Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Replacement by Matt Brolly Narrator: Samuel Roukin
Series: DS Liam Kilshaw #2
Published by Brilliance Audio, Thomas & Mercer on February 10, 2026
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Pages: 297
Length: 9 hours, 29 minutes
Format: Audiobook, eARC
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
When a mutilated body washes up on Sennen Beach, DS Liam Kilshaw is plunged into a case as dark and unforgiving as the Cornish winter. With the victim’s face so severely disfigured that identification is impossible, whispers of a local superstition begin to surface—the killing bears a chilling resemblance to the legend of Bucca Dhu, a vengeful sea demon said to demand human sacrifice.
But myths don’t murder people. When a second body is discovered just above the high-tide line, Kilshaw knows he’s racing against time. A missing crew member, a lost shipping container and a trail of cryptic clues all point to something far more sinister.
Liam Kilshaw is our point of view for almost everything. He’s a former Marine with PTSD after being caught underwater and almost drowning. He still loves the sea and is a member of a lifeboat rescue team. He has a son but never married the mother as he was stationed away.
Liam is contemplating his life as men in their 20s turn up on or near the sea and badly beaten in cloth bags. He wonders who would notice if he were missing as some of the men are reported missing and some are not. It’s difficult identifying the men and then trying to piece together their last known timeline with family and friends.
Liam enjoys spending time with his son George. Mostly he spends all his time otherwise working with thoughts of dating. He doesn’t seem to know how to make a strong, regular connection with a woman right now.
The case is dark and grim with a lack of useful evidence. They do a great job of combing through videos from different kinds of cameras to find cars and people to match witness statements. I’m definitely looking forward to more in the DS Kilshaw series. Next up is Broken Circle in April.
Narration:
I appreciate the same narrator continuing with the series. The emotional tones and accents felt appropriate. The speech was clear with the voices distinct. I listened easily at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 26-Audio
- 26-COYER
Great review, Anne💜 I’m looking forward to this one.
Thanks Jonetta. I enjoyed it.
I would enjoy these. It sounds like it was well done and audio is the way to go.
I always enjoy audio when the setting is somewhere that might have different accents or pronounciation.
April will come quicker then you think!
yes this series is releasing quickly, one every 3-4 months!