The second in the Irish police procedural series featuring Boyle and Keneally, this improves on the very promising first book and makes a fantastic read.
Again Irish mythology is interlaced here with a serial killer and to great effect. The story of a mass grave found in the woods of a small town, the travelling community, the armed forces and all they way up to the government.

The writing and storytelling here is both snappy and precise. As an Irish person it’s great to see the travelling community feature in a book. As a country we have a very simplistic and often prejudiced view of them and here they are represented by some good and some despicable characters. The fact they are travellers is incidental.

Our two(three really)main characters again are very well written and entertaining. The pacing throughout is perfect as is the length of the book for the story it tells.

This series seems to be flying under the radar a little bit. Imo it’s now up there with the best of them.
This can be read as a stand-alone so get yourself a copy if you can.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.

This is the second book in this series and the author created a great but maybe a bit of an unconventional police team.

First there is Dawn, the Commissioner. Even when she is ordered to call her team back from a case, she does not listen. When she believes they are on to something, she wants them to go further. And when the going gets though, she steps in too to help them.

Then there is Jessie. She has worked as a criminal behaviourist in the UK, but was called to Ireland in the previous book. Determination seems to be her middle name.

Seamus is a young detective, but that does not make him less eager.

Last but not least we have Kerri. She is an historian and a tech whiz.

Together they form a force to be reckoned with.

This time they find themselves in the woods, looking for … for what exactly? It seems like they are on a ghost hunt, but on the other hand they seem very, very real. Who or maybe rather what is it they are trying to find?

A great story with a bit of Irish history and a lots of suspense. Once again I felt sorry for the culprit. Why? Well, I will let you find out for yourself. I wonder if you agree. 5 stars

Thank you

S.A. Dunphy fathoms the dark places of the human mind in a chilling and addictive crime novel. He uses rural Ireland to great advantage and allows myth and folklore to permeate his plot. This brilliantly creates an added depth of suspicion and fear.
I love the combination of a police detective, a psychologist and an historian - Seamus, Jessie and Terri - working as a special task force and the characterization is razor-sharp.
The gunfight in Ballinamore is worthy of Clint Eastwood at his best. This is compulsive reading and I didn't want it to end.

Excellent page-turning novel. It has great and believable characterisations, a good sense of place, and a gripping plot. Recommended for anyone who likes a good novel.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

A new author for me and I can't recommend this book enough!!!! This book definitely ticked all my boxes. Packed with tension and suspense. Plenty of heart in your mouth moments and a story that had me sat on the edge of my seat and tapping my kindle like a demented wood pecker. I loved the characters the plot was clever and kept me guessing. A monster with a heart and a touch of folklore. I could not put this book down and finally turned the last page in the wee hours. Yes this book is that good. I can't wait to read more from this very talented author.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.

This is a well done police procedural with an unusual team. Jesse Boyle is a criminal behaviorist, Seamus Keneally a DS and Terri Kehoe is a historian and computer genius. They all work for the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations. I always find that the best criminal investigation stories involve a strong team. And this series has that in spades.
The team is tasked to find the serial killer behind a mass grave found in the Derrada Woods. The graves were originally found by a Traveler and his son.
The local community speaks of a vampire, the Abhartach, that haunts the woods. Folks are convinced that he is responsible for all the bodies found. I love that the story includes transcriptions of Jessie’s case notes. Through these notes, we get to see Jesse's thoughts on the Abhartach, special forces and religion. It adds an element of philosophy to the police procedural.
There’s lots going on in this story - a traveler’s feud, a mysterious figure who keeps appearing in the woods and a possible secret military involvement. The book moves at a quick pace and there’s lots of suspense. The story actually has a touch of thriller. I enjoyed that it remains a question throughout who truly is evil.
I recommend this for fans of Louise Penny or Donna Leon. I’m hoping there are many more books in the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of this book.

Travellers Joe Keenan and his son Finbar are camped out in the Dedarra woods in Leitrim. When Finbar takes his dog for a walk nearby he discovers a hand buried in shallow ground. Finbar is not shocked as he should be but as travellers, they have a hard life and sees many things that normal people don’t. He tells his father and discovers that there are more bodies buried in the ground. So, his father Joe decides to report it to the police. But he knows straightway that they may accuse him of the crimes. He is arrested straightaway. But when Jessie Boyle and Seamus Keneally start to investigate, they know that he is telling the truth. But who did these killings and why have they been warned off the area by the military?
Lost Graves by S.A. Dunphy is the second book in the Boyle & Keneally series. I didn’t think it could get better from the first book in the series (Bring her Home) But this was even better.
This is an exciting read full of action and suspense. I liked the mixture of a police procedural with some Irish folklore thrown in and learning about the Turf wars between two Traveller families. Jessie Boyle and Seamus Keneally and don’t forget Terri Kehoe are great characters and each are different, but they all make a great team. This is fantastic second novel. I really enjoyed it and I can’t wait for the next instalment in this fab series. 5 stars from me.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of Lost Graves, the second novel to feature criminal behaviourist Jessie Doyle and detective Seamus Keneally of An Garda Síochána.

Traveller Joe Keenan and his son, Finbar, are camping in Derrada Woods, Leitrim when their dog unearths human remains. Excavation uncovers several bodies and it looks like the woods have been a burial ground for years. Jessie and Seamus are sent to Leitrim to investigate while the third member of their team, historian Terri Kehoe does what she does best, root around the fringes of the cyber world.

I thoroughly enjoyed Lost Graves, which is an exciting, compulsive read with a few tricks up its sleeve. It is told from various points of view, mostly Jessie’s, and rather than being a distraction this gives the reader a wider perspective on events and adds to the read as nothing is wasted.

The plot is interesting, but more importantly it fuels the reader’s curiosity and keeps the pages turning. I was loathe to put it down at any point, even when it veers into conspiracy theory territory. From the start there is so much to consider, who are the victims, why were they killed and who is responsible? Some of these questions are never answered, although the locals are firmly convinced that the perpetrator is a vampire, the legendary Abhartach. Jessie isn’t so sure. Anyway, if that wasn’t enough there is lots of gunfire, culminating in a massive shootout. That is glorious and worth 5* alone. There is never a dull moment in this novel and no lull in proceedings so 5* all round, even if it goes in unusual directions. It’s fun and highly entertaining.

I like the team better in this novel. They have found a way to work closely and become good friends. Their dialogue has the ring of authenticity in its banter and they offer each other unquestioning support. It’s such a pleasure to spend time in a friendly atmosphere.

Lost Graves is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

When I got this book and seeing it was the second book in a series I downloaded the first book Bring Her Home to get a feel for the characters.I totally enjoyed both books and looking forward to the next instalment. The characters are very likeable and the setting and descriptions of Ireland make you feel like you are there. The plot keeps you guessing right till the end.I would highly recommend these books.

It has been a delight to discover this Irish crime series by SA Dunphy, I missed the first one, but this works perfectly fine as a standalone. It features 45 year old criminal behaviourist, formerly of the London Met, and 28 year old DS Seamus, who along with historian and tech genius, Terri Kehoe, are part of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigations, a group set up by the Irish Police Commissioner, Dawn Wilson. A young 11 year old traveller boy, Fergus Keenan, has recently arrived at the ancient Derrada Woods, in County Leitrim, with his father, Joe. Walking in the woods, his dog finds buried human remains, which Joe reports to the police who promptly arrest him. Wilson sends Jessie and Seamus to look into this, upon meeting Joe, they are convinced he is innocent, but the local police refuse to listen, despite Terri having irrefutable evidence he could not be guilty, it takes Wilson's intervention for them to release him.

The numerous bodies discovered form a burial ground in the woods, and matters are far worse than first thought, because as Terrie discovers, the poor police database failed to highlight that Derrada Woods is a site where many others have disappeared through the decades, a fact that should have triggered an intensive police investigation. As it is, Wilson is facing political and military pressure to drop their present investigation and bring Jessie and Seamus back to Dublin. What is strange is that identifying the victims is turning out to be a complete nightmare, surely the dead must have families and others who missed them? There are local legends and myths, folk horror tales, rumours of the Abhartach in the woods, an Irish vampire, believed to the be the source of Bram Stoker's Dracula. Jessie and Seamus find themselves getting on well with Joe and Fergus, both of whom are in danger, hunted by the ruthless and criminal travellers, the Dunnes, headed by Maisie.

Dunphy paints a dark, atmospheric and eerie picture of the woods, a place that terrifies, yet a place that some with mental health issues find some solace in. There is plenty of tension and suspense as the body count rises to unheard of levels, particularly as the Dunnes enter the incendiary mix of a storyline. One of the highlights of the novel for me are the great characterisations, I love the instinctive relationship and humour between Jessie and Seamus, and the entire group dynamics with Terri and Wilson too. Dunphy writes a wonderfully riveting crime novel, that includes the traveller community, the little known Irish military special forces, Irish folklore, and mental health issues. I think many crime and mystery readers will love this brilliant series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

Wow this story makes me want to stay out of the woods all together. He brings been watched from the shadows to a hole new level. Another thing I loved was the use this time of Irish folklore that also helped give it a feel of not been alone. And makes you wonder if there could be some truth to the stories after all. Everything about this story give me the shavers .

Don’t go walking into the woods. And stay out of the darkest part of the forest. There’s a reason you will get anxious and even a bit panicky when thinking of walking into the Derrada Woods in rural County Leitrim in Ireland.

Irish folklore tells of the Abhartach living there. A boy and his dog locate a human hand, and gradually a killing ground with multiple bodies is uncovered. Could there really be a vampire in rural Ireland? A team is ordered to investigate and clear up matters quickly.

Dawn Wilson, the top Police Official in Ireland sends in her elite team of criminal behaviorist Jesse Boyle, her partner DS Seamus Kenneally, along with Terrie Kehoe the team’s historian/tech genius to get results.

Add in Irish Travellers, assassins, Special Ops members, and a monster. Shoot-outs, car chases, computer hacking, and office break-ins all add up to a great read. I read this straight through and didn’t want it to end.

Jessie Boyle and Seamus Keneally #2

Location:-Leatrim, the dense Derrada Woods. This latest and terrific instalment starts with an 11-year-old boy Finbar walking with his dog who won covers a hand. This boy is unlike other boys for he has encountered evil before so he doesn’t panic and soon realises he’s discovered a burial ground. His father Joe Keenan reports the site and numerous other bodies are discovered in the ancient woods. Criminal behaviourist Jesse Boyle and her partner DS Seamus Kenneally of the NBCI are sent to the area and soon realise that the woods house a deadly legend of the Abhartach, a ruthless killer. What is going on in this remote rural part of Ireland? Who is the killer? This is one heck of a rollercoaster ride for the team led by Dawn Wilson and ably assisted by Terrie Kehoe an historian/tech genius.

I absolutely love this series! The last one was a cracker (A five star read) and if it’s possible this is an even better belter!! It’s a terrific blend of Irish legend and superstition with believable thriller elements as well as modern day detecting. I love the inclusion of the Irish travelling people whose traditional life, views and their own brand of justice plays an important role and the author weaves this seamlessly into a complex, clever, fast paced plot. The Derrada Woods provide a fantastically atmospheric setting, dark, eerie, spooky and creepy so it’s easy to understand how they give rise to supernatural stories. They lend themselves to some scenes in the novel that are hair raising, they give you goosebumps and fear tingles down the spine. The team are terrific, all are likeable and I enjoy the character of Joe Keenan too and how he strikes a bond with Seamus. There are numerous plot twists as the team are obstructed, warned off, physically attacked and it just becomes more intriguing and immersive the further in you go. What can I say about the ending? Well, it definitely ends with a bang or two. Fantastic!

Overall, this is a must read series for me and I can’t wait for number three.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Bookouture for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Lost Graves", the second book in the Boyle & Keneally series in return for a fair review.
In the first book of the series, 'Bring Her Home', Jessie Boyle and Seamus Keneally were brought together unwillingly to work on a serial murder case; they worked together well, and along with their tech expert Terri, and under the auspices of the Police Commissioner, Dawn Wilson formed a strong team.
In 'Lost Graves', a body turns up in a remote Irish forest, and then another, and another and another - it seems as though there's another serial killer on the loose, but in an unbelievable twist, none of them can be identified. And then a fresh body shows up and we're off!
What I particularly like about S. A. Dunphy is how he expertly weaves Irish mythology with the modern day workings of the Police and other services and this book is no exception. We read about the Travellers, and are pulled into their feuds; then we read about a possible proto-vampire, the Abhartach who is said to haunt the forest, killing and never caught.
When it turns out that the prime suspect in the murders could not possibly have committed all of the killings, Jessie and Seamus start to dig deeper into the mythology, and quickly come to realize that this goes deeper than their expectations. And along the way, they must protect the suspect and his son - themselves Travellers - from a vendetta by another family.
Whilst still receiving messages from her nemesis Uruz, Jessie (and Seamus) must dig deep into areas that they really should not - but unfazed they continue.
There's more than the usual action in this one and I was on the edge of my seat more than once as events played out to their conclusion.
Highly recommended.

A series of books with the same cast of characters gives us the chance to catch up with old friends so it was delightful to catch up with Jessie, Seamus, Terri and Dawn from S.A. Dunphy’s first book in the series Bring Her Home.
And then what a delight to have Joe, Finbarr and Rufus pop in from the Davey Dunnigan books.
The setting for Lost Graves is Leitrim in the infamous Dedarra Woods, and yes it’s a real place in Leitrim and yes, it’s infamous! Google it, just like I did!
It’s a fast paced book blending modern police techniques with a bit of old Irish legend and sweeps you along to a thrilling finish.
You don’t have to have read the first Boyle/Keneally book to read Lost Graves as enough background is given that you get the gist of the story.
You don’t have to…. But I do strongly recommend it!
A big thank you to NetGalley, to Bookouture and to author S.A. Dunphy for the advance read.
I’m very much looking forward to exploring more of Ireland with the Boyle/Keneally duo.
I have absolutely zero hesitation in recommending this book to fellow readers or indeed any of Mr Dunphy’s books.

LOST GRAVES is the second book in the Boyle & Keneally series. I have not read book one of this series but after reading this novel, I will be, although it could read as a stand alone. Set in Ireland, it has the 'patter' of the Irish with humorous dialogue. There are some complex characters throughout this book but, for me, Jessie & Seamus stand out and I really gelled with these characters. They have a great working relationship. The writing is sharp, atmospheric, creepy at times, with some mythical elements. with a strong plot. Red herrings everywhere.

I enjoyed this book.

I give a 4 star rating.

I WANT TO THANK NETGALLEY FOR THE OPPORTUNITY OF READING AN ADVANCED COPY OF THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

Lost Graves (Boyle & Keneally Book 2)
by S. A. Dunphy is a great murder/mystery that I really enjoyed.

This book is a bit out of my normal realm. I am mostly a fan of cozy mysteries, however I do enjoy the well-executed police procedural that is present-day as well as historical. I am so glad I ventured out into this series.

I did not read the first book, but I have already purchased it to catch up on. This is a darker, gritty police procedural, but not too dark. I enjoyed the character cast the most. The detectives, Jessie and Seamus, have a great partnership, and their interactions, dialogue, and the extended cast really sell this book for me. I am really looking forward to additional books.

I also enjoyed the eerie locations included. Ancient, historic, mystic, secluded, and remote forrest landscape located in Ireland is just perfect for a backdrop to the suspenseful, gripping, and entertaining crime drama.

I really liked this.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Bookouture for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 1/24/22.

Detectives Boyle and Keneally are back with a bang. It looks like they’ve stumbled on a body dump site, as one corpse turns out to be one of many. None of the remains match up to missing persons reports, their DNA is not in any database, leaving Seamus and Jessie to try to figure out what the victims had in common, and who might have been their killer. This series is outstanding; Dunphy knows her stuff and it shows. This is one police procedural series I recommend to all my friends

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. Oh man, what a rollercoaster of a ride… jaw-dropping and edge-of-the-seat... couldn’t put it down till it was finished! Instantly hooked… I literally couldn't put it down… Fantastic book!

The return of the triumphant trio! (Or should I say the 'fab four' as Dawn turns out to be a hotshot in this book!)
This is the second novel in the series and it does live upto the high standard of the first. While 'Lost Graves' can be easily treated as a standalone, I would recommend reading 'Bring Her Home' as it is a highly enjoyable read and well-worth your time.
This time around our adventure is set in rural Leitrim, in an ancient wood called Derrada where a young Traveller boy had uncovered a body, The wood has been the site of rumours and disappearances for many years, with the story of the Abhartach (the Irish vampire) playing a central role in the dark history of the woods. And soon our intrepid detectives are sent to the midlands to investigate. This is only the start of the case and soon another nine bodies are found, before a 'fresh' body is deposited for Jessie and Seamus to inspect. As the body count and rumours escalate, the duo are soon involved in a dangerous feud within the Traveller community. Meanwhile, Terri battles with the Ministry of Defence from Cork and it quickly becomes clear that she has hit a few nerves when the Commissioner is ordered to close down the case. Of course, our team do not take well to be told what to do and decide to take matters into their own hands ..... a decision that will prove to have fatal consequences.
The camaraderie between the team is one of my treasured aspects of this series - Jessie and Seamus have become close friends and their good natured bickering adds a comic dimension to the storyline. Also, Seamus and Terri have developed a bid brother-little sister relationship relationship and I love hot he refers to her as 'little sis'.
Also, I did enjoy how Joe and Fergus were portrayed in the story - there are so many negatives used where the Traveller community are concerned and it has made a refreshing change to see these two people shown in a positive light and talking about their way of life.
As soon as I was approved for this title, I downloaded it and started reading straight away - I read it all in one go and the series has become one of my favourites. My only concern is how long I have to wait until the next book