Tall Bones by Anna Bailey

When seventeen-year-old Abigail goes missing, her best friend Emma, compelled by the guilt of leaving her alone at a party in the woods, sets out to discover the truth about what happened. And with that, we begin possibly the best debut novel I’ve ever read.

With Tall Bones, Anna Bailey has created a wonderfully intriguing (and at times, frightening) cast of characters, wrapped them up within an atmospheric small town riddled with secrets and prejudices, and then, slowly and skillfully peeled away layer on layer to reveal the dark heart beating beneath as the community’s most devastating secrets are dragged into light, and Abigail's fate is revealed.

Not only is the book haunting and utterly enthralling, but it's beautifully written. The twists and turns, and believe me there are plenty, are handled with such care and precision. Each character, from Abi’s abusive and bigoted father, to Rat, the outsider who unsettles the community, and Pastor Lewis, the fire and brimstone preacher, bristle with such life and authenticity that you feel you can reach out and touch them.

Tall Bones is a clever, twisting and dark (sometimes brutal) slice of small town America (think Flannery O'Connor meets Twin Peaks) and packs a huge punch like nothing I’ve read in a long time. It's released in April, so put it at the top of your list!

Thank you to Alison Barrow for my beautiful proof copy.