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The Bones of You
Adam Morris moves into a cheap rental property in the suburbs. He's divorced and now only sees his daughter, Jessica, every other weekend. He's a broken man trying to start a new life.
When strange events start to occur in the run-up to Halloween, Adam suspects there's a link to the old, abandoned house next door.
Soon he learns about a dead killer named Katherine Moffat and the terrible things she did to her victims in the cellar. As Adam uncovers more details regarding past events in the house next door, he realizes that he and Jessica might be in real danger.
Before long, he is caught up in a mortal struggle to prevent the lingering influence of 'Little Miss Moffat' from destroying everything he has tried so hard to protect.
This is a story about ghosts, a dead serial killer, and a man struggling to be a good father to his young daughter. This is also a story of pain and pathos, love and hate, abuse, addiction and desire.
It's also the story of Little Miss Moffat and the Radiant Children ....
When strange events start to occur in the run-up to Halloween, Adam suspects there's a link to the old, abandoned house next door.
Soon he learns about a dead killer named Katherine Moffat and the terrible things she did to her victims in the cellar. As Adam uncovers more details regarding past events in the house next door, he realizes that he and Jessica might be in real danger.
Before long, he is caught up in a mortal struggle to prevent the lingering influence of 'Little Miss Moffat' from destroying everything he has tried so hard to protect.
This is a story about ghosts, a dead serial killer, and a man struggling to be a good father to his young daughter. This is also a story of pain and pathos, love and hate, abuse, addiction and desire.
It's also the story of Little Miss Moffat and the Radiant Children ....
174 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Gary McMahon
179 books108 followersGary McMahon lives, works and writes in West Yorkshire but posseses a New York state of mind. He shares his life with a wife, a son, and the nagging stories that won’t give him any peace until he writes them.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 24, 2013
Gary McMahon has a way with his words that propels you forward effortlessly. This story was very different than the last I had read from him, NIGHTSIDERS, but no less compelling. THE BONES OF YOU is the perfect Halloween tale, full of a dreadful, menacing atmosphere that never dissipates throughout the story.
Adam is a divorced man, living for his every-other weekend visits with his daughter, Jess. He rents a small house next door to where a serial killer named Katherine Moffat, brutally killed children each Halloween, until she finally died. Of course, Adam knew nothing of this before signing his rental lease--it all comes to him in a series of events. What is real, and what is supernatural: that is the question you'll be asking yourself as your drawn inevitably into Adam's crumbling life.
McMahon's read really got through to me in a mental sense. His descriptions were so vivid, that if was easy to put myself "into" the storyline. This one had me guessing until nearly the very end, yet the story itself was so satisfying, that is was almost a disappointment to have it come to an end. I really enjoy McMahon's style, and have already added several more of his books to my "wish list".
This was a perfect Halloween read from Earthling Publications's Halloween Series (number 9)!
Recommended!
Adam is a divorced man, living for his every-other weekend visits with his daughter, Jess. He rents a small house next door to where a serial killer named Katherine Moffat, brutally killed children each Halloween, until she finally died. Of course, Adam knew nothing of this before signing his rental lease--it all comes to him in a series of events. What is real, and what is supernatural: that is the question you'll be asking yourself as your drawn inevitably into Adam's crumbling life.
McMahon's read really got through to me in a mental sense. His descriptions were so vivid, that if was easy to put myself "into" the storyline. This one had me guessing until nearly the very end, yet the story itself was so satisfying, that is was almost a disappointment to have it come to an end. I really enjoy McMahon's style, and have already added several more of his books to my "wish list".
This was a perfect Halloween read from Earthling Publications's Halloween Series (number 9)!
Recommended!
January 14, 2015
Excellent story of serial killers, ghosts and black magic. Highly recommended.
Want to read
February 11, 2016This is copy PC-SJ of 500 numbered and 15 lettered copies signed by Gary McMahon.
April 9, 2015
The Bones of You is a very atmospheric, quiet horror novel. This type of story is not usually my preference, but Gary McMahon kept the tension and my interest high throughout.
The protagonist, Adam, has had a rough past and is trying to overcome his previous bad choices and poor impulse control. The trope of a dark secret in a character's past that is hinted at until finally revealed is certainly well used, but when done effectively (as it is here) it increases the desire to keep reading to find it out. I particularly enjoyed Adam's relationship with his young daughter that he rarely sees due to divorce.
A minor gripe is the overuse of "as if" as a prelude to a simile. It became quite noticeable to me by the end and was a bit irritating. Overall, The Bones of You is a fine supernatural thriller with heart. 4 stars.
The protagonist, Adam, has had a rough past and is trying to overcome his previous bad choices and poor impulse control. The trope of a dark secret in a character's past that is hinted at until finally revealed is certainly well used, but when done effectively (as it is here) it increases the desire to keep reading to find it out. I particularly enjoyed Adam's relationship with his young daughter that he rarely sees due to divorce.
A minor gripe is the overuse of "as if" as a prelude to a simile. It became quite noticeable to me by the end and was a bit irritating. Overall, The Bones of You is a fine supernatural thriller with heart. 4 stars.
February 19, 2015
Adam has anger issues. Some of them may even be justified. Now all he wants to do is try and be a better father and leave the ghosts of his past in the rear-view mirror. Moving next door to an infamous old house where a dozen children were brutally tortured and killed wasn’t really a part of the plan. Now Adam has more ghosts to worry about than just his own.
March 2, 2016
A solid novel about broken people and dark events in the past from McMahon.
October 15, 2013
Adam Morris wants nothing more than to provide a good life for his daughter. After some scrapes with the law, he's been told to shape up in order to meet the custody requirements that allow him to see her every other weekend. To that end, Adam has found a new rental home that will be perfect for his daughter's visits. Little does Adam know, the neighborhood was once home to the infamous Miss Moffat, a woman who killed a dozen children and buried them in her cellar. Katherine Moffat has been dead for two years, but the abandoned house next door - the house where Miss Moffat lived - still bears the stain of her crimes.
Adam Morris is a good dad and basically an ok guy who's in a crap position. His ex is a mess and yet it's his own mistakes that make him the lesser fit parent. Right away it's easy to side with him and see that he's doing everything he can for his daughter. But every step he takes towards progress begins to be undermined by the ominous presence of the house next door. It's an insidious undermining and one that I think McMahon builds really well with the atmosphere of the book.
Soooo this was a freaking creepy book. Really, given the right atmosphere it would probably have put me in a bit of a state (you know, if I'd been reading it in the house alone in the middle of the night!). And the pumpkin seeds! (Read it, you'll see.)
Amazingly this is my first official read by Gary McMahon. I bought his book THE CONCRETE GROVE a bit back there and it's been lingering on my TBR shelf, staring at me accusingly ever since. It's been bumped up now thanks to THE BONES OF YOU. This is a straight up genuine creepy read with a flawed hero to root for and a big bad that might scare the bejeezus out of you if you let it. It might also make you wonder next time you drive by a manky abandoned house (or move in next to one!).
THE BONES OF YOU is a short read and a perfect one for this Halloween season. Definitely recommended!
Adam Morris is a good dad and basically an ok guy who's in a crap position. His ex is a mess and yet it's his own mistakes that make him the lesser fit parent. Right away it's easy to side with him and see that he's doing everything he can for his daughter. But every step he takes towards progress begins to be undermined by the ominous presence of the house next door. It's an insidious undermining and one that I think McMahon builds really well with the atmosphere of the book.
Soooo this was a freaking creepy book. Really, given the right atmosphere it would probably have put me in a bit of a state (you know, if I'd been reading it in the house alone in the middle of the night!). And the pumpkin seeds! (Read it, you'll see.)
Amazingly this is my first official read by Gary McMahon. I bought his book THE CONCRETE GROVE a bit back there and it's been lingering on my TBR shelf, staring at me accusingly ever since. It's been bumped up now thanks to THE BONES OF YOU. This is a straight up genuine creepy read with a flawed hero to root for and a big bad that might scare the bejeezus out of you if you let it. It might also make you wonder next time you drive by a manky abandoned house (or move in next to one!).
THE BONES OF YOU is a short read and a perfect one for this Halloween season. Definitely recommended!
October 7, 2015
I loved almost everything about this book. The creepy atmosphere, the surreal events that you could never quite be sure were happening, just the underlying tone of menace all added up to a great October read. Adam, the main character, is trying to recover from poor choices he's made in the past, and his daughter, who he only sees every other weekend because his drug-addicted wife got prinmary custody, is his reason for trying to be better, and the light of his life. The relationship they had was very well-written, and rang true for me. Even his relationship with his widfe, complex as it was, was handled very well. When he moves in to a rental next door to the home of a former serial killer of children, things get weird.
The only thing that fell just a little flat for me, and kept me from giving this 5 stars, was the ending, and how things were resolved. I couldn't help but ask myself "that's it?". It just seemed like a little bit of a letdown after such a masterfuyl buildup.
But, in the end, this one was all about the journey, and a wild and creepy ride it was. Highly recommended, especially as an October read.
The only thing that fell just a little flat for me, and kept me from giving this 5 stars, was the ending, and how things were resolved. I couldn't help but ask myself "that's it?". It just seemed like a little bit of a letdown after such a masterfuyl buildup.
But, in the end, this one was all about the journey, and a wild and creepy ride it was. Highly recommended, especially as an October read.
January 23, 2022
Another great Earthling Halloween book. This is a story that has to do with dark secrets, trauma, and addiction. There are quite a few interesting characters. The story is very unique and well written. A lot of twists I didn't see coming. I very much enjoyed this book.
November 26, 2025
So much buildup with such little payoff. A few good scenes and admittedly decent writing can’t save it from being a disappointment. Also, Halloween, for how important it is to the story, really feels like it was forced into a book that was already completed.
December 23, 2013
This is the tale of the evil next door. Sprinkle some Halloween horror and put together the love of a father for his daughter and author Gary McMahon got a superb halloween story. It all begins with a father recently divorced trying to start a new life. He loves his daughter who he only sees every other weekend. His dark past still haunts him but worse is what he founds about the house next door. Murder and supernatural horror lingers over that house and now it threatens him and his daughter. The protagonists needs to do everything in his power to save his daughter from Miss Moffet and the evil events that transpired years before on that house. Can the Radiant children save Jess?
It was an excellent read. McMahon storytelling is excellent. He drives you from one scene to the next without boring details or extravagant language. It is a down to earth tale that happens to turn out bad and supernatural. Does good defeats evil in the end? Well you need to pick a copy of this book and read it. You won't be disappointed.
It was an excellent read. McMahon storytelling is excellent. He drives you from one scene to the next without boring details or extravagant language. It is a down to earth tale that happens to turn out bad and supernatural. Does good defeats evil in the end? Well you need to pick a copy of this book and read it. You won't be disappointed.
September 30, 2015
I read this books in hours. It's a very quick read. Oddly enough you do get to know the protagonist in that short amount of time. Adam works a mindless, menial job. He has a daughter with Holly. Holly and Adam are divorced. Holly is addicted to drugs, alcohol. But, their daughter Jess is the light of Adam's life. At the beginning of the book, Adam is moving into a depressing house. Right next door is the home of a woman who tortured and killed numerous children. Strange things start to occur. I must admit, the cat, Carol and Pru somewhat surprised me. Everything was right under Adam's nose and he didn't see it. I would read more of this authors book. He definitely sets an atmospheric tone. Adam was far from perfect. But, likable. All in all a good read.
October 20, 2015
For a Halloween read, The Bones of You seemed like a great choice despite the holiday not being too central to the plot. First of all, I love the title, and it suits the theme and mood of the story.
Adam Morris is a divorcee and father who moves into a cheap rental where he only sees his daughter every other weekend. Meanwhile he discovers that a deceased serial killer, Katharine Moffat used to live next door. As the plot moves along, even in death Little Miss Moffat poses a threat to his daughter. I was expecting a ghost story, yet I found a heart-wrenching and real story of a lonely man trying his best to care for his daughter despite the scars in his life. McMahon weaves together a well-written, cohesive, and page turning ghost story with great characterization and resonance.
Adam Morris is a divorcee and father who moves into a cheap rental where he only sees his daughter every other weekend. Meanwhile he discovers that a deceased serial killer, Katharine Moffat used to live next door. As the plot moves along, even in death Little Miss Moffat poses a threat to his daughter. I was expecting a ghost story, yet I found a heart-wrenching and real story of a lonely man trying his best to care for his daughter despite the scars in his life. McMahon weaves together a well-written, cohesive, and page turning ghost story with great characterization and resonance.
April 19, 2015
Once I picked this up, I couldn't put it down and had to force myself to stop for dinner! The central thread of the story is a man's life crisis, with anger and despair at a disintegrated family life described vividly, and this is intriguing enough in setting the scene for the supernatural element, with a sense of progression towards the inevitable catastrophe. Various participants are convincingly woven in, with parts to play in the plot, and it isn't a surprise to find out that the climax relates to the danger facing the man's daughter, but there are enough twists to provide a satisfying conclusion.
March 18, 2015
Brilliant!! It was so good I couldn't put it down, literally. I read it in one go.
You know things are going to happen but you're not sure what. I like that unpredictability.
There are parts in this book that resonate with it's author Gary McMahon, which made me smile. Although I do hope he doesn't get a new cat and call it Magic. :)
I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless if you like the genre of horror or not. It's a good read.
You know things are going to happen but you're not sure what. I like that unpredictability.
There are parts in this book that resonate with it's author Gary McMahon, which made me smile. Although I do hope he doesn't get a new cat and call it Magic. :)
I would recommend this book to anyone, regardless if you like the genre of horror or not. It's a good read.
September 23, 2014
Not really what I was hoping for. The twists and reveals were a little too out there: like if Scooby and the gang ripped off the villain's rubber mask to find he was a mental disturbed runaway from Jersey. Some books can pull that off, but this wasn't one of them.
January 17, 2014
Review to appear soon at Thisishorror.co.uk
January 9, 2014
My review, at my blog... Please visit :-)
http://paul-feeney.blogspot.co.uk/201...
http://paul-feeney.blogspot.co.uk/201...
July 13, 2014
Not as thrilling as I expected but still a good Halloween ghost story.
June 22, 2014
Not that great
October 24, 2016
4.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews