My thanks to Bookouture Audio for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘Lost Graves’ by S.A. Dunphy in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook is narrated by Shelley Atkinson.

This is the second in Dunphy’s series of Irish police procedurals featuring Jessie Boyle, a criminal behavioural specialist, and Detective Seamus Keneally, both part of a new task force investigating serious crimes. I had been impressed last year by the first in this series, ‘Bring Her Home’, so was excited to read this.

‘Lost Graves’ opens with Joe Keenan and his young son Finbar making camp in the ancient forest of Derrada in County Leitrim. Their dog runs off and makes a grisly discovery. They alert the Gardaí and when they arrive dozens of other victims are uncovered.

Despite the fact that he reported the original find, Joe is arrested for the murders and his son is placed in care. The police have clearly decided that as Joe is an Irish Traveller, he is responsible for the bodies and they link to a clan feud.

As criminal behaviourist Jessie Boyle joins the investigation, she is not only convinced of Joe’s innocence but as these ancient woods are considered sacred by the Travellers that the body dump is unconnected to them. She suspects a serial killer, who is still out there. Of course, the local police are resistant.

Dunphy incorporates aspects of the history and culture of the Irish Travelling People into the story as well as highlighting the prejudice they face due to the nomadic nature of their society.

Over the course of the novel the case takes a number of surprising turns and I found myself completely gripped from start to finish.

As in ‘Bring Her Home’, there are strands of folk horror throughout the story. This pleased me very much as I appreciate the incorporation of folklore. Dunphy is clearly knowledgeable in this area as well as respectful of the traditions associated with the land.

In utilising the Derrada Woods as the setting, Dunphy draws on the primal fear evoked by the ancient dark woodlands and also includes an ancient Irish vampire legend known as the Abhartach. I didn’t realise that Ireland had vampires, though as Jessie points out, the Abhartach is far from the beautiful and sophisticated creatures found in popular culture. Definitely no sparkles!

With respect to the audiobook, I was pleased that Shelley Atkinson was again its narrator as it not only provides continuity but her delivery is excellent as she moves seamlessly between the novel’s various characters. Her soft Irish lilt was a pleasure to listen to.

Overall, a strong second outing for Jessie, Seamus, and their team. I will be eagerly waiting for more books in this excellent series of police procedurals.

Highly recommended.

Boyle and Keneally’s first outing was so great that I was a little nervous about this second volume. There was no need. The team is back as strong as we left them. The dialogues are still as witty and the characters just as charming. This time the perfectly crafted plot revolves around a series of bodies that may or may not involve rival gangs of nomadic travelers, or a group of special forces so secret that no one knows about it. It could also have to do with a dark creature that’s inhabited the woods for centuries and that reminds Jessie of Dracula (Bram Stoker, she reminds us, was Irish). The forest is described in such detail that it’s not hard to smell the pines and feel how the ground gives under the characters’ feet. Terri is as resourceful and adorable as I remember and the new cast of suspects, villains and victims is described as individuals. The narration by Shelley Atkinson enriches the story, as she makes each character distinctive. I look forward to many more novels.
I chose to listen to this audiobook and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/#Bookouture Audio!

Lost Graves by S. A. Dunphy

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture and I am leaving this review voluntarily

A scrap of clothing still clung to one arm – the remains of a woollen jumper, perhaps once carefully knitted by a loving mother, now dirty and torn. Jessie wondered how many parents were still waiting for news of those buried here, and how far the lost victims were from home.

A body has been found in an ancient forest in the remote west of Ireland – but this death is only the beginning. The crime scene reveals the remains of dozens of victims, stretching back years. None of them matching missing persons lists, and their DNA is not on file. With no clues to go on, and limited resources, the local police call in criminal behaviourist Jessie Boyle and her partner Detective Seamus Keneally.

Last year I read and enjoyed the first book in this series - I had no doubts that I should request an advanced copy of the next book in the series. Whilst this is part of a series, I feel that it could very easily work as a stand-alone as the cases aren't connected. Filled with suspense, mystery and local folklore, this is a very enjoyable book. With many twists and turns every time I put this book down, I very quickly picked it back up again.

If you enjoyed the first book in the series, then there is no doubt that you will enjoy this one. If you haven't read the first book in the series, but enjoy police procedurals then you should give this book a try.

Rating 4/5

I was really excited to get this second book in the series, which is a police procedural set in Ireland, featuring our beloved Jessie Boyle, Seamus Keneally and Terri Kehoe, who are now like a wee family to me. The story is about a mass grave which is found, which contains a lot of bodies; the travelling community, a mythical monster, and government officials warning off our little team.

I really enjoyed the story, the characters, the setting, and the supernatural and mythological feel of the book. The narrator of the book was very good too!

I look forward to reading more books from this author. Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.