A Garden of Bones: Blood Runs Thicker . . . #1

by Andy Done-Johnson

In 2013, the skeletal remains of two elderly people, William and Patricia Wycherley, were unearthed from the back garden of the house they had mysteriously left 15 years earlier. But why were their relatives still getting Christmas cards from them until the year before they were found? Why were they still on the electoral roll and why were they still replying to letters from their doctor? Suspicion soon falls on their daughter Susan Edwards, who tells a tale of family feud and betrayal, and a freak accident that led to her parents’ deaths and a forced cover-up. But is she telling the truth, or have she and her husband Christopher concocted the story so they can literally get away with murder? Based on real events, A Garden of Bones explores one of the most brutal and notorious murders in recent times and is told through the eyes of a down-at-heel news reporter looking for the scoop that could revive his career, a senior detective hoping for the next step up the greasy career ladder, and Susan Edwards, the downtrodden daughter whose fantasist personality makes it hard to know what is real and what is not.

324 pages, Paperback

Published March 13, 2020

About the author

Andy Done-Johnson was born and grew up in Derbyshire and studied at The University of Hull. After a stint as a largely out-of-work actor and barman in London, he returned to Derbyshire where he stumbled into journalism, got married and had a son, who is now a grown-up. Aside from writing, he loves books, walking, exercise, travel, history, art and dogs. He has worked as a print and online journalist for 20 years, largely in the Midlands. In 2013 he broke the Wycherley Murders. A Garden of Bones is his 'version of events'.

"An extraordinary, stranger-than-fiction story told with an incredible eye for detail by the man who knows it best. Dark and compelling." - Jenny Kleeman

“An assured debut.” - Jon Smart

"True Crime like the best Crime Fiction you will ever read . . ." Kate Belcher”

Reviews

[Jenny Flowers · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not normally a person to review books, especially ones I perceive to be such a low rating, but honestly, I could not get past 40 pages of this drivel. I was intrigued by this book as I am currently living in this area and I believe all victims of crime deserve to have their story told. Unfortunately this author seemed to think bad mouthing the town was an acceptable way of retelling a case. A lot of people have lived here for many years and are very proud of their hometown. Stereotypes are not needed. Will be looking up other sources to find out about this case who cover it in more of a respectful manner. Regret purchasing this book.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good knowledgable book. I enjoyed very much. My only criticism would be that it is sometimes hard to work out whose point of view you are reading from

[Natalie Mackay · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Melanie Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good writing style.

[Cheryl Bostock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Garden of Bones

Brilliant book about a local crime I’ll always remember an think about when I go past Blenheim Close in Forest Town