Circle of Bones: A Chilling Cornwall Crime Thriller

Malcolm Richards

Apr 2021 · PI Blake Hollow Book 1 · Storm House Books

About this ebook

In the misty moors of Cornwall, a chilling discovery forces private investigator Blake Hollow to confront the darkest corners of her past.

Eighteen years ago, Blake's best friend vanished without warning. Now, back in her hometown, she faces a harrowing new case: Lucy Truscott, the daughter of another childhood friend, has gone missing. When Blake discovers Lucy's body, brutally mutilated with ritualistic wounds, memories of her friend’s disappearance flood back—along with the horrifying awareness that the two cases are connected.

As the local police hit dead ends, Blake uncovers a pattern they’ve missed: a series of unsolved disappearances spanning decades, all with the same haunting signature. With time running out, Blake must unmask a killer who’s been perfecting their craft for years—or risk another young woman becoming the next victim in this twisted circle of bones.

'Creepy and gripping... Richards returns with another nail-biter.' The Bookseller

Perfect for fans of Silence of the Lambs and Sharp Objects, 'Circle of Bones' introduces a gripping new British crime series, where a detective’s personal demons are as dangerous as the killer she hunts.

Ratings and reviews

I can honestly say I thought Devils Cove was one of Malcoms finest pieces, however I have to say undeniably Circle Of Bones is way up there! This was a real page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout and at times I struggled to keep my heart in my chest. I love the way that Malcolm sends you off in a direction and then pulls you in another with twists and turns, he always leaves you doubting or guessing.. The way he linked in DS Will Turner made it even more special as it made you feel at home in the story, with a landscape and cast you were already familiar with, (talking of landscapes he makes me want to go visit my old childhood haunts, a holiday in Cornwall this year is on the cards). Malcolms abilities in keeping his audience engrossed and engaged is becoming stronger in each book he creates and I seriously cannot wait to see what is in store for PI Blake Hollow next, I feel she will give Emily Swanson a run for her money. A truelly talented crime author and one to

Review for latest book by Malcolm Richards – CIRCLE OF BONES I was lucky enough to obtain an ARC copy of CIRCLE OF BONES – love the new character Blake Hollow. The setting of Cornwall makes a nice change from many other books I read about British crime (of which I enjoy). The author describes the locations so well that you can place yourself there in the story and imagine the settings as they are described so clearly. I also liked the way Malcolm brought in references from the Devils Cove series, also set in Cornwall. So if you haven’t read those then you must as they are also very good. I am looking forward to finding out more about Blake Hollow and her family and to see what adventures she gets involved in. It didn’t take very long to read this book, only a few hours on my kindle but as we are experiencing a wet and rainy Easter weekend and just coming out of another COVID lockdown I am looking to read as many good books as I can. Ps I have also pre-ordered CIRCLE OF BONES as when I find a great author I end up buying all their books!

The story started with a slow pace (for me - I like to be gripped to the story by the end of the first paragraph), but then suddenly I was so intrigued that I literally didn't want to put it down for a second to do my own urgent work. I just had to finish the book even though I knew I was going to struggle with getting up early again. I finished the book in one go. There were a few things I could predict early on in the story, but I needed to know details. And details were given. And then the twists I did not see coming.... Oh my.... I literally spoke out loud telling the characters what I knew and what I thought I knew. I would recommend this book to anyone enjoying reading thriller and suspense stories. Some things can't be unseen (un"read").

About the author

Malcolm Richards crafts stories to keep you guessing from the edge of your seat. He is the author of several crime thrillers and mystery novels, including the PI Blake Hollow series, the award-nominated Devil’s Cove trilogy, and the Emily Swanson series. Many of his books are set in Cornwall, UK, where he was born and raised.

Before becoming a full-time writer, Malcolm worked for many years in the special education sector, teaching and supporting children with complex needs. After living in London for two decades, he has now settled in the Somerset countryside with his partner and their pets.