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kyledhebert's review against another edition
2.0
Bone on Bone is riddled with cliches and saccharine touches, and the convoluted plot and flat characters don’t help.
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
In the last Bell Elkins book, Keller did something she never does—she ended a book on a cliffhanger. I was DYING to know what was going to happen next! In BONE ON BONE (available August 2018—thanks to Minotaur Books for an early copy!), the seventh book, those questions are answered. And the answers are not simple. They take the series in new directions and add depth to its characters and setting. While those story lines are happening, there's also a murder to be solved. A good man, whose family has been tortured by his son's drug addiction, has been gunned down in his driveway. The most likely suspect is on the lam. Can the powers that be get their man? Will it make any difference in the town's ongoing war against drug abuse? Can Acker's Gap, which is already deteriorating under the weight of poverty, unemployment, economic struggle, etc., survive these newest blows? What can Bell Elkins, powerless in her new role, do about any of it?
Although this isn't my favorite installment, it's still a great addition to the series. The mystery at its core isn't particularly original or surprising, but it's still compelling. I especially love the ending of this one and what it promises for future Bell Elkins novels.
Although this isn't my favorite installment, it's still a great addition to the series. The mystery at its core isn't particularly original or surprising, but it's still compelling. I especially love the ending of this one and what it promises for future Bell Elkins novels.
arthur_pendrgn's review
2.5
This is a transition novel--moving Belfa out of the dead end aspect of her character arc (from an authorial point of view) to a far more mobile situation. Belfa sheds her romance, her career, the ballast of her sister, her argument with Nick, the restraints of being a prosecutor, her worries for her daughter. Belfa's new mobile role as an "unattached special consultant" would allow Keller to open Belfa up to travel and different cases. Leaving her still tied to Acker's Gap, though, still hamstrings her. It has quite a large population for the small mountain town Keller wants us to believe in.
it takes Belfa way too long to figure out why Sandy confessed. What would be Sandy's motive for confessing other than to protect a loved one?
I am completely unclear why a 10 yr old would face a harsher punishment than a 16 yr old when facing a murder charge. That father plot line is a sour note throughout the series.
Keller does Meckling wrong here--he deserves better than a throwaway line.
it takes Belfa way too long to figure out why Sandy confessed. What would be Sandy's motive for confessing other than to protect a loved one?
I am completely unclear why a 10 yr old would face a harsher punishment than a 16 yr old when facing a murder charge. That father plot line is a sour note throughout the series.
Keller does Meckling wrong here--he deserves better than a throwaway line.
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
A 2018 staff favorite recommended by Jo. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sbone%20on%20bone%20keller__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
nnowels's review against another edition
4.0
The cliffhanger from the last novel has had me anxiously awaiting this installment in the series. Well worth the read, and it was interesting to see the growth in the characters. I was excited to see a much loved character return.
cathy1665's review against another edition
4.0
The theme of opiates destroying Acker’s Gap continues. Ties up some things and opens new paths for Bell.
cewalker's review
5.0
Julia Keller's Bell Elkins books keep getting better. Can't wait for the next one.
dcegelston's review
4.0
During my weekly visit to the public library I stumbled on the seventh in this new-to-me series. Though short, this book is full of characters with complicated back stories and secrets that maintain interest. I'd like to know the recurring characters better, especially Bell Elkins, whose prosecutorial career has veered completely off the rails in this story. Elkins is obviously on the precipice of a new life, but before I go to book eight, I look forward to catching up with the various inhabitants of Acker's Gap.
lootsfoz's review
5.0
Wow. Picked up this book when I got home from work and didn't put it down again for nearly five hours. Loved reconnecting with characters, meeting new ones, and absolutely riveted by the plot twists.
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