Rachel Reviews: A Litter of Bones by J.D. Kirk

This is the second book I've read in the D.C.I. Logan series which means I'm reading them out of order, this one being the first but this is of no concern. Although this is the first book, we're in the middle of Logan's career and so I didn't feel like I was out of kilter at all with my understanding.

Logan is called to the Highlands of Scotland, specifically requested by the police force there, as a boy has gone missing and the resemblance that this bears to a child murderer called Mister Whisper and his modus operandi is significant. However, Mister Whisper is locked away in a mental facility - we know this because we see Logan visiting him, trying to find out the location of his last murder, a boy called Dylan Muir. The fate of this boy haunts Logan's nights, him feeling an obligation to the parents to give them closure and know that he has done all he can to help them.

So, if Mister Whisper is locked away, who has kidnapped the boy and who has adopted the same MO? Is there a copycat? Who could know the details? And so, not only do we have the hunt for the boy but we also have the speculation about who could have released the information.

I enjoyed this a lot. I knew that it was going to be good, having read a later book; however, on reflection, I think that one was better. The later book felt more polished, more confident, and I suppose that that's what comes with knowing that your work will be well received and that your characters are known. Don't get me wrong: this was a great read. The plot is well thought through; the dialogue feels real throughout; it's funny and well observed in terms of the relationships between the police officers; it leads to a satisfactory and dramatic conclusion. Perhaps if I'd have started with this one, I'd be more impressed but whilst the later one was a five star read, this is only a four from me. It was good and it kept me reading but it simply wasn't as good.

However, I am looking forward to reading more. Am I going straight on to the second one even though I have it in my possession? No. Will I read it soon? Yes.

Read into that what you will.

Rachel Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐