Perfect Bones – AJ Waines
Is the killer on the loose…or standing right beside you?
When art student, Aiden Blake, witnesses a gruesome attack on a London towpath, the police need him to identify the assailant without delay. But there’s a problem: refusing to leave his canal boat and traumatised by the shock, Aiden is rendered mute by the horror of the event and can’t speak to anyone.
In a desperate bid to gain vital information before Aiden’s memories fade, The Met call in Clinical Psychologist and trauma expert, Dr Samantha Willerby, giving her only seven days to get a result. When Aiden finally starts to communicate through his art, however, the images he produces are not what anyone expects and before Sam can make sense of them, another murder takes place.
With her professional skills stretched to the limit and the clock ticking, Sam strives to track down a killer who is as clever as she is – someone who always manages to stay one step ahead.
My thanks to Emma at Bloodhound Books for the chance to join the blog tour.
It’s the third Samantha Willerby novel from AJ Waines. Don’t worry there is no need to have read the first two books (though I’d recommend you do as they are great) Perfect Bones can be easily enjoyed as a stand-alone read.
Sam Willerby finds her holiday plans are thwarted at the last minute when the police try to engage her assistance. A violent attack on a young woman has left the only witness deeply traumatised and unable to speak. The police need Sam to try and help their witness (Aiden) to recover sufficiently to provide a description of the attacker or share what he saw.
Sam knows that the shock Siren experienced cannot just be brushed off in a day or two, however, she is given just 7 days to work with Siren and try help him to cope with his shock.
Matters are further complicated by the fact Sams younger sister knew both Siren and the attack victim. This places Sam in the midst of a police investigation which touches on her family life. As time is right and Aiden in such a poor mental state Sam takes the unorthodox step of moving into Aiden’s home (a houseboat) to spend more time trying to help him.
Sam’s natural desire to help means she forms a protective bond with Aiden and it is fascinating reading as her treatment and protectiveness progress. Initially asked to help the police we see Sam coming into confrontational situations with officers who are pushing for an investigation result- not caring for the care of their witness.
A separate timeline story (a few weeks prior to the attack) is also running through the book. An intriguing series of episodes where women are isolated and “pounced” on by person or persons unknown. The reader knows bad things are happening..why and what remain a well kept secret.
As with previous AJ Waines books I have read I found Perfect Bones to be a clever and engaging read. I love recurring characters and Sam is a great protagonist with the perfect blend of professional competence, self doubt and a natural inquisitive nature.
Another great read which I strongly recommend.
Perfect Bones is published by Bloodhound Books and is available in paperback and digital format. You can order a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Bones-psychological-thriller-Samantha-ebook/dp/B07K33XVJ2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541716500&sr=8-3&keywords=perfect+bones
