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This story begins in Washington State and a bombing by a Neo-Nazi group in Seattle, the little old cat woman that recognizes them hiding next door, and the pursuit that follows. Fast-forward 15 years; forensic facial reconstruction expert Gwen Marcey is living in Montana, her dog brings her a human skull. Gwen is a facial reconstruction artist. It is not long before more body parts are discovered and a live victim that resembles Gwen’s daughter. Gwen soon realizes there is a serial killer performing his grizzly work and he is fixated on her and her daughter. She must solve this case to survive. The plots include a jealous forensic artist, a twisted Nazi church group, a sociopath serial killer that is not afraid to call and terrorize Gwen and the surviving victim, wolf killings, the framing of the local police official and so much more. Ms. Parks uses her background in the world of forensic science as it really is not as it appears to be on television. I found the particulars of police science and forensic very interesting. I was hooked from the first page. I love a good crime mystery thriller, and this book has it all in spades. I found this story full of action with twists and turns. Ms. Parks developed the story and the characters at a good rate, gave her characters realistic characteristics, and kept the story suspenseful; it did not lag or falter. You will not be bored or disappointed with this book; when Ms. Parks revealed the killer, I was very surprised. This story does have religious elements and themes that are not preachy or pushy. This is the first of Ms. Parks books I have read, but she will have a place in my eReader as I love the way she plots the story, adds twists, then brings all the clues together to an explosive ending. I did not feel I was missing anything by reading the second book first, I feel it is a stand alone read. I see a very bright future for Ms. Parks. I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Kristina Anderson
The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks is the second Gwen Marcey Novel. Gwen Marcey lives with her daughter, Aynslee in Copper Creek, Montana. Gwen is a forensic artist. She also does paintings as well. Due to budget cuts (within city and county governments), Gwen is only getting jobs on an as-needed basis. Gwen is walking her dog, Winston. Winston brings her a skull full of bugs (and Gwen cannot stand bugs). Gwen immediately calls Sheriff Dave Moore. He asks Gwen to recreate the face from the skull. Gwen is hoping that Winston will lead her to the rest of the body. Instead he leads her to an injured woman in a nearby abandoned farmhouse. Gwen is shocked when she sees the poor girl because she could be a twin for her daughter, Aynslee. Mattie Banks is the young victim who could be Anyslee’s twin. She is still alive, but she is unable to provide much information (still scared of killer). Then another victim is found and she also looks like Aynslee. Who is killing these young girls and why? Gwen sets out to find the killer and protect her daughter. I found The Bones Will Speak an intriguing mystery novel (I have only given you a brief synopsis). It is the first book I have read by Carrie Stuart Parks (and I will definitely read more of her novels). The mystery was medium level (despite the author’s attempt at making it more complicated). I was able to solve the mystery early in the book (it just seemed obvious to me). I found Gwen to be an interesting and strong character (I liked her quirky personality). I wish the book had dived a little more into the forensic artist aspect (maybe in the next novel). Please be aware that there is extreme violence in the book (this is not like a cozy mystery). I give The Bones Will Speak 4 out of 5 stars. The Bones Will Speak can be enjoyed without having read the first book in the series (though I think you will want to read it). I received a complimentary copy of The Bones Will Speak from BookLook Bloggers (HarperCollins Christian) in exchange for an honest review.
