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A Nest of Broken Bones
Charlotte Mallory has all the things she thought she never would – a booming career as a romance novelist, a picturesque ranch home in West Texas, and a child that doctors told her she’d never be able to bear. But what happened that night Malachi was conceived is impossible for her to explain, and the ways in which it changed her life are not all for the better.
Her son is different.
His needs are different.
To provide for him, Charlotte must do things that would make her a monster in the eyes of the world if anyone ever found out about them. But if Malachi ever finds out about the world outside the ranch where she keeps him hidden away, the carnage will be even more catastrophic.
Her son is different.
His needs are different.
To provide for him, Charlotte must do things that would make her a monster in the eyes of the world if anyone ever found out about them. But if Malachi ever finds out about the world outside the ranch where she keeps him hidden away, the carnage will be even more catastrophic.
- GenresHorror
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 11, 2025
11 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
About the author
John Ashley
5 books108 followersJohn Ashley is a freelance writer and indie author who lives in Springfield, Missouri. What started as a love for ghost stories and Goosebumps books turned into a lifelong passion for all things horror, and writing horror books is the bloody, beating heart of that passion. When he’s not writing, John enjoys watching sports, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with his wife and their three pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 1, 2025
I feel bad for giving this book a lower rating, but really struggled to get through it.
The beginning is fascinating. A mother taking care of her disturbing son at all costs. Willing to cross lines, break laws, and moral codes for her progeny.
Such a strong start leads into a stagnant story. Nothing really happens. A few characters just go round and round. We get some background on Charlotte. I mean, if you’re going to give readers a freakishly tall and kind of mutated child named Malachi, I’m expecting carnage. I want unleashed chaos, buckets of blood, a flood of gore. Instead I had to keep convincing myself to keep going, finish the book.
Things do pick up towards the end, and the final scene was crazy! However, it felt too little too late. I would’ve loved to see this level of action and intensity way earlier on.
The beginning is fascinating. A mother taking care of her disturbing son at all costs. Willing to cross lines, break laws, and moral codes for her progeny.
Such a strong start leads into a stagnant story. Nothing really happens. A few characters just go round and round. We get some background on Charlotte. I mean, if you’re going to give readers a freakishly tall and kind of mutated child named Malachi, I’m expecting carnage. I want unleashed chaos, buckets of blood, a flood of gore. Instead I had to keep convincing myself to keep going, finish the book.
Things do pick up towards the end, and the final scene was crazy! However, it felt too little too late. I would’ve loved to see this level of action and intensity way earlier on.
April 10, 2025
Plotwise, John Ashley's second novel is essentially a brilliant mashup of John Ajvide Lindqvist's vampire novel, "Let The Right One In" and Lionel Shriver's chilling "We Need to Talk About Kevin," though very differently in format (Ashley's book follows the traditional narrative form), tone (Ashley goes for action rather than atmosphere), and point (Ashley goes for a rather loud, large-scale ending, rejecting the introspective orientation of the other books). The focus isn't so much the relationship between a boy and his mother as the mother striving to build such a relationship - when the boy's a monster, and I mean that literally: no spoiler here, this is right in the synopsis. But what kind of monster is he? And how do you love a monster? Especially when the mother conceived the boy with the explicit purpose to love him, whatever may come? Is that selfish? Or is it the hell of a mother's love?
If you feel you already have the answers to such questions (or strong opinions about parenting), you'll find the book a bit underwhelming, since it expands a lot on these dilemmas from the mother's point of view. If, by contrast, such questioning sounds challenging and interesting enough, you'll surely enjoy the book: the mother's sacrifices and her actions in general, sometimes annoying other times heart-breaking, coupled with her determination to self-consciously cross a line, make for an absorbing story of her doing everything she can to prevent an escalation of violence. But is love enough? Should it be? (Perhaps it's not a coincidence that she's a dark romance author lol!).
Although the ending embeds these questions in an entirely different context, it's still worth pondering what the point of the mother's actions were, once the cost becomes glaringly obvious. That said, this is a genuine horror novel, full of horrific acts and irresolveable dilemmas, with an intricate plot which will hook you from very early on. The flashbacks are totally fascinating, throwing light on a very difficult situation whose solution seems impossible. The brutality is kept at a minimum, the creepiness is maximized instead. Overall, I recommend the book if you enjoy thrillers with a strong dose of horror.
If you feel you already have the answers to such questions (or strong opinions about parenting), you'll find the book a bit underwhelming, since it expands a lot on these dilemmas from the mother's point of view. If, by contrast, such questioning sounds challenging and interesting enough, you'll surely enjoy the book: the mother's sacrifices and her actions in general, sometimes annoying other times heart-breaking, coupled with her determination to self-consciously cross a line, make for an absorbing story of her doing everything she can to prevent an escalation of violence. But is love enough? Should it be? (Perhaps it's not a coincidence that she's a dark romance author lol!).
Although the ending embeds these questions in an entirely different context, it's still worth pondering what the point of the mother's actions were, once the cost becomes glaringly obvious. That said, this is a genuine horror novel, full of horrific acts and irresolveable dilemmas, with an intricate plot which will hook you from very early on. The flashbacks are totally fascinating, throwing light on a very difficult situation whose solution seems impossible. The brutality is kept at a minimum, the creepiness is maximized instead. Overall, I recommend the book if you enjoy thrillers with a strong dose of horror.
March 18, 2025
I received this as an ARC to read and really enjoyed it.
If im not mistaken, this was my first book by this author, but I am very interested to see what else he has. This was solid, creepy, and delivered on the end.
This, to me, really was a fast-paced, quick read, I was invested in Charlotte, who apparently has zero qualms with what she has to do, to get and keep her perfect life.
I loved to hate Charlotte, I kept thinking, how can you keep on and do these things, but at the same time, a little small piece of me could understand, and I do not like that.
That deal, they are always too good to be true, but are always such a carrot, being dangled and tempting our MC's time and again.
But how will this work out for Charlotte ?
Everything comes with a price, what will be hers?
The ending on this one, you have to read it. Nothing I could say would give you that, pay off.
Trust me.
If im not mistaken, this was my first book by this author, but I am very interested to see what else he has. This was solid, creepy, and delivered on the end.
This, to me, really was a fast-paced, quick read, I was invested in Charlotte, who apparently has zero qualms with what she has to do, to get and keep her perfect life.
I loved to hate Charlotte, I kept thinking, how can you keep on and do these things, but at the same time, a little small piece of me could understand, and I do not like that.
That deal, they are always too good to be true, but are always such a carrot, being dangled and tempting our MC's time and again.
But how will this work out for Charlotte ?
Everything comes with a price, what will be hers?
The ending on this one, you have to read it. Nothing I could say would give you that, pay off.
Trust me.
March 10, 2025
After reading The Dark Thing and Deadbolt, I couldn’t have been more excited to read A Nest of Broken Bones. Although this book was very different from the previous two, John still served up another fantastic read!
Charlotte Mallory was given a choice to have the family she always wanted. After doctors told her a child was out of the question, she stumbles upon a way to make her dreams come true. As a result, she is left fighting her moral compass to provide for the child she was always wanted. But little does she know, Sheriff Manuel is zoning in on her and her sketchy past after hearing his nephew Zion went missing. What lengths would you go for your child?
Again, this book was so different from the last two you got from John, but man it did not disappoint! I kept trying to put myself in Charlottes shoes and wondered if I would go through the lengths she does to care for her son. I loved getting the different POV’s as well from Manuel and Zion. It made the story so much more cohesive and engaging! I had such a blast reading this one and can’t wait to see what else John has in store for us in the future!
Charlotte Mallory was given a choice to have the family she always wanted. After doctors told her a child was out of the question, she stumbles upon a way to make her dreams come true. As a result, she is left fighting her moral compass to provide for the child she was always wanted. But little does she know, Sheriff Manuel is zoning in on her and her sketchy past after hearing his nephew Zion went missing. What lengths would you go for your child?
Again, this book was so different from the last two you got from John, but man it did not disappoint! I kept trying to put myself in Charlottes shoes and wondered if I would go through the lengths she does to care for her son. I loved getting the different POV’s as well from Manuel and Zion. It made the story so much more cohesive and engaging! I had such a blast reading this one and can’t wait to see what else John has in store for us in the future!
March 4, 2025
I love John Ashley and his writing, and The Dark Thing has found its place as one of my favorite books of all time. When I was given the opportunity to be an ARC reader of A Nest of Broken Bones, I couldn’t have been more excited.
I loved this book. It’s different than the debut novel, and it’s more crime/gore horror than supernatural horror, but that doesn’t affect the edge-of-your-seat pacing. I’ll never sway from the opinion that the plot, character development, and overall story development of John’s writing is top tier.
This book has a very unlikable main character, a very likable main character, and you can’t guess which one is which until you finish the story. We learn a lot about Charlotte and what direction her life takes as a direct result of actions. Do you feel for her? Do you understand her? Would you do the same? Or do you feel more sorry for Malachi who had no choice in the matter and can’t help the… differences… between him and other children?
And the choices Charlotte made have catastrophic consequences in the end. She thinks she has a happy ending coming, at least for a time, despite knowing her fate. But then comes the end… of the book.
I can’t say much else without having to click that ‘spoilers’ button below, and I don’t like to do that. So I’ll leave you with this: read all of John Ashley’s work. It’s worth it. His writing and development of a story put their hooks in you, and you can’t get them out. In the best way possible.
And… Zion and Manuel forever. <3
I loved this book. It’s different than the debut novel, and it’s more crime/gore horror than supernatural horror, but that doesn’t affect the edge-of-your-seat pacing. I’ll never sway from the opinion that the plot, character development, and overall story development of John’s writing is top tier.
This book has a very unlikable main character, a very likable main character, and you can’t guess which one is which until you finish the story. We learn a lot about Charlotte and what direction her life takes as a direct result of actions. Do you feel for her? Do you understand her? Would you do the same? Or do you feel more sorry for Malachi who had no choice in the matter and can’t help the… differences… between him and other children?
And the choices Charlotte made have catastrophic consequences in the end. She thinks she has a happy ending coming, at least for a time, despite knowing her fate. But then comes the end… of the book.
I can’t say much else without having to click that ‘spoilers’ button below, and I don’t like to do that. So I’ll leave you with this: read all of John Ashley’s work. It’s worth it. His writing and development of a story put their hooks in you, and you can’t get them out. In the best way possible.
And… Zion and Manuel forever. <3
March 12, 2025
Oops ! He’s done it again !! Another brilliant nail-biting, well-written suspenseful story !! This was so good !
April 9, 2025
A Nest Of Broken Bones by John Ashley
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! This horror book is fantastic and I did not want to put it down. I found the entire storyline entertaining, exciting and intense!!
Charlotte Mallory has always dreamed of being a successful writer and having a child, but writing isn’t going well and she is unable to have a child. Until one night when her life changed drastically after she met a mysterious stranger.
Charlotte becomes a famous writer and has a child! She will do anything for her son; even things she disagrees with and knows are wrong.
The author did an amazing job with this story! It’s so well written and I love the way he writes! There’s a good amount of creepiness and suspense and the ending had my jaw on the floor!
Thank you to John Ashley for an arc of this wonderful read!! You have become a must read author me for!
🩸*This book comes out April 11th and you definitely don’t want to miss out on it!!*🩸
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! This horror book is fantastic and I did not want to put it down. I found the entire storyline entertaining, exciting and intense!!
Charlotte Mallory has always dreamed of being a successful writer and having a child, but writing isn’t going well and she is unable to have a child. Until one night when her life changed drastically after she met a mysterious stranger.
Charlotte becomes a famous writer and has a child! She will do anything for her son; even things she disagrees with and knows are wrong.
The author did an amazing job with this story! It’s so well written and I love the way he writes! There’s a good amount of creepiness and suspense and the ending had my jaw on the floor!
Thank you to John Ashley for an arc of this wonderful read!! You have become a must read author me for!
🩸*This book comes out April 11th and you definitely don’t want to miss out on it!!*🩸
April 11, 2025
"A Nest of Broken Bones" by John Ashley is a fantastic and disturbing 5-star read!
Charlotte, a successful author, lives with her son Malachi on a ranch on the outskirts of a Texas town. This is not your average mother–son relationship, as Charlotte is forced to make difficult choices to care for him.
I absolutely loved this book! It’s extremely fast-paced, yet we still get meaningful character development for all the main characters through flashbacks to the past. This is a good-vs-evil story where you might find yourself rooting for the bad side at times—and wishing misfortune on the good side. It’s hard to explain without spoilers, but the lines between both sides are definitely blurred.
The ending was not what I was expecting, and I can’t wait to see what John Ashley writes next!
Charlotte, a successful author, lives with her son Malachi on a ranch on the outskirts of a Texas town. This is not your average mother–son relationship, as Charlotte is forced to make difficult choices to care for him.
I absolutely loved this book! It’s extremely fast-paced, yet we still get meaningful character development for all the main characters through flashbacks to the past. This is a good-vs-evil story where you might find yourself rooting for the bad side at times—and wishing misfortune on the good side. It’s hard to explain without spoilers, but the lines between both sides are definitely blurred.
The ending was not what I was expecting, and I can’t wait to see what John Ashley writes next!
April 2, 2025
This is the second book I've read by John Ashley and his writing is just brilliant.
This book is heavy on the gore and crime, with untrustworthy characters and shocking moments that will stay in my brain for a while!
Told through the past, present and mixed POVs, the story unfolds with high intensity. I don't want to say too much so I don't risk spoiling what happens but this book is 100% worth picking up when it releases!
This is true horror - it's gory and a read that'll leave you with images which will stick with you long after you finish the last page.
Thank you John Ashley for this read!
4.5/5
This book is heavy on the gore and crime, with untrustworthy characters and shocking moments that will stay in my brain for a while!
Told through the past, present and mixed POVs, the story unfolds with high intensity. I don't want to say too much so I don't risk spoiling what happens but this book is 100% worth picking up when it releases!
This is true horror - it's gory and a read that'll leave you with images which will stick with you long after you finish the last page.
Thank you John Ashley for this read!
4.5/5
June 27, 2025
First let me thank John for providing me a review copy of this ahead of release. I genuinely loved his last book The Dark Thing and was blown away by his ability to deliver a first novel of that caliber in the horror category. But whereas the haunting child character of The Dark Thing did wonders to settle eerily into my subconscious, this novel did not necessarily deliver in the same haunting manner. However, let me say off the bat, that is ok. This is a different kind of horror, one of more gore and action and a bit of moral quandary that you the reader will have to unravel for yourself.
This novel starts off with a bang as we are introduced to our "Baby Huey"-esque character, Malachi and his mother Charlotte, who is poised to do whatever it takes to sustain her gargantuan child. His appetite is carnal and her plague is maintaining it. In theory this sounds like a very odd setup and you would be right. Where the novel struggles is the explanation of this burden and I would have liked a touch more around this throughout the novel. Although we do get a glimpse of how Charlotte, our mother and famous romance novelist, found herself in this predicament, I can't help but having wanted more. In fact the ending made me wonder if there is a follow on up his sleeve...
As the novel evolves you gain a bit of insight into the human psyche John is exploring in this one, Motherhood and nurture, a woman's desire to protect her young amidst all and at any cost. Whereas in The Dark Thing we are delving into paranoia and mental illness, this centers squarely on the well agreed belief that a mother's love is the strongest bond, invisible and visible in ways other connection can only envy. I love that John has honed in on the mental aspect of parenting between these two novels and judging by the blurb about our author, I do not believe he himself to be a parent as of now. Without the first hand knowledge John has done exceptionally well to explore the realms of parenting, the connection and terror of the duty, and ultimately despite the dark nature of his writing emit instance of love and devotion some romance novelist could only dream of.
Now, as for my rating. I don't think goodreads helps this at all, I would say it is 3.5 and here is why. The good parts of this book center around motherhood and the moral questions surrounding how Charlotte found herself in this position to begin (I would spoil the novel should I say more here, read it for yourself!). I also thought that this showed how John can explore various avenues of horror, albeit borrowing familiar tropes of scary children. I thought the scenes of violence were great and truly added a movie-like atmosphere. I could see this being picked up for a screenplay without a doubt. But with every good there is some bad and I felt like the character development of Charlotte was too surface. In fact most characters were hard to connect with. I will say here that the naming convention John uses with his characters are always symbolic and with a little research you will see a larger meaning to their archetype and for that I am always thankful.
A small gripe–but the change in font between the chapters was hard for me. I know that this can be nit-picky but I couldn't help feeling thrown off every time we start a "before" chapter incorporating a different font than those within the present storyline. It felt unnecessary to me.
Overall, I still remain excited about John as an author and think he is sharpening his craft in a mighty way. I am proud to have met him on TikTok at such an early stage of his writing career and honored to have the option of reading his works before release. If you are a fan of horror and looking for a quick read with a nasty little punch, this is a good one to pick up! In fact if you liked Clown in a Cornfield or any of Adam Cesare's works I think this is something you will very much enjoy.
This novel starts off with a bang as we are introduced to our "Baby Huey"-esque character, Malachi and his mother Charlotte, who is poised to do whatever it takes to sustain her gargantuan child. His appetite is carnal and her plague is maintaining it. In theory this sounds like a very odd setup and you would be right. Where the novel struggles is the explanation of this burden and I would have liked a touch more around this throughout the novel. Although we do get a glimpse of how Charlotte, our mother and famous romance novelist, found herself in this predicament, I can't help but having wanted more. In fact the ending made me wonder if there is a follow on up his sleeve...
As the novel evolves you gain a bit of insight into the human psyche John is exploring in this one, Motherhood and nurture, a woman's desire to protect her young amidst all and at any cost. Whereas in The Dark Thing we are delving into paranoia and mental illness, this centers squarely on the well agreed belief that a mother's love is the strongest bond, invisible and visible in ways other connection can only envy. I love that John has honed in on the mental aspect of parenting between these two novels and judging by the blurb about our author, I do not believe he himself to be a parent as of now. Without the first hand knowledge John has done exceptionally well to explore the realms of parenting, the connection and terror of the duty, and ultimately despite the dark nature of his writing emit instance of love and devotion some romance novelist could only dream of.
Now, as for my rating. I don't think goodreads helps this at all, I would say it is 3.5 and here is why. The good parts of this book center around motherhood and the moral questions surrounding how Charlotte found herself in this position to begin (I would spoil the novel should I say more here, read it for yourself!). I also thought that this showed how John can explore various avenues of horror, albeit borrowing familiar tropes of scary children. I thought the scenes of violence were great and truly added a movie-like atmosphere. I could see this being picked up for a screenplay without a doubt. But with every good there is some bad and I felt like the character development of Charlotte was too surface. In fact most characters were hard to connect with. I will say here that the naming convention John uses with his characters are always symbolic and with a little research you will see a larger meaning to their archetype and for that I am always thankful.
A small gripe–but the change in font between the chapters was hard for me. I know that this can be nit-picky but I couldn't help feeling thrown off every time we start a "before" chapter incorporating a different font than those within the present storyline. It felt unnecessary to me.
Overall, I still remain excited about John as an author and think he is sharpening his craft in a mighty way. I am proud to have met him on TikTok at such an early stage of his writing career and honored to have the option of reading his works before release. If you are a fan of horror and looking for a quick read with a nasty little punch, this is a good one to pick up! In fact if you liked Clown in a Cornfield or any of Adam Cesare's works I think this is something you will very much enjoy.
March 10, 2025
Well John Ashley has done it again, another terrific horror book!
Charlotte’s life is one misfortune after another, being fired from her job accused of stealing a dark mystery person gives her a deal of a lifetime
She becomes a famous dark romance author in a small town of Texas, raising her son…….
But things aren’t as they seem
If you love good old fashioned horror you will love John Ashley’s books
Charlotte’s life is one misfortune after another, being fired from her job accused of stealing a dark mystery person gives her a deal of a lifetime
She becomes a famous dark romance author in a small town of Texas, raising her son…….
But things aren’t as they seem
If you love good old fashioned horror you will love John Ashley’s books
March 24, 2025
After reading The Dark Thing I was so excited to read this one. This one drew me right in and I couldn't put it down.
How far would a woman go to get her perfect life and everything she wants? Yikes!
Thank you so much John Ashley for the ARC!
How far would a woman go to get her perfect life and everything she wants? Yikes!
Thank you so much John Ashley for the ARC!
July 17, 2025
this book was so freaking good! my second by John Ashley with many more to come I hope! ❤️
March 8, 2025
Charlotte Mallory hasn't always had it easy. Down on her luck, she struck a deal with a stranger and got the one most important thing in life she ever wanted: a child. Little did she know, Malachi, the son she birthed, is very different from other children. As a mother, she will go to great length to provide for him, even if his nutritional needs are unconventional and what she goes through to care for him is risky.
As a mother to two young kids, I would go to the end of the world for them. But would I go as far as Charlotte? It's definitely a question I posed to myself while reading the book, as I can understand Charlotte's love for her son and protectiveness over him. It's such a morally gray area because while she also knows what she's doing is wrong, she also wants to minimize the terrible things that could happen if Malachi went into the world.
This is my first book by John Ashley (I've yet to read The Dark Thing, but it is on my list!), and I really liked his writing. The first half was a bit of a slow burn for me, but quickly picked up, and the ending was BAM - in your face action. I wouldn't mind if there was a follow-up to this one!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
4.5⭐️
As a mother to two young kids, I would go to the end of the world for them. But would I go as far as Charlotte? It's definitely a question I posed to myself while reading the book, as I can understand Charlotte's love for her son and protectiveness over him. It's such a morally gray area because while she also knows what she's doing is wrong, she also wants to minimize the terrible things that could happen if Malachi went into the world.
This is my first book by John Ashley (I've yet to read The Dark Thing, but it is on my list!), and I really liked his writing. The first half was a bit of a slow burn for me, but quickly picked up, and the ending was BAM - in your face action. I wouldn't mind if there was a follow-up to this one!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read this ARC!
4.5⭐️
March 11, 2025
Here is a horror book that you will devour and it will devour you. A Nest of Broken Bones will keep the pages turning with its twisted plot and intense drama!
One that I will forever recommend to my horror fans!
If you’re looking for an entertaining horror that will blow your mind…this is it!
Scenes are graphically painted in blood, gore, disgust, and pain. I’m here for all of it!
All of the characters are uniquely intriguing! I felt sympathy, anger, fear, disgust and shock for each!
The vivid descriptions, of Malachi, portray an image I couldn’t even hallucinate!
I’m not going to spoil this book with all the twists that play out. YOU MUST READ this book to see just how extraordinary this story is! There is so much drama with the characters and how their lives are all connected. Coincidence??
John always puts a spin on his epilogues that leaves your jaw on the floor! I can’t say enough about how much I loved this!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC!
One that I will forever recommend to my horror fans!
If you’re looking for an entertaining horror that will blow your mind…this is it!
Scenes are graphically painted in blood, gore, disgust, and pain. I’m here for all of it!
All of the characters are uniquely intriguing! I felt sympathy, anger, fear, disgust and shock for each!
The vivid descriptions, of Malachi, portray an image I couldn’t even hallucinate!
I’m not going to spoil this book with all the twists that play out. YOU MUST READ this book to see just how extraordinary this story is! There is so much drama with the characters and how their lives are all connected. Coincidence??
John always puts a spin on his epilogues that leaves your jaw on the floor! I can’t say enough about how much I loved this!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to ARC!
April 11, 2025
I loved A Nest Of Broken Bones! I had already read The Dark Thing, and it became my favorite read of last year, so when I heard about A Nest Of Broken Bones, I was super thrilled to be able to read it. John Ashley did not disappoint. It reminded me of Suffer The Children. It definitely had similar vibes to it but different. Different in a good way. It focuses on what we are capable of being a parent who is faced with decisions that most of us would struggle with. It's a horror book, so it has supernatural elements and has some gory parts to it, which just made it even more creepy, in my opinion. John Ashley is now an automatic buy for me. I will definitely be buying a physical copy to add to my personal library. I loved loved loved this book.
March 1, 2025
After reading "Dark Thing" and "Deadbolt," I eagerly awaited John Ashley's latest publication.
While the adage discourages judging books by their covers, I must commend the exceptional cover art; it is aesthetically pleasing and perfectly complements the narrative.
This novel, mirroring the author's previous works, showcases masterful writing. Ashley's atmospheric prose held my complete attention, resulting in a single-day reading session due to the compelling storyline and characters. The pacing was ideal, and the narrative's thought-provoking nature and unique plotline are noteworthy.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you, too, John Ashley, for the ARC copy of this book. I'm my review, my thoughts and opinions are my own
While the adage discourages judging books by their covers, I must commend the exceptional cover art; it is aesthetically pleasing and perfectly complements the narrative.
This novel, mirroring the author's previous works, showcases masterful writing. Ashley's atmospheric prose held my complete attention, resulting in a single-day reading session due to the compelling storyline and characters. The pacing was ideal, and the narrative's thought-provoking nature and unique plotline are noteworthy.
I highly recommend this book.
Thank you, too, John Ashley, for the ARC copy of this book. I'm my review, my thoughts and opinions are my own
March 13, 2025
After devouring the author’s debut novel, The Dark Thing, and loving it, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one. With a smooth and easy writing style that draws you in from the very beginning, this book was easy to finish in just a couple of sittings. And while I thought I knew where the story was headed, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I hadn’t quite figured out the whole thing. How far would you go to get what you want and to protect the person who means the most to you?
March 15, 2025
This is a fantastic horror novel which puts a mother's love for her child into horrific and bloody chaos.
Mallory is a successful romance author who lives in a very secluded ranch with her son. We get a terrifying glimpse into what she must do for her son almost immediately. Because her son isn't quite normal.
He's a typical little boy in a lot of ways. Except his growth spurt hasn't ended and neither has his hunger. He needs blood, flesh, and bones to live and Mallory provides these for him by luring strangers to the ranch.
While this might seem like a standard splattery story, it has a lot of depth. Sure, there's going to be gruesome scenes of carnage and brutality, but the love Mallory has for her son along with her true squimishness and sorrow for what she has to do is highlighted throughout. This creates a conflicted feeling for the reader. She's not a bad person but she does some horrible things even if it's for the "right" reason.
But everything comes with a price. When a victim turns out to be the sheriff's nephew, things are going to get tense and bloody when they begin to focus on her as she tries to keep her son and his secret safe.
We never really know what the boy is. Vampire, werewolf, something else? That's left for you to decide but we will see how she met the father and he's as every bit creepy as you would imagine.
This is a great, terrifying, brutal novel which hits all the marks it was going for. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Mallory is a successful romance author who lives in a very secluded ranch with her son. We get a terrifying glimpse into what she must do for her son almost immediately. Because her son isn't quite normal.
He's a typical little boy in a lot of ways. Except his growth spurt hasn't ended and neither has his hunger. He needs blood, flesh, and bones to live and Mallory provides these for him by luring strangers to the ranch.
While this might seem like a standard splattery story, it has a lot of depth. Sure, there's going to be gruesome scenes of carnage and brutality, but the love Mallory has for her son along with her true squimishness and sorrow for what she has to do is highlighted throughout. This creates a conflicted feeling for the reader. She's not a bad person but she does some horrible things even if it's for the "right" reason.
But everything comes with a price. When a victim turns out to be the sheriff's nephew, things are going to get tense and bloody when they begin to focus on her as she tries to keep her son and his secret safe.
We never really know what the boy is. Vampire, werewolf, something else? That's left for you to decide but we will see how she met the father and he's as every bit creepy as you would imagine.
This is a great, terrifying, brutal novel which hits all the marks it was going for. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
March 8, 2025
4.5/5⭐, rounded up
Charlotte Mallory has it all - fame, fortune and the most important thing of all - the love of her precious son, Malachi. What Charlotte did for this 'perfect life' will haunt her forever, and the ramifications, as bad as they are now, may prove to be earth-shattering.
This hooked me right from the jump and didn't stop until the explosive finale. Ashley crafts a grisly tale here of the lengths one woman will go to for the perfect life and perfect love, that morphs into horror of epic proportions. And despite the most heinous acts, Ashley skillfully keeps the characters sympathetic and real, even as you feel their ultimate doom approaching. And Ashley pulls no punches.
The plot's momentum was near perfect, the story's structure fashioned to draw you in, just so, with the unfolding mystery. The story, structure, characters and pacing seamlessly meld into an unforgettable horror novel with a mother's love at its core.
My thanks to the author, John Ashley, for an ARC of this novel.
Charlotte Mallory has it all - fame, fortune and the most important thing of all - the love of her precious son, Malachi. What Charlotte did for this 'perfect life' will haunt her forever, and the ramifications, as bad as they are now, may prove to be earth-shattering.
This hooked me right from the jump and didn't stop until the explosive finale. Ashley crafts a grisly tale here of the lengths one woman will go to for the perfect life and perfect love, that morphs into horror of epic proportions. And despite the most heinous acts, Ashley skillfully keeps the characters sympathetic and real, even as you feel their ultimate doom approaching. And Ashley pulls no punches.
The plot's momentum was near perfect, the story's structure fashioned to draw you in, just so, with the unfolding mystery. The story, structure, characters and pacing seamlessly meld into an unforgettable horror novel with a mother's love at its core.
My thanks to the author, John Ashley, for an ARC of this novel.
April 8, 2025
My first work by John Ashley! Great cover and a very accessible read. I finished this one in two sittings and was definitely entertained.
In A Nest of Broken Bones we follow author, Charlotte. She lives in a rural area of TX with her strange son, Malachi. Most of the characters weren’t particularly likable. Zion was cool but I found little redeeming about most of the others. The story is a somewhat standard one and while Ashley puts a different spin on this one, I did struggle to connect with this one. I had some big plausibility issues with some of the police procedural aspects, which pulled me out of the story quite a bit. I also struggled with Charlotte’s motivations. I have kids so I get it, but just couldn’t reconcile some things.
There is some heavy gore in this one (tw for horse death) but it’s a slower burn and much of the craziness happens off page. The ending was a fun one but I do think the middle portion could have been fleshed out a bit more. We take a lot of time jumps but it may have aided in feeling more sympathetic to the characters. I’d definitely be open to checking out more of John Ashley’s work in the future, but this one wasn’t quite my vibe.
In A Nest of Broken Bones we follow author, Charlotte. She lives in a rural area of TX with her strange son, Malachi. Most of the characters weren’t particularly likable. Zion was cool but I found little redeeming about most of the others. The story is a somewhat standard one and while Ashley puts a different spin on this one, I did struggle to connect with this one. I had some big plausibility issues with some of the police procedural aspects, which pulled me out of the story quite a bit. I also struggled with Charlotte’s motivations. I have kids so I get it, but just couldn’t reconcile some things.
There is some heavy gore in this one (tw for horse death) but it’s a slower burn and much of the craziness happens off page. The ending was a fun one but I do think the middle portion could have been fleshed out a bit more. We take a lot of time jumps but it may have aided in feeling more sympathetic to the characters. I’d definitely be open to checking out more of John Ashley’s work in the future, but this one wasn’t quite my vibe.
September 26, 2025
Just finished “A Nest of Broken Bones” by John Ashley.
It’s a story that is as heart wrenching as it is gruesome. Author Charlotte Mallory lives a reclusive life in the Texas countryside. Her reclusive lifestyle is not by choice but by force. Her son, Malachi, is not like other kids his age. He’s certainly not suited for a life among other people.
Charlotte’s, and to a good extent, Malachi’s, story is one of what incredible, even immoral and illegal, lengths family will go to do what is best for their own. With a strong cast of main characters, all of whom are easily relatable in some capacity, the book takes you on a ride you will surely enjoy.
4 1/2 ⭐️ out of 5.
It’s a story that is as heart wrenching as it is gruesome. Author Charlotte Mallory lives a reclusive life in the Texas countryside. Her reclusive lifestyle is not by choice but by force. Her son, Malachi, is not like other kids his age. He’s certainly not suited for a life among other people.
Charlotte’s, and to a good extent, Malachi’s, story is one of what incredible, even immoral and illegal, lengths family will go to do what is best for their own. With a strong cast of main characters, all of whom are easily relatable in some capacity, the book takes you on a ride you will surely enjoy.
4 1/2 ⭐️ out of 5.
April 11, 2025
What would you do to protect your child? What if you knew there was something evil about your child? That was the difficult decision Charlotte made every day. Her one wish was to have a family, and when she was approached by a strange man that promised to make her dreams come true, she didn't hesitate. She got her wish, but she immediately knew there was something different, special about Malachi. After the mysterious death of the babysitter, she realized what needed to happen. She would do everything in her power to protect her son from the world, and the world from her son.
May 17, 2025
This was an ARC that was, graciously, offered by the author, John Ashely. I was hooked into the story from the first chapter. Great character development. Interesting storyline. The beginning of the story was great! Kept me on my toes and interested. It slowed down in the middle and it was a little more difficult to keep the excitement up. The ending picked back up and finished out the story open ended. While there were low points, for me, this is a great and imaginative story that I, personally, would like to listen to in audio. Hint. Hint. 3.5 stars for me.
August 3, 2025
Wow!! First book I read by this author, but it's definitely not the last. The book was a quick easy read with the premise of "what would you do for your child?" And, then it got creepy. OK, to be honest, it started creepy and got creepier. And of course, I knew how it was going to end, till I didn't. And didn't even come close to what I KNEW was going to happen. I love a book that catches me off guard.
Biggest complaint about the book....it's Abilene...not Abelene.
Biggest complaint about the book....it's Abilene...not Abelene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
John Ashley is an auto buy author for me. With that said, I didn't love it. The beginning is amazing and pulls you in with such a strong start about a mom that will do anything, literally, for he child. I found that the story then becomes stagnant...
It does pick back up towards the end and ends up blowing your mind; but it was too late, IMO
It does pick back up towards the end and ends up blowing your mind; but it was too late, IMO
April 15, 2025
A mother will do anything to care for her son no matter the cost she is willing to cross lines, break laws anything to keep him safe but at was cost to others? He has a ravish appetite that only flesh and blood can fill. There is some heavy gore in this book and the ending was crazy
May 21, 2025
This book was great! It just shows how far a mother will go for her children. If you are a mom that would fight for your child, I would give this book a try. Even if you aren't fully into horror. John did a fantastic job on this book!
August 2, 2025
3 1/2 stars
I love the Dark Thing by John Ashley but this one was not as good.
Premise was great but it failed to grab me 100%. Tge ending of course packed a punch. I wouldn’t expect anything less from JA.
I love the Dark Thing by John Ashley but this one was not as good.
Premise was great but it failed to grab me 100%. Tge ending of course packed a punch. I wouldn’t expect anything less from JA.
April 11, 2025
John Ashley has given us a bit of a gore fest here, as opposed to a, let's say, supernatural horror novel.
Not that that's a bad thing.
In fact, it's a very good thing. This is the story of Charlotte, a Romance novelist, and her son, Malachi, a son she was told she'd never be able to bear. This is the story of a mother's love, and the lengths a mom would go for her child.
Even if the child was different.
Different in many ways, different in size, different in appetite, different in thirst.
Charlotte is compelled to do whatever she has to in order to feed her son and protect him from the world outside their ranch.
Because, God forbid the outside world ever finds out about Malachi.
And God forbid Malachi ever finds out about them.
Mr. Ashley has delivered a very well written and original story that is perfectly paced, with well developed characters. This is my first crack at Mr. Ashley's writing, but I can assure you, if this is any indication, it will certainly not be my last.
Not that that's a bad thing.
In fact, it's a very good thing. This is the story of Charlotte, a Romance novelist, and her son, Malachi, a son she was told she'd never be able to bear. This is the story of a mother's love, and the lengths a mom would go for her child.
Even if the child was different.
Different in many ways, different in size, different in appetite, different in thirst.
Charlotte is compelled to do whatever she has to in order to feed her son and protect him from the world outside their ranch.
Because, God forbid the outside world ever finds out about Malachi.
And God forbid Malachi ever finds out about them.
Mr. Ashley has delivered a very well written and original story that is perfectly paced, with well developed characters. This is my first crack at Mr. Ashley's writing, but I can assure you, if this is any indication, it will certainly not be my last.
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