by S.W. Kane
Series: Detective Lew Kirby #1
Narrator: Matthew Lloyd Davies
Length: 9 hours and 3 minutes
Genres: Mystery, Crime Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.3x
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?
Before long, the secrets of Blackwater Asylum begin to reveal themselves. There are rumours about underground bunkers and secret rooms, unspeakable psychological experimentation, and a dark force that haunts the ruins, trying to pull back in all those who attempt to escape. Urban explorer Connie Darke, whose sister died in a freak accident at the asylum, is determined to help Lew expose its grisly past. Meanwhile Lew discovers a devastating family secret that threatens to turn his life upside down.
As his world crumbles around him, Lew must put the pieces of the puzzle together to keep the killer from striking again. Only an eccentric former patient really knows the truth—but will he reveal it to Lew before it’s too late?
Summer is the perfect time to listen to a murder-mystery. The Bone Jar by S.W. Kane delivers an intense murder-mystery thriller. It’s the first in the Detective Lew Kirby series. Grab an iced-coffee and discover the secrets of Blackwater Asylum.
Detective Lew Kirby is called to the Blackwater Asylum when the guard discovers the body of an elderly woman in the Keats ward of the abandoned asylum. Situated on the banks of the Thames River the asylum has long been abandoned. It was rumored to have underground bunkers and secret rooms. In its heyday, unspeakable psychological experimentation took place. Some say a dark force haunts the ruins.
When another body turns up along the river, Detective Kirby will need to decide if the bodies are connected and why they were murdered.
I loved the abandoned asylum and the sinister atmosphere. Kane paired the setting with an interesting cast of characters.
We have DI Lew Kirby and his partner Pete Anderson who are under pressure from a developer to wrap the case up. Then we have Connie Darke, an urban explorer whose sister died on the grounds of the asylum. Then there is Raymond, an ex-patient who lives in the old caretakers cottage. We get to know each and all were developed and intriguing.
Raymond and Connie are secondary characters who became vital to the case and whenever they appeared in a scene the tension increased. I do hope they are permanently woven into the series.
This was not an easy case but slowly DI Kirby and Anderson piece together the clues and made the necessary connections. Twists, unexpected ties and complications kept me listening. The atmospheric setting of the abandoned asylum added to the overall suspense as we uncovered leads and facts. With each discover the danger mounted.
The audio narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies, enhanced the tale with unique voices, tone and pacing. His voice run true for the voice of DI Kirby and his female voices rang true.
The police procedural elements and climactic scenes as they pieced together the links was well done making this a solid start to the series.
I look forward to seeing what case falls on DI Kirby’s desk next.
Narrated by Matthew Lloyd Davies The Bone Jar by S.W. Kane delivers an intense murder-mystery thriller. #audiobook #crimethriller #DetectiveLewKirby Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Carla
I like the sounds of this one Kimberly. I also love the setting of an abandoned asylum. I will be checking out this series. Nice review.
Kimberly
Yes..excellent place for a murder!
Tyler H. Jolley
Thanks for the sample. This sounds right up my alley.
Kimberly
It was good. I am looking forward to more.
MarthaE
I’m glad this was good. I have it on my wish list. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Kimberly
Sweet. I look forward to your thoughts!
Heather @ RandomRedheadedRamblings
I loved this book especially the asylum setting. I’m hoping there’ll be more books with Lew.
Kimberly
Yes, I am looking forward to more as well Heather.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds like a book that would be a good read. I love the title too.
Kimberly
Thank you Mary 🙂
Debbie S Haupt
Oh you had me at abandoned asylum yeah. Great review thanks Kim
Kimberly
Right. Awesome setting for a murder-mystery.
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’m sure I would love this. Great review! I see it is currently available thru KU too.
Kimberly
Cool, I didn’t realize that.
sherry fundin
just looking at the title and cover make me want to read it. sounds CRAZY. lol
Kimberly
I hope you are able to grab it.
Lover of Romance
Whew….what a powerful crime mystery. The elements of the setting really sound like the author crafter such a well in depth surrounding that pulls you in.
Great review
Kimberly
Indeed. Thanks Bonnie.