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Clay and Tanner Thomas #2
Skeleton Key
After a tragic train wreck, Depot co-owner, Adrian Payne disappears. Seven years later, Clay Thomas meets Payne's beautiful wife and determines to help her by using his mind powers to solve the mystery of Payne's disappearance. With the help of Clay's son, Tanner, the local chief of police, and Adrian Payne's ghost, Clay discovers the body, catapulting the investigators into a mystery-a mystery with more questions than answers. If there was foul play, why do the coroner and Adrian's ghost disagree? If there wasn't foul play, why do all the suspects appear to be guilty? A twisted plot, full of surprises and interesting characters is the result. Lessons of faith, friendship, personal growth, and peace give meaning to a one-of-a-kind mystery. This is the second of the stand-alone Clay and Tanner Thomas novels.
298 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2010
4 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Jeff LaFerney
27 books68 followersJeff LaFerney was a full-time language arts teacher in Davison, Michigan, for 30 years. After coaching basketball for most of his career, he decided to write books instead and took on his new hobby. Now he spends his free time reading, writing, and editing books. He and his beautiful wife have two adult children. His Clay and Tanner Thomas series focuses on a father and son team who use parapsychological abilities to solve mysteries. Jumper, Planer, and Warper are time-travel science fiction adventures. Lost and Found is a unique mystery/treasure hunt with ties to World War II history. His latest, The Lake House, is a detective murder mystery. He has a blog called The Red Pen where he usually infuses humor to share about himself or to give inspiration or writing tips. http://jefflaferney.blogspot.com/
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 31, 2012
Though I’m a huge fan of paranormal romance, I decided to try a grown up book…lol! I’m sure glad I did! “Skelton Key” is a well written read. It captured me from the beginning. The full detail descriptions bring these characters to life, making them believable. Clay and his son, Tanner has special abilities, which I enjoyed reading about. They are asked to help a special case. In the mean time, Clay learns how to trust and love again. If you like books with a great mystery, suspense and a little bit of romance and humor, this book is for you!
June 30, 2012
Review 7*******
This is the second story in the Clay and Tanner series, and it sure doesn't disappoint! I absolutely LOVED it!
Through a traumatic event during their births, both Clay and Tanner have developed abilities and powers that seem to be growing.
Clay is a wonderful character. He has definitely become more at ease with the idea, and use, of his powers, but he still has reservations. He is a lot happier now that he can share the burden with his son, and Dr. Zander Frauss, their friend. His powers are developing and he finds he can hear ghosts.
Tanner is his usual cheerful self and a good foil for his more cautious Dad. He likes to test his powers, not maliciously, but he is definitely more adventurous.
When Zander asks Clay and Tanner for their assistance in a case, they accept, but they are not prepared for what they find.
Skeleton Key is a fantastic book that swept me along in a suspenseful mystery. Jeff Laferney has written a fast paced suspense novel, with lots of twists and turns. There were so many suspects that when the real culprit was revealed, I was totally surprised! There is less sport in this novel than the previous one, but the basketball court action that was portrayed was exciting and had me sitting on the edge of the seat!
There were some great moments in this book that kept me smiling. The most memorable scenes were the ones containing the squirrel and the midget (they were not together in them mores the pity!). The descriptions were so real, I could almost see it happening in front of me! At one point, I think I snorted with laughter whilst reading in the cafe I was sitting in. That being said, this book definitely kept and held my attention from the first page. I'm now looking forward to reading Bulletproof, the next book in the series, to follow my favourite mind manipulating good guys! I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a great paranormal book that takes you on a fantastic journey!
This is the second story in the Clay and Tanner series, and it sure doesn't disappoint! I absolutely LOVED it!
Through a traumatic event during their births, both Clay and Tanner have developed abilities and powers that seem to be growing.
Clay is a wonderful character. He has definitely become more at ease with the idea, and use, of his powers, but he still has reservations. He is a lot happier now that he can share the burden with his son, and Dr. Zander Frauss, their friend. His powers are developing and he finds he can hear ghosts.
Tanner is his usual cheerful self and a good foil for his more cautious Dad. He likes to test his powers, not maliciously, but he is definitely more adventurous.
When Zander asks Clay and Tanner for their assistance in a case, they accept, but they are not prepared for what they find.
Skeleton Key is a fantastic book that swept me along in a suspenseful mystery. Jeff Laferney has written a fast paced suspense novel, with lots of twists and turns. There were so many suspects that when the real culprit was revealed, I was totally surprised! There is less sport in this novel than the previous one, but the basketball court action that was portrayed was exciting and had me sitting on the edge of the seat!
There were some great moments in this book that kept me smiling. The most memorable scenes were the ones containing the squirrel and the midget (they were not together in them mores the pity!). The descriptions were so real, I could almost see it happening in front of me! At one point, I think I snorted with laughter whilst reading in the cafe I was sitting in. That being said, this book definitely kept and held my attention from the first page. I'm now looking forward to reading Bulletproof, the next book in the series, to follow my favourite mind manipulating good guys! I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a great paranormal book that takes you on a fantastic journey!
June 27, 2012
I was given this book from the author to give an honest review.
I truly enjoyed reading the Skeleton Key, it was a mystery type book with mind reading, ghosts, telekinesis, and hypnosis all pulled into one, with a little bit of romance added to the mix.
Skeleton Key is about a man and his son. Clay and Tanner. Clay has lost his wife in which she was murdered and he has not really gotten over her death. Tanner is a college student who is a very likable character and plays college basketball. They both have powers which they seem to have a new power in this book. Clay is called upon by a friend to help another friend with the mysterious disappearance of her husband 7 years ago, not only to help her but to help himself to get over the death of his wife. Clay learns to love again and to trust others. Clay, Tanner, and Chief Hopper all work together to solve this murder and it has twist and turns and leave you wondering who dun-it.
My favotie part in this whole book and it kept me laughing was when Jeff LaFerney decided to write in a midget or a little person as they like to be called. When Erika gave the description of Jasper (little person) kicking his self in the head I was actually imagining it happening. I could do nothing but laugh, Jasper's temper and him riding his little bike kept bringing on a fit of giggles with me.
Skeleton Key has you from the first page, and will have you until the end. With this suspense-murder mystery on top of it being faith-based you are in for a ride.
I truly enjoyed reading the Skeleton Key, it was a mystery type book with mind reading, ghosts, telekinesis, and hypnosis all pulled into one, with a little bit of romance added to the mix.
Skeleton Key is about a man and his son. Clay and Tanner. Clay has lost his wife in which she was murdered and he has not really gotten over her death. Tanner is a college student who is a very likable character and plays college basketball. They both have powers which they seem to have a new power in this book. Clay is called upon by a friend to help another friend with the mysterious disappearance of her husband 7 years ago, not only to help her but to help himself to get over the death of his wife. Clay learns to love again and to trust others. Clay, Tanner, and Chief Hopper all work together to solve this murder and it has twist and turns and leave you wondering who dun-it.
My favotie part in this whole book and it kept me laughing was when Jeff LaFerney decided to write in a midget or a little person as they like to be called. When Erika gave the description of Jasper (little person) kicking his self in the head I was actually imagining it happening. I could do nothing but laugh, Jasper's temper and him riding his little bike kept bringing on a fit of giggles with me.
Skeleton Key has you from the first page, and will have you until the end. With this suspense-murder mystery on top of it being faith-based you are in for a ride.
June 28, 2012
excellent suspenseful mystery!!!
My review of The Skeleton Key by Jeff LaFerney
Rating 4 srars
This book was provided free by the author in exchange of honest literary review
Clay and Tanner Thomas are not your everyday father and son. Both possess different leverls of parapsychological powers which seem to make everyday life more than a little tricky. Clay is still in morning from tue loss of his wife more than a year ago. While he has neer been fond of using his powers, it seens the one time he did may have contributed to the murder of his one love. Tanner on the other hand is a free spirit. He accepts the fact that he has been gifted not cursed with powers. While he doesn't necessarily understand all of tue reasoning, he does believe that it is his calling to help others with his powers.
Agreeing to help solve a 7 year old mystery of murder, lies, and deceit becomes a spiritual journey for this father and son. More than solving a crime they learn how working together they can improve others lives. The mindgift curse slowly weakens its grip on both of them.
I have to say this book was surprisingly different. It's a very quick read and fliws well. The plot is full of action but not so much as to lose the reader. I honestly didn't know the full story until the unveil in the end .. I really wanted to read the last few pages from about midway on lol. Very well written, and applies to both men and women! I have to say i am a BAMA fan so roll tide. Its definitely a story worth your time!!!!
My review of The Skeleton Key by Jeff LaFerney
Rating 4 srars
This book was provided free by the author in exchange of honest literary review
Clay and Tanner Thomas are not your everyday father and son. Both possess different leverls of parapsychological powers which seem to make everyday life more than a little tricky. Clay is still in morning from tue loss of his wife more than a year ago. While he has neer been fond of using his powers, it seens the one time he did may have contributed to the murder of his one love. Tanner on the other hand is a free spirit. He accepts the fact that he has been gifted not cursed with powers. While he doesn't necessarily understand all of tue reasoning, he does believe that it is his calling to help others with his powers.
Agreeing to help solve a 7 year old mystery of murder, lies, and deceit becomes a spiritual journey for this father and son. More than solving a crime they learn how working together they can improve others lives. The mindgift curse slowly weakens its grip on both of them.
I have to say this book was surprisingly different. It's a very quick read and fliws well. The plot is full of action but not so much as to lose the reader. I honestly didn't know the full story until the unveil in the end .. I really wanted to read the last few pages from about midway on lol. Very well written, and applies to both men and women! I have to say i am a BAMA fan so roll tide. Its definitely a story worth your time!!!!
June 15, 2012
What a great follow-up to Loving the Rain in which a father and son have paranormal abilities and they have decided to do something with their unique abilities. You don’t have to read Loving the Rain to understand this story because the author explains what you need to know to go forward and the drama of this book starts out immediately and doesn’t stop until you solve the mystery at the end. I liked how the father and son work together in the story to help solve the problem while at the same time they teased each other; it’s more realistic than all work and no play. I haven’t read a lot of faith-based books before but I was surprised that the messages and references were subtle and not preachy. I was rather impressed that it did not preach to me about religion more (it hardly did at all) and it was refreshing that a mystery at this level had no swear words. There was some romance between the father and another one of the main characters but with the mystery they had to solve, that was part of the drama. What an unique cast of characters. The guilt and stories these individuals remembered over the years really says something about them. Sometimes we can't remember what we ate for supper last night, our own anniversaries but we can remember something traumatic. This is paranormal book, so beware of the ghost.
June 27, 2012
What can I say about Skeleton Key? This is the second book in the Clay and Tanner Series and I must admit that I hadn't read the first book when I read this but found that it wasn't essential as Laferney does such a good job of explaining the back story. I think though that as I enjoyed Skeleton Key so much I will be reading the first one too.
Well I thought Skeleton Key was brilliantly written and had me hooked right from the beginning, so much so that I read the book in only a couple of days. A great murder mystery in which all the suspects appear to be guilty, a twisted plot which keeps you guessing right the way through and interesting characters which makes you want to keep reading until you finish the book. I loved the twist at the end too which I didn't expect.
Clay and Tanner I found to be really likeable characters with remarkable powers. Another character I really liked is Erika Payne as I found her to be a very strong likeable character who I liked from the very beginning.
I give Skeleton Key 5 stars and would definately recommend if you like a good murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and a mix of interesting characters.
I am looking forward to reading book three in the series.
Well I thought Skeleton Key was brilliantly written and had me hooked right from the beginning, so much so that I read the book in only a couple of days. A great murder mystery in which all the suspects appear to be guilty, a twisted plot which keeps you guessing right the way through and interesting characters which makes you want to keep reading until you finish the book. I loved the twist at the end too which I didn't expect.
Clay and Tanner I found to be really likeable characters with remarkable powers. Another character I really liked is Erika Payne as I found her to be a very strong likeable character who I liked from the very beginning.
I give Skeleton Key 5 stars and would definately recommend if you like a good murder mystery with lots of twists and turns and a mix of interesting characters.
I am looking forward to reading book three in the series.
June 11, 2012
An engaging and delectable mystery with more layers than most natural onions, “Skeleton Key” keeps the reader riveted right through to the end. I know it did me-I could not put it aside. Each time I thought the final revelation had been announced, something else happened, yet another layer came to light, and the intrepid investigators-both law enforcement and private, concerned individuals, were racing off to peel away at the next clue to become apparent. “Skeleton Key” has a foundation of faith-subtle but apparent-and a delightful Supernatural approach. The villains are indeed villainous, yet are treated as humans who may indeed have reasons for their actions. The “heroes” are upright, but of course not perfect. All are, however, endearing.
The most important thing I can say of this book is: “Get it. Read it. Read the previous novel in the series and the subsequent novel. Then read them all again.”
The most important thing I can say of this book is: “Get it. Read it. Read the previous novel in the series and the subsequent novel. Then read them all again.”
June 24, 2012
This is the second book in the Clay and Tanner Thomas Series, though it's not essential that you read the first book because the author does a great job in explaining the back story.
I thoroughly enjoyed Loving The Rain, but this book just got even better. The relationship between Clay and his son Tanner has developed significantly along with each of their mind powers, and new characters are introduced which I'm sure are likely to make an appearance in the third book, Bulletproof.
Jeff LaFerney is excellent with his descriptions, so its easy to let your imagination take you away, and he has clearly done his research into the mind. The storyline was cleverly thought out and kept you guessing until right towards the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed Loving The Rain, but this book just got even better. The relationship between Clay and his son Tanner has developed significantly along with each of their mind powers, and new characters are introduced which I'm sure are likely to make an appearance in the third book, Bulletproof.
Jeff LaFerney is excellent with his descriptions, so its easy to let your imagination take you away, and he has clearly done his research into the mind. The storyline was cleverly thought out and kept you guessing until right towards the end.
July 1, 2012
A melding of my two favorite genres, paranormal and mystery. Clay and Tanner are father and son, both possess powers, Clay is older and obviously has more control, but Tanner is very enthusiastic. Throughout the book, Clay instructs Tanner, so he dosn't abuse or missuse his powers. They agree to help Erika, with a 7 year old murder, involving her husband. Romance, paranormal powers, ghosts, a psycho squirrel and a whole lot of wisdom and life lessons that anyone could use, ensue. I'm not going to tell you the whole story, but I wiil tell you that if you like mysteries and/or paranormal, you have got to read this book. You will want to go back and check out the first one as soon as you are done with this story. Fantastic!
April 6, 2012
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. There were a lot of twists and turns to this mystery that I didn't see coming. Normally, I don't like to read mysteries because so many authors feel the need to be graphic. That isn't the case with this book. There were no sex scenes, gory details, or foul language- just a well written story that held my interest. It's really refreshing to read a book that let's the story carry itself. About half-way through this book, I thought I had the whole plot figured out. The more I read, the more I realized that I didn't really have any of it figured out! I love a book that is unpredictable, and this definitely fell into that category.
June 30, 2012
10*s. The Skeleton Key is a riveting and spontaneous story of mystery and magic. This story took me a little longer because I found myself going back and re-reading my fave parts in the book. This book kept wanting more and reading more until I found out I had reached the end of the story. So much mystery and plotting was just refreshing and I loved the magic in the story as well!! The ending of course was may fave ending with just the right words, "I love the rain."
Thank you, Jeff for another intention grabbing story and I am extremely happy that I had the chance to read it!!
Thank you, Jeff for another intention grabbing story and I am extremely happy that I had the chance to read it!!
October 14, 2017
It was an okay read but I am not in to mind control stories per say...Just a little far fetched for me
June 11, 2023
This book kept you guessing until the very end.
April 16, 2016
My review (originally published at Read, Run, Ramble)
I was so excited to get back into Clay’s and Tanner’s world and Skeleton Key gave me just what I wanted – intrigue and fun!
Clay and Tanner, still feeling the effects of the events in Loving the Rain, embark on a new mystery at the request of their friend and doctor, Zander. Through this mystery, both men explore their mental abilities and while finding some new powers also become more comfortable with how and when to use them. I adore that these two aren’t power hungry types who just go wild with newfound abilities. They are careful and thoughtful about the things they can do, which makes me appreciate them even more. Additionally, I enjoy that they have included the science and help from Zander. Having some explanation to what abilities they have obtained and how is fun and interesting!
If you’ve read my review of Loving the Rain, you’ll remember that I loved LaFerney’s ability to write a GREAT bad guy. Well, he’s back with another and like the first novel, the evilness finds its way into lots of crevices readers may not expect! I enjoy a well-written bad guy and LaFerney has that down solid for sure.
The mystery in this one, like other mysteries I’ve read from LaFerney, has twists and turns all over the place, but they are written and organized well. As new info came to light, I never felt lost or confused, but things were never so easy that the plot just bared its soul to me. For sure, I had some ideas of what might have happened, but until readers get through the end, there are questions.
Oh, and I cannot fail to mention the ghost story! Oh yes, folks, there is a ghost story woven in and it just takes the story and the plot to an entirely new level (not to mention Clay’s abilities which are impacted by this little added nugget).
Like the first novel in this series, Skeleton Key kept me up into the wee hours of the morning turning pages and I cannot wait to dive into #3 (Bulletproof)!
April 25, 2012
I'm not sure how I ended up with "Skeleton Key" by Jeff LaFerney on my Kindle, but there it was. So I read the faith-based, paranormal mystery story that is doing well in the "sports" sub-sub-sub-sub genre on Amazon. My protag runs. Perhaps, I too, can get into this category somehow. Bottom line: the weird paring of genres works. I'm not much for paranormal involvement in the solving of a crime, and it took a small dose of butt-glue to keep me interested in this aspect of the story, but LaFerney handles it well.
Aside from the paranormal "mind powers" possessed by the protagonist (Clay Thomas) and his son (Tanner), there is a strong dose of faith and positivism injected into a story by the love interest (Erika Payne) that brushes up against, but never crosses the line of feeling pushy. Unusual characters, both past and present, fill the story: a midget with incredible dexterity, a squirrel who gets what he deserves, a pain-in-the-ass ghost, and a deputy straight from the-gang-that-couldn't-shoot straight. The story was well-constructed, peeling back the layers of a seven-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance and murder of Erika's ne'er do well husband, Adrian, to reach the climax. What was missing? Well, the tension in the story never reached a sharp edge despite many opportunities to bring this to the "OMG, I can't go to sleep now" level. Only one scene really caught me by total surprise - midget breaking window. I think this is where the paranormal aspect (mind control, ability to snatch images from the future, clarifications from the ghost) hurt the story, allowing us to be prepared for some eventualities. If everyday humans solved this mystery, this might have been a "5". I wonder if Tanner saw the solid "4" coming from me?
Aside from the paranormal "mind powers" possessed by the protagonist (Clay Thomas) and his son (Tanner), there is a strong dose of faith and positivism injected into a story by the love interest (Erika Payne) that brushes up against, but never crosses the line of feeling pushy. Unusual characters, both past and present, fill the story: a midget with incredible dexterity, a squirrel who gets what he deserves, a pain-in-the-ass ghost, and a deputy straight from the-gang-that-couldn't-shoot straight. The story was well-constructed, peeling back the layers of a seven-year-old mystery surrounding the disappearance and murder of Erika's ne'er do well husband, Adrian, to reach the climax. What was missing? Well, the tension in the story never reached a sharp edge despite many opportunities to bring this to the "OMG, I can't go to sleep now" level. Only one scene really caught me by total surprise - midget breaking window. I think this is where the paranormal aspect (mind control, ability to snatch images from the future, clarifications from the ghost) hurt the story, allowing us to be prepared for some eventualities. If everyday humans solved this mystery, this might have been a "5". I wonder if Tanner saw the solid "4" coming from me?
October 17, 2012
Skeleton Key by Jeff LaFerney is the sequel to Loving the Rain in which the main character is blessed (or possibly cursed) with an assortment of psychic powers. Because Clay Thomas is a lonely man who blames himself for the death of his wife, his friend, psychiatrist Zander Frauss gets him to meet with Erika Payne, an office-worker who likes to help people have experiences that lead to their trusting in faith in her free time.
Zander set the two of them up together not only because he knows that Erika can probably help Clay with his grieving, but because he believes that Clay can use his powers to help Erika solve the mystery of her missing husband.
The husband’s name is Adrian Payne and Clay is quick to find out he is not a well liked man. No one was mourning when this man disappeared amid-st the chaos and confusion that came, following a train wreck. As he was one of the owners of the train company and may have even been driving the train at the time of the wreck, people who weren’t involved find little reason to doubt he may have simply run off into hiding after the accident.
The only reason that Clay doesn’t latch onto that assumption himself is simple: more than one person close to Adrian sincerely believes that they are responsible for his death. Clay is left to try and solve the mystery even though in every direction he turns he can hear another ‘thought confession’ of someone who finds themselves responsible for Adrian’s death.
And the final problem? Clay is left with his powers allowing him to hear the voice of Adrian’s ghost. He may have been annoying without trying in real life, but as he is dead and almost no one can hear him, he has no reason not to be irritating while haunting someone.
Zander set the two of them up together not only because he knows that Erika can probably help Clay with his grieving, but because he believes that Clay can use his powers to help Erika solve the mystery of her missing husband.
The husband’s name is Adrian Payne and Clay is quick to find out he is not a well liked man. No one was mourning when this man disappeared amid-st the chaos and confusion that came, following a train wreck. As he was one of the owners of the train company and may have even been driving the train at the time of the wreck, people who weren’t involved find little reason to doubt he may have simply run off into hiding after the accident.
The only reason that Clay doesn’t latch onto that assumption himself is simple: more than one person close to Adrian sincerely believes that they are responsible for his death. Clay is left to try and solve the mystery even though in every direction he turns he can hear another ‘thought confession’ of someone who finds themselves responsible for Adrian’s death.
And the final problem? Clay is left with his powers allowing him to hear the voice of Adrian’s ghost. He may have been annoying without trying in real life, but as he is dead and almost no one can hear him, he has no reason not to be irritating while haunting someone.
July 13, 2012
Skeleton Key by Jeff LaFerney
3.5 Stars
Clay and Tanner have been struggling to come to terms with Jessie’s death, it’s been almost a year and they still miss her. During a visit with Zander; the neuroscientist who has been studying the pair, he asks if they would be willing to use their powers to help a friend of his find her missing husband. They decide to do it, so they travel to Durand to meet with Erika Payne and her son Logan. Clay is surprised to discover that Erika is his old high school girlfriend; the girl he used his powers on to make ‘like’ him, and then out of guilt ‘forget’ him!
Skeleton key is a far more action packed book than ‘Loving the Rain’. Filled with mystery and suspense keeping the reader guessing until the very end. We are given more insight into the pairs personality, Clay and his continuing hang ups about their mind powers and Tanner who sees it as a gift to be embraced. The story moves on at a steady pace and has underlying moral messages for the reader. There is less focus on the sporting side and more of an actual story where the duo find Erika’s missing husband and attempt to solve a seven year old murder.
Although there is a touch of the paranormal in this book with Clay and tanners mind controlling powers, it is not done excessively, so the book leans more to the mystery genre for me than paranormal.
3.5 Stars
Clay and Tanner have been struggling to come to terms with Jessie’s death, it’s been almost a year and they still miss her. During a visit with Zander; the neuroscientist who has been studying the pair, he asks if they would be willing to use their powers to help a friend of his find her missing husband. They decide to do it, so they travel to Durand to meet with Erika Payne and her son Logan. Clay is surprised to discover that Erika is his old high school girlfriend; the girl he used his powers on to make ‘like’ him, and then out of guilt ‘forget’ him!
Skeleton key is a far more action packed book than ‘Loving the Rain’. Filled with mystery and suspense keeping the reader guessing until the very end. We are given more insight into the pairs personality, Clay and his continuing hang ups about their mind powers and Tanner who sees it as a gift to be embraced. The story moves on at a steady pace and has underlying moral messages for the reader. There is less focus on the sporting side and more of an actual story where the duo find Erika’s missing husband and attempt to solve a seven year old murder.
Although there is a touch of the paranormal in this book with Clay and tanners mind controlling powers, it is not done excessively, so the book leans more to the mystery genre for me than paranormal.
August 2, 2012
"None of us knows what life has in store for us. But we continue to walk by faith. And maybe we build relationships along the way and learn to trust in someone else too." This quote in the book sums up the theme of the book in my opinion.
In the Skeleton Key by Jeff LaFerney, Clay and Tanner Thomas embark on an adventure that will ultimately push their mental, physical and spiritual boundaries. After dealing with a profound loss of their own they set out to help others solve the mystery of a tragic train crash and the missing Adrian Payne. Using their "powers" Clay and Tanner help the townspeople of Durand, both the living and dead, put the pieces of the puzzle together and along the way find love, friendship and a start at a new life!
I thought Skeleton Key was well written and it had a lot of plot twists and turns that kept you guessing and wanting more. No one is really who you thought they were by the end of the book! I did feel that is started out slow and personally I could have done without all the basketball references but I do think it sets up the dynamic between Clay and Tanner. I loved the ending and the build up to actually finding out the truth. I cannot wait to read the third book Bulletproof!!!
In the Skeleton Key by Jeff LaFerney, Clay and Tanner Thomas embark on an adventure that will ultimately push their mental, physical and spiritual boundaries. After dealing with a profound loss of their own they set out to help others solve the mystery of a tragic train crash and the missing Adrian Payne. Using their "powers" Clay and Tanner help the townspeople of Durand, both the living and dead, put the pieces of the puzzle together and along the way find love, friendship and a start at a new life!
I thought Skeleton Key was well written and it had a lot of plot twists and turns that kept you guessing and wanting more. No one is really who you thought they were by the end of the book! I did feel that is started out slow and personally I could have done without all the basketball references but I do think it sets up the dynamic between Clay and Tanner. I loved the ending and the build up to actually finding out the truth. I cannot wait to read the third book Bulletproof!!!
August 27, 2012
If you enjoyed Loving the Rain, then I know you've been waiting with bated breath for Skeleton Key. But, you don't have to read Loving the Rain to understand this story. Skeleton Key continues the story of Clay Thomas and his son, Tanner. They're both more than a little battered following the loss of Clay's wife. But, grief has acted as mortar helping to bind Clay and Tanner, deepening their relationship.
In Skeleton Key, Clay and Tanner Thomas are launched into an adventure that tests them in many ways, both physically and mentally. Tanner and Clay will help others unravel a heart-rending mystery. Skeleton Key has unique characters, a midget with unbelievable nimbleness, a squirrel and a ghost as well as others. Jeff LaFerny moves the story, aptly directing this unforgettable cast.
This a faith-based novel but it's not over done or preachy. Skeleton Key is genuine surprise that will engage you and have you guessing every step of the way. Treat Skeleton Key for what it is, a gem in the vast offerings of novels.
I have to say it again, Jeff LaFerny is a skilled writer. He uses his ability to manipulate the elements of mystery and paranormal like a skilled surgeon. This is a must read!!
Reviewed by:
Sallie Lundy-Frommer
Author of Yesterday's Daughter
In Skeleton Key, Clay and Tanner Thomas are launched into an adventure that tests them in many ways, both physically and mentally. Tanner and Clay will help others unravel a heart-rending mystery. Skeleton Key has unique characters, a midget with unbelievable nimbleness, a squirrel and a ghost as well as others. Jeff LaFerny moves the story, aptly directing this unforgettable cast.
This a faith-based novel but it's not over done or preachy. Skeleton Key is genuine surprise that will engage you and have you guessing every step of the way. Treat Skeleton Key for what it is, a gem in the vast offerings of novels.
I have to say it again, Jeff LaFerny is a skilled writer. He uses his ability to manipulate the elements of mystery and paranormal like a skilled surgeon. This is a must read!!
Reviewed by:
Sallie Lundy-Frommer
Author of Yesterday's Daughter
July 5, 2012
this is a great book I love murder/thriller books.
the book is about Clay and his son Tanner that both have powers and abilities that grow every day
Clay is asked to help a mum Erika with her son after the son became withdrawn after a train crash which he father disappeared
Tanner used his power and sees things that happen and can tell people to do things as well with out them knowing
Clay refines his faith back in God after a caving trip with Erika who was a old school friend
there is a small person (midget) that all was make Erika scream when there meet each other
Plus you have a squirrel that is very clever and winds someone up plus you have a laugh with the things that happen to it
A ghost that moves things around in the train depot
you will love this book
I was given this book to read by the author to review
the book is about Clay and his son Tanner that both have powers and abilities that grow every day
Clay is asked to help a mum Erika with her son after the son became withdrawn after a train crash which he father disappeared
Tanner used his power and sees things that happen and can tell people to do things as well with out them knowing
Clay refines his faith back in God after a caving trip with Erika who was a old school friend
there is a small person (midget) that all was make Erika scream when there meet each other
Plus you have a squirrel that is very clever and winds someone up plus you have a laugh with the things that happen to it
A ghost that moves things around in the train depot
you will love this book
I was given this book to read by the author to review
August 2, 2012
This book is full of mystery, supernaturally inclined, paranormal and mind powers in which families are linked through generations, but of course the saying goes, abuse it or lose it?
I found the book most interesting and a compelling read, well controlled with twists and turns and tension throughout the story.
It discovers that all of us humans have powers which we just do not use, perhaps we should learn from what we glean from this kind of book and use our mind powers.
This books is mind melting, and a must read Highly Recommended
I found the book most interesting and a compelling read, well controlled with twists and turns and tension throughout the story.
It discovers that all of us humans have powers which we just do not use, perhaps we should learn from what we glean from this kind of book and use our mind powers.
This books is mind melting, and a must read Highly Recommended
July 21, 2013
This is the sequel to "Loving the Rain." Skeleton Key certainly stands on it's own, but I'm glad that I read "Loving the Rain" first. I feel that reading the first novel gave me a better understanding of Clay and Tanner's abilities. Jeff has a way of bringing characters to life and this book was no different. This is a clean read, and not too gory. I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading "Bulletproof."
February 17, 2015
A complex spiritual and psychological mystery
I did enjoy the read. When you have difficulty taking a rest you know you have an interesting story. It had a bit too much of faith and God themes but not so extreme that I would not read another of his stories. Believer or not the story held a logical thread.
I did enjoy the read. When you have difficulty taking a rest you know you have an interesting story. It had a bit too much of faith and God themes but not so extreme that I would not read another of his stories. Believer or not the story held a logical thread.
January 17, 2013
Author Jeff Laferney picks up right whre "Loving the Rain" left off. Skeleton Key is a murder-mystery with a great plot and an exciting list of characters that come to life and keeps you guessing.
With so many suspects in a murder the twists and turns will surprise you every time.
With so many suspects in a murder the twists and turns will surprise you every time.
December 7, 2012
I loved it! Can't wait to read the third book in the saga.
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