I have a bit of a strange feeling about Simon Kernick books, I seem to love them or just think they are pretty middle of the road. Sadly for me this book was just middle of the road and left me feeling unbothered about reading another in this series. It features both DI Ray Mason and PI Tina Boyd (both featured in other books) and although I like Tina Boyd, I felt she took more of a backseat in this book than Ray did.

The synopsis explains the main storyline which is based around the murder of a young woman in Thailand in the 90s and the discovery of bones in England in 2016. The boyfriend of the victim who originally reported her missing then turns up dead. So it seems that Ray and Tina are the ones digging into the case.

The story felt a little forced and the writing didn't flow as well as it does in some other books by the same author. I actually started this book once and then went back to it as I felt it was too slow. I persevered with it the second time around but in all honesty there was nothing too much that jept me hooked or interested enough to look at book 3.

Another really weell-written police thriller from Simon Kernick. The investogation must follow a slim trail to a potentially dangerous end or will it stonewall?

I do love a Simon Kernick novel and this was no exception. Ray Mason is a brilliant character with his flaws and complexities. The storyline was pretty action packed with a lot going on but, at the same time, it was easy to keep up with.

A very strong 4 stars

Luckily I was accepted by Netgalley to review this book, as I've always been an admirer of Simon's works. I was not disappointed in any way. Simon has a way of making nasty characters exactly that in print. The plot twisted and turned throughout and left a real jaw opener right at the end, but I will leave that for you to discover rather than your spoil your read. Just to say there is a 2nd book out in November this year so my original feeling of an incomplete ending were dispelled on discovering this.
For anyone who follows Mr Kernick you will get exactly what you expect and any one new to the author will quickly be going through his back catalogue of books

This is an excellent read; a fast paced thriller which keeps you page turning. The twists and turns keep the reader hooked to the end. A very entertaining book which surely will have a sequel.

Simon Kernick is one of my Favourite British Crime Authors. The Bone Field is his latest..
A good story with great characters... Book would have benefitted from better editing, fewer twists and plot inconsistencies. The author needs go back to simple British Crime tales which he explored with Denis Milne..

Once again Simon delivers a fast-paced, gritty novel with strong characters and an intriguing story line that forces you to read on into the night and I thank the publisher, Randomhouse UK Cornerstone, and NetGalley for my copy in return for a review.

As the blurb above indicates, the story follows the investigation into the disappearance of Kitty Sinn who went missing in Thailand in 1990’s but whose bones are discovered in Buckinghamshire; there’s no trace of her coming back into the country so how did they get there? And so it begins … the roller-coaster ride that is Simon Kernick’s books.

For me, one of Simon’s great gifts is to create characters that you care about and DI Ray Mason, in this second outing, is fast becoming one of those; there is a depth to DI Mason that makes him believable and I look forward to getting to know him more. Tina Boyd needs no introduction; she is my favourite female character EVER. She is feisty, brave, unorthodox at times but always with the best of intentions and the perfect person to have on your side. However, where Tina goes trouble is usually not too far behind.

I admit to being a fan of Simon’s work and always look forward to his next outing; the way this book ended has me chomping at the bit for the next one.

A n0n stop murder. mystery, great characters and a thrilling storyline. Lots of twists and turns and clever detective work. One of the books which are difficult to put down, very absorbing read.

1990 A young woman goes missing while backpacking in Thailand. She is never seen again.
2016 Her bones are discovered 6000 miles away in an English field and, within hours, the boyfriend who reported her disappearance all those years ago is dead. So begins a hunt to solve her murder that will take DI Ray Mason and PI Tina Boyd into a dark and terrifying world of corruption and deadly secrets, where murder is commonplace, and nothing and nobody is safe…
I really enjoyed this as a new reader of Simon Kernick’s work. I loved the characters of DI Ray Mason and PI Tina Boyd and hated the villans, just as it should be. The plot was solid and twists and turns full of surprises. The book races along and I loved it!

This is an exciting, fast-paced action-packed thriller.

After receiving a mysterious phone call, DI Ray Mason is drawn into the investigation of the discovery of two teenage girls bodies found in Buckinghamshire, both disappearing several years earlier, one supposedly in Thailand.

With a fantastic plot and great characters, including ex-cop turned PI Tina Boyd, this is a book not to be missed.

This appears to be the first in a series so some questions are left unanswered. Therefore, I can't wait for the next addictive instalment.

I just couldn't get into this book: I found the characters very blend and the plot (at least in the first 5 chapters) very predictable. I couldn't bring myself to finish the book.

This is the first Simon Kernick book that I have read. I really enjoyed this book.
I have started looking at the back catalogue as his writing grabs you from the beginning , I found that did not want to put the book down.
Would highly recommend this book

First class thriller. Loved it. Gripping, chilling and hard to put down. Can't wait for the next one.

Simon Kernick is an excellent storyteller and I can't believe I have never come across his work before. His plots are well considered and perfectly paced. They are full of fascinating characters and I am always impressed when obvious thought has gone into character names. Henry Faust really did make a pact with the devil.

The author creates action-packed thrillers that have you on the edge of your seat. The action is exciting and, within the limits of the genre, believable. The main character, Ray Mason, is convincing, he might be a flawed human being who makes judgements based on the heart rather than the head but he is someone you would want in your corner if you were in difficulties.

Enough background from previous books is provided to help round out the character without it being overwhelming. The story is convoluted and some of the chapters longer than usually found in this type of book but I never felt that chapters were stuffed just for the sake of it. The intricate twists and turns of the plot required the extra length in which to fully develop.

Every word had been well-considered and was necessary to carry the story forward.

I had forgotten that this book was clearly labelled as book one of a series and so when I reached the surprise ending, which I didn't see coming, it was a bit like reaching the bottom of a roller-coaster expecting it to stop and instead it carries on and promises another thrilling ride.

The characters in this book have obviously been in previous novels, however I easily read this as a stand alone. The characters were totally believable, the plot fast and the conclusion leaving me wanting more. I thoroughly recommend this book.

A classic Simon Kernick - fast paced and gripping 'edge of your seat' page turner, loaded with action, suspense, twists and turns right up to the very last words. I enjoyed 'meeting' the old favourites Tina Boyd and Ray Mason, although the book easily can be read as your first Simon Kernic. I, personally, can't wait for the next one.
I'd like to thank Netgalley and publishers for the ARC.

What can you say about a Simon Kernick book that hasn't been said....good, well written, fast paced etc. The Bone Field is all that and a good story as well. The bones of a missing girl turn up in the UK but the girl went missing in Thailand. First mystery then. Ray Mason is investigating and he goes to see the man who reported her missing with his lawyer. Before the guy can say a lot he is killed an Mason gets out. The mystery deepens and along the ride he meets Tina Boyd, a stalwart from previous Kernick books, and she tries to help him.
This book is an edge of the seat ride as Mason hits mystery and problem and you ride with him as he twists and turns to avoid the worst and solve this case. Kernick's style has you reading along engrossed and wanting to continue on and on and not put the book down. I warn you start reading and you will want to read the next chapter and the next.
Another great read from a wonderful writer who knows just how to keep you enthralled.

A great read, fast paced from the very beginning, lots of twists and turns but you aren't tied up in knots trying to follow it all, great story, great characters, another fantastic Simon Kernick read

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Simon Kernick, and Random House UK for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

Bringing his Ray Mason character back for a new round of police adventures, Simon Kernick has a recipe for success with the plot of this novel. During a holiday in 1990, a young woman's body goes missing in Thailand, never to be found. With nothing on which to go, life continues for everyone, including the seemingly distraught Henry Forbes, boyfriend to the victim. Twenty-six years later, Forbes has information about his missing girlfriend and reaches out to DI Ray Mason, citing that the body is in England and the killer is part of a large group that have many sinister plans. While Mason and Forbes are meeting on the sly, a group attacks the house and leaves Forbes dead, with Mason only just able to escape. His superiors are furious but also baffled when they discover the body, as well as that from another cold-case from around the same time. DI Mason is put in touch with a private investigator, Tina Boyd, who was also contacted by Forbes, and they begin piecing together what might have happened and who could be behind the murder decades ago, as well as the recent attack and murder of Forbes. Mason remembers an occult symbol on Forbes' arm and seeks to determine if it is a solid clue. Just as the authorities are honing in on a viable suspect, Mason makes an error that has fatal consequences, which has him suspended. Refusing to give up, Mason works with PI Boyd to trace the events of Thailand and before to determine who might be trying to exact revenge all these years later. What they discover shakes them to the core and leaves the door open for scores of other potential victims. Kernick offers readers a powerful and well-paced story that could flourish into an intriguing series, should the author desire.

This is my first time reading anything by Simon Kernick and I found it highly entertaining. While I might usually read a series in order (meaning I might have secured and read the first Ray Mason novel to get sufficient context), I did not feel lost or out of place by entering at this stage. Kernick develops a few key characters in an effective manner, particularly his protagonist. Mason is a complex police officer, whose past on the Force has been anything but smooth sailing. Added to that, his traumatic childhood, which helps coax out certain dramatic portion of the narrative, as well as allowing the reader to forge an instant connection. The premise of the story is interesting as well, though it was not as 'captivating' as some of the dust jacket narratives might have led me to hope. Murders, especially cold cases, can have a wonderfully complex nature, leaving the detective to pull at any strings and chase many paths, some of which lead nowhere. While I was not up late into the night, wondering what could be waiting in the next chapter, Kernick has developed a strong foundation, should Mason and PI Boyd return for another instalment. I will keep an eye out for it, in hopes that the impact is as effective.

Kudos, Mr. Kernick for this entertaining piece of writing. I see you have a lot of other books in your collection, which might be something for me to explore later on this year.

I always look forward to a new Simon Kernick novel, so I started reading this in eager anticipation. It started ok but seemed to slow down somewhat. A bit too much over description and padding. I didn't seem to have that can't put it down feeling you usually get with Simon's novels. However Tina Boyd comes into the story and things take off. The book is transformed and leaps into life with the twists and turns and the action we come to expect from this author. The ending was quite satisfactory but left it open for a follow up novel. Overall a good read but not one of his best.