What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolf Lake #3
River of Bones
A peaceful village and a lakeside paradise. So why do women keep disappearing?
Thomas Shepherd returns to Wolf Lake as the county’s new sheriff. This is the life he dreamed of. Friends he can rely on. An idyllic home along the water.
Then a hiker uncovers human bones, rekindling the mysterious disappearance of Skye Feron, a popular teenager who vanished six years ago. Are these her remains?
Disturbed by the grisly discovery, Skye’s close friends return to Wolf Lake. But as the investigation unfolds, Thomas links the girls to a ghost from their past. Are they hiding a deadly secret?
When Skye’s friend vanishes, Thomas tackles his most challenging case to date. And he comes face to face with the monster who has been chasing the girls for six years.
Thomas Shepherd returns to Wolf Lake as the county’s new sheriff. This is the life he dreamed of. Friends he can rely on. An idyllic home along the water.
Then a hiker uncovers human bones, rekindling the mysterious disappearance of Skye Feron, a popular teenager who vanished six years ago. Are these her remains?
Disturbed by the grisly discovery, Skye’s close friends return to Wolf Lake. But as the investigation unfolds, Thomas links the girls to a ghost from their past. Are they hiding a deadly secret?
When Skye’s friend vanishes, Thomas tackles his most challenging case to date. And he comes face to face with the monster who has been chasing the girls for six years.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2021
1486 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Dan Padavona
101 books611 followersAuthor of the Wolf Lake and Darkwater Cove series.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Want a free thriller and mystery book? Please join my VIP thriller readers club at
www.danpadavona.com.
I'm a father, husband, dog lover, and an advocate for animals and the homeless.
My kryptonite is ice cream, and my super power is cranking heavy metal.
More than anything, I love a good story. Let me tell you one.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 16, 2021
4.5 solid stars and 2 thumbs up!
Great series, love all the characters. If you are looking for a fairly quick police procedural series, this is the one for you. Twists and turns, a red herring or two, and lots of action. Found this series by accident, so glad I did!
Great series, love all the characters. If you are looking for a fairly quick police procedural series, this is the one for you. Twists and turns, a red herring or two, and lots of action. Found this series by accident, so glad I did!
January 25, 2022
I'm a big fan of the subplots in this series so far, adding so much depth and character. Too many times, a writer will trudge through the main plot and everything going on has to deal with it. Not in this book, which is great. Can't wait to dive into the next one and the next one and...
April 12, 2023
If you like detective series, then this is a good one. The protagonist is a likable sheriff with Asperger’s. We then have a host of characters who are well developed such as the ex-cop who is a Park Ranger, private investigators (one who is an old girlfriend he still pines for), his neighbors, an ex-gang member and his supporting deputies. Oh, and let’s not forget the dog who appeared on the sheriff’s doorstep. In this 3rd installment, a group of bones are discovered that they suspect belong to a missing girl. As the story develops, we discover that the missing girl and her two friends used to bully a girl in high school who subsequently committed suicide. There is also a thief in the state park who keeps getting spotted around the cabins. What follows is a fast paced story that is satisfying. While I recommend you read the first two in this series first, the author does a good job of catching you up on the backgrounds of the key players. This is the Wolf Lake series, but there appears to be a whole other series with the sheriff’s name in the series title. So be sure to read the Wolf Lake series first (I believe anyway!)
March 18, 2022
Another small town with an extraordinary number of murders/serial killers! But it makes for good reading so that’s fine. It is brought up occasionally that the main character is on the autism spectrum. I like how it is handled. If it was mentioned on every page that would be really annoying. He is obviously high functioning so the besides the occasional quirk his Aspergers isn’t over emphasized. I’ve already started the next book in the series. I like this author. I’m finding these books very easily readable—even if some of the characters actions are questionable.
February 14, 2022
Great Twists, I hoped he would better explain some character's issues in the next installments after first. Dan fleshed out a female character without watering down the plot, which by the way kept me on my toes.
April 6, 2021
River of Bones - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Newly appointed Sheriff Thomas Shepherd of Nightshade County gets his first call of duty, when human remains discovered near the eponymous river. Ex-LAPD, he liaises with Dr Stone, the ME, who declares the bones to be female and Shepherd instantly thinks of a teenaged student, Skye Feron, missing for 6 years.
What do Skye's friends, Justine and Paige know of her disappearance? Why has the former returned?
When truth proves stranger than fiction, what's left, no matter how impossible must be the explanation
to paraphrase a great fictional detecive.
How will things play out for Sheriff Shepherd?
Who's found at the 'Psycho House'?
Get your copy of Dan Padavona's. epic thriller that will give you not only chills, but also the satisfaction of a case well-solved by the new head lawman of Wolf Lake. Tread carefully as you go...there could be a killer behind you!
Newly appointed Sheriff Thomas Shepherd of Nightshade County gets his first call of duty, when human remains discovered near the eponymous river. Ex-LAPD, he liaises with Dr Stone, the ME, who declares the bones to be female and Shepherd instantly thinks of a teenaged student, Skye Feron, missing for 6 years.
What do Skye's friends, Justine and Paige know of her disappearance? Why has the former returned?
When truth proves stranger than fiction, what's left, no matter how impossible must be the explanation
to paraphrase a great fictional detecive.
How will things play out for Sheriff Shepherd?
Who's found at the 'Psycho House'?
Get your copy of Dan Padavona's. epic thriller that will give you not only chills, but also the satisfaction of a case well-solved by the new head lawman of Wolf Lake. Tread carefully as you go...there could be a killer behind you!
June 15, 2022
i have no words, i loved this book! i did not expect the ending at all. i love the author’s development of each character throughout each book individually as well as throughout the series so far. i enjoy how each book gives a little refresher on the major events from the previous books, so a reader can technically pick up any book in the series and know what’s going on. it does get a bit repetitive when you read the books right after the other.
now onto my thoughts on the plot. after a major storm in the state park, bones are unearthed due to flooding. a forensic anthropologist comes in to reconstruct the bones, to which she finds that the skeleton is a young female who was killed by a pickaxe to the skull. sheriff thomas fears that they just found a girl who has been missing for 6 years, skye feron. two other girls in skye’s friend group, paige and justine also go missing at different points of the investigation. thomas ends up saving the day again by discovering that cathy webb who lives on the outskirts of town is not the real cathy webb, and that all 3 of the missing girls were in their home. the person who claims to be cathy webb is actually the brother of the girl who paige bullied to suicide (alec). the real cathy webb was alec’s relative who allowed him to live in her home, who he then killed when she found out that he had kidnapped skye feron and held her captive for 6 years.
so yeah, there were so many moving parts to the book that it was hard to summarize briefly. i love the main murder plot, but i also love that there are different subplots too. for example, the residual effects of levar leaving the gang, and thomas and chelsey’s budding relationship.
i love this series a lot, but it doesn’t compare to the tracy crosswhite series for me. it’s still a great series and i’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
now onto my thoughts on the plot. after a major storm in the state park, bones are unearthed due to flooding. a forensic anthropologist comes in to reconstruct the bones, to which she finds that the skeleton is a young female who was killed by a pickaxe to the skull. sheriff thomas fears that they just found a girl who has been missing for 6 years, skye feron. two other girls in skye’s friend group, paige and justine also go missing at different points of the investigation. thomas ends up saving the day again by discovering that cathy webb who lives on the outskirts of town is not the real cathy webb, and that all 3 of the missing girls were in their home. the person who claims to be cathy webb is actually the brother of the girl who paige bullied to suicide (alec). the real cathy webb was alec’s relative who allowed him to live in her home, who he then killed when she found out that he had kidnapped skye feron and held her captive for 6 years.
so yeah, there were so many moving parts to the book that it was hard to summarize briefly. i love the main murder plot, but i also love that there are different subplots too. for example, the residual effects of levar leaving the gang, and thomas and chelsey’s budding relationship.
i love this series a lot, but it doesn’t compare to the tracy crosswhite series for me. it’s still a great series and i’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2021
This is the 3rd in the series about Wolf Lake and Thomas Shepherd. Thomas is now the interim Sheriff since the retirement of the previous sheriff. This one starts out with bones being found in the lake. When Thomas calls in a expert on the remains, he is hoping that this is not the teenager that has been missing for 6 years.
Until the investigation is complete and they identify the bones, Thomas and his crew are trying to figure out what might have happened to the missing girl, Skye, all those years ago.
Thomas is still living in his Uncle's house that he purchased and his friends all are still there. Jack is there also!!!
When strange things start happening at the lake and the camp, when things are missing, Thomas and his friends try to find out who is stalking them. Great 3rd in the series, don't miss this one.
Until the investigation is complete and they identify the bones, Thomas and his crew are trying to figure out what might have happened to the missing girl, Skye, all those years ago.
Thomas is still living in his Uncle's house that he purchased and his friends all are still there. Jack is there also!!!
When strange things start happening at the lake and the camp, when things are missing, Thomas and his friends try to find out who is stalking them. Great 3rd in the series, don't miss this one.
March 6, 2021
I love these characters they are far from being perfect. In my opinion Dan Padavona is able to make all the characters real. These characters are a family and have each others backs. They all have some kind of issue that makes them seem really. I found River of Bones to be a real page turner. Dan Padavona did a really good job of hiding the villain. Dan Padavona throws a really big twist at the end that most will not see coming. Now mind you, I saw it coming from the start. The only reason I figured it out is I come up with the craziest theory and go with it. Most of the time I'm right. Dan Padavona gives you mystery, suspense and a little crazy. Overall I loved this book and is a great continuation of the series. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy.
November 15, 2021
Wonderful Addition to an already Wonderful Series
I loved this entry to the Wolf Lake Series. Such an awesome book, with a new slew of murders for the now Sheriff, Thomas to solve with the help of his "family"
So many of the characters introduced in the first book of the series get a well rounded arc in this book and so many of the things I've found myself questioning were answered with this addition to the Wolf Lake Thriller series.
This series is an amazing read with tons of twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Like the title suggests, this series is a Psychological Thriller series, but it manage to give you equal doses of Thrills, Mystery and heart.
I loved this entry to the Wolf Lake Series. Such an awesome book, with a new slew of murders for the now Sheriff, Thomas to solve with the help of his "family"
So many of the characters introduced in the first book of the series get a well rounded arc in this book and so many of the things I've found myself questioning were answered with this addition to the Wolf Lake Thriller series.
This series is an amazing read with tons of twists and turns that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Like the title suggests, this series is a Psychological Thriller series, but it manage to give you equal doses of Thrills, Mystery and heart.
June 1, 2021
Likable characters inside this twisted story
High school is rarely an easy time for those that are different and there will always be a bully to make your life miserable. Lots of my unsolved cases in Wolf Lake and this one is brought to light again by the discover of bones in the creek. Could this be Skye a girl who went missing in high school? That’s what everyone assumes as they investigate. Thomas is now acting sheriff, his father’s disease is moving faster and the wonderful group of people, Scout and Naomi, LeVar and Raven who are his new family are dealing with their own issues. This is a well written tale with fully fleshed characters.
High school is rarely an easy time for those that are different and there will always be a bully to make your life miserable. Lots of my unsolved cases in Wolf Lake and this one is brought to light again by the discover of bones in the creek. Could this be Skye a girl who went missing in high school? That’s what everyone assumes as they investigate. Thomas is now acting sheriff, his father’s disease is moving faster and the wonderful group of people, Scout and Naomi, LeVar and Raven who are his new family are dealing with their own issues. This is a well written tale with fully fleshed characters.
March 23, 2024
I'm concerned for Thomas
3 books, 3 killers, and Thomas who has killed all 3. Does his team not do anything and when is his therapist going to say enough is enough. Just doesn't seem likely that he's kill 3 people in 6 months time....or have 3 murderers in a small town.
Also what happened to Rev?
Also, how did Thomas know the killer's motive? It was a thought the killer had and then Thomas is saying it.
I did almost she's a year when Thomas and his father were reconciling. Hence the increase of 1 star from normal. I am finding myself becoming invested in the characters.
3 books, 3 killers, and Thomas who has killed all 3. Does his team not do anything and when is his therapist going to say enough is enough. Just doesn't seem likely that he's kill 3 people in 6 months time....or have 3 murderers in a small town.
Also what happened to Rev?
Also, how did Thomas know the killer's motive? It was a thought the killer had and then Thomas is saying it.
I did almost she's a year when Thomas and his father were reconciling. Hence the increase of 1 star from normal. I am finding myself becoming invested in the characters.
December 6, 2022
Fast paced thriller!
Thomas is tasked with finding a killer when bones are found buried in a stream bed. The bones bring up reminders of a disappearance from six years ago. When another one of the friends involved disappears, Thomas has to race to figure out what is going on before she ends up dead. The characters in this book are getting better and better with each book written. Loving the family dynamic with all the friends! If you haven't started reading this series, get going! You won't be disappointed. Highly recommend!
Thomas is tasked with finding a killer when bones are found buried in a stream bed. The bones bring up reminders of a disappearance from six years ago. When another one of the friends involved disappears, Thomas has to race to figure out what is going on before she ends up dead. The characters in this book are getting better and better with each book written. Loving the family dynamic with all the friends! If you haven't started reading this series, get going! You won't be disappointed. Highly recommend!
February 25, 2021
This is what a good read looks like: real life characters with real life joys,sorrows and daily challenges. They are people with family and friends who support and bring out the best in each other. They are characters with a past but they’ve decided to make a change for the better for themselves and those they love. The mystery that starts the story has a big twist that I wasn’t expecting about halfway through. A thoroughly enjoyable book.
March 18, 2021
This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 25, 2021
A really great series!
Characters that I, as a reader, have enjoyed reading about so much that I breeze through these books like crazy. After reading this third one, there are some times where ya say, "well, that was stupid!". These books like most all horror movies have those moments, but besides those, which are few and far between, they are really great thrillers!
Characters that I, as a reader, have enjoyed reading about so much that I breeze through these books like crazy. After reading this third one, there are some times where ya say, "well, that was stupid!". These books like most all horror movies have those moments, but besides those, which are few and far between, they are really great thrillers!
November 10, 2022
I really like this series, but this installment was rather slow to me. It picked up about 3/4 of the way through. The main character is always an inspiration to me, and I like his host of friends. When they solved the mystery, it was a nice twist. This book has trigger warnings for depression, kidnapping, and murder.
July 5, 2023
an unhinged psychopath, family despair
A set of scattered remains in the park, discovered by hikers who left a marked trail, re-start discussions in the community about a high school student who went missing six years earlier.
Gang ties pull at Levar, putting his life at risk.
Chelsey battles internal demons, sinking back in to depression.
A set of scattered remains in the park, discovered by hikers who left a marked trail, re-start discussions in the community about a high school student who went missing six years earlier.
Gang ties pull at Levar, putting his life at risk.
Chelsey battles internal demons, sinking back in to depression.
July 6, 2025
The Libby description of this book does not match the story at all. 🤣
Wolf lake village again seems to have a killer amount them. Some bones are discovered after a river bed had been shifted. Newly appointed Sheriff Shepard is worried it’s the body from a cold case. And someone is breaking into cabins at the national park grounds. Could they be the same person?
Wolf lake village again seems to have a killer amount them. Some bones are discovered after a river bed had been shifted. Newly appointed Sheriff Shepard is worried it’s the body from a cold case. And someone is breaking into cabins at the national park grounds. Could they be the same person?
March 23, 2021
Super read
This series is put together with such an eclectic group of people with real troubles and actual life problems yet the group comes together seamlessly and united. It made for a good read, with many unforseen twists.
This series is put together with such an eclectic group of people with real troubles and actual life problems yet the group comes together seamlessly and united. It made for a good read, with many unforseen twists.
March 28, 2021
River of Bones
The book deserves more than five stars. This is a ten. This book will keep you in suspense until the very end. This is a book you can't put down highly recommend this book. This is a great thrller
The book deserves more than five stars. This is a ten. This book will keep you in suspense until the very end. This is a book you can't put down highly recommend this book. This is a great thrller
April 6, 2021
I have read the whole series. this one just didn't do anything for me. boring, and I am over the characters problems. parts of the book are just too sappy and has a "they lived happily ever after the end." feel to it.
April 7, 2021
Excellent
This book was my favorite yet. Besides all the suspense and action with some great twists and turns it was so emotional. I just love getting to know these characters and the emotions ran strong. Love this series!!
This book was my favorite yet. Besides all the suspense and action with some great twists and turns it was so emotional. I just love getting to know these characters and the emotions ran strong. Love this series!!
July 22, 2021
Can't wait to start next in series ☺
Starting my 4th book in series as soon as I finish this review. Less than week to read this far. Series is Awesome. I keep regretting getting to the end of series. I love all the people in the books. My new favorite author.
Starting my 4th book in series as soon as I finish this review. Less than week to read this far. Series is Awesome. I keep regretting getting to the end of series. I love all the people in the books. My new favorite author.
August 10, 2021
Wonderful read!
I-am new to this Author and I am so glad I found this series, this is my second book within the series. The characters are all so human, you can’t stop thinking about them. Fast pace and a page turner. Can’t wait to start the next book.
I-am new to this Author and I am so glad I found this series, this is my second book within the series. The characters are all so human, you can’t stop thinking about them. Fast pace and a page turner. Can’t wait to start the next book.
December 9, 2021
Did it again
I enjoy reading this authors work. Deputy now sheriff Thomas has solved 3 murder cases in a year and it’s a small town. I wonder what’s in store for the next book in the series.
I enjoy reading this authors work. Deputy now sheriff Thomas has solved 3 murder cases in a year and it’s a small town. I wonder what’s in store for the next book in the series.
March 10, 2022
Lake side living in the woods
This is the kind of novel you can read and still feel good about humanity. There's no reason to not enjoy these books. Sometimes intense but always with resolve.
This is the kind of novel you can read and still feel good about humanity. There's no reason to not enjoy these books. Sometimes intense but always with resolve.
March 15, 2022
Great Book. Again the Author kept me up and I couldn’t put the book down. This is definitely a must read Book 3!! The main character Thomas who is the Sheriff is fantastic!! Looking forward to reading Book 4. A Definite Must Read!!!
July 10, 2022
River of Bones review
Very good read! Great characters! Glad Chelsea and Thomas are on speaking terms again!
Love the storyline and the complexity between the characters
Would highly recommend reading the series!
Very good read! Great characters! Glad Chelsea and Thomas are on speaking terms again!
Love the storyline and the complexity between the characters
Would highly recommend reading the series!
July 21, 2022
Great series of books !
I am absolutely loving this series so much. I can't quit listening, I'm excited to start the next book. I highly recommend listening or reading to this series. Really loving Dan Padavona's writing style so much .
I am absolutely loving this series so much. I can't quit listening, I'm excited to start the next book. I highly recommend listening or reading to this series. Really loving Dan Padavona's writing style so much .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews