Title: The Bones of You
Author: Debbie Howells
First published April 1, 2015
313 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781617737664 (ISBN10: 1617737666)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
In The Bones of You by Debbie Howells, a picturesque English village hides a dark secret. When eighteen-year-old Emily disappears, Kate is shocked to her core.
As a mother herself, the news hits close to home. But Kate’s intuition tells her there’s more to the story.
When Emily is found murdered, Kate becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth. As she delves deeper into the Anderson family’s past, she begins to unravel a web of lies and deceit.
Anonymous notes push her further, and she realizes that she must see this through to the end. With flashbacks from Emily’s perspective, The Bones of You is a thrilling psychological mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Debbie has authored three women’s fiction novels on her own before venturing into the realm of psychological thrillers with her first book, The Bones of You, which became a bestseller in the Sunday Times and was chosen by the Richard and Judy book club. She has since written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister’s Lie, the successful e-book The Vow, and her latest work, The Secret.
Her women’s fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind, will be published on February 23rd. Stay updated on her writing journey by following her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.
Editoral Review
Debbie Howells’ debut novel, The Bones of You, is a mesmerizing psychological thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end. Published on April 1, 2015, this novel has quickly become a fan favorite in the literary world.
Howells artfully explores the complexity of human relationships and the dark secrets that can lurk beneath the surface of small English villages. The Bones of You revolves around the story of Kate, a young woman whose body is found in a field near the small village of Netherwell.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Kate was not the perfect daughter and friend everyone thought she was, and that those closest to her have been keeping secrets. As the mystery deepens, we follow the journey of Rosie, a teenager who becomes fascinated with the case and begins investigating it on her own.
The story is masterfully told through alternating perspectives, building suspense and a sense of unease that will keep readers on edge. One of the strengths of The Bones of You lies in its well-rounded characters.
Howells expertly crafts complex and flawed personalities that feel real and relatable. From the seemingly perfect Kate to the troubled Rosie, each character brings their own secrets and sorrows to the story.
The novel also delves into the themes of mental illness, domestic violence, and the scars of childhood trauma, adding a layer of depth to the story that elevates it beyond the typical thriller genre. Another element that sets The Bones of You apart is its twisting, unpredictable plot.
Howells keeps the reader guessing until the very end, throwing in unexpected curves that will leave even the most seasoned thriller reader reeling. The pacing is spot on, with just the right amount of action interspersed with moments of introspection and character development.
However, the novel has some weaknesses. The ending, while satisfying, feels rushed and could have benefited from a little more fleshing out.
Additionally, some of the subplots feel underdeveloped, leaving the reader wanting more resolution. The Bones of You can be compared to other thrillers such as Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train, with its focus on psychological suspense and complex character dynamics.
However, Howells’ nuanced exploration of themes such as mental illness and domestic violence give the novel a unique depth that sets it apart from its peers. In conclusion, The Bones of You is a riveting thriller that is not to be missed.
With its well-drawn characters, twisting plot, and thoughtful exploration of heavy themes, it is a standout in the genre. Despite some minor flaws, the narrative keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
The novel is recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone who appreciates a good mystery. I score this novel a 4 out of 5 for its complexity, depth, and intriguing plot.
