The Bones will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks

This book has everything I look for in a suspense novel. The plot is realistic, the characters are well crafted, I learned something about an interesting topic, and the suspense at the end of the book is page turning.

We met Gwen Marcey last year in A Cry from the Dust (see my review here). She is a forensic artist, a divorced and single mom and a breast cancer survivor (her husband left her during cancer treatment). Without a solid contract with a law enforcement agency, she is having a tough time making ends meet.

Her dog brings home a skull and, when Gwen follows the dog to the source, she becomes entwined in the actions of a serial killer. Gwen faces the chilling reality that he is killing young girls looking a great deal like her own daughter. The research Gwen and her friend Beth do informs readers about white supremacy groups, active in nearby Idaho and eastern Washington.

I like the way the characters are developed. Gwen, a Christian, is still trying to keep from hating her husband who abandoned her when she needed him the most. Gwen's daughter is a typical fourteen year old, rebellious one moment, bragging on her mother's skills the next. I really like Gwen's friend Beth. She is sort of Gwen's discipler, not so subtly reminding her of verses about forgiveness. She is also a great researcher, hence much of what we learn about supremacy groups.

I recommend this book to those who like suspense built around a serial killer. Gwen is a fast thinking heroine and I'll be eagerly looking for her next adventure.

Carrie Stuart Parks is an award-winning fine artist and internationally known forensic artist. She teaches forensic art courses to law enforcement professionals and is the author/illustrator of numerous books on drawing. She began to write fiction while battling breast cancer and was mentored by Frank Peretti. She and her husband live in northern Idaho. You can find out more at www.carriestuartparks.com.

Thomas Nelson, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.