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happynessheals's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
vampar's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 Stars, rounded down to 3.
An Amazon First Read.
This had a lot of potential and at points was very engaging. There were quite a few characters with little to differentiate them from each other which could be confusing for some readers. A lot of time wasted with side characters never has any greater implication for the story as a whole, but might be relevant in later novels in the series.
The urbex movement was interesting to me and would have been an interesting way in my opinion to explore more of the setting.
Most of the storylines are wrapped up by then end, but the end itself left several points sort of unclear. I really wanted more involvement of the "bone jar" itself and more atmosphere. I almost never had that "edge-of-your-seat" moment I usually get with a good thriller or mystery and was disappointed by that.
As a side note, I was thrown off by some terms and acronyms (SOCO, DI) that may be familiar to readers in the UK, but were new to me and I had to go back a few times to decipher them. For those offended by foul language, beware, though it isn't chock full it does contain some dirty words.
An Amazon First Read.
This had a lot of potential and at points was very engaging. There were quite a few characters with little to differentiate them from each other which could be confusing for some readers. A lot of time wasted with side characters never has any greater implication for the story as a whole, but might be relevant in later novels in the series.
The urbex movement was interesting to me and would have been an interesting way in my opinion to explore more of the setting.
Most of the storylines are wrapped up by then end, but the end itself left several points sort of unclear. I really wanted more involvement of the "bone jar" itself and more atmosphere. I almost never had that "edge-of-your-seat" moment I usually get with a good thriller or mystery and was disappointed by that.
As a side note, I was thrown off by some terms and acronyms (SOCO, DI) that may be familiar to readers in the UK, but were new to me and I had to go back a few times to decipher them. For those offended by foul language, beware, though it isn't chock full it does contain some dirty words.
lisaeirene's review against another edition
3.0
It was ok. I struggled at the end keeping certain characters straight, but overall it was ok
emilylouisereads's review against another edition
3.0
After being recommended this book by family, I had to give it a go myself. I love mysteries and suspenseful thrillers like The Bone Jar and was not disappointed.
This is the first book in the Lew Kirby series and introduces us to his character who is a detective that finds himself involved in a murder that took place at the infamous Blackwater Asylum. The case seems like a normal murder but as the investigation develops, Kirby finds that there is more to the asylum than meets the eye and the local community may know more than they are letting on.
The story was built up really well and the mystery was carried throughout the book. When reading, I had no idea who to trust and who to suspect as the killer and I love the guessing game in books like this as I know that it means that the storyline isn’t predictable if I get to the conclusion and am shocked.
Definitely one I would recommend to those who love the twisty and developed crime novels - that may have more to the story than you initially think.
3/5
This is the first book in the Lew Kirby series and introduces us to his character who is a detective that finds himself involved in a murder that took place at the infamous Blackwater Asylum. The case seems like a normal murder but as the investigation develops, Kirby finds that there is more to the asylum than meets the eye and the local community may know more than they are letting on.
The story was built up really well and the mystery was carried throughout the book. When reading, I had no idea who to trust and who to suspect as the killer and I love the guessing game in books like this as I know that it means that the storyline isn’t predictable if I get to the conclusion and am shocked.
Definitely one I would recommend to those who love the twisty and developed crime novels - that may have more to the story than you initially think.
3/5
laurelinwonder's review against another edition
3.0
This is difficult, I liked the premise, I liked Kirby, and some cool history/atmospheric attributes made this worth trudging through a lot of characters. This is an auspicious start to a trilogy, and I hope to read more by Kane. Though, I think perhaps, this was either too long, or not long enough to allow all characters the space they needed to thrive fully for readers. So, it's an interesting thriller, with some issues, but at the heart a great thrill.
jellichor's review against another edition
3.0
3.5*
" Two murders. An abandoned asylum. Will a mysterious former patient help untangle the dark truth?
The body of an elderly woman has been found in the bowels of a derelict asylum on the banks of the Thames. As Detective Lew Kirby and his partner begin their investigation, another body is discovered in the river nearby. How are the two murders connected? "
As a mood reader I have to be in a particular type of mood to read detective stories - specifically one where I am able to fully focus and concentrate on all the details, characters and timings of everything and everyone. There were a few moments where I had to re read sections or flick back some pages to work out who was who and where we were as it did get confusing at times, but generally this one is a standard one to follow if you're in the right mind frame.
Detective Lew - as another reader pointed out - isn't one of those 'troubled' types with a drinking problem or a 'dark side' authors usually like to use. He is simply himself, and I found this made focussing on the story itself easier - less distracting. He does still have history and depth to him however, and that's testament t0 the good writing of this book.
The Bone Jar is a very atmospheric (sometimes creepy) murder mystery - as well as a very interesting room within the abandoned asylum in the story - and keeps you guessing throughout. I'm not sure if I will be picking up the next one in the series as Detective stories are not my usual go to, but I did enjoy this one, so never say never.
" Two murders. An abandoned asylum. Will a mysterious former patient help untangle the dark truth?
The body of an elderly woman has been found in the bowels of a derelict asylum on the banks of the Thames. As Detective Lew Kirby and his partner begin their investigation, another body is discovered in the river nearby. How are the two murders connected? "
As a mood reader I have to be in a particular type of mood to read detective stories - specifically one where I am able to fully focus and concentrate on all the details, characters and timings of everything and everyone. There were a few moments where I had to re read sections or flick back some pages to work out who was who and where we were as it did get confusing at times, but generally this one is a standard one to follow if you're in the right mind frame.
Detective Lew - as another reader pointed out - isn't one of those 'troubled' types with a drinking problem or a 'dark side' authors usually like to use. He is simply himself, and I found this made focussing on the story itself easier - less distracting. He does still have history and depth to him however, and that's testament t0 the good writing of this book.
The Bone Jar is a very atmospheric (sometimes creepy) murder mystery - as well as a very interesting room within the abandoned asylum in the story - and keeps you guessing throughout. I'm not sure if I will be picking up the next one in the series as Detective stories are not my usual go to, but I did enjoy this one, so never say never.
noveldeelights's review against another edition
3.0
The Bone Jar is a very atmospheric first instalment in a new series featuring Detective Lew Kirby.
Kirby and his colleague Anderson are called out to the site of an abandoned asylum when a security guard discovers the battered body of an elderly woman. Surely the victim has a connection to this place. Why else would she have been left there, when there are far more easily accessible places to dump a dead body? First though, detectives must figure out who the victim is and as they delve into her past, they uncover a multitude of secrets.
With such an intriguing title, I couldn't wait to get stuck in and find out what The Bone Jar was all about. For the most part, I really enjoyed this story. There are quite a few different things going on at the same time. It works really well as an introduction to the series as the reader gets to know Detective Kirby. However, I also found the plot just a little bit too complicated. Now, I will admit that my brain was somewhat foggy when I read The Bone Jar so it's quite possible that was to blame. But I couldn't help but get awfully confused at times. I'm still not entirely sure I have the right end of the stick.
What I do know is that the shenanigans that happened at the asylum are seriously disturbing, affecting quite a few characters in The Bone Jar. The murderer could seemingly be just about anyone and I was unable to figure out who it was or what their motive was. All in all, an enjoyable and entertaining read.
Kirby and his colleague Anderson are called out to the site of an abandoned asylum when a security guard discovers the battered body of an elderly woman. Surely the victim has a connection to this place. Why else would she have been left there, when there are far more easily accessible places to dump a dead body? First though, detectives must figure out who the victim is and as they delve into her past, they uncover a multitude of secrets.
With such an intriguing title, I couldn't wait to get stuck in and find out what The Bone Jar was all about. For the most part, I really enjoyed this story. There are quite a few different things going on at the same time. It works really well as an introduction to the series as the reader gets to know Detective Kirby. However, I also found the plot just a little bit too complicated. Now, I will admit that my brain was somewhat foggy when I read The Bone Jar so it's quite possible that was to blame. But I couldn't help but get awfully confused at times. I'm still not entirely sure I have the right end of the stick.
What I do know is that the shenanigans that happened at the asylum are seriously disturbing, affecting quite a few characters in The Bone Jar. The murderer could seemingly be just about anyone and I was unable to figure out who it was or what their motive was. All in all, an enjoyable and entertaining read.
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.0
Finished reading: June 11th 2020
"He wondered what it was like to live here all alone - and not only that, but in the grounds of the very institution that had once removed you from society."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I confess that I was fully intrigued as soon as I took my first glimpse at the blurb of The Bone Jar. I always love a good detective thriller, and the promise of an abandoned asylum setting combined with hints at its past and secrets as well as a former patient involved in a present day murder investigation sounded simply irresistible. Talk about the perfect hair-raising backdrop for this first book of a new detective series! I had a hunch that I would enjoy this story, and my instincts definitely turned out to be right. The Bone Jar is a dark, eerie and atmospheric detective thriller that will chill you to the bone, and not just because of the winter wonderland descriptions. Without a doubt recommended if you enjoy the detective thriller genre!
There is no doubt that the Blackwater Asylum steals the show here. Not only does the majority of the story take place in or around the abandoned asylum, but its descriptions also give the story that spine-chilling feel as well as a hint of forboding. The descriptions are thorough and beautifully done, and really made the setting come alive for me. The fact that The Bone Jar takes place during the cold winter months only adds to the eerie atmosphere... The snow and cold weather used to add obstacles to the investigation as well as influencing how the plot as a whole develops. Especially the focus on the Blackwater Asylum was a huge bonus for me, as I have a weak spot for stories with that angle and its incorporation in the plot was handled splendidly.
The Bone Jar has quite a few characters in play, and I confess that initially I struggled a little to remember how they all connected. This feeling was only temporary though and as soon as I was able to fit them all into their place in the plot puzzle, I was fully hooked. I wish we could have seen more of new main character detective Lew Kirby, but we did get a few hints at his private life and I'm definitely intrigued. We mainly see the story and investigation through his eyes, but both Raymond and Connie are also key to the plot of this first book. Both will soon find themselves in the middle of everything and I quite liked getting to learn more about them. Especially Raymond is a fascinating character with his past and possible knowledge of present events as well as secrets about Blackwater Asylum.
I also really liked the mention of urban exploration and the connection more than one character had with this activity in the plot. It was interesting to learn a little about the urban exploration terms and I would have loved to see it even more present! The Bone Jar mainly focused on the asylum and its hidden secrets as well as the present murder case though. It was interesting to see Lew Kirby and the others investigating the crime and both the building up of suspense and the introduction of plot twists is more than solid. You keep wondering how everything and everyone connects and fits in, and the story will definitely have some surprises for you in store as well.
With its eerie and atmospheric derelict asylum setting, The Bone Jar sets the tone for what is an excellent start of a new detective series. Any fan of the genre will have a brilliant time meeting Lew Kirby as well as exploring Blackwater Asylum!
rkuschmider's review against another edition
Might come back to this one. It’s not a summer kind of book.
aly36's review against another edition
3.0
I really wanted to like this book. I wanted this to be a great book mystery and suspense. It was not bad but I didn't get the feeling I was hoping for from this book. I wanted more suspense and I wanted this book to be different from other like it I've read. It was similar to many mysteries I have read before. I think the author had some great ideas but I don't think they came together for me in this book. This book was also a bit long for me. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*