I'm not sure how I got to this point without ever reading a Steve Parker title but I'll fix that. I've read a lot of books but Parker's books are definitely unforgettable. As members of the Major Crimes squad, the crime scenes they visit are typically bloody and gruesome. Graphic descriptions are included in the story line so if you're squeamish, you'd better skip those parts. These two policemen will go to any lengths to solve a crime, breaking every rule along the way if they have to. The only rule they can not break is an oath of loyalty to each other, which is a very good thing as these two men need someone to trust. The story line is pretty straight forward, someone dies and someone pays. How this plays out is completely different from the mystery/ thrillers I've read lately. Easy 5 stars from me and I will recommend to my reading circle.

I read this as a standalone and it worked but it would have been better reading it as part of the series, which I will now go back to doing.

The two characters work together and I am looking forward to reading more about them.

I was given a free copy by netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely my own.

His Mother's Bones is anothere exceptional thriller by Steve Parker featuring Detective Superintendent Ray Paterson and Detective Inspector Johnny Clocks investigating a gruesome murder of a judge. This author never lets the reader down with his enthralling writing, keeping the reader in suspense, and is unputable down. It is the seventh book in the series and the reader will want to read all the previous books! Best thriller books I have read in a long long time!

The characters were well-developed, and I found myself invested in their lives. The plot was well thought out and had enough twists and turns to keep me on the edge of my seat. I appreciated the attention to detail, and the author did a great job of creating a vivid world that was easy to picture in my mind.
The themes explored in the book were thought-provoking and gave me a lot to consider. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story with well-developed characters.
Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with this book and would definitely read it again. It was a great addition to my reading collection, and I can't wait to see what else this author has in store.

This author has done it again.... written a book that I couldn't put down. Once again, I was engaged from the beginning until the last page. I enjoy Paterson and Clocks, they're unorthodox, sometimes unlikable and incredibly good at what they due. The murder is gruesome, the language is rough but for me this is one of the better police procedurals out there.

Paterson and Clock's are great. They may suffer a little from the renegade detective trope but they are a good read.

The detail of the murders is very gory and gruesome but if you have read this author before (you should really read the rest of the series) you know what you are getting into.

Enjoy

Another amazing book by steve parker! totally gruesome, remarcably funny and a mystery! definitely who would have thought it!

This is book 8 in the highly sucessful Patterson and Clocks series and I would recommend reading in order to get the best enjoyment from them, though book 8 can be read as a stand alone.

Wow, what gruesome murders. Clocks is one strange character. I can see where he is supposed to add humor. But I really didn't like him much. Ray and Clocks do their own thing with no regard for the law. However they do make for a good story with lots of twists and turns. I was surprisingly engrossed and found it hard to put down.

Although the story was intriguing and well plotted I just could not come to terms with the two main characters, Paterson of the exceedingly wealthy family and Clocks of the East End laddo type. Such opposites and seemingly always at odds with each other, a lot of banter which does work at times, lots of Cockney 'speke'. Murders very gruesome. Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A brutal murder sees Ray Paterson back on the police force with his irreverent colleague John Clocks. But their superior officers do not trust them. Can they solve the case before any other murders take place and they are arrested?
His Mother's Bones is the seventh book to feature Paterson and Clocks, and it is the second book that I have read (see link in list at end of post for my review).
Detectives Paterson and Clocks are reunited for another dark case. The murders are very grisly, featuring ancient forms of torture to maximise pain to the victims. It is extremely unpleasant and there are also several violent incidents which are graphically described.
Paterson and Clocks are an unlikely pairing which makes their relationship so much more enjoyable to witness. Paterson bends the rules with an air of wealthy confidence. Clocks breaks the rules and stamps on them! Their banter is superbly enjoyable, the language is almost more swear words than not!
Clocks definitely seems to be stuck in the 1970s with his attitudes to women. Some may find this offensive but I suspended my disbelief that he would have been allowed to get away with this behviour in the modern police force.
The pace is intense as the drama unfolds and this was a gripping read as Paterson and Clocks attempt to foil the avenging killer. The ending is action packed and enthralling with a high level of swearing and violence due to the nature of the scenario.
His Mother's Bones is a brilliantly written book with wonderful lead characters and I loved it!

I really enjoyed this book, but Clock's character was very annoying (so obviously written well). The only part I though wasn't needed was about the job offer, I just think it didn't need to be there. Great book though.

I came into this as having read no previous “Paterson & Clocks” books or anything written by this author (retired police officer) Steve Parker.

The story itself is excellent - enough twists & surprises to keep it interesting and I always enjoy a narrative set in London because I can picture the areas described.

I really liked the main 2 characters relationship with each other and I’d definitely read the previous 6 books in this series

I found reading some of Clock’s dialogue difficult sometimes because it’s written in a cockney style which just interrupted the “flow” a bit for me, but I completely understand why it’s written like that.

I think the fact that the author was a serving police officer for 20years really helps give this police procedural crime book a proper dose of authenticity - with a story that you hope is just a little bit TOO gruesome to be true!

(PS because of the “authenticity”, the book has a bit too much bad language / sexism etc for me to recommend to younger readers or my mum!)

This is the latest in Steve Parker's London based series featuring the seemingly mismatched Detective Superintendent Ray Patterson with the more maverick, loud and brash DI Johnny Clocks in one of their most challenging cases where they become prime suspects. In Southwark Park, a dead man has been gruesomely
and ritually murdered using the horrifying ancient method of Blood Eagle. Patterson and Clocks are shocked to the core, they know the victim all too well and comprehend that they are going to be suspects. In this action packed crime fiction, victims are murdered in ever elaborate nightmarish ways, and Patterson are tested to their limits in this complex investigation whilst facing the twisted politics within the police service. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

This book hooks you from the beginning as a woman is left on a roof to die. Why.? you ask yourself and you keep reading.
This book introduces you to two unlikely friends who share one aim as policeman to bring criminals to justice in their unorthodox way. It may not be the new way of policing or politically correct but they are clearly passionate making sure people pay for their crime and they make the reader want them to succeed in whatever methods they use.

I am sure there will be more adventures for these two , and the author has also given them different options to explore..

Would definitely recommend and look out for Steve Parker’s books to read in the future.

Well after reading other reviews I know I’m in the huge minority here but I really struggled with this one. I found it so dialogue heavy and the cockney speak just too much. I realise that this is probably the USP for this series but it just didn’t work with me.
The actual plot was quite interesting but I had to force myself to keep reading and can only say it didn’t feel like a chore once I’d got well over had way through.
Due to the series popularity I’m sure it’s just a case of “it’s not you, it’s me” and readers will continue to love these characters.
One last thing, don’t read this while eating, you need a strong stomach for some parts ☺️
#HisMothersBones
#Netgalley

A police procedural with engaging characters and a good mystery thrown in to boot. The characters use of slang was engaging and added a layer of humour that cut the darkness nicely.

His mother's bones by Steve Parker.
Peterstone and Clocks #7.
A really good read. I loved how Peterson and Clocks were together. I loved the cover too. Looking forward to reading the next book. 5*.

I was lucky to receive an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review and opinion. I didn't realize when I requested it that this was book 7 in a series. I was able to read it and not feel lost which is a good thing but now I'm going to go back and read the other 6 books so I can continue on with the series. Super fun read that made me laugh out loud during several parts of the book. I enjoyed Steve's writing style and can't wait to read more by him.

I have been a fan of Steve’s work for a while now. I have loved each and every book in the bestselling series featuring Detectives Paterson and Clocks. When I heard that Steve was due to release the next instalment of the series I just knew that I had to grab a copy as soon as I could. Well the next instalment is called ‘His Mother’s Bones’ and it was released on 22nd July 2021. I absolutely loved reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into ‘His Mother’s Bones’. In fact the synopsis alone was enough to grab my attention from the start and draw me into this compelling story. As soon as I started reading the story that was it and I knew that I wasn’t going to be doing anything other than reading for the rest of the day until I had read the very last word on the very last page. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book quickly enough as I worked through the story. I became so wrapped up in the story that I lost all track of time and just how quickly I was getting through the book. I finished ‘His Mother’s Bones’ is the space of a day which is pretty good going for me. I found ‘His Mother’s Bones’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing and which kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I found ‘His Mother’s Bones’ to be the true definition of an unputdownable page turner of a read.
‘His Mother’s Bones’ is superbly written but then I feel that to be true of all of Steve’s books to date. In Paterson and Clocks, he has created two very memorable characters. Both characters ended up feeling more like friends of mine. I have to say that I have a bit of a soft spot for Clocks, even if he doesn’t always toe the line and he is less than diplomatic at times. As I mentioned above, Steve grabbed my attention from the start and reeled me in. Reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ felt like being on a very scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with many twists and turns along the way. I have to admit that certain details of the crime committed are rather gruesome in nature. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Steve’s fantastic, vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘His Mother’s Bones’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Steve’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.