All the Silent Bones

by Gregory Funaro

When they were boys, Ray Dawley, Eddie Sayers, and Matthew Kauffman were the best of friends. Then new kid Bobby “Bones” Bonetti fell through the ice at Blackamore Pond. The other boys saved Bobby from drowning, but something else came out of the water that day, something dangerous that would tear their friendship apart and set one of them on a dark path.

Forty years after the incident on the ice, Ray, a retired college professor, has moved back into his childhood home. Eddie is a retired homicide detective, and Matthew is a successful investment banker. Bobby, who is on disability from his job as a corrections officer at a juvenile detention center, has a secret: the darkness that found him under the ice when he was a kid has made him do terrible things.

Following a reunion at Ray’s house, Matthew is found murdered in his car beside the old pond. The killer includes a chilling message that only the three remaining friends would recognize. Could one of their own be a murderer?

All the Silent Bones, a tense and disturbing thriller told from alternating perspectives of morally complex characters, explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma and its influence on adult relationships.

Genres: Horror, Thriller, Audiobook, Adult

344 pages, Paperback

Published June 9, 2025

About the author

Gregory Funaro is a NY Times best-selling author of stories for both children and adults. His books have been translated into over a half-dozen languages and have received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and ALA Booklist. WATCH HOLLOW (HarperCollins, 2019) was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. His latest adult novel, ALL THE SILENT BONES, will be released in June of 2025. Gregory is a professor emeritus and lives with his family in Rhode Island, where he is busy working on his next novel. Please visit his official web site at www.gregoryfunaro.com.

Twitter: @GregoryFunaro
Instagram: Gregory.Funaro

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley, Book sirens and the publisher for the opportunity to read this phenomenal book!

This story pulled me in from the very first page and never let go. Gregory Funaro’s writing is so immersive and vivid—I felt like I was right there beside the characters, experiencing every twist, emotion, and eerie moment with them. The pacing was spot-on, the atmosphere was rich, and the characters were deeply real. I absolutely loved this book and will be recommending it to every thriller lover I know.

[Rainbow Goth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is divided into two parts. The first part felt slow and a bit dull to me. I understand it was meant to set the stage for the story, but I wish it had gotten to the main action more quickly.

In contrast, the second half really picked up the pace, and I found it much more enjoyable. I was glad I pushed through the slower beginning.

I liked the author's writing style overall, but there was one word that got really annoying: "dumbass." If I heard it one more time, I might have thrown my Kindle! It just started to bug me.

Another issue I had was how conveniently everything was wrapped up at the end. It felt unrealistic for a killer to confess all their secrets at once. This kind of big reveal works better in cosy mysteries, where everyone gathers in one room for the big truth moment. It felt a bit cliché and not believable.

Overall, this isn’t a bad book at all. The author is clearly talented and has a knack for storytelling, but there were a few parts that detracted from my overall enjoyment.

Thanks to the author, publishers and Booksirens for the ARC of this book.

[Milt Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All the Silent Bones" leans more towards a typical crime thriller than horror, but the (admittedly limited but crucial) touch of horror pervading the book is so well-done, I'd have no problem if the book were marketed as wholly horror. I enjoyed it from start to finish, despite the ending building on elements of the story very much in the background (and including an off-putting "villain monologue" at the end as well). It's also a slow burn, the most important part of the plot (driving the rest of the story forward) appearing midway through the book.

I would not consider any of this a flaw, however, since Funaro's writing shows incredible craftmanship, impressive attention to detail, and superb dialogue and characterization. It manages to tell an original story with the main characters being a group of male friends, portrayed both as kids and adults, without going the way of "IT" or "The Body" (as it usually happens), it captures the Rhode Island atmosphere perfectly, the themes of family issues and overall traumatic childhood are handled in an exemplary manner (with neither much fanfare nor turning everything into a crusade or a social message), and, finally, the darkness it deals with is displayed with uncanny precision and compelling realism.

My single complaint would be that the novel is so good, I really wanted more from it in relation to horror. It was disappointing that Bobby, the kid whose life derails when something bad happens to him as a teen, and who, as an adult, turned out to have so much potential for creepiness, all but remained untapped. I'm not saying that Funaro wasted a perfectly good character, who might have turned the story into a fascinating horror tale of possession and associated supernatural phenomena (the book does include these); I'm only noting that the author presses harder on the mystery thriller/police procedural aspects of the story, and, after some point, unnecessarily foregoes horror altogether.

In sum, this is a page-turner, and will easily satisfy lovers of horror, urban crime stories, detective tales, and psychological thrillers. Highly recommended!

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

All the Silent Bones ended up being a letdown for me. Despite being described as a “thriller”, the main event that kicks off the story (at least according to the blurb) doesn’t occur until almost halfway through the book. I spent the entire first half of the book wondering if the “tense and exciting” parts promised in the description were ever going to occur. Eventually enough started happening that it pulled me in, but the whole thing felt surprisingly slow paced.

I also found most of the characters to be disappointingly one-dimensional. Despite the story being told from the perspectives of multiple people, none of them felt very “real”, and many of the internal monologues felt so disconnected from the main story being told that I found it difficult to care about them.

Without giving too much away, there is a reveal at one point about a diagnosis of one of the characters that I personally find to be pretty overused in mystery/thriller fiction. It could just be my personal bias due to having read a number of books where this is used as a “twist”, but it’s something that I don’t feel is particularly unique or surprising anymore, and in this case I didn’t even think it added that much to the story, besides maybe giving the villain some more “ammo”?

Speaking of the villain, the whole “bad guy reveals entire plan in a monologue” cliche just doesn’t cut it for me anymore.

All in all I think this book will appeal to readers who want something quick and entertaining to read, but it didn’t end up being my cup of tea at all.

[Ana]

I don’t want to give a star rating for a book I didn’t finish, but I couldn’t keep going with it. By 30% there was still no movement on the story. There are many different POV characters and each one comes with a bunch of other characters being introduced and talked about. So much of the history of each character is just told as soon as the character gets introduced and it’s just pages and pages of what happened in their past that I just kind of lost interest in the overall plot of the book. I’m not even sure what the plot was in the end? And I couldn’t really keep up with who was who. I would think that by a third of the way through a book you’d have the plot and the main characters well established and to the point where the reader is engaged, and I just wasn’t.

The actual style of writing was great and fit the tone of the book (I say this because I don’t normally like when lots of swear words or slang is used but it kind of fit this book so it was ok).

Anyway I had high hopes initially but I think that I’m just not the right audience for it.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book got under my skin in a way I wasn’t expecting. On the surface, it’s a classic thriller setup: childhood friends bound by a traumatic event, a mysterious death years later, and secrets that won’t stay buried. But All the Silent Bones does more than just check the boxes — it lingers in that uncomfortable space where memory, guilt, and identity collide.

The characters are messy in a good way. Ray, Eddie, Matthew, and Bobby each carry the weight of what happened at Blackamore Pond differently. The story doesn’t flinch from showing how trauma doesn’t just go away — it morphs, festers, and reshapes a life. Especially Bobby, whose arc is the darkest, but also the most tragic. The way the book keeps you toggling between sympathy and suspicion is smart, and sometimes unsettling.

Thank you for allowing me to ARC read for an honest review

[Jessica Chiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! All the Silent Bones is an incredible novel. From the very first page, it grips you—seamlessly blending nostalgia, friendship, and the raw realities of life, heartbreak, and mental health. The story is intricately woven, demanding your full attention, but the reward is well worth it.

Beautifully and tragically written, this novel explores the complexities of life, the weight of tragedy, and the enduring power of lifelong friendship. Don’t miss this unforgettable read!

Publication day June 9th 2025

Thank you to BookSirens, the publisher and Gregory Funaro for the advance copy.

[Kate Lockley-Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. The writing was great. There was just enough backstory sprinkled throughout, the characters were relatable, and the plot was interesting. Thank you Book Sirens for the chance to read and review this great book!

The story revolves around 4 men who were forever tethered by an incident on the ice of a frozen pond as kids. One snow day defined them all. Bobby, the survivor. Ray and Matt 2 of the 3 courageous heroes and Eddie, the anchor. All of them permanently changed. When Bobby, Ray, Matt, and Eddie went sledding that day, none of them expected Tommy to hit his head and especially never thought he would run away from the banks onto the thin ice only to fall through. Luckily, the boys were able to make a human chain and pulled Bobby to safety. Although Bobby was safe, he would never be the same.

As adults, the men had drifted apart throughout adolescence. Married. Stayed single. Had kids. Didn't. But when Matt's brother dies, his funeral brings 3 of the 4 childhood friends back together. After the service, the severed group has a 'guys night'. A night like old times, except with a $500 bottle of Bowmore whiskey instead of the cheap stuff they drank only because it was what they could get their hands on. But the morning reveals a 2nd death. Matt is found murdered at the pond. the same pond that changed the groups dynamic decades earlier.

Police are quick to think Matt's murder could be related
to the death of a low-level mobster wannabe that recently assaulted his girlfriend, Matt's neice Debbie. The daughter of Matt's recently deceased brother.

Initially, Ray and Eddie are suspects. They stated they woke up with no recollection of the night after enjoying the expensive whiskey. As the story progresses, they are both eliminated (thanks to Eddie being a retired cop), and things about the murder scene are eerily reminiscent of the mens' past at the pond.

What the police don't know, is that Bobby pulled the trigger that killed Debbie's abusive boyfriend. According to Bobby, he was preventing Ronnie from doing something bad. Bobby had a self proclaimed ability to see a person's bad intentions via their aura. This aura became visible to him after falling through the ice and facing death.

Throughout the rest of the story, it becomes clear that Bobby was effected much more than anyone thought. He secretly visits therapist Dr. Natalia Morris (who happens to be Ray's 3rd wife) under an alias. She diagnoses him with Disassociative Personality Disorder (DID) based on his visits. But is Bobby faking the DID like his fake name?

You'll have to read it to find out!

As the story continues, it is difficult to predict how it will all come together. There are a few moments of misdirection and insights expertly written throughout to keep the reader guessing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marissa Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

All the Silent Bones by Gregory Funaro has some of the most beautifully described scenes that would translate so effortlessly on film. The description of the novel tells readers that it is a story that shows the impact of childhood trauma; my favorite part about this theme is how much effort the author puts into making sure what the characters experienced as children really effects the characters in a realistic way as adults.

I love how none of the characters are 100% good, or “morally grey” as it’s described. I love the humanity within the story. Funaro does a great job of making sure you are with the characters as they experience adulthood versus their childhood and how that trauma never really left. I did enjoy the switch in perspectives as well. Again, it keeps the story focused on having the reader lock in to the characters.

The switch in POVs keeps the pace, but pacing was my biggest problem with the book. The second half picks up, but the beginning drags a bit, and I almost considered not finishing. I am glad that I stuck it out to the end. The first half sets up the foundations for the second half; however, I think there’s too much foundation. Some things are best left for the reader to imagine, especially with a suspense/thriller. To leave the human mind to ponder the worst rather than it being directly shown would level this book up, in my opinion.

The author clearly has a lot of talent and fantastic story ideas. I am more of a show don’t tell reader. The imagery presented is stunning and so vivid, and I would never say that should change. There are bits that keep telling what happened, when showing would have elevated the book.

Overall, it’s a good book for a casual read, though it does switch POVs and talks about a lot of other characters, so be sure to keep them all straight! It is an available on Kindle Unlimited and is worth the read if the description or genre speaks to you!

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: All the Silent Bones by Gregory Funaro

Overview
Gregory Funaro’s All the Silent Bones is a gripping, psychologically intense thriller that weaves together the perspectives of morally ambiguous characters haunted by childhood trauma. Set against a backdrop of buried secrets and simmering violence, the novel explores how past wounds shape present actions, delivering a narrative that is as unsettling as it is compelling. Funaro’s sharp prose and knack for tension make this a standout in the genre, though some plot twists may feel familiar to seasoned thriller readers.

Score Breakdown (0-5)
Themes & Depth (4.5/5)
Funaro delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the cyclical nature of violence with remarkable nuance. The exploration of childhood trauma’s lingering effects is particularly potent, though a few thematic threads could benefit from deeper resolution.

Character Development (4.3/5)
The alternating perspectives shine, offering layered insights into each character’s motivations and flaws. The protagonist’s moral complexity is a highlight, though some secondary characters feel slightly underdeveloped in comparison.

Pacing & Structure (4/5)
The dual timelines and shifting viewpoints create a relentless pace, though the middle section drags slightly with exposition. The final act’s revelations are well-executed, if occasionally predictable.

Atmosphere & Tension (4.7/5)
Funaro excels at crafting a claustrophobic, dread-soaked atmosphere. The convent setting (implied in the title) adds gothic weight, and the suspense is masterfully sustained.

Originality (3.8/5)
While the execution elevates familiar thriller tropes (buried secrets, unreliable narrators), the core premise doesn’t break new ground. Funaro’s distinctive voice and emotional depth, however, set it apart.

Overall Rating: 4.3/5
A haunting, character-driven thriller that lingers long after the final page. Funaro’s ability to balance psychological depth with page-turning suspense makes All the Silent Bones a must-read for fans of dark, morally complex narratives.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Gregory Funaro for providing an advance review copy. This critique reflects my unbiased evaluation.

Note: This review is based on an ARC; minor changes may appear in the final publication.

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pond from Hell

WOW! This book is one psychological suspense thriller. This is my first read from author Gregory Funaro, and I was blown away at his talent for blending family, mental trauma, and murder, from childhood friends to dangerous grown adults.
The book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the whole book. Although it was a long drawn out book, I had to finish reading it until the very end to see how the characters played out in the end.
It must have taken the author along time to write this book as it entailed very detailed and thought into each character's inner emotion and thought pattern. Especially in the surprise ending. I never would have thought that character was the murderer and why they did what they did and the meticulously way they handled it all.
I truly would love to read more from this author on psychological thrillers.

[Mj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four boys go into the woods. Four boys come out of the woods but one of them is no longer like the others. Four best friends growing up together in a 60's neighborhood, jockeying for dominance, keeping secrets, sharing adventures, pulling pranks until that one day when a prank turns dangerously deadly and the four are forever changed.

Decades later they are reunited at the funeral of one's brother and plan one last boy's night of drinking and tales of glory. The next morning one will be murdered and the others suspects.

Silent Bones never lets up on the tension and the conclusion is bittersweet. The story of the four boys to men is masterful. The murder mystery is contrived. My score is 4.5.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Melina L · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a good 80% of the book I was convinced I knew what was going to happen. The characters were intriguing and damaged in their own ways and that’s what kept me pressing on. I hit the last 20% of the book and I was absolutely blown away, the twist was so well planned and thought out that I could feel the characters betrayal in my own bones.

Throughout the book it almost felt like there was too much background information on B line characters, but I was ultimately grateful for all of the history.

Despite a slow start this book was phenomenal, a stronger and more gripping opening would have earned five starts. None the less, I will suggest this book to anyone willing to listen.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Silent Bones is one more complicated, intriguing, twisted story. It is told from the viewpoint of several characters, which at times was a bit confusing, but not enough to impair my enjoyment of the book. Also, let me warn you; there are times when the story moves slowly, but don't give up on it. If you do, you will miss the best ending of a story I have come across in a while. It came out of left field, but all the clues I needed to solve it were there, if I had been paying attention. I will be looking for more of Mr. Funaro's work, it's that good. I highly recommend this story. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens, and this review reflects my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn’t expect much but by the end I was laughing because the twists really got me.

I felt like I should have known but the way the characters were written I was thinking I should just trust that the “good” characters remain good and the “bad” ones would as well. The last quarter of the story proved me wrong that’s for sure.

It took a little to get going and there were some characters that were focused on too much and not enough on others. In the end it was worth it.

Things were tied up fairly neatly but I do wish that the reader got a little more insight into the lead up, just a few breadcrumbs.

Overall, a thrilling story of trauma, bonding, and the trickle effect on all those involved.

Solid read!

Thank you Book Sirens! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for providing a copy of this book; I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

I was intrigued by the synopsis but I found it difficult to focus and follow the flow of this book. I considered DNF during the initial character development at the beginning, but I felt the need to follow through a little longer. This story is told from the POV of several characters, which took me longer than I’d like to admit to keep straight in my head as I read.

On the other hand, I appreciated the emotions that were stirred throughout this read. I’m glad I decided to keep reading this book and would likely recommend it to others who enjoy stories with characters who are battling their own personal demons, the lasting effects of childhood trauma, guilt, and grief.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 4 out of 5]

You were just a kid then
Have you ever had something in your past drive how you are today, or make you terrified of something?
This story is most definitely psychological. It makes a person dig into their own past and wonder, ' What if this had been different?'
When these boys had one of them fall through the ice but lived through that, and one made a very different action, and then commented, could something like that change the course of all of them?
I do believe so. When it is something as strange as cutting off the tail of a fish, throwing it back into the water with the comment "fish can grow their tales back", I think just reading this book will make me think of this often, and I was not in the story, but the story will stay with me.
Thank you, Gregory Funaro, for a good story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Soumya Purohit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. If the pace was a little more faster than it actually was I would have given it 4.5 or 5 may be.

Characters were explained in a great detail, I really liked it. Also, some where in between the story, I think half way down, I realized the reason behind the murder but just only to know who is the culprit, I finished it.

All opinions are my own in return for an ARC for free.
It was 3.8 out of 5 for me. The end really took me off, so extra marks for that!!

[RavenReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Silent Bones is a wild, fast paced ride that kept me turning pages, even when I wasn’t entirely sure where it was taking me. While I genuinely enjoyed the read, I think this novel struggles a bit with genre identity. At various points, it feels like a police procedural, an organized crime thriller, a supernatural mystery, and a psychological drama, and a murder mystery... all rolled into one. The frequent shifts in tone and direction left me feeling a bit disoriented, as if I had genre whiplash.

That said, where this book truly shines is in its character work. Gregory Funaro delivers a masterclass in character development, making even a wide cast feel fully realized and their motivations crystal clear. Each character’s actions felt grounded and believable, which is no small feat in a story juggling so many elements.

Even though I found myself scratching my head at the plot’s twists and the story’s overall genre trajectory, the strength of the characters kept me invested from start to finish. If you're looking for a thriller with rich character arcs and don’t mind a bit of narrative chaos along the way, All the Silent Bones is worth the read.

Many thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial, and Gregory Funaro for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written thriller with good characters building. A childhood trauma changes the dynamics of a young group of friends, and as adults, the cracks begin to show. I enjoyed the storyline and the unexpected twist at the end. A recommended read. I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tognabalogna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edge of your seat thriller! Funaro explores trauma and its consequences across multiple complex characters. The early childhood accident that scars all involved but in very different ways. The setting, working class RI is its own character and is captured perfectly. At times funny, moving, with twists and surprises.

[Caitlin Justice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to BookSirens for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
All the Silent Bones by Gregory Funaro tells the story of four childhood friends - Bobby, Ray, Eddie, and Matthew. When Bobby falls through a pond's thin ice, it defines the rest of their childhood and still haunts them decades later.
I really liked the flashback storytelling of this book, where we learned slowly what defined the main characters in their adult lives. This kept the tension, and the mystery made me want to keep reading. I also loved the plot twist at the end because I did not see it coming!
Sometimes the characters talked in a way that was not quite believable, but it did not impact the story for me. Otherwise, the characters seemed real since they obviously had realistic human flaws.
This was definitely a five-star rating due to the excitement of the story. This book introduced me to a new author that I like, so I will be seeking out Gregory's books in the future.

[Clarkfamilybooks]

All the Silent Bones is packed with suspense and has plenty of twists and turns for lovers of horror, crime thrillers and/or psychological thrillers. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn or Stephen King.

[enchanted_reader1976 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a page turner from day one. I love both views of the boys as kids and adults. It is more thriller than horror which was perfect for me. Highly recommend

[Emily Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two friends save another friend but they didn't just save their friend. What happens when something dark is attached to you. Creepy.

[J'Lyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the pacing of this book. Ths is my first time reading from this author and I wasn't disappointed! Thank you for the ARC copy

[Jennifer Hinton-marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gregory Funaro’s All the Silent Bones is a riveting, emotionally charged thriller that masterfully blends suspense, nostalgia, and heartbreak. Set in Rhode Island, this haunting tale weaves past and present, following childhood friends Ray, Bobby, and Eddie as a long-buried tragedy at Blackamore Pond resurfaces with deadly consequences. Funaro’s vivid prose and atmospheric storytelling create a slow-burning tension that crescendos into a gripping climax.
The characters are richly drawn and flawed, from Bobby’s tragic complexity to Ray’s guilt-ridden resilience and Eddie’s gritty determination. The pacing is flawless, with evocative flashbacks and a chilling mystery that keeps you guessing. Themes of guilt, silence, and the past’s lingering weight elevate this beyond a typical thriller. A must-read for fans of psychological suspense, All the Silent Bones is a five-star triumph that showcases Funaro’s storytelling prowess. Highly recommended!

[Jessica J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I requested a copy of this book because it did not disappoint. I usually get quickly bored with a lot of backstory about multiple characters, however, it felt different in this book. I think the past was so perfectly blended that most all of it felt necessary, like it contributed to the story as a whole. The characters were perfectly crafted & I had no issues "believing" any of them. I was hooked by the very first page. The only reason for 4-stars instead of 5 is because, while I enjoyed most of the backstory, at some point after the 60% mark, it did feel like there was a bit too much & I was ready for things to pick back up quicker than they did. That said, I never skimmed a page or lost interest. Overall, this was a great story that felt unique, dark, tragic, slightly creepy, and very memorable. I highly recommend it. Thank you to Book Sirens for my copy of this book!

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping psychological thriller which might shake you to your core...

Rating: 4/5 for everything

Plot: The blurb and prologue are so engaging that you would be drawn to read this book. Thus, I honestly don't want to give any summary

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Police investigations, Detectives

Highlight:
+Character entanglement
+Committed to the genre
+Compelling writing style

My experience: This book kept me on a hook to read it. The blurb and prologue gave me clear warning of triggers and how the whole plot is enticingly spooky, and this was the sole reason that I read this book. It took me a lot more time to finish this book than I planned. I would definitely recommend it to those who like psychological thrillers, crimes and mysteries.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

so good! i love a good mystery/detective-type book, and this one kept me on my toes! the twist was so good, and i really think everyone who enjoys this sort of book should read this one!!!