Source: Publisher
Description: The desert runs through Hazel Dylan’s marrow. She grew up on the edge of The Wild, an untamed expanse outside her hometown of Black Vulture, Arizona. She became fascinated with bones as a child while observing her taxidermist father, Wilmot, until he disappeared without a trace decades ago. Now, after years of study and countless cases, she’s known as the Bone Woman. She can read the dark stories that bones tell.
When a hiker makes a disturbing discovery in The Wild—bleached human bones arranged with surgical precision into a taxidermy-like sculpture of a coyote mid-howl—Sheriff Calloway summons Hazel to the scene. Not just for her formidable expertise but because it looks like it could be Wilmot’s work. Could Hazel’s father be behind this twisted creation? Are these his bones?
Hazel doesn’t want to believe either is true, but after another sculpture is found and Wilmot’s well-known talisman—a rogue finger bone—is discovered amid both sets of remains, she can’t deny the optics.
As the case takes Hazel deep into her past, she unearths long-buried secrets. And with time running out, she’ll have to risk her own skin to catch the killer.
Genre: Mystery
Why I Picked This Book: I've enjoyed other books by this author and this sounded intriguing.
My Impression: I really liked the writing in this one. Shelton does a fantastic job making the setting come alive and setting a grim and forbidding atmosphere. I also think the add-in of the killer's POV was well done. It was enough to get a sense of the madness but not so much it took over. I liked Hazel and the community of Black Vulture. They're a little odd but they're supportive without being over the top with it. The mystery itself was interesting especially when combined with the mystery in Hazel's past.
While there were a lot of positives the book didn't fully connect with me. For starters while the writing did keep me engaged the story doesn't progress very quickly. By 50% there are only 2 skeletons, and I didn't feel like I knew very much more than I did at the beginning. As well, I found the attitude towards Hazel's father being a taxidermist a bit odd. She mentions harassment and things like that like he had been a serial killer and not an actual trade - especially since he had a reputation for being an ethical one. Also, I would have liked more evidence of Hazel's gift for "reading bones". It's mentioned a lot but with very little explanation.
While not perfect this was an enjoyable mystery. I like this author and like how she tackles grittier subjects without it getting too violent or over the top grim. It this is a series I will definitely pick up the next book.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes, while not perfect it was overall enjoyable and I've liked everything I've read by this author.
Would I Recommend this Book? I would with some reservations. If you're interested in a unique mystery this is a good pick though I wouldn't expect a slightly slower pace.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
