island, known as the Isle of the Dead due to the graves of celtic warriors and rebel soldiers. He mentions it to his friend the hotel manager Gordon Urquhart who puts him in touch with a local sailor Kilpatrick who agrees to take Bone over there in the terrible weather to satisfy his curiosity. As he explores the deserted island, Bone makes the shocking discovery of a young couple in full wedding dress, the man dead and the woman badly injured. As he races back to the boat, Bone also finds Kilpatrick has been attacked and their radio scuppered. Thanks to paramedics and the inshore rescue, the woman is taken to hospital and Bone returns to the hotel where he teams up with Special Constable Danny Matheson to start whatever investigation he can with no team and limited resources. Battling the weather, they spot a suspect but quickly lose him at a remote farm and once again the killer is on the run. Eventually Walker and Harper make it through with the help of a commandeered snowplough and they set up an incident room at the hotel, whilst Baxter works from Kilwinnoch and Mullens makes a return to work after his life saving surgery. Joined by Walker’s old friend DI Lesley Buchan from Lomand station, they identify the honeymooners but struggle to find a motive for the attack on the couple. Why were they on the island and dressed up? As the body count rises and the case expands, Bone and his team face their most tragic and toughest case to date.
This series of superb police procedurals is now one of my absolute favourites and once again Mullens and his father steal the show in a very humorous scene at the care home. There are some beautifully portrayed local characters and the detectives, including Bone, form a tight knit and very caring team in a clever and complex story set in very demanding circumstances with plenty of action and a gripping conclusion. Bone returns in book number six, Night Comes Falling and I can’t wait!
This series of superb police procedurals is now one of my absolute favourites and once again Mullens and his father steal the show in a very humorous scene at the care home. There are some beautifully portrayed local characters and the detectives, including Bone, form a tight knit and very caring team in a clever and complex story set in very demanding circumstances with plenty of action and a gripping conclusion. Bone returns in book number six, Night Comes Falling and I can’t wait!
April 28, 2023
DCI Bone was on a rare holiday at his remote lochside cabin when a serious snowstorm hit the Campsie Fells and surrounding areas, cutting them off from the main roads. The wind was so strong hitting his cabin in the early hours of the morning, it woke him up and he spotted some lights over on Balhuish Island but he thought he was seeing things as who in their right mind would be on the Island in this weather as there was no shelter over there. The next morning he got Lonnie Kilpatrick to take him to the Island but it was a hairy ride in a small boat that Bone thought wouldn’t make it.
Bone and Kilpatrick searched the Island and Bone found a couple where the guy was dressed in a morning suit and the woman was in a wedding gown on a grave. Bone found that the woman was still alive and got Kilpatrick to go and radio for help. After a while, when there was still no sign of him coming back, Bone went to find him and it looked like he had been knocked out and the radio smashed. He set off the emergency flares requesting help, then went in search of the attacker.
After a while, help arrived in the form of paramedics and a special constable, Bone and the constable did a search of the Island and found a boat the couple could have come across to the Island on. The paramedics worked on stabilizing the woman for transport to hospital. The man had died. Bone and the special constable were dropped back at Campsie Fells where a couple of Bone’s team had managed to follow a snow plough to the village and set up a little incident room in the hotel. All the phones and power were down so it was the old fashioned way of doing things for now.
Will they find the attacker? What were the couple doing out on the Island? Who were the couple?
This is a book of intrigue and twists and turns. I really enjoyed my first outing with DCI Bone and will be looking at reading the rest of the series. DCI Bone is a very strong character and nothing seems to get in the way of him trying to crack a case. He gets on well with his team, is well known in the area and everyone seems to do their best for him. The writing is very descriptive and the book is well written.
Bone and Kilpatrick searched the Island and Bone found a couple where the guy was dressed in a morning suit and the woman was in a wedding gown on a grave. Bone found that the woman was still alive and got Kilpatrick to go and radio for help. After a while, when there was still no sign of him coming back, Bone went to find him and it looked like he had been knocked out and the radio smashed. He set off the emergency flares requesting help, then went in search of the attacker.
After a while, help arrived in the form of paramedics and a special constable, Bone and the constable did a search of the Island and found a boat the couple could have come across to the Island on. The paramedics worked on stabilizing the woman for transport to hospital. The man had died. Bone and the special constable were dropped back at Campsie Fells where a couple of Bone’s team had managed to follow a snow plough to the village and set up a little incident room in the hotel. All the phones and power were down so it was the old fashioned way of doing things for now.
Will they find the attacker? What were the couple doing out on the Island? Who were the couple?
This is a book of intrigue and twists and turns. I really enjoyed my first outing with DCI Bone and will be looking at reading the rest of the series. DCI Bone is a very strong character and nothing seems to get in the way of him trying to crack a case. He gets on well with his team, is well known in the area and everyone seems to do their best for him. The writing is very descriptive and the book is well written.
May 1, 2023
‘Isle of the Dead’ is a chilling and thrilling read which captured by attention from the first page!
To add it its ambience I was reading it during the night and could hear the wind and rain lashing off the roof tiles. Very apt for this read. It manages to evoke the strength of the storm and you can picture the scenes vividly. Although this is the fifth book in the series it can be read as a standalone very easily, but I recommend reading the previous books as this is an excellent series!
DCI Bone is have a restful few days up at his cabin when a huge storm hits the local area. In blizzard conditions he hunkers down, nursing a whiskey looking out on the loch. When he sees lights on an abandoned island he is determined to help. He commanders a boat and it's local owner Lonnie and heads on over to the island. What he finds will test him and his team to the limit. With no phones, roads closed and half his team stuck back at the station he really needs to rely on his wits and the help from the local police and mountain rescue.
This is a book in which the location is centre stage and is a character of it's own. It really shows Scotland’s wild side and how one wee storm can make things really challenging. The oppressive snow which covers the area, triggers what is essentially a locked room mystery as no one can get it and no one can get out! It makes for a claustrophobic read. Bone is isolated and having to rely on his local knowledge and the help of the locals. I want Junior to be in more books as he was a riot and a brilliant character!
It was a treat to get to know some of the team a wee bit better, especially Rhona! Knowing a bit more about her background made her easier to like. It's the closeness in general that makes this team so easy to like and read. There is banter but they also are professionals who are very talented at their job, yes even Mullens! When a team gels like this is can make a series and Reid has created a brilliant one in Bone and his cohorts.
Now for me there was a huge trigger warning that needs to be addressed. There was a mention of the Krankies which I am completely terrified of!
Let me know if you read this one!
To add it its ambience I was reading it during the night and could hear the wind and rain lashing off the roof tiles. Very apt for this read. It manages to evoke the strength of the storm and you can picture the scenes vividly. Although this is the fifth book in the series it can be read as a standalone very easily, but I recommend reading the previous books as this is an excellent series!
DCI Bone is have a restful few days up at his cabin when a huge storm hits the local area. In blizzard conditions he hunkers down, nursing a whiskey looking out on the loch. When he sees lights on an abandoned island he is determined to help. He commanders a boat and it's local owner Lonnie and heads on over to the island. What he finds will test him and his team to the limit. With no phones, roads closed and half his team stuck back at the station he really needs to rely on his wits and the help from the local police and mountain rescue.
This is a book in which the location is centre stage and is a character of it's own. It really shows Scotland’s wild side and how one wee storm can make things really challenging. The oppressive snow which covers the area, triggers what is essentially a locked room mystery as no one can get it and no one can get out! It makes for a claustrophobic read. Bone is isolated and having to rely on his local knowledge and the help of the locals. I want Junior to be in more books as he was a riot and a brilliant character!
It was a treat to get to know some of the team a wee bit better, especially Rhona! Knowing a bit more about her background made her easier to like. It's the closeness in general that makes this team so easy to like and read. There is banter but they also are professionals who are very talented at their job, yes even Mullens! When a team gels like this is can make a series and Reid has created a brilliant one in Bone and his cohorts.
Now for me there was a huge trigger warning that needs to be addressed. There was a mention of the Krankies which I am completely terrified of!
Let me know if you read this one!
January 19, 2024
"Isle of the Dead" is a captivating book that swept me away on a mysterious adventure filled with suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists. From the very beginning, I was hooked into a narrative that skillfully blends elements of mystery, survival, and the allure of a remote island.
The storyteller's skill shines through in the creation of a world that is both enchanting and dangerous. The novel introduces characters with hidden pasts and motivations, contributing to the overall sense of mystery. What sets "Isle of the Dead" apart is its ability to keep the reader guessing, with each chapter revealing new secrets and raising more questions.
Themes of survival, trust, and the unknown are expertly explored, adding layers of depth to the unfolding narrative. The characters, faced with the challenges of the enigmatic island, become companions on a journey of discovery and danger. It's a tale that encourages readers to question the motives of each character and anticipate the next surprise.
The pacing is well-crafted, with moments of tension and unexpected revelations that kept me engrossed. The author's descriptive prose vividly paints the eerie landscapes and mysterious settings, creating an immersive experience. It's a book that immerses you in the suspenseful atmosphere of the island, making every turn of the page a thrilling adventure.
In conclusion, "Isle of the Dead" is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense. If you're looking for a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this novel is a compelling choice. The author's ability to weave a narrative that is both mysterious and unpredictable makes "Isle of the Dead" a captivating and suspenseful journey into the unknown.
The storyteller's skill shines through in the creation of a world that is both enchanting and dangerous. The novel introduces characters with hidden pasts and motivations, contributing to the overall sense of mystery. What sets "Isle of the Dead" apart is its ability to keep the reader guessing, with each chapter revealing new secrets and raising more questions.
Themes of survival, trust, and the unknown are expertly explored, adding layers of depth to the unfolding narrative. The characters, faced with the challenges of the enigmatic island, become companions on a journey of discovery and danger. It's a tale that encourages readers to question the motives of each character and anticipate the next surprise.
The pacing is well-crafted, with moments of tension and unexpected revelations that kept me engrossed. The author's descriptive prose vividly paints the eerie landscapes and mysterious settings, creating an immersive experience. It's a book that immerses you in the suspenseful atmosphere of the island, making every turn of the page a thrilling adventure.
In conclusion, "Isle of the Dead" is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense. If you're looking for a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, this novel is a compelling choice. The author's ability to weave a narrative that is both mysterious and unpredictable makes "Isle of the Dead" a captivating and suspenseful journey into the unknown.
April 13, 2023
Well, Isle of The Dead transported me from an icy cold, completely chilling, totally freezing beginning where my bones were chittering more with each page turn to a frenetic fire-hot adrenalin fuelled ending which had the steam coming form my ears as I flicked the pages to see who next would be dead.
Isle of The Dead is a novel take on the locked room mystery and the adverse weatehr plays a key role in building the tension as a young couple, one of them dead ad th other badly injured, dressed in their wedding gear are found in the middle of a blizzard in a graveyard on a remote island.
With few supects, DCI Bone is forced to brave the elements as he attempts to make sense of what's happened and to piece together the facts from the red herrings - and all without the rest of his team (at least initially)
The seriousness of the investigation is juxtaposed with truly humorous moments and outrageous characters - this is what I've come to expect from T G Reid's books and they just wouldn't be the same without this element.
As always, the procedural side of the investigation leads Bone and his team on some more fruitful lined of enquiry than others. As the cast of supects increases, I found it hard to work out the finer intricacies of the crime and was truly surprised by a couple of the end twists.
Great read and ... where's the next one?
Isle of The Dead is a novel take on the locked room mystery and the adverse weatehr plays a key role in building the tension as a young couple, one of them dead ad th other badly injured, dressed in their wedding gear are found in the middle of a blizzard in a graveyard on a remote island.
With few supects, DCI Bone is forced to brave the elements as he attempts to make sense of what's happened and to piece together the facts from the red herrings - and all without the rest of his team (at least initially)
The seriousness of the investigation is juxtaposed with truly humorous moments and outrageous characters - this is what I've come to expect from T G Reid's books and they just wouldn't be the same without this element.
As always, the procedural side of the investigation leads Bone and his team on some more fruitful lined of enquiry than others. As the cast of supects increases, I found it hard to work out the finer intricacies of the crime and was truly surprised by a couple of the end twists.
Great read and ... where's the next one?
May 1, 2023
DCI Bone is enjoying a spot of downtime at his loughside cabin at Campise Fells when the weather changes and a snowstom hits cutting the village off from civilisation. Sitting alone and with no power or phone signal he spots some suspicious lights on one of the Islands and decides to investigate. After convincing a local man with a boat to take him over to the island, sitting beside the celtic graves are the bodies of two people, a newly married couple, tied together and stabbed. DCI Bone has no access to the support of his team, and with the weather getting worse, he has no option but to hunt for this cold blooded killer with limited resorces. Can he find who is respnsioble for this shocking crime befoere it's too late?
I really enjoyed this book, as I have with all the other books in the series. The only one thing I found about this book was it was a slow burner, but when it got going it was brillaint. DCI Bone is such a complex character, and as the books in the series progress, we see that he has multiple sides to him, and so many layers that are peeled off as the stories unfold. This one was no different. I can't wait for the next installment!
Thank you to TG Reid and Love Books Tours for having me on the blog tour for this book allowing me to read it!
I really enjoyed this book, as I have with all the other books in the series. The only one thing I found about this book was it was a slow burner, but when it got going it was brillaint. DCI Bone is such a complex character, and as the books in the series progress, we see that he has multiple sides to him, and so many layers that are peeled off as the stories unfold. This one was no different. I can't wait for the next installment!
Thank you to TG Reid and Love Books Tours for having me on the blog tour for this book allowing me to read it!
May 2, 2023
This is the fifth book in the DCI Bone series but can also be read as a standalone. This is the first I have read as I didn’t initially realise it was part of a series. I am definitely going to be reading the rest of the books from the beginning as I am really interested in reading more and finding out more of the back stories of the characters.
I loved the style of writing in this and found that the setting was very well described which really helped with visualisation.
DCI Bone he was a brilliant character and I really liked how he trusted his gut and his instincts. I also liked many of the side characters.
This book had great humour in parts of the writing and banter between the characters.
The reason that I’ve given 4 stars is that I struggled to get into the book at the start as I felt it was a bit slow starting but it wasn’t long until the brilliant twists and turns started and it had me gripped. It definitely keeps you guessing.
A couple of my favourite quotes include;
“You’re like a dog with a bone, if you pardon the expression” - this was to DCI Bone
“As much use as a fart in a spacesuit, but at least he knows his malts”
Thank you to Love Books Tours and T.G. Reid for the #gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the style of writing in this and found that the setting was very well described which really helped with visualisation.
DCI Bone he was a brilliant character and I really liked how he trusted his gut and his instincts. I also liked many of the side characters.
This book had great humour in parts of the writing and banter between the characters.
The reason that I’ve given 4 stars is that I struggled to get into the book at the start as I felt it was a bit slow starting but it wasn’t long until the brilliant twists and turns started and it had me gripped. It definitely keeps you guessing.
A couple of my favourite quotes include;
“You’re like a dog with a bone, if you pardon the expression” - this was to DCI Bone
“As much use as a fart in a spacesuit, but at least he knows his malts”
Thank you to Love Books Tours and T.G. Reid for the #gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review.
April 3, 2023
Book 5 in the DCI Bone Scottish Crime Thriller series and another fabulous read in this great series of books set in the Campsie Fells in Scotland. Bone and his team are based in Kilwinnoch Police Station and Bone is having a break at his remote cabin when a massive snowstorm leaves him stranded. So beautifully descriptive I could feel the shivers running down my spine.
Briefly, convinced he saw lights on a nearby island Bone persuades one of the locals to take him to the island. What he finds is shocking. Taking control of the scene Bone starts to investigate. Soon his team gradually manage to access the remote area and the investigation is soon full on.
What I really love about this series is the team and their wonderful camaraderie. The humour and banter is so good I’m beginning to believe they are real people. They lighten even the worst of crimes, and this is pretty bad. Despite the gruesome nature of the crime there is nothing gratuitous. Some great twists and turns kept me guessing until the reveal. A really good police procedural, great characters and a cracking plot. What more could you ask for. Fabulous.
Briefly, convinced he saw lights on a nearby island Bone persuades one of the locals to take him to the island. What he finds is shocking. Taking control of the scene Bone starts to investigate. Soon his team gradually manage to access the remote area and the investigation is soon full on.
What I really love about this series is the team and their wonderful camaraderie. The humour and banter is so good I’m beginning to believe they are real people. They lighten even the worst of crimes, and this is pretty bad. Despite the gruesome nature of the crime there is nothing gratuitous. Some great twists and turns kept me guessing until the reveal. A really good police procedural, great characters and a cracking plot. What more could you ask for. Fabulous.
April 7, 2023
This is the fifth in the DCI Bone series & can easily be read as a standalone, but why do that to yourself? Start at the beginning of this brilliant journey & see how the team work together & why Bone is like he is. The team are based at Kilwinnoch Police Station but Bone finds himself stranded at his remote cabin during a huge snowstorm & has to initially deal with others in this new story.
During the storm, & accompanying blackout, Bone sees lights on a nearby uninhabited island. He convinces himself that someone maybe in danger & persuades a local boatman to take him across. He does not expect what he discovers & has to use all his powers of persuasion to start investigating before his team can gather around him.
I chose to read this book after I had completely lost my reading mojo. I needed a book in a series where I already knew the majority of the characters & I was comfortable with the author’s writing style. This is a cracking police procedural with no gratuitous violence despite the nature of the crimes. I love Scottish crime thrillers & this series is exceptional.
Now, I’m off for a square sausage definitely not mackerel (you’ll have to read it to understand).
During the storm, & accompanying blackout, Bone sees lights on a nearby uninhabited island. He convinces himself that someone maybe in danger & persuades a local boatman to take him across. He does not expect what he discovers & has to use all his powers of persuasion to start investigating before his team can gather around him.
I chose to read this book after I had completely lost my reading mojo. I needed a book in a series where I already knew the majority of the characters & I was comfortable with the author’s writing style. This is a cracking police procedural with no gratuitous violence despite the nature of the crimes. I love Scottish crime thrillers & this series is exceptional.
Now, I’m off for a square sausage definitely not mackerel (you’ll have to read it to understand).
Read
September 29, 2023Till Death Do Us Part
Enjoying a rare break in his remote lochside cabin, DCI Bone suddenly finds himself cut off when the mother of all snowstorms hits the Campsie Fells. Bored but intrigued by the flickering lights from one of the loch’s uninhabited islands, Bone commandeers a local boat and heads out across stormy waters to investigate.
There amongst the island’s ancient Celtic gravestones, Bone makes a grisly, surreal discovery: a mutilated bride and groom, bound together in frozen union.
Unable to contact his team at Kilwinnoch Police Station and ill-prepared for the weather, Bone faces one of the most gruelling cases of his career, as he battles fierce elemental forces to catch an ingenious killer with a heart far colder than a Scottish winter.
Set among the dramatic hills and glens of Scotland's Campsie Fells, Isle of the Dead is the fifth book in the bestselling edge-of-your-seat Scottish crime series that will keep you guessing right up to the nail-biting, heart-stopping climax.
Good. Scottish - not great.
Enjoying a rare break in his remote lochside cabin, DCI Bone suddenly finds himself cut off when the mother of all snowstorms hits the Campsie Fells. Bored but intrigued by the flickering lights from one of the loch’s uninhabited islands, Bone commandeers a local boat and heads out across stormy waters to investigate.
There amongst the island’s ancient Celtic gravestones, Bone makes a grisly, surreal discovery: a mutilated bride and groom, bound together in frozen union.
Unable to contact his team at Kilwinnoch Police Station and ill-prepared for the weather, Bone faces one of the most gruelling cases of his career, as he battles fierce elemental forces to catch an ingenious killer with a heart far colder than a Scottish winter.
Set among the dramatic hills and glens of Scotland's Campsie Fells, Isle of the Dead is the fifth book in the bestselling edge-of-your-seat Scottish crime series that will keep you guessing right up to the nail-biting, heart-stopping climax.
Good. Scottish - not great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
Isle of the Dead by T G Reid is book 5 in the DCI Duncan Bone series and it is a great addition to the series. There is humour throughout, and I was laughing right from the beginning. What a great picture the author paints of the scene after the dreadful blizzard that hits the Campsie Fells. So easy to visualise., and the storm sounds so real with the author’s writing. The storm makes it so difficult for the investigation too with all that the storm comes with. Love Bone’s team. Mullens adds such a great vibe to the story and you can’t help but laugh. DCI Harris adds tension to the story with his crass attitude. Really liked Harper in this one too. A shocking scene awaits Duncan and a local boatie, who takes him across to Balhuish Island (or Isle of the Dead) in his boat during the storm. It is gritty in parts and the tension builds with a few curve balls thrown in. Such a great story and cleverly written and I certainly couldn’t work it out till towards the end.
April 3, 2023
The latest tale from Bone and Co is Another brilliant read.
The Isle of the Dead is a remote Scottish island steeped in celtic history. When an epic snowstorm hits Scotland, Bone is stuck in his cabin and spots a light on the Island.
This sparks off his intrigue and a series of events no one could have expected. With no phones, and the roads impassable he has to use what he has.
The setting felt like a character in itself, the oppressive snow which us southerners don't experience, the dark and isolation were brilliantly written, I really felt it.
I loved the team that gathered in the hotel that Bone utilised until his own arrived and have a huge soft spot for Junior. What a legend!
The camaraderie between the team is brilliant and such a joy to read, I genuinely laughed out loud at some bits.
The story is brilliant and went off in unexpected directions a couple of times until a quite dramatic reveal at the end. Fantastic.
The Isle of the Dead is a remote Scottish island steeped in celtic history. When an epic snowstorm hits Scotland, Bone is stuck in his cabin and spots a light on the Island.
This sparks off his intrigue and a series of events no one could have expected. With no phones, and the roads impassable he has to use what he has.
The setting felt like a character in itself, the oppressive snow which us southerners don't experience, the dark and isolation were brilliantly written, I really felt it.
I loved the team that gathered in the hotel that Bone utilised until his own arrived and have a huge soft spot for Junior. What a legend!
The camaraderie between the team is brilliant and such a joy to read, I genuinely laughed out loud at some bits.
The story is brilliant and went off in unexpected directions a couple of times until a quite dramatic reveal at the end. Fantastic.
May 28, 2023
When I had the chance to read the next book in the DCI Bone series I jumped at it!
Even though this one was more contained location wise I felt it had more mystery and action than previous books! I really enjoyed this one, trying to solve the crime with all the weather challenges thrown in. I loved both halves of this book - DCI Bone stuck without his team and then when they finally got through to him. The banter DCI Bone and his team have make me smile every time.
My only slight niggle was that there were a couple of things not quite tied up - but such are the nature of real crimes.
Overall, not only a gripping crime (as per usual), but also a stunning backdrop. I can't wait for book 6: Night Comes Falling.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Even though this one was more contained location wise I felt it had more mystery and action than previous books! I really enjoyed this one, trying to solve the crime with all the weather challenges thrown in. I loved both halves of this book - DCI Bone stuck without his team and then when they finally got through to him. The banter DCI Bone and his team have make me smile every time.
My only slight niggle was that there were a couple of things not quite tied up - but such are the nature of real crimes.
Overall, not only a gripping crime (as per usual), but also a stunning backdrop. I can't wait for book 6: Night Comes Falling.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from LoveBooksTours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 25, 2024
Loved this one. SO much.
I loved the sudden blizzard that left Bone stranded up at the cabin, unable to make the journey home. I also love the idea of an island with Celtic crosses and Viking warriors.
This was very near to being too convoluted, but T.G. Reid pulled it together quite nicely. A rather appalling case that also lead to closing another case. However, there was one victim left with an unsatisfactory conclusion, so maybe that will be something that is revisited in a future novel.
I love the team, despite being apart, still pulled together and got this one solved.
My favorite character was given a reprieve and able to get back to work in this novel...and stepped right into something nasty.
Bone's home life has been repaired.
Love getting to know the team's personal lives more.
I loved the sudden blizzard that left Bone stranded up at the cabin, unable to make the journey home. I also love the idea of an island with Celtic crosses and Viking warriors.
This was very near to being too convoluted, but T.G. Reid pulled it together quite nicely. A rather appalling case that also lead to closing another case. However, there was one victim left with an unsatisfactory conclusion, so maybe that will be something that is revisited in a future novel.
I love the team, despite being apart, still pulled together and got this one solved.
My favorite character was given a reprieve and able to get back to work in this novel...and stepped right into something nasty.
Bone's home life has been repaired.
Love getting to know the team's personal lives more.
March 19, 2023
It's probably easier to start off by saying what I didn't like about this book....absolutely nothing. The series goes from strength to strength and this was another fantastic read.
The author does a great job in bringing the location to life in my head and the spookiness of the isle of the dead is really quite vivid. Despite the nature of the crimes with the discovery of a couple dressed as a bride and groom, the humour throughout ensures that it's not all doom and gloom as Bone and the team endeavour to work around the horrendous weather conditions to bring the killer to justice.
With each new book in the series, I always wonder if it can better the last and the answer is always a resounding yes. Can't wait for the next one.
The author does a great job in bringing the location to life in my head and the spookiness of the isle of the dead is really quite vivid. Despite the nature of the crimes with the discovery of a couple dressed as a bride and groom, the humour throughout ensures that it's not all doom and gloom as Bone and the team endeavour to work around the horrendous weather conditions to bring the killer to justice.
With each new book in the series, I always wonder if it can better the last and the answer is always a resounding yes. Can't wait for the next one.
May 2, 2023
I love Reid's DCI Bone books, they go from strength to strength with each book that's released into the series.
Isle of the Dead is the fifth book in the series, you could read it as a standalone, but I would strongly suggest going back to the origins of the series as you'll be losing out on so much back story.
From Ancient Celtic gravestones, an uninhabited island, and a bride and groom, mutilated and frozen...Reid certainly knows how to set an atmosphere.
I always love a catch up with Bone, he's one of my favourite male detective leads, and it's always nice to see what he's been up to at work and play.
Isle of the Dead is a fast paced, gripping, page turning police procedural and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Isle of the Dead is the fifth book in the series, you could read it as a standalone, but I would strongly suggest going back to the origins of the series as you'll be losing out on so much back story.
From Ancient Celtic gravestones, an uninhabited island, and a bride and groom, mutilated and frozen...Reid certainly knows how to set an atmosphere.
I always love a catch up with Bone, he's one of my favourite male detective leads, and it's always nice to see what he's been up to at work and play.
Isle of the Dead is a fast paced, gripping, page turning police procedural and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 5, 2023
This Review is for the Audiobook of this book Narrated by Steve Worsley
Scotland and the weather are as much a part of this book as the characters are.
A snowstorm, a dead man and his almost dead wife are found on the Isle of the Dead. What follows is the investigation that uncovers more death, dodgy dealings and violence. D.I Bone is a great lead character and although this is the fifth in the series it can be read as a stand alone.
I enjoyed this book a lot but there are a couple of areas that fell a little short for example one of the police is too buffoonish to be believable, but overall it's well written and fast paced with enough grittiness but not too much and I was gripped by it.
The narration was very good and fit really well with the story.
Overall 4 stars
Narration 4 stars
Story 4 stars
Scotland and the weather are as much a part of this book as the characters are.
A snowstorm, a dead man and his almost dead wife are found on the Isle of the Dead. What follows is the investigation that uncovers more death, dodgy dealings and violence. D.I Bone is a great lead character and although this is the fifth in the series it can be read as a stand alone.
I enjoyed this book a lot but there are a couple of areas that fell a little short for example one of the police is too buffoonish to be believable, but overall it's well written and fast paced with enough grittiness but not too much and I was gripped by it.
The narration was very good and fit really well with the story.
Overall 4 stars
Narration 4 stars
Story 4 stars
August 17, 2025
Isle of the Dead is Book #5 in the DCI Bone Scottish Crime Thriller series written by
Scottish author TG Reid.
“Enjoying a rare break in his remote lochside cabin, DCI Duncan Bone finds himself cut
off when the mother of all snowstorms hits the Campsie Fells. Intrigued by the flickering
lights from one of the loch’s uninhabited islands, DCI Bone commanders a local boat and
heads out across extremely stormy waters to investigate.”
The action is non-stop. The team is at its finest under very harsh conditions, and the plot
is chock full of twists and turns - enough to make one dizzy.
Isle of the Dead is a highly recommended title and part of a very dramatic series set
in Scotland. *****
Scottish author TG Reid.
“Enjoying a rare break in his remote lochside cabin, DCI Duncan Bone finds himself cut
off when the mother of all snowstorms hits the Campsie Fells. Intrigued by the flickering
lights from one of the loch’s uninhabited islands, DCI Bone commanders a local boat and
heads out across extremely stormy waters to investigate.”
The action is non-stop. The team is at its finest under very harsh conditions, and the plot
is chock full of twists and turns - enough to make one dizzy.
Isle of the Dead is a highly recommended title and part of a very dramatic series set
in Scotland. *****
March 15, 2023
I will begin by saying that this author only goes from strength to strength, and book 5 in this series is yet another diamond read. His atmospheric writing sucks the reader into the plot and doesn't let you go until the end. However for all the mayhem and macabre in the tale, there is the touch of humour which makes you smile (although some references may be missed by younger readers of a different generation!!). Once I started reading it, I couldn't put it down which is my guide to it being a solid 5*. I highly recommend this book and the series overall.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
Thanks to the author for the ARC to review.
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