The Bone Tree: A Novel by Greg Iles

(Thank you to HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles comes the second novel in his Natchez Burning trilogy—which also includes Natchez Burning and the upcoming Mississippi Blood—an epic trilogy of blood and race, family and justice, featuring Southern lawyer Penn Cage.

Former prosecutor Penn Cage and his fiancée, reporter and publisher Caitlin Masters, have barely escaped with their lives after being attacked by wealthy businessman Brody Royal and his Double Eagles, a KKK sect with ties to some of Mississippi’s most powerful men. But the real danger has only begun as FBI Special Agent John Kaiser warns Penn that Brody wasn’t the true leader of the Double Eagles. The puppeteer who actually controls the terrorist group is a man far more fearsome: the chief of the state police’s Criminal Investigations Bureau, Forrest Knox.

The only way Penn can save his father, Dr. Tom Cage—who is fleeing a murder charge as well as corrupt cops bent on killing him—is either to make a devil’s bargain with Knox or destroy him. While Penn desperately pursues both options, Caitlin uncovers the real story behind a series of unsolved civil rights murders that may hold the key to the Double Eagles’ downfall. The trail leads her deep into the past, into the black backwaters of the Mississippi River, to a secret killing ground used by slave owners and the Klan for over two hundred years . . . a place of terrifying evil known only as “the bone tree.”

The Bone Tree is an explosive, action-packed thriller full of twisting intrigue and deadly secrets, a tale that explores the conflicts and casualties that result when the darkest truths of American history come to light. It puts us inside the skin of a noble man who has always fought for justice—now finally pushed beyond his limits.

Just how far will Penn Cage, the hero we thought we knew, go to protect those he loves?

my thoughts:

Whoa, Nelly! What a book! I spent all weekend hunkered down with tea, cookies, and this monster-sized novel, The Bone Tree. Its the second book in the Natchez Burning trilogy by Greg Iles.  And let me just say it does not disappoint.

Picking up from where the first story left off, we find Dr. Tom Cage on the run; Penn and Caitlin barely surviving an abduction and fire; and FBI Agent John Kaiser even more hell-bent on seeking out justice.  The Bone Tree jumps right on in with all the action.  Its a fast-paced, suspense thriller filled with rich details and vivid descriptions.  There are graphic scenes and violence painted throughout, but its all necessary in showing us what evil is truly capable of and also the dangers involved when 'good' wants to triumph over 'evil'.  With this book we also get more of the investigative aspect, which was both fascinating and eye-opening.  I absolutely loved catching up with these characters and their journey on this perilous path to justice.  Iles is on fire with his writing - its brutal, honest, clever and packs quite a wallop with its razor sharp wit.  I know that I haven't written much about what happens, but I can't.  This is a story you need to experience for yourself. All I will say is that The Bone Tree is an intense and riveting read that you won't be able to put down. I'm serious, it is truly an excellent reading experience.  I absolutely LOVED it!

I would definitely recommend The Bone Tree to fans of the Natchez Burning trilogy, fans of Greg Iles, and anyone looking for a superb suspense-thriller to dive into.  You will LOVE this book!!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Bone Tree

Thank you to HarperCollins and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!