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In the Bones
Welcome to Albertsville: Population 397…and falling.
When Ryan Cassidy claims a house left to him by his estranged grandparents, he becomes tangled in the mystery of a town crushed by a deadly secret spanning generations.
The town's power core, which includes the reeve, his council members, and the local police, smother opposition with deceit, brutality and fear. They will stop at nothing to keep the horror they've committed buried.
A severe winter storm leaves Albertsville snowbound—a trap only the dead can hope to flee—and Ryan becomes a liability that must be silenced at any cost.
The answers to the town’s mystery and its salvation are hidden...In the Bones.
When Ryan Cassidy claims a house left to him by his estranged grandparents, he becomes tangled in the mystery of a town crushed by a deadly secret spanning generations.
The town's power core, which includes the reeve, his council members, and the local police, smother opposition with deceit, brutality and fear. They will stop at nothing to keep the horror they've committed buried.
A severe winter storm leaves Albertsville snowbound—a trap only the dead can hope to flee—and Ryan becomes a liability that must be silenced at any cost.
The answers to the town’s mystery and its salvation are hidden...In the Bones.
- GenresThriller
ebook
First published February 14, 2013
4 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Renee Miller
49 books200 followersI'd like to say I hate talking about myself, but that would be a lie. I don't mind in the least. Will it be interesting? Meh, probably not.
Let's see, I write suspense, comedy, paranormal, horror and erotic horror fiction. Basically all the dark fiction.
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter (@ReneeMJ) and wherever else it's not creepy to follow someone.
Let's see, I write suspense, comedy, paranormal, horror and erotic horror fiction. Basically all the dark fiction.
Follow me on Instagram, Twitter (@ReneeMJ) and wherever else it's not creepy to follow someone.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 12, 2013
Ryan Cassidy is your average nice guy, facing the prospect of inheriting millions, if he only lives in Albertsville for a whole year. Piece of cake, right? That's what he thinks, but then he meets the townspeople.
What I really loved about this book is the terrifying atmosphere and the tension, that grab you from the moment Ryan hits the town, and just keep on pushing you into a corner until the very last page. I'm also a sucker for good villains, and the "monster" of Albertsville completely exceeded my expectations. So did many of the other characters. It's amazing what some people will do out of fear, how far they're willing to go to keep a dangerous secret, and how easy it is for a charismatic psychopath to keep an entire town under his boot. Ryan practically stands no chance to survive long enough to get his inheritance, and maybe uncover some of the atrocities committed in this town, and it's not clear until the very last pages what his fate is. There's not a single moment of pause in his ordeal.
Also there's sex, violence, blackmail, fear and intimidation, and the language is not for the faint of heart. But what kind of a thriller would it be, if it didn't tackle you right in your comfort zone? You will sink your nails and teeth into this book. Definitely worth it!
What I really loved about this book is the terrifying atmosphere and the tension, that grab you from the moment Ryan hits the town, and just keep on pushing you into a corner until the very last page. I'm also a sucker for good villains, and the "monster" of Albertsville completely exceeded my expectations. So did many of the other characters. It's amazing what some people will do out of fear, how far they're willing to go to keep a dangerous secret, and how easy it is for a charismatic psychopath to keep an entire town under his boot. Ryan practically stands no chance to survive long enough to get his inheritance, and maybe uncover some of the atrocities committed in this town, and it's not clear until the very last pages what his fate is. There's not a single moment of pause in his ordeal.
Also there's sex, violence, blackmail, fear and intimidation, and the language is not for the faint of heart. But what kind of a thriller would it be, if it didn't tackle you right in your comfort zone? You will sink your nails and teeth into this book. Definitely worth it!
March 18, 2013
Reviewing: blog tour March 22
Review of In the Bones by Renee Miller
5 stars
“In the Bones” is an exceptionally complex novel, one which in the form of a multiple-mystery/suspense actually treats of many important issues. A large cast of characters serves as backdrop to the setting, a tiny and inexplicable town in rural Canada called “Albertsville,” a town of almost no business and industry, yet of extraordinary, and well-shared, wealth. The community is run by a “Reeve” (in medieval England that was the chief administrator, often the Sheriff), who is elected, but is actually an inherited position. The current psychopathic incumbent is one Carroll Albert, a man of intrinsic and almost unlimited evil. That’s the evil end of the continuum, along with Farley, and Calvin (who does have some human qualities, which Farley doesn’t). The good is represented by a newcomer, Ryan Cassidy, who only moves to Albertsville to fulfill the terms of this deceased paternal grandparents’ will, which requires him to live in the farmhouse for one year, in order to inherit. With his mother and stepfather both deceased, Ryan decides to take this opportunity, and perhaps finally write the novel he has been pondering. Soon after his arrival, he decides that Albertsville is like its own soap opera (I would say an evil Peyton Place), and plans to fictionalize it; but it’s scarcely days before his life takes some really ugly turns, as Carroll Albert’s paranoia has already deemed Ryan Cassidy a worse troublemaker than his late father and grandparents.
“In the Bones” is a really well-written story, and very suspenseful. Thank goodness for the character of Ryan Cassidy and his moral integrity, because there’s very little of either in Albertsville. But Ryan is a character for whom the reader feels enormous empathy.
Review of In the Bones by Renee Miller
5 stars
“In the Bones” is an exceptionally complex novel, one which in the form of a multiple-mystery/suspense actually treats of many important issues. A large cast of characters serves as backdrop to the setting, a tiny and inexplicable town in rural Canada called “Albertsville,” a town of almost no business and industry, yet of extraordinary, and well-shared, wealth. The community is run by a “Reeve” (in medieval England that was the chief administrator, often the Sheriff), who is elected, but is actually an inherited position. The current psychopathic incumbent is one Carroll Albert, a man of intrinsic and almost unlimited evil. That’s the evil end of the continuum, along with Farley, and Calvin (who does have some human qualities, which Farley doesn’t). The good is represented by a newcomer, Ryan Cassidy, who only moves to Albertsville to fulfill the terms of this deceased paternal grandparents’ will, which requires him to live in the farmhouse for one year, in order to inherit. With his mother and stepfather both deceased, Ryan decides to take this opportunity, and perhaps finally write the novel he has been pondering. Soon after his arrival, he decides that Albertsville is like its own soap opera (I would say an evil Peyton Place), and plans to fictionalize it; but it’s scarcely days before his life takes some really ugly turns, as Carroll Albert’s paranoia has already deemed Ryan Cassidy a worse troublemaker than his late father and grandparents.
“In the Bones” is a really well-written story, and very suspenseful. Thank goodness for the character of Ryan Cassidy and his moral integrity, because there’s very little of either in Albertsville. But Ryan is a character for whom the reader feels enormous empathy.
September 19, 2014
I was lucky enough to win this book recently and am so glad I did! It is definitely worth buying. Renee Miller is a talented writer and I can't wait to gobble up more of her works. The antagonist was portrayed brilliantly and I wanted to throttle him just as much as other characters did.
March 17, 2013
A new author and I must say a spectacular read. This book is so descriptive I could picture the scenes, the faces, the atmosphere in my mind as I read along. It felt like I was living with this book. A book I might add I could not turn the pages fast enough in. You never knew what was around the corner and in the end it was usually a surprise. Renee Miller has out done herself in this piece of art, and I for one will be axiously awaiting her next novel. She will be around for a very long time if this book is any indication of her works. Who would have ever thought a small town in Northern Ontario could hold so many secrets. Well done!!!
February 15, 2015
A well-written novel that's full of intrigue and suspense that kept me engaged right from the start. Money, greed, sex, corruption, murder - this novel had it all, and so much more. All of the characters are so well-rounded; fleshed-out that you truly get a sense of each and every individual and the role they each play, in the end making this story come alive. In my opinion novels are a better read when the villain is one evil son-of-a-bitch; the more evil he/she is the better, and boy does the author deliver on this. The "monster" is one of the most nastiest, disgusting, and evil character that I've had the pleasure of reading about in quite some time. Ryan (our hero), an average guy who truly shines as the hero; who believes in truth and justice. Majority of residents of Albertsville continually insist that he pack his bags and leave town immediately if he knows what's good for him. Unable to stand by and watch one man wield his god-like powers over the townsfolk, Ryan takes a stand, and daunting as the task may be, hopes the scared and defeated citizens will face their fears and stand up for what they believe in.
I was all set and ready to rate this novel five stars, but I'm sorry, I don't know what the author was thinking when she wrote the ending as it has to be one of the worst endings I've read in quite some time. I honestly cannot believe how bad it is. It's as though the author got tired and decided she couldn't write any more.
In the end, "In the Bones" is a terrific story that's worth reading. It's just too bad about the ending.
I was all set and ready to rate this novel five stars, but I'm sorry, I don't know what the author was thinking when she wrote the ending as it has to be one of the worst endings I've read in quite some time. I honestly cannot believe how bad it is. It's as though the author got tired and decided she couldn't write any more.
In the end, "In the Bones" is a terrific story that's worth reading. It's just too bad about the ending.
May 1, 2013
This is a book that you can't put down, and I could see this one as a movie. Set in a small town, there are plenty of characters and the bad guys are truly horrible. There's sex, violence, murder, bad language - Hollywood loves that stuff! This book leaves the reader barracking for the good guys and wondering how it will all end right down to the very last page. If you enjoy thrillers, you'll love this. Well worth the read.
December 8, 2014
Small town mystery with big time bad guy. Miller creates a big piece of garbage stinking up a country town. This is one of those reads you can't wait to see the antagonist get what's coming. By the end, I was rooting for his demise in the worst possible way. And that's what a good bad guy should do in the story like this.
March 3, 2013
loved it! couldn't put it down long!
July 1, 2013
Awesome read. I loved this book.
Characters were intense, the mystery intriguing, the writing excellent, and the plot sucked me in from the beginning.
More of a review to come on my blog.
Characters were intense, the mystery intriguing, the writing excellent, and the plot sucked me in from the beginning.
More of a review to come on my blog.
February 26, 2018
Although I enjoyed the dialogue and the pace of the story, I found the basic premise a bit too far-fetched. Throughout the story, I began to feel impatient with both the primary protagonist as well as several of the townspeople who were more or less on his side. What needed to be done became clear by about page 80, but would they ever get there?
The man villain was certainly evil enough to want to see where it was all going to end, but the main character was a bit thin on development. Overall, a good read, but not a great one.
The man villain was certainly evil enough to want to see where it was all going to end, but the main character was a bit thin on development. Overall, a good read, but not a great one.
August 17, 2019
It was okay. I don’t like scenes that have a woman “secretly” enjoy being sexually assaulted since I think it sends a terrible message, so that was a turn off for me, and the rest of it was pretty standard.
July 8, 2013
In the Bones is a fast-paced, suspense-filled novel that takes place in Albertsville, a small town in Canada. It’s a spectacular read from new author Renee Miller, and it’s riveting and full of tension from start to finish. Ryan Cassidy is left a house in Albertsville by his deceased grandparents but there’s a catch: in order to take possession of the property, he is required to live there for a full year. That’s when all the trouble starts because little does Ryan know, the town, run by psychopath Carroll Albert, who controls the townspeople as if with an iron fist, holds a dark secret.
Ryan’s late grandfather leaves him a letter and in it there is a hint: “Hidden beneath the layers of small-town hospitality … is a dark and ugly monster. A single crime has made us all guilty.” He goes on to explain, “At the helm controlling this monster is a man who holds more power over these people than I can ever describe. You have a chance to stop him.”
To set him on the right track, Ryan’s grandfather, in his letter, then provides him with an additional few clues. And in such a way, Ryan, a writer by profession and a man of high moral character, embarks upon a most dangerous journey, where he begins to unravel the town’s deep mysteries. By the novel’s end there is a dramatic stand-off only to have the chilling answer found “in the bones”, which all along and shockingly have been on display and in full view for all to see at the Albertsville town hall.
Renee Miller’s writing style is unadorned and straightforward; she has a story to tell and she’s really good at it, leaving her readers guessing and wanting more. Almost effortlessly she draws us close to each of her characters and to the events surrounding them. Her characters come well-developed and it is through them that the book easily sees its development. The reader feels like he/she is right there in Albertsville, and some wonderful descriptions of the town make it all that much more real: “The blue sky and late afternoon light created the illusion of warmth …” or “The setting sun dusted the empty fields beyond the house in an eerie glow.”
Looking forward to Renee Miller’s next book.
Ryan’s late grandfather leaves him a letter and in it there is a hint: “Hidden beneath the layers of small-town hospitality … is a dark and ugly monster. A single crime has made us all guilty.” He goes on to explain, “At the helm controlling this monster is a man who holds more power over these people than I can ever describe. You have a chance to stop him.”
To set him on the right track, Ryan’s grandfather, in his letter, then provides him with an additional few clues. And in such a way, Ryan, a writer by profession and a man of high moral character, embarks upon a most dangerous journey, where he begins to unravel the town’s deep mysteries. By the novel’s end there is a dramatic stand-off only to have the chilling answer found “in the bones”, which all along and shockingly have been on display and in full view for all to see at the Albertsville town hall.
Renee Miller’s writing style is unadorned and straightforward; she has a story to tell and she’s really good at it, leaving her readers guessing and wanting more. Almost effortlessly she draws us close to each of her characters and to the events surrounding them. Her characters come well-developed and it is through them that the book easily sees its development. The reader feels like he/she is right there in Albertsville, and some wonderful descriptions of the town make it all that much more real: “The blue sky and late afternoon light created the illusion of warmth …” or “The setting sun dusted the empty fields beyond the house in an eerie glow.”
Looking forward to Renee Miller’s next book.
August 28, 2014
Completely entertaining.Completely entertaining. It finally made its way up to the top of my long reading list. When it finally picked it up, I flew through it in a weekend, because it was so smoothly written.
Reporter and writer Ryan Cassidy returns to the town from which his dead grandparents hail to collect a substantial inheritance, but there is a catch. If he wants the money he must remain the isolated Canadian village for a year. With every catch comes a problem...the town IS the problem. A nest of secrets, murder and other assorted no-goodery infests the village, with the town’s reeve (mayor) at the heart of everything. Ryan didn’t count on count on getting tangled in a web of conspiracies, and he didn’t count on falling in love, either. Ryan must decide whether to get involved or hang low and just survive. Now the town’s secrets are closing in, and Ryan is running out of options and time. .
The best part of the book was the worst part – the bad guy. Renee Miller writes a rattlesnake of a bad guy. I wanted him dead from page one. Think “Canadian Saddam Hussain,” complete with evil henchmen, and you’ve got a pretty good picture. I didn’t know Canadians could be so brutal. The rest of her characters are well written, too, but the bad guy, well, he was really nasty.
Well written and easy to read, I would recommend IN THE BONES to anyone looking for a good thriller.
Reporter and writer Ryan Cassidy returns to the town from which his dead grandparents hail to collect a substantial inheritance, but there is a catch. If he wants the money he must remain the isolated Canadian village for a year. With every catch comes a problem...the town IS the problem. A nest of secrets, murder and other assorted no-goodery infests the village, with the town’s reeve (mayor) at the heart of everything. Ryan didn’t count on count on getting tangled in a web of conspiracies, and he didn’t count on falling in love, either. Ryan must decide whether to get involved or hang low and just survive. Now the town’s secrets are closing in, and Ryan is running out of options and time. .
The best part of the book was the worst part – the bad guy. Renee Miller writes a rattlesnake of a bad guy. I wanted him dead from page one. Think “Canadian Saddam Hussain,” complete with evil henchmen, and you’ve got a pretty good picture. I didn’t know Canadians could be so brutal. The rest of her characters are well written, too, but the bad guy, well, he was really nasty.
Well written and easy to read, I would recommend IN THE BONES to anyone looking for a good thriller.
November 27, 2016
I like Renée Miller. I liked her long before I ever read one of her books. I get her Underground Book Review column, Miller Time, in my inbox every Monday. Out of the thirty or so similar mailers I receive every week, it's one of the few I read on a regular basis. And, much like her column, In The Bones is snappy and sharp-witted.
Sporting a solid protagonist, and a well-drawn cast of mostly deplorable secondary characters, In The Bones takes you on a Hitchcockian ride through a rural—and ominously snowbound—Canadian town. I don’t want to spoil anyone’s mind’s eye but I think Bruce Dern should play Merle if it’s ever made into a motion picture. It would make an entertaining one for certain. There’s even a moose named Larry.
Cool story, Renée. Now my only question is whether or not that’s you on the cover.
Sporting a solid protagonist, and a well-drawn cast of mostly deplorable secondary characters, In The Bones takes you on a Hitchcockian ride through a rural—and ominously snowbound—Canadian town. I don’t want to spoil anyone’s mind’s eye but I think Bruce Dern should play Merle if it’s ever made into a motion picture. It would make an entertaining one for certain. There’s even a moose named Larry.
Cool story, Renée. Now my only question is whether or not that’s you on the cover.
May 16, 2013
It can be hard to review a book by a friend, one may even approach the book with bias at the onset of reading. That said, I found In the Bones captured me enough on the first page that continuing to read wasn't a conscious decision but a natural flow. I became engaged in the plot which was crafted to be intriguing yet easy to follow. I forgot that I was reading "Renee's book" and enjoyed the story.
My criticism is minimal but I do feel it almost wrapped up too quickly and/or too neatly. I might have liked a little more left unanswered or unresolved for the reader to exercise imagination in contemplating the possibles.
Enjoyed the read and will be reading Renee's next book, not just because she's a friend.
My criticism is minimal but I do feel it almost wrapped up too quickly and/or too neatly. I might have liked a little more left unanswered or unresolved for the reader to exercise imagination in contemplating the possibles.
Enjoyed the read and will be reading Renee's next book, not just because she's a friend.
May 23, 2013
This is a well written thrilling page-turner.
When Ryan Cassidy inherits his grandparent's house in a little backwater Canadian town he finds himself neck deep in a conspiracy that involves the whole town. Now he must unravel the mysteries and find proof that his grandparents and father were murdered before he becomes the next victim.
Renee does a great job of writing a believable, dispicable villain. By the end, I wanted to kill him myself. She also shows great incite into how the sins of the fathers can ensnare their children, and what happens when good people choose to remain silent.
When Ryan Cassidy inherits his grandparent's house in a little backwater Canadian town he finds himself neck deep in a conspiracy that involves the whole town. Now he must unravel the mysteries and find proof that his grandparents and father were murdered before he becomes the next victim.
Renee does a great job of writing a believable, dispicable villain. By the end, I wanted to kill him myself. She also shows great incite into how the sins of the fathers can ensnare their children, and what happens when good people choose to remain silent.
March 27, 2013
Renee pens "In the Bones" in a unique thriller, fast paced plot filled with twists, turns and mystery. Be warned there is plenty of sex, violence and language if your of faint heart. I was totally impressed with the very well developed and interesting characters that kept the mystery going. A great start for this new author and one that I will be following a bit more closely.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
January 15, 2014
Loved this book! Loved the secrets,corruption and characters of this town! Reminded me of the books I have read based on the Polygamist cult in Texas where Warren Jeffs is their proclaimed "Prophet". Although there was no polygamy in this story there was that power over the people in the town, that was similar to the power Warren Jeffs had on his people.
I couldn't put this book down!
I will be definitely be following Renee Miller with her future books!
I couldn't put this book down!
I will be definitely be following Renee Miller with her future books!
May 28, 2013
This book is on my top ten list with ten thumbs up. I was near the end of this book and was wanting to read more. This has a great story line, it captured me and it was very hard to put down. There is not one thing that I can say bad about it. Looking forward to my next read by this author! Great job Renee Miller, keep up the good work.
August 23, 2014
this is a very fun read, and it draws you in. There is a central mystery, and its a bit fuzzy at the end, but I couldn't put this down as I enjoyed reading it so much. Renee Miller has quite a handle on dialogue and building up likability in her main characters. I think if you're a fan of intrigue, maybe a dash of soap opera, and creepy neighbors, this should do you nicely.
April 5, 2015
Good thriller set in Northern Ontario
A guy inherits his grandparents farm with a stipulation that he must live there for a year. He quickly finds that's things a re not what they seem. Shenanigans follow. Will he figure out the mystery before the town takes care of him, like they have taken care of his family?
Good read.
A guy inherits his grandparents farm with a stipulation that he must live there for a year. He quickly finds that's things a re not what they seem. Shenanigans follow. Will he figure out the mystery before the town takes care of him, like they have taken care of his family?
Good read.
April 9, 2013
I liked the concept of this book and how all the townspeople for generations had been going along with crime and villainy due to guilty consciences and fear of consequences. I wish I had gotten more into the characters. A good read, but it didn't grab me
May 18, 2013
Overall good story full of suspense, mystery an a shit ton of corruption an evil doing!
My only complaint was the ending was abrupt an left a bit 'open' ended.
Overall good read
My only complaint was the ending was abrupt an left a bit 'open' ended.
Overall good read
April 4, 2015
Real thriller!
Couldn't put it down. An entire different plot than most thrillers. Finished at 4:30 in the morning. Quite a twist
Couldn't put it down. An entire different plot than most thrillers. Finished at 4:30 in the morning. Quite a twist
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews