Lost Graves by S.A. Dunphy
Boyle & Keneally #2

Gripping, gritty, and gruesome – grabbed my attention on page one and never let me go. The thought going through my head…maybe a song…or that creepy movie…and now this book…was…don’t go into the woods today…and something about a big surprise…

This is a series I am glad I came in on book one and look forward to reading for many books to come. Book one in the series introduced me to four characters that made me sit up and pay attention wanting to get to know them all better. Book two gave me a few insights into how the new investigation team put together in the first book are doing, reaffirmed that I like them and want to get to know each better as the series progresses.

What I liked:
* The setting…creepy woods in Ireland
* The writing…brisk, short, intense chapters that pulled me in and moved me quickly through the story
* The four main characters that made an impression in book one continue to be people to admire
* Jessie Boyle: criminal behaviorist, focused, professional, has suffered great loss, strong, team player, leader, competent, skilled, someone I want to get to know better and wouldn’t mind having as a friend
* Seamus Keneally: detective, partner to Jessie, takes on more of the police aspects in the story, strong, skilled, professional, team player, forceful, works well with Jessie and Terry
* Terry Kehoe: historian, genealogist, tech wizard-guru, third member of the team, small but mighty, provides great support in more ways than one
* Dawn Wilson: Irish Police Commissioner recently appointed, Jessie’s best friend from childhood, strong, determined, focused, professional, takes no guff, there for the team she created
* The way the team works together, steps in, reads one another easily, takes on jobs without having to be told to do so, their interactions
* The sense that the team is a tightly knit unit that will only become stronger over time
* Joe and Finbar Kennan and their dog Rufus: Travelers caught up in this story – in more ways than one – that their part in the story informed me a bit and made me interested in googling Travelers. I wouldn’t mind seeing them again in aa future book of the series
* The tie-in to the local myths and the way it played into the story
* Abhartach: see above…big part of the story and interesting take on a common myth/legend
* That it was believable…even when it made me angry-sad
* The tie-in, though slight, to the first book’s serial killer – imagine s/he will show up again later
* That I had empathy for the killer
* That there were surprises throughout the story

What I didn’t like:
* Exactly what I was meant not to like: whoever and whatever they might be.
* Knowing that evil exists in the world and some of it is similar to what was in this book…

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely…as soon as I can!

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – this is my honest review.

5 Stars

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." - John Muir

This is book two in what has become highly addictive and gripping series! If you have not read the first book in the series, Bring Her Home, this does work very well as a stand-alone but since this in only book #2, do yourself a favor and read both!

Joe Keenan and his son, Fergus Keenan were walking in Derrada Woods when Fergus made a grisly discovery. The father and son are Irish travellers and don't want to draw attention to themselves, but Joe knows that this discovery must be reported, no matter what unwanted attention it might bring to them.

The local police call in criminal behaviourist Jessie Boyle and her partner Detective Seamus Keneally. They are part of a team that also includes Terri Kehoe, a tech specialist, assembled by Dawn Fletcher, the Irish Police Commissioner. They have a knack for solving cases that local police detectives cannot.

But this case is going to be extremely difficult. The Derrada Woods are believed to be the home of the abhartach, a small statured but deadly, Celtic vampire. The woods are notorious, and the locals are familiar with the Irish vampire legend/folklore. It's no wonder that Jessie and Seamus have been told to walk away and not enter the woods by some. What lurks there? What danger lies in wait?

As the story progresses, readers learn along with Jessie and Seamus that there is more going on in the woods than meets the eye. There is an underlying sense of dread and mounting tension throughout the book. There is action, some sub-plots, twists, and turns. I loved the supernatural, dark, and ominous vibe the Celtic legend gave to this book.

I love when books not only entertain me, but they educate me as well. I had never heard of Irish Travellers or the abhartach prior to reading this book. I turned to Wikipedia to learn more about both.

I love tense, creepy, and atmospheric books. I also love books that keep me on my toes and kept me engaged from cover to cover. There is no down tine in this book. The investigation and detective work are non-stop! Do these characters sleep? Lost Graves proved to be a fast read for me as once I dug my teeth into it, I didn't want to put it down. I had to know what was going to happen next! Does the danger only exist in the woods or is it everywhere? Plus, the characters are likeable. Jessie and Seamus are a great team and have fantastic banter. The travellers are likeable and endearing characters I rooted for. Throw in a couple of characters who I wasn't sure if I could trust, some I knew I could not trust and the dark presence lurking in the woods, made this a gripping page turner which did not disappoint! Derrada Woods is very much a character in this book with its ecosystem, dark shadows, deadly secrets, and hidden truths!

If you are looking for a new series to devour, this one is for you!

Well written, thought provoking, tense, and clever.


Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.


#LostGraves #Bookouture #SADunphy #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@SADunphy @Bookouture @sarahhardy681

Absolutely thrilling. A wonderful book. Pleasure to read. Fast paced, tense, suspenseful, a page turner that I could not put down. Very highly recommend this one.

Five enthusiastic stars!
I read a lot of mysteries and police procedurals. They’re pretty much my go-to genre. I can’t remember how long it’s been since a series has grabbed me as completely as SA Dunphy’s Boyle/Keneally mysteries have. I love everything about these books, from the setting to the supernatural elements and Irish folklore expertly woven into the well-paced mysteries to the continuous drama - there’s never a dull moment in these books. But I think my favorite part of this series is the incredible personalities the author created. I love how they are growing together as friends and a team. Every one of them, to the smallest bit character, is completely realistic and fleshed out. I especially love the strong female leads we have in Dawn, Jessie, and Terri.

Lost Graves finds the team in Derrada Woods, trying to clear the name of a Traveller who has been blamed for a series of murders of people who apparently don’t exist, at least not in any database. In the process, they encounter a being who may or may not be the Abhartach, an ancient creature said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s creation of Dracula. This is the second in the series, but absolutely works as a stand-alone if you haven’t read the first one. (You should definitely read the first one though.) I can hardly wait to see what SA Dunphy has in store for book three. I can’t recommend these books enough.

I’m so grateful to SA Dunphy, Bookouture, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Lost Graves, and for introducing me to another must-read series. Thank you!

I reviewed this book for a blog tour.

http://ramblingmads.com/2022/01/24/blog-tour-lost-graves-s-a-dunphy/

This story is an addictive mix of Irish crime and folklore. The detective team are complex characters and have a believable team dynamic. The themes in this story are disturbing and shrouded in mystery and the unexplainable.

Boyle and Keneally, part of an elite crime-fighting team, are sent to a remote area in Ireland to investigate the discovery of mass graves in a deeply wooded area. The bodies keep being uncovered as the team try to decipher the truth against a background of political interference and local prejudices.

The story is suspenseful and keeps the reader engaged throughout. This is the second book in a riveting series, and I am looking forward to the next one.

I received a copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Can the stories be true? Jessie Boyle & Seamus Keneally have been sent to investigate mass graves been uncovered in Ballinamore but everything seems off about the situation. The main suspect is innocent but the local Gardai disagree with them so they will need to find proof so that they can find the real killer. But things become complicated as a traveller family is after their innocent man & his son and they know that they are looking for a trained killer. Will they be able to unravel all the secrets to find out what has been happening in Derrada Woods? A good solid read love the way that the team fit together as they all have the own strengths. I can’t wait to see what else the team has up its sleeves in the next book. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'Lost Graves' by S.A Dunphy.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for S.A Dunphy, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 24th January 2022.

This is the fifth book I have read by this author under Shane Dunphy but his second book by S.A Dunphy. It is also the second book in the 'Boyle & Keneally' series but can be read as a standalone. I have also read the first book in this series called 'Bring Her Home' which I loved and would definitely recommend.


I was originally drawn to this book by its beautiful eye catching cover and its intriguing synopsis and title. The synopsis stated that 'Fans of Patricia Gibney, Lisa Gardner and Lisa Regan will not want to miss this.' I am a huge fan of Lisa Gardner, Lisa Regan and Patricia Gibney so am looking forward to seeing if this lives up to this statement. I am also a huge fan of Shane Dunphy and if this is half as good as Shane's previous books it is sure to be a page turning read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue, 86 chapters, 6 extracts and an epilogue set over 5 parts. The chapters are short to medium in length so possible to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Ireland 🇮🇪 UK 🇬🇧. The bonus for me of books that are partly or fully based in the UK is that I live in the UK and have sometimes visited places mentioned in the book which makes it easier to picture. The fact that this book is based in Ireland is even better as I have been on holiday in Ireland many times so may even recognise some places Shane has set the book around.

This book is written in third person perspective with the main protagonists being Jessie Boyle, Seamus Keneally and Terri Kehoe. The benefits of third person perspective and especially with multiple protagonists are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVED IT!! Well I must say Shane you are very talented man!!! What another absolutely addictive read!! I've been eagerly awaiting the second book in the 'Boyle & Keneally' After reading the fantastic 'Bring Her Home' and this did not disappoint!

This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that places you write in the heart of the storyline and leaves you shivering in the woods and leaves your heart pounding. The title, cover and synopsis work perfectly with the storyline.

This is the second crime novel I have read by Shane and he is one of those rare authors who books are fantastic and yet also keep getting better and better. I have read most of his non fiction books from when he was working as a child protection worker and loved them all. They were heartbreaking and I shed many tears but they were fantastic books. Shane then started writing crime novels and was intrigued by the change of genre and was looking forward to seeing if these book would be as good as his previous non fiction work. I am very pleased to say that Shane writes fiction just as fantastically as non fiction!!!

This storyline is definitely unique which I loved. I'm a big fan of crime but it can be tedious reading similar storylines so this one was a nice refreshing change. It is very fast paced and addictive. I was completely absorbed from page one until the fantastic explosive ending. It is ram packed with suspense, mystery, history, mythology, horror, tension, humour and everything you want in an unputdownable page turner. I loved the gothic atmosphere surrounding this story with the forests, the Abhartach and the dark storyline. There were so many twists and turns throughout leading you to one red herring and then another whilst constantly questioning yourself of the Abhartach is actually behind everything all along. I enjoyed that there were several different sub plots and so much going on without getting confusing. I read this book mainly on my kindle but I also listened to some in audio book form which is the first time I have ever used audio books. I must say the narrator on the audio book was absolutely superb and even my partner was intrigued when we listened to it in the car and my partner does not have any interest in books at all. I must say a HUGE congratulations Shane on actually hooking my partner in to a book which I never thought would be possible!! I absolutely loved the first book 'Bring Her Home' but I must say this one hooked me in even more. It was definitely something about the creepy storyline that I jist loved. The book wrapped up perfectly with everything explained (it's a pet hate of mine where a book ends and vital parts seem to have gotten lost in the storyline and never mentioned again) but I will say that I was actually gutted with what happened to a certain person. Ummm... I was going to say something else but won't as I don't want to spoil it for future readers but please do pop me a message if you read this book as I'd love to know your thoughts as I'm sure you will know what I mean!! One of the best things about this series too is that although it is predominantly a crime thriller it has sprinkles of humour throughout which lightens it up from time to time and Shane does it well. I was shocked when I did discover who was behind the graves as I had genuinely believed it was others entirely so well done Shane on shocking me, not an easy feat considering how many crime books I have read. I was intrigued about the Abhartach and enjoyed doing my own research on him. I really couldn't recommend this book and this series more and I would absolutely love to see this made into a TV series!!

There were chapters from/about the Leitrim burial site, Maisie Dunne and the Abhartach which gave some interesting background information. The fact that Shane has obviously either done some research or knows alot about mythology and Ireland (the fact that he lives there probably helps) shines through and I was intrigued by all the mythology, folklore and history in the storyline. I actually ended up reading more about the Abartach which was quite interesting. I also enjoyed learning some of the Irish sayings scattered through. This book is an explosive start to a promising new series and I cannot wait to get my hands on thenext in the series. I cannot say I was completely surprised when I discovered about Balor but it didn't actually disappoint as the storyline was such a heart racing and unique one.

Although this is the second book in the series I had absolutely no problems reading it without the others. Any details or events that have previously happened are mentioned in just the right amount of detail to let a new reader know what has happened and yet not too much to bore a previous reader.

I absolutely loved meeting all the characters for this series again and I became really invested in each of them. Jessie, Seamus and Terri worked as a perfect team and I loved the team dynamics. Each of the main characters were strong, realistic and their own unique personalities and they came together perfectly as a team and as friends. I absolutely love Jessie and Dawn's kick a## take no cr## attitude and although Terri gives the impression of a timid mouse she has definitely got a surprise roar and bite to her. I really enjoyed seeing much more of her in this book and seeing her work solo and how she coped it certain situations. I love seeing strong women leads in books being female myself and you can't get much stronger than these three!!! Jessie is absolutely ruthless and I just loved her attitude. Although Dawn is the commissioner she is down to Earth and friendly and cares about her team. I really enjoyed watching Jessie and Seamus friendship grow and develop and I'm looking forward to watching them together and seeing what happens. They clicked together really well and although Seamus calls Terri his sister in the book the three actually seem to have the family feel about them with Jessie and Seamus being Terri's Mum and Dad who are protective of her. I haven't read a book with such fantastic team dynamics in a long time. In terms of personalities and these three are very quickly becoming like friends to me who I thoroughly look forward to meeting again and spending time with them. Jessie seems to be quite serious but can relax and have fun. Seamus is definitely the class clown and brought alot of humour to any situation. The both make fantastic partners and have that rare ability to speak without words and they know what each other mean but also so does the reader. Terri is the wild card and I'm looking forward to watching her come out of her shell even more. Seamus is cute and I think his relationship with his mum Katie is lovely and Katie is another character I really like and am looking forward to meeting again as I missed her in this book. I wasn't a fan of a certain someone from the start and got bad vibes from them which turned out to be right. I won't say any more about them though as I don't want to spoil it for future readers. A certain person, shall I say, was a fantastic surprise and I feel did feel sorry for them. It was actually intriguing getting to know them and I'm glad they weren't your "typical".... (won't add the word not to give away). I definitely agree with what Shane said about them at the end on the note from him. I am looking forward to seeing this great gang again soon.

Congratulations Shane, a man of many talents, on an absolutely fantastic explosive addition to a very addictive series. Here is to yet another success 🍻!!!

Overall an absolutely addictive, unique and unputdownable addition to a page turning series

Genres covered in this novel include Psychological Thriller, Crime, Thriller and Mystery amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Carol Wyer, Angela Marsons, Lisa Regan, Lisa Gardiner and ANYONE looking for a unique and addictive storyline.


362 pages.

This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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I am so, so pleased that I got to read this book, the second one in the series, because the first one was terrific! This one was as well :) This book can easily be read as a standalone but why would you not read the first book, first? It's a no-brainer.

There are many things that really stand out for me, whilst reading this novel. The strong characterisations really make the book. The teaming up of Jessie, Seamus and Terri with full support of Dawn (who keeps the upper echelons of the police force happy and her team supported and equipped) is a thing of beauty. I felt like I really KNEW these people and that is the most exciting part of getting to read a series from the beginning. On top of the great teamwork from the main characters, you have some pretty incredible secondary ones - some nice, some not, but all fully fleshed out. Then there are the Irish legends which make an appearance. I really loved that too.

This is an exciting thriller with some unusual characters. S.A. Dunphy is an excellent storyteller and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

I was so sad to end this book because now I’ll be waiting for a third installment in S.A. Dunphy’s Boyle and Keneally series. I loved the first one as well and this one has the same elements I enjoyed so much in the first installment Bring Her Home/ Dancing With The Dead - a combination of modern realistic compelling crime fiction with Irish folk tales and mythological beliefs.
In this book it is the Abhartach an Irish vampire (kind of) predating, maybe influencing Bram Stoker’s Dracula and a forested area in Ireland where a larger grave site is detected by a dog, is it a legendary monster or a human, who are the victims and why can they not be easily identified ? What do the travelers camping nearby have to do with the events unfolding ?
I love the recurring characters in this series- they are realistically depicted “real” people who are drawn the special case squad and to solving horrific crimes for their own reasons. I like their dynamic and how they work together.
The plotting is outstanding - I loved how the storylines tied together and how the different events made sense in hindsight.
If you love a good crime thriller and like books set in Ireland do not miss this one or the first one in the series !
I highly recommend this book !
Thank you to @bookouture and @netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I can see a lot of readers loving this book; it binds together some diverse characters, it deals with a modern Ireland trying to get to grips with how it handles its old ways without discarding its culture, and it's a decent crime novel.
There is a "but" or two, however! I found some of the writing a little awkward. Characters, past information and new technology are introduced without subtlety, like a new teacher coming into class and rushing through lessons just in case you haven't covered a topic. Immediate pen portraits of a new character as soon as they arrive, even down to eye colour, hair and clothes all seemed rather hurried. "Terri" is a generic Lisbeth Salander type taken from Larsson, while Jessie is a bit of a can-do-everything superwoman lacking warmth.
I felt echoes of Tana French's work in places, but without the finesse in dialogue and atmosphere.
A couple of things were a bit odd for me as someone who spends a lot of time in Kerry. The references to Northern Ireland; in my experience people simply say "the North". The old fella drinking Guinness from a bottle? Surely he'd be on the draught! And - a minor irritation which 99.9% of people wouldn't care about - while I appreciated the mention of IT limitations dealing with many different ways of spelling places, I see "Cahirsiveen" generally written as Cahersiveen or Cathair Saidhbhin. Yes, I know I'm fussy...
So, for me, a novel with unfulfilled promise, but a fairly good read nevertheless.

S.A. Dunphy has written a corker of a follow up in this crime series! It features forty-five-year-old criminal behaviourist and social psychologist, Jessie Boyle and decorated detective, Seamus Keneally. Jessie, formerly of London Met's Violent Crime Task Force, has returned to her homeland and a body has been found in an ancient forest in the remote west of Ireland. Jessie works with Seamus, historian and computer mavin Terri Kehoe as well as the Irish Police Commissioner, Dawn Wilson and it becomes apparent that the site is a burial ground when dozens of other bodies are discovered at Derrada Woods.

Set in and around County Leitrim, this tale of mental health and folklore is disturbing and creepy. Details of the traveller community are blended into the current action to create an intriguing tale. Jessie, Seamus and Terri make a marvellous team, and I will be continuing this promising series. A clever and compelling police procedural with an explosive finish.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Lost Graves by S.A. Dunphy.
Boyle and Keneally Book 2.
The only sound in the forest was the wind through the branches; the only light came from the campfire. Jessie stood up, suddenly gripped by a powerful sense of dread. There was something – someone – beyond the darkness, through the trees…
When single father Joe Keenan and his young son Finbar make camp for the night in the ancient forest of Leitrim, little do they imagine their rural escape is about to turn into a nightmare. For deep in the woods they find a corpse… As the remains of dozens more victims are uncovered by police, it becomes clear this is the burial site of a serial killer who has obviously been active, unnoticed, for years. Arrested for the murders, while his beloved son is sent into care, Joe pleads his innocence to no avail. But criminal behaviourist Jessie Boyle is convinced the killer is still out there. Determined to reunite Joe and his son, Jessie’s investigation turns towards the local community. Who knows the shadowy depths of the forest well enough to hide not just one, but many bodies? Then someone else goes missing, and the situation takes a terrifying turn: it’s clear the killer is escalating their gruesome spree. Forced to enter the woods alone to save a life, Jessie runs from a killer so skilled at hiding and so clever at hunting, it will take every ounce of her strength to make it out alive…
Very good read with good characters. I liked the story. I do like this series and hope there is more to come. 4*.

Book 2 in the series and it's just as gripping as the first one. I love the mix of police investigation with folklore, myths and legends in these books.

When the remains of numerous bodies are found in a remote forest the local police are convinced they have their man. Jessie and Seamus are not convinced of his involvement and think there is something much bigger going on. With the Commissioner back in Dublin and Terri setting up the new office in Cork, Jessie and Seamus head to the area to investigate.

What follows is a plot full of twists to keep you wondering what on earth is going on.

I absolutely loved this book and I loved the characters of Joe and Finbar. I'm now going to read If She Returned in which they previously featured.

I highly recommend this book.

My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘Lost Graves’ by S.A. Dunphy in exchange for an honest review.

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!

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.

I was absolutely delighted to read book 2 in author Shane Dunphy's Boyle & Kenneally series. Having read book one and thinking what a great start to a new series, I couldn't wait for book two as this would tell us if the series had staying power or not.
Lost Graves was brilliant. I immersed myself into the lives of Jessie Boyle and Seamus Kenneally and while I spoke to Shane recently about a romance between the two of them, I understand now what he is trying to achieve with them. They work so well together as a team and there is a trust between them that is needed if you want to have a successful partnership.
I love the addition of Terri to the equation.
Shane has created great characters and his storyline in Lost Graves was utterly gripping. It is everything you want in a good crime thriller, suspense, drama and lots of action..
Plus I can see where he is going with these characters and I love it.
Well done and I will look forward to the next one.

Having not read any S A Dunphy’s books, this is treated as a standalone review, despite it being the second in the Boyle and Keneally series. A traveller’s son and dog discover a buried hand, which leads to a further ten sets of human remains. For the small-town Guards in remote west of Ireland, this is an easy murder solve. Yet, the police detective (Seamus Keneally) and his psychological profiler partner (Jessie Boyle) are sent to Leitrim and the nearby Derada Woods, given there is a no DNA and the historic time frame. The references to Irish folklore was most interesting and seemed appropriate, albeit a dark horror. With an explosive violent finale and satisfactory resolution, this is four-star rating – looking forward to the next adventure. With thanks to Bookouture and the author, for an uncorrected advanced copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given, without obligation.

Excellent police procedural with an interesting team and a tough-as-nails boss. This second outing is every bit as good as the first! It is a ripping read from Prologue to finish with lots going on from lots of areas. Not to miss!

Many thanks from NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for a copy of "Lost Graves" in exchange for my honest review.

This is book two in the Boyle and Keneally series. I highly recommend this book but as with the first one there is a fair bit of violence in the book that should be pointed out. There is a lot of great old Irish lore. The majority of the story takes place in Derrada Woods in Ballinamore. Joe Kennan, his son Finbar and their dog Rufus have been living in the woods. They are Irish Travellers from County Wexford. They find human remains and report it to the Gardaí. They in turn arrest Joe.

Jessie Boyle is a criminal behaviourist, DS Seamus Keneally and Terri Kehoe a geologist/tech specialist round out the team. They are sent in to see what is happening in Derrada Woods which seems to make everyone nervous. There is also a feud amongst the Travellors and the matriarch is out to see Joe and Finbar dead. Add to it a character from book 1 - Uruz and the Abhartach from ancient Irish folklore and the team has a lot of investigating to do. There is a lot of suspense in this book similar to the first.

The ending leaves us looking forward to book 3.

There are two ways you can review this book: one is very short and to the point, the other one a bit verbose but this is a blogtour and we must be a bit verbose.
The first reviews is the following: READ IT! It's one of those book you start and won't put down, highly entertaining and gripping.
No marketing buzz, I mean it as I love this series and read this book in one setting.
The second one is a bit more articulate and there are more words.
I requested the arc of the first instalment following my gut feeling, something told it was going to be an exciting read. It was an exciting read, loved it.
I requested this arc hoping it was up to the previous story and it was even better.
It's a riveting and highly entertaining mix of police procedurale and thriller with some folk horror in the mix. There's a mythical monster that could be real or a legend, there's a lot of unidentified corpse, and there's a creepy and fascinating forest.
I assume that S.A. Dunphy works for VisitIreland as the description of the forest made me wish I could visit this great place which is full of mystery, history and life.
Jessie, Seamus, Terri, and Dawn are great characters and the strength of the team is what makes them solve cases and survive
I like to learn something about the Travellers and liked how they are represented as human being with virtues and defects.
The plot is full of twists and I couldn't guess what was going to happen. The solution surprised me and was satisfying.
I can't wait to read the next story, this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.