Skin and Bones
Set in a small Sussex village, Julia Trent is witness to a massacre, as a young man goes on the rampage, shooting people that she knows. Julia manages to survive, and only she knows that there were two gunmen in the village – something that the police will not believe.
Julia connects with Craig Walker, a journalist whose father was killed in the massacre, and together they have to find out more, in an attempt to uncover the truth, and protect their lives.
My initial reaction was how well the author handles the shooting at the beginning of the book. It would be easy to make this over dramatic, and too descriptive, but Tom avoids this, instead writing a scene that seems chillingly realistic.
The remainder of the book is fast paced – there are various characters introduced throughout, and it remains unclear for some whether they will turn out to be the good guys, or the bad. Julia and Craig need to work together, despite Julia’s mistrust of everyone.
There are twists and turns, and plenty of action, as the book builds to it’s conclusion. It makes a pleasant change to have a crime book without the usual cop, detective, or forensic expert in the lead role, and yet it provides everything you expect. Be prepared to sit up all night reading this one!
Published by Preface Publishing 01 Jan 09
Hardback £12.99
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Tom kindly answered some interview questions, which you can find here.
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Skin and Bones has got to be the best book i have read for a long, long time…talk about being on a knife edge.
I couldnt help but feel that i was Julia at times, everything was chillingly realistic.
Incredibly well written and i look forward to reading more from Tom Bale.