What do you think?
Rate this book
Maloney's Law #2
The Bones of Summer
When Craig Robertson's religious fanatic father disappears, Craig is forced to return to the home he left behind after an underage affair in order to look for answers. He takes with him his new lover, private investigator Paul Maloney, who is more than willing to help solve the mystery.
The search soon becomes an investigation into Craig's past, and, because of distressing gaps in his memory, he's terrified of the truths he might find. As Craig's obsession with uncovering clues grows, his fragile relationship with Paul begins to disintegrate. Haunted and stalked, Craig has to face down the horror of his memories if he wants to have any hope of a future at all.
The Bones of Summer was awarded third place in the inaugural 2009 Rainbow Mystery Fiction Awards, and was also Commended in the Annual Writers' Conference Novel Competition 2008.
The search soon becomes an investigation into Craig's past, and, because of distressing gaps in his memory, he's terrified of the truths he might find. As Craig's obsession with uncovering clues grows, his fragile relationship with Paul begins to disintegrate. Haunted and stalked, Craig has to face down the horror of his memories if he wants to have any hope of a future at all.
The Bones of Summer was awarded third place in the inaugural 2009 Rainbow Mystery Fiction Awards, and was also Commended in the Annual Writers' Conference Novel Competition 2008.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
17 people are currently reading
294 people want to read
About the author
Anne Brooke
132 books227 followersAnne is a super-keen book lover, and a multi-genre author & poet. She also loves gardens, swimming & the theatre.
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Want to read
February 2, 2016Kindle freebie 2/2/16!
July 21, 2009
This was a great read. Told from the view point of a new character - Craig Robertson - it also features Paul Maloney the lead character in a previous book by Anne called 'Maloney's Law'
It is defintitely not necessary to have read Maloney's Law to enjoy this story though, ( this stands up completely on it's own as an independent tale ) but I'm glad that I did. Mainly because Paul felt like an old friend to me from the beginning, I felt like *I* knew him, in a way that Craig obviously couldn't as he'd only just met him. Also whenever Paul talked of his past, his 'friend' or his 'ex' I knew who, and what, he was refering to. I knew what had brought Paul to this point in his lfe. Although, as I've said, it's not necessary to do so, as this story rips along at it's own fast pace! ( I actually did imagine sometimes when I was reading that it would be equally nice to learn about Paul at the same time as Craig does.... so it's good either way! )
Craig was a very endearing character and I loved his Gay Rules. This is a good mystery AND a good love story. I'm just glad these two men found each other.....
I enjoyed this book very much.
It is defintitely not necessary to have read Maloney's Law to enjoy this story though, ( this stands up completely on it's own as an independent tale ) but I'm glad that I did. Mainly because Paul felt like an old friend to me from the beginning, I felt like *I* knew him, in a way that Craig obviously couldn't as he'd only just met him. Also whenever Paul talked of his past, his 'friend' or his 'ex' I knew who, and what, he was refering to. I knew what had brought Paul to this point in his lfe. Although, as I've said, it's not necessary to do so, as this story rips along at it's own fast pace! ( I actually did imagine sometimes when I was reading that it would be equally nice to learn about Paul at the same time as Craig does.... so it's good either way! )
Craig was a very endearing character and I loved his Gay Rules. This is a good mystery AND a good love story. I'm just glad these two men found each other.....
I enjoyed this book very much.
November 26, 2009
This is a fascinating story about the choices and actions one person takes, both deliberately and unconsciously and the far reaching affects those have. This is described as a “quasi-sequel” to Maloney’s Law, although The Bones of Summer can be read alone. I haven’t read the previous book and found this story easily stands on its own. However, there is clearly information and context missing that will most likely create a more complex and fulfilling story having read both books in order. Bones is a captivating and engrossing story filled with passion, angst, turmoil, fear, and the range of human emotions as two men struggle to find clues to the past and the implications on their future.
The story is told in third person from Craig’s point of view. Craig and Paul had met a few months ago in a club and exchanged a hot night of sex but until now, Craig hadn’t heard from Paul again. Now just as the two reconnect, Craig is informed that his ultra-religious father has gone missing. Paul’s job as a private investigator comes into play reluctantly as Craig hesitantly delves into the problem of his missing father and the further mystery of Michael’s missing whereabouts. When Craig was a teenager he met and had a brief fling with a vacationing older man, Michael, and the results had Craig fleeing from his home and living in London. Now, not only is Craig trying to discover what’s going on with his father, but he realizes Michael never returned from that ill-fated holiday seven years ago. The dual mysteries have Craig delving more deeply into his past than he is comfortable with while taking a helpful but cautious Paul for the ride.
Craig is a compelling but inherently inconsistent narrator. This is because his mind is full of holes, misinformation, memories, thoughts, and confusion. Some of Craig’s actions are inconsistent with his personality but fit with his confused demeanor and his tendency to ignore and hide from the truth. However, when Craig chooses to confront the truth, he oddly takes the most ridiculous assumptions and believes in them wholeheartedly with nothing but the erroneous beliefs and delusions of a confused, hurting teenager. Surprisingly, Craig refuses to actually follow steps dictated by logic, instead finding solace in confusion and mystery as long as he doesn’t have to confront his fears and his past. Craig goes to extreme lengths to avoid dealing with his father and the affects of his past, going so far as to believe wildly untrue things about himself. Craig has taught himself to ignore his past and any clues that might make him re-evaluate what he knows to be true. Therefore, the clues unravel slowly in small pieces at the pace Craig is able to cope with the revealing truth. This makes for a sympathetic yet occasionally frustrating character.
At the same time, Craig is a witty, humorous, and above all, an optimistic man. His firm desire to avoid the past but hope for positive outcomes is endearing. He may be emotional and dramatic but he tempers this with a very British sense of humor and commentary. His rules for Gay Men are funny and delightful as are his inner monologues on a variety of subjects. For example:
Gay Rule Number Thirteen ~ unlucky for some: Don’t let them see you’re a complete psycho before they’ve expressed some kind of commitment first.
Aside from the great list of rules, Craig is coping in his way and leads a relatively happy life but has little control over it. Within the space of the book, Craig slowly begins to take control of his life and his choices, ultimately creating a stronger character than when he started. This hallmarks the character driven story where the men and their progression is perhaps more important than the mystery itself, although the two stories parallel each other in multiple ways.
Paul is an equally complex character and much more mysterious. As this is the sequel to Paul’s story, much of his background and past is dealt with off page and little referenced in this story. There are tangible holes where information is missing. This isn’t to the detriment of the story at all but it has a palpable empty air. The deliberate pausing before comments and the flashes of pain in Paul’s eyes and demeanor all speak of prior incidents that aren’t divulged yet impact how Paul reacts and handles both Craig and the situation. Paul exhibits a lot of anger towards Craig for his hiding and less than truthful behavior. Craig is so afraid of his past that he often lies without thought or malice, but simply because facing his truth is too painful and frightening for Craig. These lies frustrate Paul, who offers more than his share of half truths and mysterious statements without explanation. Yet, Paul offers a much needed support system to Craig and their relationship has a wealth of emotion amidst the tension.
What is really wonderful about the book is that it depicts both the settings and characters in such a realistic, gripping way. When Paul and Craig fight, it’s painful and harsh with the kind of verbal dirty fighting rarely seen, but incredibly relatable. The characters must deal with their jobs and lives independent of the sudden mystery. The various settings are mundane and common, yet the tension and emotion ripples and hangs uneasy in the air. The reader follows Craig and discovers information as he does, requiring patience and understanding. The strength of the writing is in the connection between the men as Paul and Craig deal with their individual pasts and the secrets they need and want to keep hidden. Moving beyond these lies and fears is essential to their budding relationship but may be too much at the start of a fragile connection and the careful dance is written incredibly well.
The actual dual mysteries are interesting with clever clues but the ending resolution is not surprising. However, the lack of surprise is more than compensated by the gripping intensity and painful realism of the situation. The complexity of religion and its possible overwhelming consequences are deftly handled with perhaps a heavy tread, but fitting with the concept of the story. This is not necessarily an easy book to read due to the myriad of themes presented but wholly worthwhile and very well-written. The well crafted and paced story draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the very end, which in true style is left with a hint.
For readers that crave wonderfully rich character driven stories with a solid mystery all wrapped up in a captivating story, I can easily recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed.
The story is told in third person from Craig’s point of view. Craig and Paul had met a few months ago in a club and exchanged a hot night of sex but until now, Craig hadn’t heard from Paul again. Now just as the two reconnect, Craig is informed that his ultra-religious father has gone missing. Paul’s job as a private investigator comes into play reluctantly as Craig hesitantly delves into the problem of his missing father and the further mystery of Michael’s missing whereabouts. When Craig was a teenager he met and had a brief fling with a vacationing older man, Michael, and the results had Craig fleeing from his home and living in London. Now, not only is Craig trying to discover what’s going on with his father, but he realizes Michael never returned from that ill-fated holiday seven years ago. The dual mysteries have Craig delving more deeply into his past than he is comfortable with while taking a helpful but cautious Paul for the ride.
Craig is a compelling but inherently inconsistent narrator. This is because his mind is full of holes, misinformation, memories, thoughts, and confusion. Some of Craig’s actions are inconsistent with his personality but fit with his confused demeanor and his tendency to ignore and hide from the truth. However, when Craig chooses to confront the truth, he oddly takes the most ridiculous assumptions and believes in them wholeheartedly with nothing but the erroneous beliefs and delusions of a confused, hurting teenager. Surprisingly, Craig refuses to actually follow steps dictated by logic, instead finding solace in confusion and mystery as long as he doesn’t have to confront his fears and his past. Craig goes to extreme lengths to avoid dealing with his father and the affects of his past, going so far as to believe wildly untrue things about himself. Craig has taught himself to ignore his past and any clues that might make him re-evaluate what he knows to be true. Therefore, the clues unravel slowly in small pieces at the pace Craig is able to cope with the revealing truth. This makes for a sympathetic yet occasionally frustrating character.
At the same time, Craig is a witty, humorous, and above all, an optimistic man. His firm desire to avoid the past but hope for positive outcomes is endearing. He may be emotional and dramatic but he tempers this with a very British sense of humor and commentary. His rules for Gay Men are funny and delightful as are his inner monologues on a variety of subjects. For example:
Gay Rule Number Thirteen ~ unlucky for some: Don’t let them see you’re a complete psycho before they’ve expressed some kind of commitment first.
Aside from the great list of rules, Craig is coping in his way and leads a relatively happy life but has little control over it. Within the space of the book, Craig slowly begins to take control of his life and his choices, ultimately creating a stronger character than when he started. This hallmarks the character driven story where the men and their progression is perhaps more important than the mystery itself, although the two stories parallel each other in multiple ways.
Paul is an equally complex character and much more mysterious. As this is the sequel to Paul’s story, much of his background and past is dealt with off page and little referenced in this story. There are tangible holes where information is missing. This isn’t to the detriment of the story at all but it has a palpable empty air. The deliberate pausing before comments and the flashes of pain in Paul’s eyes and demeanor all speak of prior incidents that aren’t divulged yet impact how Paul reacts and handles both Craig and the situation. Paul exhibits a lot of anger towards Craig for his hiding and less than truthful behavior. Craig is so afraid of his past that he often lies without thought or malice, but simply because facing his truth is too painful and frightening for Craig. These lies frustrate Paul, who offers more than his share of half truths and mysterious statements without explanation. Yet, Paul offers a much needed support system to Craig and their relationship has a wealth of emotion amidst the tension.
What is really wonderful about the book is that it depicts both the settings and characters in such a realistic, gripping way. When Paul and Craig fight, it’s painful and harsh with the kind of verbal dirty fighting rarely seen, but incredibly relatable. The characters must deal with their jobs and lives independent of the sudden mystery. The various settings are mundane and common, yet the tension and emotion ripples and hangs uneasy in the air. The reader follows Craig and discovers information as he does, requiring patience and understanding. The strength of the writing is in the connection between the men as Paul and Craig deal with their individual pasts and the secrets they need and want to keep hidden. Moving beyond these lies and fears is essential to their budding relationship but may be too much at the start of a fragile connection and the careful dance is written incredibly well.
The actual dual mysteries are interesting with clever clues but the ending resolution is not surprising. However, the lack of surprise is more than compensated by the gripping intensity and painful realism of the situation. The complexity of religion and its possible overwhelming consequences are deftly handled with perhaps a heavy tread, but fitting with the concept of the story. This is not necessarily an easy book to read due to the myriad of themes presented but wholly worthwhile and very well-written. The well crafted and paced story draws the reader in and doesn’t let go until the very end, which in true style is left with a hint.
For readers that crave wonderfully rich character driven stories with a solid mystery all wrapped up in a captivating story, I can easily recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed.
October 7, 2025
The narrative expertly weaves a tapestry of secrets and simmering resentments. Robertson's exploration of fractured memory is particularly compelling, creating a palpable sense of dread that builds with each uncovered truth. The introduction of Paul Maloney adds an intriguing layer, highlighting the emotional toll of Craig's past. While the mystery itself is expertly crafted, the real strength lies in the characters' vulnerability, their struggle to reconcile the present with the shadows of yesterday. It's a complex and rewarding read, a true testament to the power of facing one's demons.
September 30, 2015
I'm confused about how I feel about this book. On one hand I enjoyed it but on the other it annoyed me.
I read it straight after finishing Maloney's Law and was surprised (and not pleasantly) that it was told in Craig's PoV. It took me a chapter or two to get used to that.
I enjoyed the intrigue and the 'who dunnit' aspect (although it doesn't hold a candle to the mystery of the first book and it was very obvious from early on who did what) but found the relationship between Paul and Craig irritating.
I got frustrated with Craig and Paul and their inability, or unwillingness to talk to each other. One of them would demand the truth from the other, but refused to give the whole truth himself. This happened over and over again. They constantly lie, and lie by omission, to each other.
However, I liked how their arguments were portrayed. They deliberately hurt each other, saying the one thing they know will hit the spot. This is something we all do but it's rarely depicted this well in books.
I still liked Paul in this book, in fact I think I liked him more than I did in the first book, Maloney's Law. He's just as complex and mysterious but we see a softer, gentler side to him here, however I missed being party to his methodical approach to life. I really liked Craig, he's cute and awkward and sweet and humerus.
It's dark and gritty, sad and disturbing but very, very well written.
The ending was slightly disappointing. I would have preferred a solid resolution rather than a promise of things to come.
I read it straight after finishing Maloney's Law and was surprised (and not pleasantly) that it was told in Craig's PoV. It took me a chapter or two to get used to that.
I enjoyed the intrigue and the 'who dunnit' aspect (although it doesn't hold a candle to the mystery of the first book and it was very obvious from early on who did what) but found the relationship between Paul and Craig irritating.
I got frustrated with Craig and Paul and their inability, or unwillingness to talk to each other. One of them would demand the truth from the other, but refused to give the whole truth himself. This happened over and over again. They constantly lie, and lie by omission, to each other.
However, I liked how their arguments were portrayed. They deliberately hurt each other, saying the one thing they know will hit the spot. This is something we all do but it's rarely depicted this well in books.
I still liked Paul in this book, in fact I think I liked him more than I did in the first book, Maloney's Law. He's just as complex and mysterious but we see a softer, gentler side to him here, however I missed being party to his methodical approach to life. I really liked Craig, he's cute and awkward and sweet and humerus.
It's dark and gritty, sad and disturbing but very, very well written.
The ending was slightly disappointing. I would have preferred a solid resolution rather than a promise of things to come.
December 28, 2013
I wanted to like it more... 2,5 stars.
It was well written.
But it was nowhere near the first installment. Which I loved.
Maybe the reason was, that it was told from Craig's PoV. I just didn't warm to him much.
I found him annoying sometimes and stupid and difficult.
And yes, his tragic past explained a lot. But it didn't make me like him more.
I also disliked the "gay rules" in this book. They didn't make much sense and didn't further the plot or the character development in my opinion.
The crime/thriller part was well thought out and worked quite well. Although it was a bit over-dramatic. But it was gripping.
The book seemed too long to me overall. I skimmed some parts, especially in the last third, as I just wanted it to be concluded - the culprit was clear from the beginning, so the way to Craig and Paul getting there seemd a tad tedious.
It was well written.
But it was nowhere near the first installment. Which I loved.
Maybe the reason was, that it was told from Craig's PoV. I just didn't warm to him much.
I found him annoying sometimes and stupid and difficult.
And yes, his tragic past explained a lot. But it didn't make me like him more.
I also disliked the "gay rules" in this book. They didn't make much sense and didn't further the plot or the character development in my opinion.
The crime/thriller part was well thought out and worked quite well. Although it was a bit over-dramatic. But it was gripping.
The book seemed too long to me overall. I skimmed some parts, especially in the last third, as I just wanted it to be concluded - the culprit was clear from the beginning, so the way to Craig and Paul getting there seemd a tad tedious.
June 4, 2011
In some ways 3 stars is not enough but although the writing is good (very British in style), and the psychology behind the characters seems to be realistic for the most part, I can't say I really enjoyed it. It's a fairly bleak novel at times and more of a mystery/thriller novel rather than a romance. Both of the main characters have a lot of baggage, stemming from their past, and it (the past) is a major stumbling block for their relationship. (In many ways, the bleakness and the style of writing is reminiscent of P.D. James and Minette Walters rather than that of a M/M romance author.) At the of the novel, the final resolution is implied rather than clearly stated which I found to be less than satisfactory. A difficult novel to define and/or recommend...
August 21, 2015
This one worked a little better for me, although the same niggles still applied.
I really liked Craig and I loved watching him and Paul together.
The mystery was pretty much what I assumed and the climatic ending kept me eager to read each page.
But again no epilogue. While a good place to finish off, and I at least get my hope for a HEA, I would of loved just a glimpse a year or so down the line.
Overall a good story, interesting with a slight love story woven in.
I really liked Craig and I loved watching him and Paul together.
The mystery was pretty much what I assumed and the climatic ending kept me eager to read each page.
But again no epilogue. While a good place to finish off, and I at least get my hope for a HEA, I would of loved just a glimpse a year or so down the line.
Overall a good story, interesting with a slight love story woven in.
Want to read
November 17, 2021🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/17/2021)! 🎁
November 18, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
A mixture of tedious and half truthes, then so much baggage. The mystery itself isn't particularly mysterious.
Bit thrown on them meeting twice two months appart then being referred to as 'the boyfriend' constantly. Jumping to closest confident.
Bleak.
A mixture of tedious and half truthes, then so much baggage. The mystery itself isn't particularly mysterious.
Bit thrown on them meeting twice two months appart then being referred to as 'the boyfriend' constantly. Jumping to closest confident.
Bleak.
June 12, 2013
2.5~3 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
The first thing I noticed about this book – which totally disappointed me – was the fact that it’s written from Craig’s perspective. It’s Craig’s story. In Maloney’s Law we met him at the end of the book and we got a very nice impression about him. The easy going sexy as hell model was bound to bring new air and adventures to Paul’s hard – so far – life. But in all honesty I was disappointed. My main love, Paul, was lost in this book. I missed his peculiar mind and his melancholic thoughts. I missed the mystery that always followed him, I missed Paul himself.
Yes, surely he was in the story as he did pursue a relationship with Craig and helped him through this “mystery”, but in no way was Craig a match for Paul when it came down to interesting characters. I could not help but compare the two of them, I could not help but compare the two books and the results are not good.
As I said Craig as we met him is an easy going, always happy-go-lucky guy. It’s a façade, it’s a persona he puts out to escape his ugly past and a heavily disturbing childhood. The moment Paul steps in his life, the same moment his past choses to reach him again. His inability to recall facts and memories from disturbing events that happened with his first lover and his father is what makes him decide to get Paul involved in some sort of search and find, for a missing ex, for a missing father, and for missing memories.
I don’t know if this story could be better, but as it is it was frustrating in many ways. I tried to like Craig, I really did and perhaps too hard, but failed. The character is constantly hiding behind lies (it made me wonder with Paul’s past and his affair with Dominic how he tolerated it), in the beginning at least it seemed as if he couldn’t get one single truth from his mouth. Later on we readjust our opinion when we witness him that the person he lies the most is his own self. It becomes truly annoying seeing how he tries NOT to find the truths he’s searching. I disliked most the fact that he would go and lock himself up to “think” only to try and not “think” those thoughts. It was a study on evasion and yes, I understand his past had a toll on his behavior, but it was so hard to concentrate on the book when all thoughts and events came around as a big jumble, making hard to keep your interest.
There was also the “mystery/suspense” part of the book that in no way was a match for Maloney’s Law. It was too easy to see through this plot, it was too easy to find the leads for the psycho-killer, and the fact that it took forever to get there, the fact that too many leads were left unexplored and Paul’s unique abilities were left sleeping really hit that spot of anger and frustration for me. I’m still not over the fact that Paul was a secondary character here.
I could go on and say how the intensity was lacking and the emotions lacked chemistry, the friendships were by no means the same level we were used to in the first book, the desperation levels too, but there is no reason to keep going on. I’ll just go on and on comparing and the end result is that the sequel is too low and doesn’t even come close to the brilliance of the first one. The stake was raised too high.
In the end this book comes close to 3 Hearts because objectively it was good and well written. You can read it as a standalone easily. It focuses on religious obsession and how people twist and perverse faith into abnormality and lose the very point of it. Bearing that in mind and if you’ve not read the first book I’m assuming you’ll like this one.
Thommie
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
The first thing I noticed about this book – which totally disappointed me – was the fact that it’s written from Craig’s perspective. It’s Craig’s story. In Maloney’s Law we met him at the end of the book and we got a very nice impression about him. The easy going sexy as hell model was bound to bring new air and adventures to Paul’s hard – so far – life. But in all honesty I was disappointed. My main love, Paul, was lost in this book. I missed his peculiar mind and his melancholic thoughts. I missed the mystery that always followed him, I missed Paul himself.
Yes, surely he was in the story as he did pursue a relationship with Craig and helped him through this “mystery”, but in no way was Craig a match for Paul when it came down to interesting characters. I could not help but compare the two of them, I could not help but compare the two books and the results are not good.
As I said Craig as we met him is an easy going, always happy-go-lucky guy. It’s a façade, it’s a persona he puts out to escape his ugly past and a heavily disturbing childhood. The moment Paul steps in his life, the same moment his past choses to reach him again. His inability to recall facts and memories from disturbing events that happened with his first lover and his father is what makes him decide to get Paul involved in some sort of search and find, for a missing ex, for a missing father, and for missing memories.
I don’t know if this story could be better, but as it is it was frustrating in many ways. I tried to like Craig, I really did and perhaps too hard, but failed. The character is constantly hiding behind lies (it made me wonder with Paul’s past and his affair with Dominic how he tolerated it), in the beginning at least it seemed as if he couldn’t get one single truth from his mouth. Later on we readjust our opinion when we witness him that the person he lies the most is his own self. It becomes truly annoying seeing how he tries NOT to find the truths he’s searching. I disliked most the fact that he would go and lock himself up to “think” only to try and not “think” those thoughts. It was a study on evasion and yes, I understand his past had a toll on his behavior, but it was so hard to concentrate on the book when all thoughts and events came around as a big jumble, making hard to keep your interest.
There was also the “mystery/suspense” part of the book that in no way was a match for Maloney’s Law. It was too easy to see through this plot, it was too easy to find the leads for the psycho-killer, and the fact that it took forever to get there, the fact that too many leads were left unexplored and Paul’s unique abilities were left sleeping really hit that spot of anger and frustration for me. I’m still not over the fact that Paul was a secondary character here.
I could go on and say how the intensity was lacking and the emotions lacked chemistry, the friendships were by no means the same level we were used to in the first book, the desperation levels too, but there is no reason to keep going on. I’ll just go on and on comparing and the end result is that the sequel is too low and doesn’t even come close to the brilliance of the first one. The stake was raised too high.
In the end this book comes close to 3 Hearts because objectively it was good and well written. You can read it as a standalone easily. It focuses on religious obsession and how people twist and perverse faith into abnormality and lose the very point of it. Bearing that in mind and if you’ve not read the first book I’m assuming you’ll like this one.
Thommie
February 9, 2022
A very sometimes disturbing story about how Craig must confront his after seven years of avoiding to make way for the present and hopefully a chance at the future and how some secrets don't always remain in the shadows for long.
July 28, 2016
Just wasn't as good as the first book.
While this book was interesting enough, the main characters threw me off a bit. Paul came across as rather wimpy by crying in almost every chapter that featured him. Craig's character was unrealistic. It seemed like a great deal of the story was designated to his life as a model, the other part was about the letter he received that apparently while the other main story terrified him and shaped him from his past. I kept waiting for the horribleness like Paul faced in the first book, but Craig's story seemed very contrived. It really didn't make sense that less than a week spent with a man 7 years ago, was the featured story in this book. When referred to that past, it just didn't work for me that this should cause him such great distress that he had to go find out about what happened to Michael. Also, Craig was very flighty and had an idiotic mindset for most of the book. What really bothered me also was when referring to Paul's previous boyfriend, Dominic, he kept being referred to as "Nick" when he was mentioned, but in the first book Paul always referred to him as "Nic." And finally, the sex scenes just didn't seem right. I just couldn't picture Craig as a top. I just skipped over the sex scenes after that. Not sure why, but it just bothered me how Paul seemed so submissive. As I stated above, while this book was interesting enough, I kind of wish I wouldn't have read it. It just didn't flow with how the previous book ended when Paul and Craig met.
While this book was interesting enough, the main characters threw me off a bit. Paul came across as rather wimpy by crying in almost every chapter that featured him. Craig's character was unrealistic. It seemed like a great deal of the story was designated to his life as a model, the other part was about the letter he received that apparently while the other main story terrified him and shaped him from his past. I kept waiting for the horribleness like Paul faced in the first book, but Craig's story seemed very contrived. It really didn't make sense that less than a week spent with a man 7 years ago, was the featured story in this book. When referred to that past, it just didn't work for me that this should cause him such great distress that he had to go find out about what happened to Michael. Also, Craig was very flighty and had an idiotic mindset for most of the book. What really bothered me also was when referring to Paul's previous boyfriend, Dominic, he kept being referred to as "Nick" when he was mentioned, but in the first book Paul always referred to him as "Nic." And finally, the sex scenes just didn't seem right. I just couldn't picture Craig as a top. I just skipped over the sex scenes after that. Not sure why, but it just bothered me how Paul seemed so submissive. As I stated above, while this book was interesting enough, I kind of wish I wouldn't have read it. It just didn't flow with how the previous book ended when Paul and Craig met.
June 29, 2013
I enjoyed The Bones of Summer - possible more than the first time I read it. I have only just read Maloney's Law, the first of these books, and I think this added to my enjoyment of this book. I don't know if Anne Brooke has any plans to write further about Paul Maloney and Craig Robertson, but I know I would read them if she did. Although each book answers the mystery and crime in their own stories, there are still so many questions, especially about Paul's past that remain a mystery and I'm the kind of gal who likes all the mysteries solved!
June 26, 2021
Absolutely a fantastic read.
Loved the characters. I could identify with them and relate to them. I was able to see through their eyes. I wish the author would write more about them and their lives together. I highly recommend the series. Thanks for a beautiful read.
Loved the characters. I could identify with them and relate to them. I was able to see through their eyes. I wish the author would write more about them and their lives together. I highly recommend the series. Thanks for a beautiful read.
July 7, 2010
Couldn't really get into this one. wasn't poorly written, but just didn't keep my attention. i think part of my problem was the mystery part of the book wasnt terribly mysterious.
September 12, 2016
Very British feel, which I liked. Less of a romance than a mystery. I think. I closed the book not quite sure if there would be a HEA - it had the sort of HFN a chicklit novel sometimes has.
April 10, 2015
I liked it even more than the first one, and I felt soooo much for Paul.
The ending was hopeful, though not really happy, and I hope a third book comes out soon to give Paul what he really deserves.
The ending was hopeful, though not really happy, and I hope a third book comes out soon to give Paul what he really deserves.
October 25, 2015
2009 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
September 10, 2016
Almost but not quite. Too light on mystery.
January 26, 2013
3.5 stars. I just didn't really warm to Craig.
June 22, 2013
Well Anne Brooke has done it to me again. I read the first book in the series, (Maloney’s Law) where Paul Maloney, a broken man, was the main character. At the end of the book, he met Craig Robertson and even though they didn’t end up together, the established a connection.
This is Craig’s story. And what a story it is.
Craig can’t remember much about his childhood. His mother disappeared when he was six. He has memories of a lover he had, one that he may or may not have killed. His father, a man who used to try to beat the bible into him, has gone missing. Overall, Craig’s life kind of sucks. But then he and Paul Maloney make a reconnection and for a time, Craig is happy.
When his past meets his present, will Craig have the fortitude to survive learning his family’s secrets? The ones that come at a devastating cost?
I’m not sure how to classify the ending of this book, so I’m going with HFN, and possibly a frustrating one for some people (yes, I’m one of those).
Lucky's 4 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
This is Craig’s story. And what a story it is.
Craig can’t remember much about his childhood. His mother disappeared when he was six. He has memories of a lover he had, one that he may or may not have killed. His father, a man who used to try to beat the bible into him, has gone missing. Overall, Craig’s life kind of sucks. But then he and Paul Maloney make a reconnection and for a time, Craig is happy.
When his past meets his present, will Craig have the fortitude to survive learning his family’s secrets? The ones that come at a devastating cost?
I’m not sure how to classify the ending of this book, so I’m going with HFN, and possibly a frustrating one for some people (yes, I’m one of those).
Lucky's 4 sweet pea review appears at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
March 10, 2010
3.5 stars. I struggled a bit with this story, mainly because I was not warm to the main character Craig, even though I like his love interest Paul a lot. Even though it's told in 3rd person POV, it's very much a story told from Craig's angle. Craig's mind... is a mess. Annoying mess to me. He's not the smartest cookie around, even though he's cute and kind... he just frustrates me when he's being his own worst enemy.
The mystery itself is not complex, pretty much I knew who and what the murderer did when Craig was still struggling in his silly mind. I think what let me down the most is that the crime has a very filmsy motive. It's not that it's not a powerful motive, but it's pretty much the same as saying someone kills because he's "crazy". There aren't enough backstory or insights into why murderer got to that stage...
The writing is good, but characterisation and plot wise, this is not my kind of mystery story.
The mystery itself is not complex, pretty much I knew who and what the murderer did when Craig was still struggling in his silly mind. I think what let me down the most is that the crime has a very filmsy motive. It's not that it's not a powerful motive, but it's pretty much the same as saying someone kills because he's "crazy". There aren't enough backstory or insights into why murderer got to that stage...
The writing is good, but characterisation and plot wise, this is not my kind of mystery story.
April 9, 2014
This is the second installment to Maloney's law. The first book was in Paul's POV (1st person). It was very dark. At the end of that book Craig made his appearance, and this book here is about him, but in 3rd person view. Paul is in it as well.
As was pointed out before, it is a bit confusing, this change in POV. But what bothered me more was the fact that Maloney's law was very angsty for Paul. And here he was the rock solid pilar for Craig.
It was a totally different character, though with the same story.
Did aliens pick him up and exchange his personality?
So, back to the current book. Was also not bad, still dark, but less so. Thank God for that, because I worried constantly for everybody in the second book, as Brooke killed so many people in the first one. But this time more survived. Ouff!
Obviously, the series will go on. I was wondering whether it will now be Craig and Pedro. Or will Paul come into play again (see last page of the book).
As was pointed out before, it is a bit confusing, this change in POV. But what bothered me more was the fact that Maloney's law was very angsty for Paul. And here he was the rock solid pilar for Craig.
It was a totally different character, though with the same story.
Did aliens pick him up and exchange his personality?
So, back to the current book. Was also not bad, still dark, but less so. Thank God for that, because I worried constantly for everybody in the second book, as Brooke killed so many people in the first one. But this time more survived. Ouff!
Obviously, the series will go on. I was wondering whether it will now be Craig and Pedro. Or will Paul come into play again (see last page of the book).
May 4, 2012
I loved the author's style of writing. I love the British prose. And the mystery was very compelling. The one thing I struggled with was the reason behind the murders. I felt every bit of Craig/Daniel's apprehension and Anxiety going back to his home due to his father's religiosity. I can't stand religion. I can't stand religious zealots of any kind. So this story made me physically ill at the end. So I probably shouldn't have read this book but I really wanted to read this author and I'm very glad I did. Looking forward to her other books AND the 1st book of this series once it is in e-book format.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 6, 2010
I liked this book. I would have given it 3.5 stars were that possible. The reason it's not 4 stars for me is because the characters are so troubled throughout the entire book. There are very few moments of happiness and never any joy. The angst hangs heavy like a thick London fog where the book takes place. Maybe it's because they are British with the whole "stiff upper lip" thing. I don't know. I found myself wanting it to move along and kept hoping that someone, anyone in the book would be happy, even for just a minute.
June 16, 2013
Truthfully, i love Paul. In Maloney's Law i was completely infatuated with him and i wanted to read this book just because of him. i wanted some happily ever after. he so deserves to have some. but not with Craig *blushes* anyone but him. the second book from Craig's point was a bit of dissapointment for me. i would prefer Paul's POV, but i like it. a lot... but my dream book would be about Paul and Jade together. just saying... it is just MY opinion.
August 20, 2009
Excellent combination of mystery and romance. Loved the UK setting especially and the gritty, modern feel that gave it. Paul follows on from Maloney's law, still the tortured, complex, fascinating man. Craig is new and a great counterpoint, lively, confused, sexy, needy, brave. The sex scenes are very fresh and hot, the dialogue realistic, and Craig's wit enchanting!
April 12, 2010
I found the main romance a little unbelievable. Craig had this effortless career as a model/actor, worked when he wanted to-- his life was a little too charmed and unrealistic to be convincing. The mystery plot was intriguing, even if it wasn't all that well supported by the backstory, The author never really explained the father's motives and fixation sufficiently to me.
October 6, 2009
Brilliant! I didn't want it to end! It could have been longer I think and more thorough in some places, but even that, this quasi-evasiveness, worked for the book. Flawless editing, skillful prose, loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews