Customer Reviews

Burnt Bones

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

Even as a child he accompanied his father on trips that enabled him to see many of the wonders that spice up the mundane world. He has been to Stonehenge, Salisbury, and other centers of power throughout the British Isles. He believed his father when he was told residents of Atlantis who had colonized much of their current world built these monuments. He also listened to his father who told him about the Hoard, a key that opens up the secrets that the Ancient Ones built into these artifacts. When they reach Hadrian's Wall, the boy learns finds out that the Hoard is the silver skull of a Roman soldier with a Druid medallion inside his forehead.

The boy grew into a ruthless cruel psychopath named Mephisto. His only desire is to find the Hoard in order to uncover the secrets of the Ancients. Mephisto has traced the Hoard to the Campbell clan living on San Juan Island. He abducts the members and tortures them in order to reveal their information. Though that plan fails, the clever Mephisto continues his onslaught by obtaining, through a diabolical and deadly plan, the services of the Canadian and American police forces.

Michael Slade has written an exciting, enthralling, and eerie chiller that is not for the faint of heart since it contains graphic violence. Readers who liked Harris' Silence of the Lambs will enjoy this work. The fast-paced story line is filled with descriptive details and complex heroes and villains. BURNT BONES is a complicated thriller that provides insight into Scottish and Roman history, a situation that though rare for this sub-genre, triumphantly works.

Harriet Klausner

I don't understand buying books by an author knowing it is gonna be rich in historical background. The readers who say it's bogged down apparently haven't read his other books...they are all like this. This one is great becuse of the historical teachings of Roman, Druidism, Stonehenge and Celtic myths and legends. To be able to tie that aincient history into what is going on in the present is a talent most can't pull off...but Slade does. It's got gore but more importantly the characters are real, the situations are realistic and the conclusion reached, while not 100% completed, makes sense. Slade's Special X series is one of the best out there. I mean, you ever hear of the new science called geoprofiling? I hadn't but now will be looking to study up on it. If yu like serial killer books with an intelligent twist, Slade is for you. I recommend reading all the other Slade books first to understand, more fully, the history of the Specail X division and its players. You can, however, read this book asd a stand alone and not miss anything too integral. A great novel and I look forward to the next one.

If you are a fan of Michael Slade and his expertise in procedurals and the macabre, you will enjoy 'Burnt Bones'. Much more streamlined in characters, Slade's latest outing focuses on Robert DeClerq and is almost void of the Special X jargon, claustrophobia, and cadre of Constables and Forensic Technicians who have developed, fleshed out and grown over the years. 'Burnt Bones' is a much straighter line story steeped with Druidic history that gives many insights into the mind of a spectacularly evil villain named Mephisto. Plus a femme fatale who could give Linda Fiorentino; in her most wicked B-movie best, a run for her money. 'Burnt Bones' has the feel of a transitional story, as well. With DeClerq still in charge, but moving to the background and his charge, Katt donning the scarlet serge and moving up the ranks. That remains to be seen. Though not as gripping, grisly, and obliquely humorous as 'Ghoul' or 'Headhunter' Slade's best in this reader's humble opinion. 'Burnt Bones' will keep you up late at night turning pages.

Now that "Michael Slade" is one author instead of the original three the spell binding, spine tingling, terrorific euphoria is gone. Burnt Bones was very flat, very unemotional and not as gripping as in the previous works. If you have not read any of the previous Michael Slade books and enjoyed this book, please read them. They will blow your mind away!

I've enjoyed Michael Slade's other books, but I was sorely disappointed with Burnt Bones. He's always provided historical background in his other books but, this time, he went overboard. There was so much historical background that the murder mystery part of his book slunk into the background. I found myself skipping sections just to get back to what was happening in the present. I felt the mystery itself was an afterthought he threw in between the history lessons. And, the only character he really developed was the villain. His other characters weren't fleshed out enough to drum up much sympathy and I really missed following the case with Le Clerq. Much, much too wordy.

Robert DeClercq and Special X is back with a new thriller. Although weaker than previous entries, it keeps the reader on its toes with great action and shocking twists. If you have a taste for psychological horror and suspense, Michael Slade delivers!

I agree it doesn't come close to Slade's "Ghoul," but I turned pages particulary fast with this one. Donella was one of the most memorable femme fatales I've come across, and I loved the way law enforcement agent Jenna Bond character bounced back to "get" her man. The action is strong, and the horror unimaginable (in a good way). Oh well, fellow Slade fans, we'll have to agree to disagree.

I like Slade. From the first book straight on through I've been entertained. Burnt Bones was certainly no exception. I loved the mix of Scottish heritage and dabbling of the occult. I think the one disappointment I had was the way the book ended so quickly. But speaking of quick, this book was definitely a quick read and a must for Slade fans.

Eagerly awaiting the next novel which will feature Zinc Chandler.

I have read all of the Michael Slade books and couldn't wait for this one to come out. Unfortunately, it wasn't really worth the wait. I often wondered how multiple authors could get together and write a book. In this case I think it really shows that something is missing from the others input. The suspense in the earlier works kept me wishing those books would never end. Burnt Bones never really captured my interest. It was OK but not what I've come to expect from Michael Slade. Hopefully, if there are more to come the original authors will get together again.

This entry into the Special X universe is without a doubt my favorite, a book that features not only the introduction of a great villain, but a fun story that is hard to put down.

Memorable characters and page-turning suspense are just the tip of the iceberg with Burnt Bones; in true Michael Slade fashion, history weaves with modern day psychos to tell a creepy tale of obsession and desire - and provide the reader with an exciting rollercoaster of a conclusion at the same time.

While not the most forensics-oriented book of the series (remember that Michael Slade and his band of fictional Canadian Mounties were doing the crime scene thing long before CSI or its television clones came along), it is certainly the most fun.

So grab a cup of tea and a comfortable chair, and enjoy the fun of Burnt Bones.