A few months ago, I received 10 5-Star ratings and some reviews for 24 Bones. Now, I stand by the book. It was my first novel and I've learned how to write better since, but there are some kernels within it that still resonate even now 10 years later. But the fact remains, some people find it a tough read, in large part because it's written in an omniscient voice with a lot of point of view shifts.

People who know me, know that I'm really careful as to who I allow to review my books. I don't ask friends or family. I don't trade reviews. I don't review or rate my own books. Authors make their choices but to me it's disingenuous. The ratings are for readers.

But back to three months ago. Over the course of two weeks I received these ratings and a few over-the-top reviews. I even corresponded with one reviewer.

Talking to him gave me some comfort that these could be real, but what made me suspicious was that all the reviewers had also reviewed one other particular book. I won't mention it because, like I said, authors make their own choices.

Yesterday all those users were deleted. I love it. Here's why: I suspect that some enterprising author created a series of fake accounts or perhaps had someone else do so in order to fabricate reviews and ratings. To avoid suspicion they reviewed other books too. Goodreads caught them. It was weird to actually benefit from this corruption, but that's exactly what it was and is. Fraud.


Sure I lost 10 five star ratings but they weren't real. Not earned. I want real reviews, from real readers. The Goodreads' system is working. And that's a good thing.