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The Bone Parade
Ashley Stassler is not your average artist. He has been wildly praised for a series of bronze sculptures that group families together, depicting them in moments of excruciating physical and emotional pain-but the art world has no clue as to how he creates such authentic, gruesome, seemingly tortured human representations. He assigns each family a number, and now he's up to number nine. What's in store for family #9? Cruelty and savagery that you can't even imagine.... The Bone Parade introduces a villain who is as methodical, calculating, and detached as any found in the best fiction. It's gripping. It's chilling. You might be too afraid to read on, but you'll never be able to tear your eyes away.
464 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 4, 2017
Perhaps closer to 3 1/2 stars...
Recently I was reminiscing about seeing the famous terracotta warriors in Xian, China face-to-face and properly leaving in awe. Now, I also remember a song that I kept on repeat then, on the now-defunct Sony CD player was "Bone Machine" by Pixies... and for some reason all this came to play upon choosing a horror novel from the public library shelves. Yep, I chose "Bone Parade" for its elusive title solely. There's nothing else to it.
But it was quite a hybrid of sociopath confessional and naïve-girl-becomes stalked motif of suburban horror culture. Nykanen's novel is distinguishable from other lesser efforts at serial-killer with a motive type literature in that the bone parade is actually illustrated as an actual art exhibition piece-- it is explained very articulately. The psycho really does sell his point there. For he makes his victims, on death throes and mid-death rattle, into bronze objects that depict utmost pain. This is all very Thomas Harrissish.
It's better than the three stars. (Though 4? Nope.)
Recently I was reminiscing about seeing the famous terracotta warriors in Xian, China face-to-face and properly leaving in awe. Now, I also remember a song that I kept on repeat then, on the now-defunct Sony CD player was "Bone Machine" by Pixies... and for some reason all this came to play upon choosing a horror novel from the public library shelves. Yep, I chose "Bone Parade" for its elusive title solely. There's nothing else to it.
But it was quite a hybrid of sociopath confessional and naïve-girl-becomes stalked motif of suburban horror culture. Nykanen's novel is distinguishable from other lesser efforts at serial-killer with a motive type literature in that the bone parade is actually illustrated as an actual art exhibition piece-- it is explained very articulately. The psycho really does sell his point there. For he makes his victims, on death throes and mid-death rattle, into bronze objects that depict utmost pain. This is all very Thomas Harrissish.
It's better than the three stars. (Though 4? Nope.)
March 5, 2021
This book will forever be my favorite. Why? Suspenseful, scary, and somewhat downright creepy not to mention an on the edge of your seat, turning the pages faster than you can read. The characters were rather interesting after all you have to be if you want to survive. After finishing the book I immensely wanted another. I recommend this book if you like scary, thrillers, horror, suspense, and more.
October 23, 2016
I would not recommend this book to anyone under the age of 50. The author's explanations of situations feels very dated, especially the parts that are supposed to be sexual. It also reads as though the author himself fantasizes about doing the things the only leading male character does; which is kill/torture people, look down on women, and have sex with a 16 year old.
October 24, 2015
I read this book many years ago and when I saw the title while scrolling through my feed, I have to confess I don't recall it in minute detail, but I do remember that it was one of the most twisted books I had ever read at the time. Since I love me a good twisted horror story, I felt I had to give it 4 stars. If you're considering reading it, be warned that I remember it having a lot of graphic violence. And it's twisted. Don't forget the twisted part.
August 9, 2007
This book is seriously disturbing and creepy but I couldn't put it down. The "villain" is a celebrated sculptor. He is best known for his bronze sculptures of people in various states of terror. What none of his fans realize is that in order to achieve these amazing likenesses, he has been kidnapping and torturing human beings and casting their tormented forms in bronze. The protagonist, an art professor, becomes involved when one of her students embarks on a internship at the artist's compound and subsequently goes missing. The teenage girl whom the artist has kidnapped as part of his latest sculpture project is horrifyingly wicked. This one is not for those with weak stomachs. Also, you might not want to read it alone at night.
July 27, 2013
This is my last surviving book from the Goodreads Bookswap days (please bring it back!!). Here is finally an adult horror book. Ashley Stassler is a renowned sculptor who is best known for his work depicting families in the deepest thralls of terror. What we find out, and this is not a spoiler, is that he finds his families by knocking on their door and asking if he can see his old childhood home, at which point he abducts the whole family and throws them into a cage in his basement.
After terrorizing the family for weeks at a time, he finally ends up killing them off one by one as the others watch, in one of the most terrifying ways I can imagine. He pours alginate over their bodies (aka the stuff dentists use to mold your teeth), leaving only one nostril to breath out of. When he's had his fill, he stuffs the nose. Creeeeppppyyyy.
While this book was scary and really action packed, I was annoyed a bit by the whole thing. Two of the main characters fall in love with practical strangers within a week of knowing them and Diamond Girl, although a fun little twist, certainly is not made from the cloth of reality. For being a regular length novel, it took me double the time to read it, which either means I wasn't that into it or simply didn't have the time. I'm not sure which answer it is yet.
After terrorizing the family for weeks at a time, he finally ends up killing them off one by one as the others watch, in one of the most terrifying ways I can imagine. He pours alginate over their bodies (aka the stuff dentists use to mold your teeth), leaving only one nostril to breath out of. When he's had his fill, he stuffs the nose. Creeeeppppyyyy.
While this book was scary and really action packed, I was annoyed a bit by the whole thing. Two of the main characters fall in love with practical strangers within a week of knowing them and Diamond Girl, although a fun little twist, certainly is not made from the cloth of reality. For being a regular length novel, it took me double the time to read it, which either means I wasn't that into it or simply didn't have the time. I'm not sure which answer it is yet.
August 20, 2007
I found this book in the distcount bin for $5.99 so I thought I'd give it a read. The book was horrifying, I got scared enough I had to put it down. I could not believe the description the author offers of the murders. It felt so realistic I couldn't understand how the author could have this much understanding of murdering people in such a paticular manner.
I really enjoyed it regardless of how much it scared me. I would highly recommend this to those into mystery and horror
I really enjoyed it regardless of how much it scared me. I would highly recommend this to those into mystery and horror
February 16, 2012
Twisted. And wonderful? I have mixed feelings about this book, but what I DO know is that it made me feel. I will certainly be reading more from Nykanen, and would highly recommend this book. However, if you are rather sensitive, I would likely not recommend this book - I meant it when I said it was twisted!
July 30, 2017
This book started out great. A seriously evil villain with a unique M.O. It got bogged down a bit in the middle, and then the ending picked up and was very exciting.
The point of view skips around quite a bit in this book. We get Strasser (the villain/sculptor), Lauren (the art professor) and Kerry (art student/victim). Strasser likes to kidnap families, torture them for months, and finally kill them and immortalize them in bronze. The public think he is a gifted sculpture, but he is really a serial killer. We get inside his mind, which is full of chatter about how superior he is, and how his victims are lucky he chose them. We see Strasser abduct family #9. We never learn their real names, only the nicknames he gives them.
Family #9 is very dysfunctional. The mother truly hates the daughter, nicknamed Diamond Girl. We never learn exactly why she is hated so much, but it may be because she is a sociopath like Strasser. Diamond Girl tries to play mind games with Strasser, while he tries to manipulate her. It makes for an interesting dynamic. Diamond Girl is easily the most interesting person in the book.
The middle section, with Lauren searching for Kerry got a little tedious for me. Not much happens, just a lot of soul searching on Lauren's part. When she finally goes to confront Strasser, that is when the action picks up again.
This book was an interesting read. It was entertaining. A solid read, but not a great one.
The point of view skips around quite a bit in this book. We get Strasser (the villain/sculptor), Lauren (the art professor) and Kerry (art student/victim). Strasser likes to kidnap families, torture them for months, and finally kill them and immortalize them in bronze. The public think he is a gifted sculpture, but he is really a serial killer. We get inside his mind, which is full of chatter about how superior he is, and how his victims are lucky he chose them. We see Strasser abduct family #9. We never learn their real names, only the nicknames he gives them.
Family #9 is very dysfunctional. The mother truly hates the daughter, nicknamed Diamond Girl. We never learn exactly why she is hated so much, but it may be because she is a sociopath like Strasser. Diamond Girl tries to play mind games with Strasser, while he tries to manipulate her. It makes for an interesting dynamic. Diamond Girl is easily the most interesting person in the book.
The middle section, with Lauren searching for Kerry got a little tedious for me. Not much happens, just a lot of soul searching on Lauren's part. When she finally goes to confront Strasser, that is when the action picks up again.
This book was an interesting read. It was entertaining. A solid read, but not a great one.
April 30, 2015
Where do I begin?
The start of this had pretty good potential, although not very original, still could have been good. Artist/sculptor serial killer sounded awesome especially for fans of the already used idea of The House of the Wax Museum. Some similarities, but enough difference to keep my interest.
I soon realized that I cared for none of these characters. They were all one dimensional, never knew anything about them enough to care. The family that was kidnapped were so awful I couldn't wait for the guy to kill them already!!!
The second half of this book had nothing to do with the plot at all it just went straight into pervert land with a sprinkle of girl on girl action for no real reason. Booorrrring! Where are the serial killings I signed up for!
The killer himself seemed so full of himself as to almost feel cartoonish. This book is sloppy and lazy and felt written for a quick buck.
I finished it and still don't really know why.
The start of this had pretty good potential, although not very original, still could have been good. Artist/sculptor serial killer sounded awesome especially for fans of the already used idea of The House of the Wax Museum. Some similarities, but enough difference to keep my interest.
I soon realized that I cared for none of these characters. They were all one dimensional, never knew anything about them enough to care. The family that was kidnapped were so awful I couldn't wait for the guy to kill them already!!!
The second half of this book had nothing to do with the plot at all it just went straight into pervert land with a sprinkle of girl on girl action for no real reason. Booorrrring! Where are the serial killings I signed up for!
The killer himself seemed so full of himself as to almost feel cartoonish. This book is sloppy and lazy and felt written for a quick buck.
I finished it and still don't really know why.
February 27, 2013
It has been a few years since I've actually read this book, but it is still the one I think of when asked my favorite read. This was my first Nykanen novel (a $1 find in a book bin), but definitely not my last! I like the way he writes, but others have said this particular book is too morbid for them. I just couldn't put it down!
July 10, 2024
I read this book years ago, and it was creepy as hell, but it's one of those books that stays with you. Except I always forget the title and have to hunt it up again just to remember it. This time I'm leaving it here so hopefully I will remember it this time. PARADE, not collector, or garden as you always want to think at first.
May 22, 2007
Not a book to read before going to bed. Every other chapter is written from the perspective of the killer or the detective. The former are much more interesting to read, though eventually the two come together. This one gave me bad dreams, but definitely worth it.
November 24, 2010
This was the creepiest book that I have ever read. Mark Nykanen has a very sick imagination. I always look forward to reading one of his books. This was one that I could hardly put down.
October 6, 2012
Loved this book. It was an easy read that had a unique plot. Definitely a page turner
February 21, 2013
Terrifying and gruesome, but I couldn't put it down.
August 10, 2011
A MUST read if ya like creepy beyond creepy !!!!!!!
March 14, 2013
Very disturbing, yet intriguing. It held my interest the entire time I was reading it.
September 18, 2022
THE BONE PARADE [2004] By Mark Nykanen
My Review Four Stars****
This morbid morsel of dark psychological suspense is the second successful novel by award winning journalist Mark Nykanen. “The Bone Parade” was initially released in 2004 and followed his hellishly haunting debut “Hush” published in 1998. I daresay that “The Bone Parade” was Nykanen’s most popular work. “Early Nykanen” novels are downright tales of terror. He has an uncanny talent for transporting the reader into the darkest recesses of the minds of truly chilling psychopaths. He is a master of the dark and his works remind me of the late Mo Hayder.
“The Bone Parade” is a brilliant example of his ability to grab the reader by the throat. I was locked in by the first chilling paragraphs. The novel has been called by one critic “an amalgamation of Red Dragon and The Silence of the Lambs.” Similarly, it has been criticized as derivative of Harris’s works. I would respectfully disagree with the detractors in that I found the book to be refreshingly original albeit allowing the point that the psychopathic architect of destruction from Nykanen does in fact target entire families as did Dollarhyde in The Red Dragon.
The plot focuses on the career of world-renowned sculptor Ashley Stassler. He is an extreme exponent of depicting exquisite pain in his realistic life-like bronze sculptures. The concept is rendered unique in that his depictions of excruciating pain and horror feature entire family units in his exhibits. Stassler has been widely admired for years and the storyline begins with his acquisition of the inspiration for his new exhibit entitled Family Number #9. The art world does not have a clue how this renowned sculptor so effectively creates his statues that depict disturbingly realistic anguish and agony.
The reader is afforded a front row seat and a direct route into the mindset, motivations, and actions of this darling of the art world. Stassler is a prolific serial killer whose by-products of his sensational sculptures are stockpiles of human corpses (a human “Bone Parade”). The novel is brilliantly written using both third-person and first-person POVs. The first-person sections reflect the motivations and machinations of the murderer, and the real power of the book lies in this sinister internal dialogue of Stassler’s as the narrative progresses.
This is a book that starts out strong and then continues to ratchet up the tension throughout the narrative until its explosive climax. It lives up to its reputation as a chokehold tale of terror. The writer moves seamlessly between third person perspectives of the protagonists and back to looking through the cold detached eyes of Stassler. The two main protagonists consist of popular female sculptor and instructor (Lauren) and her most talented student (Kerry). The author introduces a love interest and a new boyfriend respectively, which adds little to the plot.
The first person POV perspective from Stassler provides a chilling glimpse into the mind of a brilliant cold and calculating narcissistic sociopath. There is also the intriguing element of “Diamond Girl” who was captured with her parents and younger brother for Stassler’s Family #9 endeavor. Stassler allots all his victims, perceived enemies, and acquaintances with monikers to intentionally depersonalize and demean them. In any case, the 16-year-old girl he captures in the net designated for Family #9 proves to be almost too hot to handle. Nykanen stretches his psycho-sexual muscles in illuminating the budding relationship between captor and captive with “Diamond Girl”. It is apparent that Stassler has met his sociopathic manipulative match. The conclusion of the story has been called predictable as well as derivative. Frankly, I think the sheer mastery of Nykanen’s writing elevates it above such criticisms. This novel is perfect for any reader who prefers the dark side of psychological thrillers.
This is a riveting novel with a frantic pace and a chillingly illuminated villain you are unlikely to forget. Is it another “Silence Of The Lambs”? No, of course not, but it is a “take no prisoners” roller coaster ride of sheer terror. Not for the faint of heart. Trigger Warning for animal lovers. This reader also suggests that half the readers out there may want to stay with Nykanen’s early works unless injecting politics into your thrillers is no problem.
June 25, 2023
I picked this up at a thrift store for $2 anticipating some good junk reading, as I just finished some classes and wanted to read for fun. I love horror and gore, so this should have delivered. By the second chapter you've figured out the story. By the third chapter, it's very clear that this author hasn't actually talked to a woman about her life, what she thinks about, how she makes choices, etc. He goes into length describing how the first two women characters, Lauren and Kerry, dress and their physical attributes (no shocker, they are gorgeous and practically perfect) - I mean paragraphs and paragraphs - and the supposed concern Lauren has over how "she sweats more than other women." Sir, this is not a thing a 39-year-old woman would ever agonize over. He gives one paragraph to vaguely describe the male character, Ry. When two characters go out on a dinner date, the described "nervousness" from the woman's perspective is written like some YA script. Not enough gore to get past the horrible writing. I want my $2 back - I couldn't finish this.
April 24, 2021
Wow!!!! This was chilling!!! I've always been a fan of the dark and macabre. This book did not disappoint. The story is well-written and flows well. I couldn't put it down! I found myself mesmerized by the insanity of the killer/artist.
This book will not be for everyone!! It is more than a little creepy and horrifying! It strolls vividly through the details of depraved actions and thoughts of a murderer.
I strongly suspect the added bits of comedy infused into this beautifully grotesque story are lost to many readers who are too mortified by the plot to enjoy the humor. I got chills when the jokes landed on me.. "surely no one is this F*ed up!!" Then giggled because damn.. the author thought this up!!!
This book was sick!! I enjoyed every twisted minute and I can't wait to read more from the author.
This book will not be for everyone!! It is more than a little creepy and horrifying! It strolls vividly through the details of depraved actions and thoughts of a murderer.
I strongly suspect the added bits of comedy infused into this beautifully grotesque story are lost to many readers who are too mortified by the plot to enjoy the humor. I got chills when the jokes landed on me.. "surely no one is this F*ed up!!" Then giggled because damn.. the author thought this up!!!
This book was sick!! I enjoyed every twisted minute and I can't wait to read more from the author.
September 4, 2018
When The Bone Parade first came out, the concept of the serial killer artist seemed fairly unique and inspired; that's why I rated it as I did. Shows like CSI and Criminal Minds were still in their infancy so the plot of this book was indeed new, intriguing, and singularly terrifying (as I recall some 14 years later). While if I read it for the first time today I probably wouldn't be impressed, I stand by my rating because this book still haunts my dreams from time to time. And that, to me, is the sign of a good story.
December 9, 2021
Interesting concept, poor execution. Far too much suspension of belief. Just generally unenjoyable-- and this is coming from someone who practically inhaled Silence of the Lambs. Also, some of the worst sex scenes I have ever read.
March 6, 2022
Good book...3rd time reading it. A fun easy read every time. Still grabs the attention. Is a bit gory and hard to digest at times. I love the alternating perspective from the villain and the heroine for each chapter.
February 24, 2023
Drags a bit toward the middle and the language gets overly flowery at times, but suspenseful and satisfying nonetheless. Although the author is entirely too preoccupied with writing lurid descriptions of the bodies of women and girls.
June 26, 2019
Absolutely chilling, crazy and eerie to the bone, and not short on suspense
June 14, 2020
Edge of seat serial killer drama. They race over rocky terrain to get away from an absolute psycho in a downpour.
Read
January 11, 2022DNF at 30%. This book thoroughly disgusted me and I have no interest in picking it up again.
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