Title: Bone by Bone
Author: Carol O’Connell
Genre/Pages: Suspense/Mystery; 352 pages
Publication: Putnam; 12/30/2008
Rating: 2 BOOKMARKS
I’ve never read any of Carol O’Connell’s other novels, but do enjoy suspense stories. Bone by Bone is a quirky mystery in which no character is safe from suspicion!
Set in California, Bone by Bone recounts a 17 year old missing person case. One by one, human bones are being left on the Hobbs family’s front porch. The patriarch, a retired judge, suspects the bones are those of his son, Josh, who has been missing for almost 20 years. The prodigal son, Oren, returns home after an almost 20-year exile to help solve his brother’s case. Despite an eccentric cast of characters and terrific premise, the execution of this novel wasn’t what I thought it would be.
Bone by Bone contains so many red herrings that I began to crave Swedish fish candy. The plot moved along and there was a good deal of characterization, but it was all lost on me–I was drowning in a sea of suspicion.
Another reviewer compared Bone by Bone to a Seurat painting–what appears, from close up to be only a jumble of colors, transforms into a stunning painting as you pull back. I thought this was a brilliant analogy. As I was reading, I couldn’t see the big picture; after I finished this novel, I was able to appreciate it.
O’Connell has a huge following and her Kathleen Mallory novels are really popular. I may try one of those because I do love the genre and don’t want to miss out just because one book left me a bit underwhelmed.
Book, Line, and Sinker 
Sounds like an interesting premise that went astray. Thanks for the review.
it WAS a really great premise–you’re right. i loved the whole idea of the novel–and maybe it just went wrong for me personally.
It sounds like in a way, this book actually left you OVERwhelmed – too much going on! It does sound like an interesting premise for a book, and yet I guess I’m starting to learn as I explore the thriller genre more and more that there really is a divide between those that are mediocre in their execution and those that are in the upper echelon. It’s a shame when a good premise goes of the rails, but it happens. If you do try other books by this author, I’m interested to hear what you think of them!
I honestly plan on trying one of her Mallory novels–from what I’ve read, people seem to love them. I’m all for second chances.
Laughing Out Loud at your red herring/swedish candy comment!!
Thanks for a great, honest review
Awesome review! I enjoy reading your thoughts on books! I guess I won’t rush to add this book to the top of my TBR pile.
I don’t read a lot of suspense novels anymore because the ones that I’ve picked up recently seem sort of silly to me. Here’s a clue… in case you missed it, here it is again.. blah blah.
Now I want some Swedish candy too 🙂
Love the swedish candy comment! Very entertaining.
Sorry this one didn’t work for you.
What an interesting review – love your analogy. I haven’t read this one yet, but I’ve read the first few Mallory novels. It was a while back, and Mallory is quite the character. I have one of the newer ones in my TBR. I remember I really liked the first one – I’d love to know what you think if you decide to pick it up!