Lies in Bone is a coming of age suspense novel that focuses on Frank (Francis), her father Chuck and sister, Boots (Megan) and their move to Chuck’s childhood home town of Slippery Elm, PA. From the prologue to the epilogue the author, Natalie Symons, does an exquisite job of keeping the reader/listener not only engaged but also guessing. Her use of red herrings is quite spectacular and a significant reason why I struggled to hit the pause button.

The main character, Frank, has been dealt a hand of life that would crush most but through masterful writing and character development, even at her most unlikable moments, as a reader I still rooted for her. Frank is strong, gritty and unapologetically herself and that is what makes her so endearing. The cast of characters throughout the story weren’t always my favorite people, but they all felt like they had a place in the story and weren’t just fodder. Tied for the most frustrating characters would be Frank’s grandmother Ruth and Frank’s father Chuck.

This story is dark. I won’t mince words. It is dark and heavy and gritty and intense. But it is also worthy of every star in the book and an amazing ride to go on. Frankly, you know a book is great when you’re angry that it’s over.

Seriously, read this book.