Review – Boneman’s Daughters

From the spine-chilling opening to the unexpected twist ending, BoneMan is a fitting name for this serial killer from Texas in search of the perfect teenage daughter. Whenever he finds a fitting candidate, he watches her, learns her habits, and then snaps pictures to post on his wall until she can join him like a good daughter should. Like any hunter, he gathers his supplies and waits for the right moment. The thrill of the chase makes his blood run hot, until his disappointment makes the girls blood run cold. He had such hopes for each victim. He expected each one to accept and love him for the father he deserved to be. Six victims had disappointed him and he had administered their fitting punishment-broken every bone in their bodies-one-by-one-without once breaking their skin-then left them to die. Bethany Evan would be his seventh. Would she be his daughter or his victim?

A recent tour of duty in the Middle East left Bethany’s military intelligence father, Ryan Evan, a changed man. He could no longer accept the long military absences that estranged him from his wife and their adopted daughter, Bethany. His values had changed. His fierce love for Bethany had equipped him to withstand his recent abduction and torture in Fallujah. The unique torture had targeted his mind instead of his body and changed his world view. The shocking interrogation techniques had given him a choice: hand over his wife and daughter, or watch a succession of Iraqi children die by having their bones slowly broken in front of him. Evans had lived with the unspeakable choice only long enough to break free and escape.

On Evan’s return stateside he wanted to reconcile with his family. Instead, he learned of his wife’s involvement with District Attorney Burt Welsh. That hurt, but wasn’t unexpected. But, Bethany’s rejection really hurt. She wouldn’t talk to him, but would only lash out in anger and resentment-until BoneMan abducted her.

When Evan talks to the FBI he learns he’s their number one suspect. BoneMan uses the same torture technique that was used on him. After BoneMan calls Evan with instructions of what to do and where to meet if he wants to see Bethany alive again, the clock starts ticking. Evan determines to launch his own investigation to find and save his daughter and the macabre chase begins.

This suspenseful, well-crafted, intriguing thriller, full of gruesome twists and turns, is surprisingly not overly graphic. Engaging characters are exceptionally well-drawn, with a plot that unwinds like a tightly wound spring. From Evan’s personal struggles, his failure as a husband and father, to his wife’s adulterous escapades, and his daughter’s angry rejection, their actions and motivations are ones readers can empathize with. Even Dekker’s glimpses into BoneMan’s twisted imaginings are fascinating. Dekker captures the reader from the first word, and keeps the pages turning at a relentless pace with skilled writing. This spine-chiller is classic Dekker and never disappoints. It’s one you won’t easily forget.