What can I say about Bone White? WHOA!!!
TITLE: Bone White
My Review
A ritualistic serial killer. A cold case still open. A town steeped in superstition. All this happening in a small place called Dread’s Hand Alaska. I knew I had to try this book.
There’s something about stories set in wintry climates that appeals to me. Especially in horror and thriller stories. It’s not enough the characters have to contend with a killer, the elements also play a big part as they have to contend with bitter cold and blinding snow storms. Plus, Dread’s Hand is located in a remote area of Alaska. It’s not like you can pick up the phone and help is on the way. Nope. People have to deal with their problems on their own. Some get lucky. Some don’t.
Being a fan of horror, I can handle a lot. I guess I just didn’t pay close enough attention to the synopsis. Went into this thinking it would be a simple serial killer case. Not that any of them are simple. But this story will grab you by your innards, twisting them painfully as the killer goes about his merry business. And the suspense, whoa. It has you chewing your finger nails to the quick. Ronald Malfi is adept at keeping the pace moving quickly, shocking you over and over, and wrapping it all up in a tidy blood drenched bow.
About a third of the way into this book, I found myself thinking how great it would be as a movie. And especially as one in black and white. Grainy footage would make it even more horrifying.
In depth characterization and bloody good story telling made this one one of those creepy reads that leaves you hoping the lights stay on. When my friends ask me what their next horror read should be, Bone White will be the first words out of my mouth.
5 Stars
Narrator Charles Constant
Charles did an awesome job narrating this twisted tale. His cadence is spot on, voice pitch intensifying in the right places to build the tension and softening for the places in between. He really had a handle on how to tell this story.
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Thanks so much to Tantor Audio and the author for the complimentary copy.
My review is voluntarily given.
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Synopsis
Paul Gallo saw the report on the news: a mass murderer leading police to his victims’ graves, in remote Dread’s Hand, Alaska.
It’s not even a town; more like the bad memory of a town. The same bit of wilderness where his twin brother went missing a year ago. As the bodies are exhumed, Paul travels to Alaska to get closure and put his grief to rest.
But the mystery is only beginning. What Paul finds are superstitious locals who talk of the devil stealing souls, and a line of wooden crosses to keep what’s in the woods from coming out. He finds no closure because no one can explain exactly what happened to Danny.
And the more he searches for answers, the more he finds himself becoming part of the mystery . . .
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Ronald Malfi is the award-winning author of several horror novels, mysteries and thrillers. A Bram Stoker Award nominee, he is the recipient of two Independent Publisher Book Awards, the Beverley Hills Book Award, the Vincent Price Horror Award, and the Benjamin Franklin Award for Popular Fiction.
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I like horror set in extreme weather as well-it adds a new element of fear and tension to a book. I like the sound of this one.
I do too. Weather and remote location ramps up the suspense. The atmosphere was something else. So many strange people.
Man, wish I would have got this one now…lol.
Stormi, you’d love this one. It so creeped me out.
This sounds like a really good read. Like you, horror books set in wintry settings are some of my faves (probably started by The Shining years ago). I’m adding this one to the TBR.
Ooh, The Shining! Remember those creepy hedges shaped liked animals?
I hate winter enough so it’s itself a horror story! 🙂 but yes, the elements do add to the whole creepiness. “Not that any of them are simple. “this story will grab you by your innards, twisting them painfully” wow Laura this is possible the best line you have throw at me so far! LOVE IT! 🙂
I don’t do cold! I don’t even mind not having a white Christmas. LOL There are some super creepy characters in this book. And I did squirm with this book. Caught me by surprise as it’s hard to do that to me.
Oh yeah! My kind of story.
sherry @ fundinmental
I know you’d love this one!
Agreed, I think the winter atmosphere almost gives a claustrophobic feel, as though it’s so much harder to escape, which makes the situation all that more intense. Great review, Laura.
Thanks, Taylor. Now I want to check out his other books and see what I’ve missed:)
This sounds really intense. I think I’d like it 🙂
I didn’t tell you much about this one. More about how I felt than what actually is happening. If you read it, you’re in for some surprises.
Ooh that cover alone makes me want to read it! And I agree about wintry climates- I love horror or a thriller mixed in with a cold isolated setting.
This book has so much going for it, Greg. I wish I could have shared more, but why spoil the surprise!