Book Review: Lies in Bone

11 November 2021

This is one of the most emotional coming-of-age mysteries I have read recently. A deeply moving story about family, loss, and disappointment. The bond between siblings is beautifully highlighted in this gut-wrenching tale.

Natalie Symons gives her character a strong voice, allowing you to experience the emotions as they pour off the pages. The story is gripping and grabs your full attention on the first page and does not let you go until you reach the end. This book was beautifully written and I am keen to spend more time with this author.

Frances and Megan’s mother left to help her dad after an operation only never to return. Now, their dad Chuck is moving them to a failing mining town in the middle of nowhere to look after Ruth – Chuck’s mother, who has taken a fall and can no longer look after herself. But Ruth has a mean streak and Frances does not believe she needs any help. Discovering the town’s secrets, and her families loss reveals a dark past closely linked to Chuck. When a six-year-old child is found murdered it is up to Frances to take care of Megan and get to the truth behind the murder. Is young Frances ready to accept what is thrown at her, and can she keep Megan safe? Is she strig enough to stand alone when it appears that she cannot trust anyone?

This book had me hooked from the start. I could not flick the pages fast enough. This poor child was dealt a very difficult hand and with every new disaster coming her way my heart broke a little more. In the face of community judgement, Chuck and his daughters never stood a chance. The more of the story that was revealed the more invested I became. I was so engrossed in this story that this book did not feel like a work of fiction.

Frances was an amazing character. The story shows you how this young girl grows into a woman way before her time. She is forced into a parental role even before her mother left and her father appears to be a constant source of stress. Frances is left taking care of everyone, even a grandmother who is consumed by loss and not particularly caring. The way this character stumbles around in a world way beyond her years and makes mistakes only to grow up and turn her life around, being strong and loyal to her family despite everything she is forced to endure is simply magnificent. Natalie Symons brought this young woman to life on every page. She is fantastic in all her flaws.

This is a five-star read that deserves to make it onto your TBR. I loved this book. You should be prepared for a few emotional scenes as poor Frances has the carpet pulled out from under her feet time and time again.

Mystery fans, you do not want to miss out on this extremely original tale guaranteed to keep you glued to your seat. You will fall in love with this young character as the disasters that befall her leave you heartbroken. Be ready for a whopper of a twist at the end, and remember, trust no one, because the world is a nasty place, especially in the town of Slippery Elm.

I highly recommend this book, it is a fantastic read!