Nothing But the Bones - by Brian Panowich

Book Synopsis

With lyrical prose and hard-hitting depictions of the hardscrabble life in the rural south, Brian Panowich delivers a gripping new chapter in his tales of McFalls County in Nothing But the Bones.

In McFalls County, local crime boss Gareth Burroughs runs everything on the mountain. And Nelson "Nails" McKenna has been his enforcer since he was a teenager, though his heart's not really in the dirty work. Then one night in a local roadhouse, Nails goes too far, defending a woman, and even Burroughs's reach can't get him out of this one. With a dead body and countless witnesses, Nails and the woman become fugitives on the run, and unlikely partners.

But on the road to Jacksonville, where a possible escape awaits, there's more than one interested party on the pair's trail, and the glimpse they had of getting away scot free suddenly seems elusive. In the end, Nails must make one final stand for his freedom--or pay with both of their lives.

Review Quotes

"Nothing But the Bones is a rural noir, a story about families, friendship and a love story as well as a peek at the psyche of criminals. Panowich's lovely writing style further elevates the intriguing plot." -Sun Sentinel

"Both pulse-pounding and heart-stirring. This one should be savored." -The Wall Street Journal

"Nothing But The Bones is an absolutely spellbinding crime novel, brilliantly told. The characters are wonderfully drawn, the plot is truly suspenseful, and Nails is a masterful creation. Brian Panowich has written another winner." -Marilyn's Mystery Reads

"Brian Panowich is one of the best shared world authors out there." - The Hard Word

"The compelling tale, its tone alternately brutal and tender, unfolds at a breakneck pace. The character development is superb, the settings are vivid, and the prose is as tight as a noose. The plot is full of twists. Among them is a startling revelation about Dallas's identity, introducing a sensitive subject that Panowich handles with understanding and grace." -Associated Press

"Panowich keeps readers on their toes all the way through, and anchors his well-executed plot reversals in Nails and Dallas's tender feelings for each other. It's another standout Southern noir from Panowich."--Publishers Weekly

"Brian Panowich goes all-in with Nothing But the Bones, a novel of all that is human: love and friendship, lust and sin, sacrifice and murder. There is profound evil in this story but also enduring goodness, and while not everything is as it appears on the surface, befitting a very satisfying crime story, what is clear from the beginning is that this is a terrific, mesmerizing read that satisfies from beginning to end." -Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer

"A moving, deeply felt take on Bonnie and Clyde whose inexorable trajectory still allows room for plenty of twists." -Kirkus

"Like so many skilled writers of rural themes, Panowich writes with precision, ensuring no word is wasted. He shares the common ability to vividly describe people, places, and times, making reading his work feel almost like walking alongside the characters within his stories. For those who enjoy this genre, Nothing But The Bones is highly recommended. Panowich's stories and novels are also highly recommended to those interested in starting a new series or exploring the works of a different author." -Mystery and Suspense

"The author paints a thoughtful portrait of the aching loneliness that comes with outsider status, and how even the smallest amount of acceptance and trust can mitigate the pain it brings, and perhaps lead to healing and more." -Rhapsody in Books

About the Author

BRIAN PANOWICH is an award winning author, a Georgia firefighter, and a father to four incredible children. His first novel, Bull Mountain, was a Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist, ITW Thriller Award winner for Best First Novel, Southern Book Prize winner, and a finalist for both the Anthony and the Barry Awards. He lives in Georgia with his family.