Bones

I have often wondered where Ms Burke comes up with her ideas and how she can describe the complex mind of a killer in such a startling and believable way. This book scared the living daylights out of me. In part because I took the book on a camping trip (not recommended!), but mostly because "Bones" has such an intriguing plot line and more intriguing characters. I wanted to put it down because I was so scared, but couldn't because I had to know what happened next. A must read for true mystery and suspense lovers! All of Burke's books are fantastic, but this one takes the cake.

This was the first book I have read by Jan Burke and I was very impressed! The first couple of hundred pages are fabulous and have many good twists and turns. The last couple of hundred pages are similar to other mystery/thrillers and are a very servicable conclusion to the story. Nick Parrish is a great killer and Burke does a great job at making him very scary. I really couldn't put this book down and read it in a couple of days. I am really looking forward to reading more of the Irene Kelly novels and seeing what else Jan Burke has in store.

I have read the whole series and watched Ms. Burke's writing become stronger and more enticing. This one was almost a bit too much for me. People have said cruel things such as the only interesting character is a dog, too many characters, killer not developed, etc. I can't agree with any of that. This book is superb. Complex, compassionate, interesting, surprising, capitivating. I wanted to put it down because it was making me scared. This killer became too real and she went too far into his personality for my comfort, but the book was so good I couldn't stop. Yes, something startling happens in the beginning of the book, and I wonder what would happen next because there was so much book left. Burke gives us our money's worth to the VERY END, and it's a long book. My only complaint, is that she brought me a little too close to the motivations and pleasures of the killer for my comfort. Where did she learn to do that? Too much information for my enjoyment, but it's a talent I have to admire. I fear now she won't be able to go back. All of the books will be this scary. Yes, it did seem odd that Jan Burke would create such a perfect killer and then work the night shift in a dark, deserted building, but her Irene Kelly is an independent cuss. She deserves a break of good luck in the next book. My favorite one of the series was HOCUS. Burke matured from the earlier books, developed her characters, and her story line, and didn't scare the BEJESUS out of the reader the way she did with BONES. I hope she'll go back to the intelligent book that's not so scary. This killer really gets it though. Perfect punishment. Perfect book. Too perfect. :) I'm still scared.

I just recently discovered the Irene Kelly series, and am quickly becoming one of Jan Burke's devoted fans. This book is a suspense filled, spine-tingling read. Just don't read it late at night when you're home alone. Ms. Burke has created a memorable, charismatic serial killer in Nick Parrish, who is as devoted to his work as Hannibal Lecter. Irene Kelly becomes the focus of his attentions after he engineers a horrific escape from his captors in a scene of unbelievable carnage. Kelly is a reporter married to a cop, which causes many complications in her life. She's a remarkably likable, well rounded protagonist who has a strong marriage, good friends and lovable pets. Burke's portrayal of the cadaver locating dog, Bingle, is worth the price of the book. She's a fine writer who has created believable characters and has made me care about them.