I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. It is the second in the Gwen Marcey series and I have not read the first book (yet). It stands well on it's own. The story moves quickly and I enjoyed the twists as well as the characters. I liked the style of the writing as well as the story itself. Will be purchasing the first book and looking forward to the next! ( )

I first learned of Carrie Stuart Parks from all the positive buzz her debut novel, A Cry from The Dust, garnered. That book was a hit with me, so I jumped at the chance her publisher offered to read and review book 2 in the Gwen Marcey series, The Bones Will Speak. In Gwen, Parks has created the ideal character — smart, gutsy, flawed and vulnerable. This one merits a highly recommended read from me.

A year has passed since Gwen’s deadly encounter with a home-grown terrorist group. Stronger physically and spiritually, Gwen is ready to get back to work, yet forensic art jobs still prove to be elusive. When she discovers a missing girl and the dump site of a serial killer, her work becomes a bit too personal. Determined to stay in charge of her life, Gwen battles fears, phobias and unforgiveness and fights to discover the identity of the killer before she becomes one of his victims.

The Bones Will Speak has a great plot –a serial killer targeting young girls that look like Gwen’s daughter; a cat-and-mouse game with lots of suspicious actors. The action is fast-paced, and the twists and turns left this reader holding her breath and hanging on to her seat. But the real strength of this book is the characterization. Gwen is the perfect heroine for a suspense novel. Her first person account offers a real understanding of what makes Gwen tick. She is definitely not perfect, but she is astute and honest and a determined mama-bear when those she loves are in danger. Supporting characters are also well-developed and are revealed in Gwen’s thoughts and the third person accounts when Gwen is not present. Forensic art and murder investigations are the vehicle for the story line, so the reader should expect some gritty scenes detailing crime scenes. Gwen doesn’t just draw composites; she gets her hands dirty. The spiritual thread is subtly woven throughout The Bones Will Speak. Gwen has come a long way from book 1, but her struggle with forgiveness compared and contrasted with the killer’s twisted version of justice shows the destructive nature of holding on to perceived hurts.

If you are a fan of CSI or the novels of Stephen James and Brandilyn Collins, then The Bones Will Speak is a perfect fit for you. Be sure to read A Cry from The Dust first, though. You do not want to miss any of this outstanding series.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Great for Book Clubs.

(Thanks to Booklook Bloggers for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

The Bones Will Speak by Carrie Stuart Parks is the second Gwen Marcey Novel. Gwen Marcey lives with her daughter, Aynslee in Copper Creek, Montana. Gwen is a forensic artist. She also does paintings as well. Due to budget cuts (within city and county governments), Gwen is only getting jobs on an as-needed basis. Gwen is walking her dog, Winston. Winston brings her a skull full of bugs (and Gwen cannot stand bugs). Gwen immediately calls Sheriff Dave Moore. He asks Gwen to recreate the face from the skull. Gwen is hoping that Winston will lead her to the rest of the body. Instead he leads her to an injured woman in a nearby abandoned farmhouse. Gwen is shocked when she sees the poor girl because she could be a twin for her daughter, Aynslee.

Mattie Banks is the young victim who could be Anyslee’s twin. She is still alive, but she is unable to provide much information (still scared of killer). Then another victim is found and she also looks like Aynslee. Who is killing these young girls and why? Gwen sets out to find the killer and protect her daughter. I found The Bones Will Speak an intriguing mystery novel (I have only given you a brief synopsis). It is the first book I have read by Carrie Stuart Parks (and I will definitely read more of her novels). The mystery was medium level (despite the author’s attempt at making it more complicated). I was able to solve the mystery early in the book (it just seemed obvious to me). I found Gwen to be an interesting and strong character (I liked her quirky personality). I wish the book had dived a little more into the forensic artist aspect (maybe in the next novel). Please be aware that there is extreme violence in the book (this is not like a cozy mystery). I give The Bones Will Speak 4 out of 5 stars. The Bones Will Speak can be enjoyed without having read the first book in the series (though I think you will want to read it).

I received a complimentary copy of The Bones Will Speak from BookLook Bloggers (HarperCollins Christian) in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Title: The Bones Will Speak (Gwen Marcey #2)
Author: Carrie Stuart Parks
Pages: 327
Year: 2015
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Gwen Marcey is back to stretching every dollar and looking for a job as the county law enforcement agency jobs have dried up. She discovers another forensic artist has taken all the jobs and Gwen is hot under the collar over that! She lets her dog out for a walk and he brings back a grisly trophy. The next day, Gwen tries to find out where he made his find and he leads her to a nearby abandoned farmhouse where she has another surprise. In the midst of working the scene, Gwen is forced to give over her work to her rival as his agency has jurisdiction. Now, Gwen is out of a job again. However, she has seen a pattern of two crime scenes and begins her own investigation.
In addition to trying to find a killer, her ex-husband makes a sudden announcement that catches Gwen off guard. Gwen best friend, Beth, helps her research clues into a religious group that might be where the killer got his start. With local law enforcement running in short supply due to a flu epidemic, Gwen is on her own as far as protection is concerned and boy does she get into some trouble!
I just loved the way the author wove in relevant scripture passages from the Bible in circumstances where they could be used effectively. I also admire Gwen’s grit and determination and unwillingness to give up. I also liked the very real feelings of anger and unwillingness to forgive her ex-husband. She knows that in her heart she must forgive for her sake, but it doesn’t make it any easier. I find it fascinating to read about the forensic artistic aspect of the story and how it provides clues and gives Gwen direction to investigate. This is just a stellar series that is not to be missed. Pick up the first book in the series, A Cry from the Dust to get the background of Gwen Marcey as well as a great suspense-filled mystery, and then you’ll be ready to sink your teeth into this second book. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. Excellent job Carrie and please keep writing!!
My rating is 5 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )

There is plenty of mystery and suspense in this intriguing novel. The author creates many dangerous situations as she cleverly weaves together the storyline. This is a stand alone read, but I wish I had read the first in the series. It might have created a more in-depth look into the characters.

The premise was certainly an interesting one, but the tempo varied throughout, dragging along until finally picking up in the last half of the book. At that point I was pulled in as the suspense escalated and continued to build into a stunning conclusion.

The dialog was effective with character development that came alive on the pages.

Gwen Marcey – A forensic artist, and a cancer survivor, struggling to raise her daughter alone. Gwen finds her life upended when she becomes involved in finding a serial killer who seems to be focused on her. She struggles to save herself and her daughter as the story takes on many twists and turns. Gwen is a strong woman, but vulnerable and sensitive.

Aynslee is the rebellious 14 year-old-daughter who is rather self-centered, and struggling to find a bit of freedom from her mom. Sometimes she was a little hard to like.

Beth is my favorite character. She is Gwen’s best friend and sidekick who has a lot of good advice for Gwen concerning forgiveness. I loved her quirky personality.

Solid writing, great characters, and plenty of action are all combined to make this book a great read! My rating is 4 stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ( )