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Christchurch Crime #2
Skeletal
Three months before she died Daina Harrow faced a bully at school.
Six weeks before she died Daina Harrow suffered an assault in the park.
One week before she died Daina Harrow stole a secret people had killed to hide.
That was ten years ago. Ten long years.
Now, her bones have been found on a building site. A coroner's inquest has been reopened. A parade of witnesses is about to start.
And Daina's here. Watching every day as her mother cries in the courtroom. Watching every day as her friends, and her enemies, and her killers lie about her on the stand.
Watching, and making sure that no matter what the coroner hears, you know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
So help you God.
Six weeks before she died Daina Harrow suffered an assault in the park.
One week before she died Daina Harrow stole a secret people had killed to hide.
That was ten years ago. Ten long years.
Now, her bones have been found on a building site. A coroner's inquest has been reopened. A parade of witnesses is about to start.
And Daina's here. Watching every day as her mother cries in the courtroom. Watching every day as her friends, and her enemies, and her killers lie about her on the stand.
Watching, and making sure that no matter what the coroner hears, you know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
So help you God.
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2015
262 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hayton
64books491followersI'm a middle-aged woman who works in insurance, doesn't have children or pets, can't drive, has lived in Christchurch my entire life, and currently reside a two-minute walk from where I was born.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 29, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Katherine Hayton and NetGalley.)
A blow across the face shut me up. And then Uncle Charles� face softened. “Oh, honey I’m sorry. You just got me riled when you don’t pay attention.�
This was an okay story, but I lost interest.
I felt really sorry for Daina in this book, it seemed like everyone treated her like trash, without even knowing her, and the way her mother treated her was even worse! To not even bother to make sure that her daughter was fed and safe was just disgusting behaviour.
The storyline in this bounced between the court proceedings following Daina’s death, and the story of Daina’s life leading up to her death, and the way that nobody seemed to care about her, and the way she was bullied was so upsetting! I really felt so sorry for the poor girl, and I really would have hoped that she had someone in the world who cared about her, but it really didn’t seem that way at all.
This book did start to drag a bit in the middle though, and I got bored. I wanted to know who had killed Daina and why, but it just dragged and dragged, and very little seemed to be happening other than Daina’s life continuing to be poo. The rape scenes in this book were also not very nice.
The ending to this was okay, but it was sad that Daina obviously died.
5 out of 10
A blow across the face shut me up. And then Uncle Charles� face softened. “Oh, honey I’m sorry. You just got me riled when you don’t pay attention.�
This was an okay story, but I lost interest.
I felt really sorry for Daina in this book, it seemed like everyone treated her like trash, without even knowing her, and the way her mother treated her was even worse! To not even bother to make sure that her daughter was fed and safe was just disgusting behaviour.
The storyline in this bounced between the court proceedings following Daina’s death, and the story of Daina’s life leading up to her death, and the way that nobody seemed to care about her, and the way she was bullied was so upsetting! I really felt so sorry for the poor girl, and I really would have hoped that she had someone in the world who cared about her, but it really didn’t seem that way at all.
This book did start to drag a bit in the middle though, and I got bored. I wanted to know who had killed Daina and why, but it just dragged and dragged, and very little seemed to be happening other than Daina’s life continuing to be poo. The rape scenes in this book were also not very nice.
The ending to this was okay, but it was sad that Daina obviously died.
5 out of 10
February 6, 2015
I received a free download of “Skeletal� by Katherine Hayton, a New Zealand author, in exchange for an honest review. This is a thriller/mystery told by the deceased protagonist. This story is full of mystery, suspense and heart wrenching details of bullying, and bad parenting.
This book grabbed my attention right from the start and wouldn’t let me go. I was totally involved in the story…wanting to know who and why? No young woman should go through what she went through! My heart went out to her.
"Now, her bones have been found on a building site. A coroner's inquest has been reopened. A parade of witnesses is about to start.
And Daina's here. Watching every day as her mother cries in the courtroom. Watching every day as her friends, and her enemies, and her killers lie about her on the stand.
Watching, and making sure that no matter what the coroner hears, you know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
The retrieved bones belong to a teenage girl, Daina Harrow, missing for ten years. This is a story about the life and death of a teenage girl. It is told from the girl's point of view, a “ghost�. Daina was a good student, trying to put on a “good face�, and survive the constant embarrassment in class of bullying. Daina lived with her mother, an alcoholic, who never took any interest in her daughter, and definitely didn’t know her. A very sad state.
The story covers three different time periods; the present (In the coroner's court), the past events that led up to the death of Daina and when Daina was 5 and it all began.
There was an incredible twist at the end of the story, that kept you on the edge of the seat as you try to solve the mystery.
This was a very emotional read but with a powerful message on teenage relationships, and ongoing bullying. It is a book that needs to be read…not only to solve a mystery, but highlight an issue that needs to be addressed. A very enjoyable read.
This book grabbed my attention right from the start and wouldn’t let me go. I was totally involved in the story…wanting to know who and why? No young woman should go through what she went through! My heart went out to her.
"Now, her bones have been found on a building site. A coroner's inquest has been reopened. A parade of witnesses is about to start.
And Daina's here. Watching every day as her mother cries in the courtroom. Watching every day as her friends, and her enemies, and her killers lie about her on the stand.
Watching, and making sure that no matter what the coroner hears, you know the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth."
The retrieved bones belong to a teenage girl, Daina Harrow, missing for ten years. This is a story about the life and death of a teenage girl. It is told from the girl's point of view, a “ghost�. Daina was a good student, trying to put on a “good face�, and survive the constant embarrassment in class of bullying. Daina lived with her mother, an alcoholic, who never took any interest in her daughter, and definitely didn’t know her. A very sad state.
The story covers three different time periods; the present (In the coroner's court), the past events that led up to the death of Daina and when Daina was 5 and it all began.
There was an incredible twist at the end of the story, that kept you on the edge of the seat as you try to solve the mystery.
This was a very emotional read but with a powerful message on teenage relationships, and ongoing bullying. It is a book that needs to be read…not only to solve a mystery, but highlight an issue that needs to be addressed. A very enjoyable read.
December 12, 2017
This is a truly superb novel, though not for everyone.
The novel is written from the perspective of Daina, the victim of a murder, as she watches the court proceedings ten years after. As evidence unfolds and witnesses bear their testimony, she tells her events of the weeks leading to her death.
I came across this novel on TheProtagonistSpeaks.com, and wanted to read it as soon as I could. I picked up a copy and was not disappointed. The story is superbly written, very engaging and beautify executed. However it is not for those looking for a warm and fuzzy feeling. The writing is harsh, stark, confronting. It fits well with the circumstances of Daina's life and death.
As we watch the heartbreaking story of a charming and intelligent girl, as we empathise and sympathise with her, Hayton never lets us forget about the inexorable approach of her death. For bearing with the gruesome and hard truths of the novel, the readers are rewarded with a unique reading experience, a masterly done murder mystery that will keep them guessing to the last pages. In a feat of writing skill, all characters are complex and three dimensional - and each with their own baggage of woes and history. There is a resolution and closure at the end, though again it's not of the warm and comforting kind.
If you are willing to be confronted, this is a truly superb novel and well worth the time.
--
, author of : A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
The novel is written from the perspective of Daina, the victim of a murder, as she watches the court proceedings ten years after. As evidence unfolds and witnesses bear their testimony, she tells her events of the weeks leading to her death.
I came across this novel on TheProtagonistSpeaks.com, and wanted to read it as soon as I could. I picked up a copy and was not disappointed. The story is superbly written, very engaging and beautify executed. However it is not for those looking for a warm and fuzzy feeling. The writing is harsh, stark, confronting. It fits well with the circumstances of Daina's life and death.
As we watch the heartbreaking story of a charming and intelligent girl, as we empathise and sympathise with her, Hayton never lets us forget about the inexorable approach of her death. For bearing with the gruesome and hard truths of the novel, the readers are rewarded with a unique reading experience, a masterly done murder mystery that will keep them guessing to the last pages. In a feat of writing skill, all characters are complex and three dimensional - and each with their own baggage of woes and history. There is a resolution and closure at the end, though again it's not of the warm and comforting kind.
If you are willing to be confronted, this is a truly superb novel and well worth the time.
--
, author of : A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
February 7, 2015
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
What the hell did I just read?
I'm still in shock. This book was a whirlwind of action throughout and I have a lot of conflicting feelings about it.
Skeletal is a story of a girl who was lost. Daina moved from town to town with her mother, changing schools three to four times a year, running from problems and never putting down roots. Daina is heavily independent and tries desperately to maintain control of her hectic life. She tries to prevent her mother from spending all of their money on alcohol and keeps her grades up. She never expected a bully to turn on her and make her life a living hell.
But this is much more than a bullying story. Daina is a fighter and she strives to make the struggles in her life building blocks. She tries to make friends and is happy for a short while. Life has a way of going to hell really quick and despite her best efforts, Daina gets sucked down a road that she never wanted to go down.
Daina is an interesting character but I struggled with her age, among other things. She was 14 in all of this. I understand that she had to grow up quick because of the life that she had but it felt too extreme. She didn't react in a relatable way. Certain things that would drive most teenagers into a panic () barely phased her. I can understand rolling with the bullying but she lets everybody take advantage of her. Her mother, her guidance counselor, the bullies, the creepy guy in the bushes...I won't go further. She was a doormat.
All the rest of the characters were severely twisted. Who does this? Even adults don't do this! It's so messed up. Maybe I am having issues with this because I've never experienced bullying in this extreme but I feel like most people haven't either.
The administration of this school is unbelievable at best. NO SCHOOL WOULD IGNORE WHAT IS GOING ON.. No school. At all. Know why? Lawsuits. The school would be shut down in a hot minute. And then teachers and administration and principals would be fired and possibly go to jail. It's simply not logical.
There were just so many plot holes.
The end of the book was rushed and the conclusion was never fully explained. There was too much suspense and building on the front end to justify the conclusion.
In the end, I couldn't connect with the characters and there were too many missing parts for me to enjoy this book. Maybe I'm in a bad mood but this book was not for me.
What the hell did I just read?
I'm still in shock. This book was a whirlwind of action throughout and I have a lot of conflicting feelings about it.
Skeletal is a story of a girl who was lost. Daina moved from town to town with her mother, changing schools three to four times a year, running from problems and never putting down roots. Daina is heavily independent and tries desperately to maintain control of her hectic life. She tries to prevent her mother from spending all of their money on alcohol and keeps her grades up. She never expected a bully to turn on her and make her life a living hell.
But this is much more than a bullying story. Daina is a fighter and she strives to make the struggles in her life building blocks. She tries to make friends and is happy for a short while. Life has a way of going to hell really quick and despite her best efforts, Daina gets sucked down a road that she never wanted to go down.
Daina is an interesting character but I struggled with her age, among other things. She was 14 in all of this. I understand that she had to grow up quick because of the life that she had but it felt too extreme. She didn't react in a relatable way. Certain things that would drive most teenagers into a panic () barely phased her. I can understand rolling with the bullying but she lets everybody take advantage of her. Her mother, her guidance counselor, the bullies, the creepy guy in the bushes...I won't go further. She was a doormat.
All the rest of the characters were severely twisted. Who does this? Even adults don't do this! It's so messed up. Maybe I am having issues with this because I've never experienced bullying in this extreme but I feel like most people haven't either.
The administration of this school is unbelievable at best. NO SCHOOL WOULD IGNORE WHAT IS GOING ON.. No school. At all. Know why? Lawsuits. The school would be shut down in a hot minute. And then teachers and administration and principals would be fired and possibly go to jail. It's simply not logical.
There were just so many plot holes.
The end of the book was rushed and the conclusion was never fully explained. There was too much suspense and building on the front end to justify the conclusion.
In the end, I couldn't connect with the characters and there were too many missing parts for me to enjoy this book. Maybe I'm in a bad mood but this book was not for me.
March 16, 2015
When I requested to read this book on Net Galley I didn't look at the authors name, only the blurb. When I was halfway through I looked at the name of the author realizing that I had read one of her books before and liked it. I then knew why my eyes took me to this one, sixth sense I think.
I just knew this was going to be good, but I didn't realize how dam good!
Daina Harrow is the main person in this story, she is young, she is bullied in life, bullied at school. Her Mother is nice to her when sober!! But she's never been a Mom to cook, clean and make sure her child is clothed, feed and watered. All her Mom wants to do is get drunk, men and drunken parties.
That life is the 'norm' for Daina, after all, she knows nothing else.
She does get befriended by some girls, but even that turns out a twist in the huge plot.
Yes there is violence in this story, but not enough to close your eyes and say "oh, that's graphic" its only disturbing because you feel for Daina.
Daina has some superb loyalty and morals that got her into trouble by doing the 'right' thing which came and literally bit her in the ass.
This has a scene of rape, its not blown out of proportion or glorified in any way, its a well thought out written scene. The plot takes over more than what has just happened to her [not that its unimportant, but it IS relevant to the story]
I was literally flicking through the pages of my kindle resenting any time I had to put it down to go cook supper for us all !! still glued to my Kindle whenever possible, I kid you not!
The ending was oh so heart breaking.
The setting for this book is Daina overlooking a Court case about her death, its way unique and unusual reading, fab, absolutely fab I thought. Its written as normal, but comes back to when someone is taking the stand and picks up the real story then through its pages. I LOVED it, can't you tell I loved it LOL
The ending, pay attention to the ending, we know from the blurb that the author says Daina died. Just read and pay attention to the last few chapters, its pulls it together so beautifully but oh so tragic.
I can't say enough, give this book a try. Its up to you if you like it as much as I did, but its well worth a read.
I love a good thriller. I love new authors that can write well, tell a story well, never loose their focus and reads just brilliantly oh and......takes me away from daily chores!!!
I would like to thank Katherine Hayton via Net Galley for my copy
I have recommended this to so many of my fellow book friends they will think I'm on commission!!
December 30, 2015
A noirish cautionary tale. A great non-stop read. Gritty and heart-breaking, skimming through a lot of issues we consider normal and ordinary but which aren't. Rape, corporate spying, friendship, treason, bullying, social disparities, poisoning, don't ask don't tell school rule, alcohol, self-raising children, we are asked to consider all of this and more, much much more...
A cross of school tale with kiddy spy novel with things like 'Speak' and 'Lovely bones'. Though to be fair I liked this one a lot better that the 'Speak' and 'Lovely bones'.
However, the Grey Man part was totally implausible. Too bad it spoiled such a good book. -1 star just for that.
(c)
Watch this. See this now. A dead girl in a courtroom being comforted by her imaginary friend.
At least someone’s still got my back.
(c)
A cross of school tale with kiddy spy novel with things like 'Speak' and 'Lovely bones'. Though to be fair I liked this one a lot better that the 'Speak' and 'Lovely bones'.
However, the Grey Man part was totally implausible. Too bad it spoiled such a good book. -1 star just for that.
(c)
Watch this. See this now. A dead girl in a courtroom being comforted by her imaginary friend.
At least someone’s still got my back.
(c)
September 28, 2018
I think there was an interesting foundation here but I definitely had a lot of issues with it. Overall I didn't think it was organized very well. There were scenes taking place in the present day at the retrial and scenes taking place ten years ago right before the main character got murdered and even a few scenes set ten years before that which didn't really make any sense at all until the very end [and even then only barely]. All the parts were clearly marked but I wish the author would have broken up the chapters more because they were definitely overly long and didn't move back and forth evenly.
Besides that I just don't think the whole thing made much sense. There's a weird reveal at the end that I thought was really weird [and I was unclear the entire time how 'magical' this universe is supposed to be. I mean there's ghosts and ...some other stuff but it was all played so straight I wasn't really sure what was going on]. Also the kids in this are 14 years old and I thought they were WAY too vindictive and messed up to realistically be that age. I mean even most adults are not thing bad and these are basically children. I just didn't find it realistic at all.
Also it was definitely a lot darker than I thought it was going and I definitely want to mention that there are two rapes in this [one of a minor by an adult and one of a minor by another minor] and some other sexual-based 'bullying' I guess, so just be aware of that going in.
Besides that I just don't think the whole thing made much sense. There's a weird reveal at the end that I thought was really weird [and I was unclear the entire time how 'magical' this universe is supposed to be. I mean there's ghosts and ...some other stuff but it was all played so straight I wasn't really sure what was going on]. Also the kids in this are 14 years old and I thought they were WAY too vindictive and messed up to realistically be that age. I mean even most adults are not thing bad and these are basically children. I just didn't find it realistic at all.
Also it was definitely a lot darker than I thought it was going and I definitely want to mention that there are two rapes in this [one of a minor by an adult and one of a minor by another minor] and some other sexual-based 'bullying' I guess, so just be aware of that going in.
February 18, 2015
It was a 300 watt jolt straight to my heart
Huge thanks to the author for sharing a copy of her work with me. I am so glad that I got to read this book because it truly made me speechless and now I am gasping for both air and words to describe how I felt reading this book. I guess when a magpie like me can't formulate words to describe something then that itself should show how big a deal the book was to me.
Suddenly I feel that I am in some kind of book haven because one after another I am being treated to this wonderful array of writers with exceptional works that I could not even find with the hot selling and established authors.
Lets start with a warning for the book that
Skeletal is not for the weak hearts because even though there are nothing that are too graphic, the events and one after another challenges brought up by the book will rip your heart and play with your sensitivity and that is why I would advice to strengthen yourself because you are up for one giant turbo rollercoaster.
Skeletal brings a story so strong and intense (very very intense) that you cannot avoid turning pages, just to know how things are going to shape up and then there is this whole mystery to the main plot that will anyways keep you awake at night. One of the impressive things I found in the story was the narration. There is a very powerful narration technique used, which was something very different, creative and setting a nice suspenseful air to the whole book. It is a brilliant hybrid of first and third party narration. You have to read the book to know what I am exactly referring to. In fact the very first line of the book will make it clear for you.
I have to say that the book just grips you by throat right at the beginning and refuses to let leave and give your breath back till the very end. Speaking of which, the end was...... I don't know how to phrase it.....let's just say that the end revelation broke my heart and I spent an hour weeping and roaming around with a heavy heart. It was that good and heart wrenching and I cannot help but say it....I hate you Katherine (the author) I hate you for making me cry and getting me so hooked to your book.
I have to warn you that the book is not a happy one. There is no rosy days. Its one after another incidents of survival and fight which makes it so good, inspiring and all the more make you grow a love for your live seeing how bad it could have been and how there are people who are going through worse situations than us and maybe that is why I suddenly have a new found love for my life and a feeling of being blessed.
There are very few books that have made me cry and this is one of them.
Skeletal truly redefines the term gripping story for me. The book comes with an extremely intense plot that pulls you right in and chains you to it until you complete the book. you can't help yourself from turning the pages with the mystery haunting you. The book amazes me with the story line that has the capability to terrify, make one run with rage and adrenaline and even bringing tears to the eyes. Honestly because of being submerged deep inside the plot, I was not able to judge or see anything else. For me the book is phenomenal
How was it ?
Huge thanks to the author for sharing a copy of her work with me. I am so glad that I got to read this book because it truly made me speechless and now I am gasping for both air and words to describe how I felt reading this book. I guess when a magpie like me can't formulate words to describe something then that itself should show how big a deal the book was to me.
Suddenly I feel that I am in some kind of book haven because one after another I am being treated to this wonderful array of writers with exceptional works that I could not even find with the hot selling and established authors.
Lets start with a warning for the book that
Skeletal is not for the weak hearts because even though there are nothing that are too graphic, the events and one after another challenges brought up by the book will rip your heart and play with your sensitivity and that is why I would advice to strengthen yourself because you are up for one giant turbo rollercoaster.
Skeletal brings a story so strong and intense (very very intense) that you cannot avoid turning pages, just to know how things are going to shape up and then there is this whole mystery to the main plot that will anyways keep you awake at night. One of the impressive things I found in the story was the narration. There is a very powerful narration technique used, which was something very different, creative and setting a nice suspenseful air to the whole book. It is a brilliant hybrid of first and third party narration. You have to read the book to know what I am exactly referring to. In fact the very first line of the book will make it clear for you.
I have to say that the book just grips you by throat right at the beginning and refuses to let leave and give your breath back till the very end. Speaking of which, the end was...... I don't know how to phrase it.....let's just say that the end revelation broke my heart and I spent an hour weeping and roaming around with a heavy heart. It was that good and heart wrenching and I cannot help but say it....I hate you Katherine (the author) I hate you for making me cry and getting me so hooked to your book.
I have to warn you that the book is not a happy one. There is no rosy days. Its one after another incidents of survival and fight which makes it so good, inspiring and all the more make you grow a love for your live seeing how bad it could have been and how there are people who are going through worse situations than us and maybe that is why I suddenly have a new found love for my life and a feeling of being blessed.
There are very few books that have made me cry and this is one of them.
Skeletal truly redefines the term gripping story for me. The book comes with an extremely intense plot that pulls you right in and chains you to it until you complete the book. you can't help yourself from turning the pages with the mystery haunting you. The book amazes me with the story line that has the capability to terrify, make one run with rage and adrenaline and even bringing tears to the eyes. Honestly because of being submerged deep inside the plot, I was not able to judge or see anything else. For me the book is phenomenal
How was it ?
June 13, 2015
I received a copy of this in return for an honest review via Story Cartel and the Author. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this terrific story.
My Review -- 5 Stars
Daina was murdered, and it is Daina who is telling her story, her life was filled with bullies, trauma, a mother who was unfit, who failed as a parent at every turn. This was a girl who had an unhappy life, and a terrible death.
Before her Death:
Daina is aware that if the authorities find out about her mother she will be removed and put in a care home, and the cat would be out of the bag so to speak. This is not what Daina wants, so she tries to take care of herself and prevent anyone finding out about her home life.
On starting a new school Daina meets new people, and it does not take long before you can see that this is not going to be good for Daina. Bullying is high on the agenda in this storyline, her peers bully her but unfortunately so do adults.
There are many twists and turns in the story, it goes from neglect, bullying to even rape, but it is told in a tasteful manner (as best as a rape could be).
After her Death:
Daina's body was found 10 years after her death, and the inquest looks at facts leading up to the murder, statements are read, lies are told, and Daina is there watching, she is there in spirit to ensure the truth comes out.
An exciting read, although classed as Young Adult, I really enjoyed it and feel it would be suitable for most Adults as well. It is a great thriller with a fantastic ending, which I never for a second guessed !!!
My Review -- 5 Stars
Daina was murdered, and it is Daina who is telling her story, her life was filled with bullies, trauma, a mother who was unfit, who failed as a parent at every turn. This was a girl who had an unhappy life, and a terrible death.
Before her Death:
Daina is aware that if the authorities find out about her mother she will be removed and put in a care home, and the cat would be out of the bag so to speak. This is not what Daina wants, so she tries to take care of herself and prevent anyone finding out about her home life.
On starting a new school Daina meets new people, and it does not take long before you can see that this is not going to be good for Daina. Bullying is high on the agenda in this storyline, her peers bully her but unfortunately so do adults.
There are many twists and turns in the story, it goes from neglect, bullying to even rape, but it is told in a tasteful manner (as best as a rape could be).
After her Death:
Daina's body was found 10 years after her death, and the inquest looks at facts leading up to the murder, statements are read, lies are told, and Daina is there watching, she is there in spirit to ensure the truth comes out.
An exciting read, although classed as Young Adult, I really enjoyed it and feel it would be suitable for most Adults as well. It is a great thriller with a fantastic ending, which I never for a second guessed !!!
March 29, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
I felt so sorry for Daina in this. She went through so much, and people who should have been looking after her treated her like a piece of rubbish.
This started out okay, but it started to drag after a few chapters, so I felt quite bored for most of it unfortuantly. I really wanted to know what actually happened to Daina, but at times, it felt like I would never get to the end to find out.
Overall, An okay read, but felt longer than it was.
I felt so sorry for Daina in this. She went through so much, and people who should have been looking after her treated her like a piece of rubbish.
This started out okay, but it started to drag after a few chapters, so I felt quite bored for most of it unfortuantly. I really wanted to know what actually happened to Daina, but at times, it felt like I would never get to the end to find out.
Overall, An okay read, but felt longer than it was.
October 4, 2017
Maybe 2.5 stars.
Well that was certainly different. Told from the POV of a dead girl, Daina Harrow, the story starts at the inquest into her death ten years ago. Her body had lain undiscovered for all that time.
Daina's was a tragic story. Constantly moving house with her alcoholic mother, Daina tries to earmark some money for food before her mother drinks it all away. The 14 year old has just started at a new school and becomes the victim of some pretty nasty bullying. This all escalates until she is beaten and raped in a park one night. Soon Daina will be dead but we have to read on to see how it transpires.
Then the story got really weird. I didn't really get the whole Grey Man business or why she would become obsessed with the file she stole. It didn't seem to make any sense. Did I miss something here? I know I love a twisty mystery but this was perhaps too obtuse even for me.
Well that was certainly different. Told from the POV of a dead girl, Daina Harrow, the story starts at the inquest into her death ten years ago. Her body had lain undiscovered for all that time.
Daina's was a tragic story. Constantly moving house with her alcoholic mother, Daina tries to earmark some money for food before her mother drinks it all away. The 14 year old has just started at a new school and becomes the victim of some pretty nasty bullying. This all escalates until she is beaten and raped in a park one night. Soon Daina will be dead but we have to read on to see how it transpires.
Then the story got really weird. I didn't really get the whole Grey Man business or why she would become obsessed with the file she stole. It didn't seem to make any sense. Did I miss something here? I know I love a twisty mystery but this was perhaps too obtuse even for me.
April 10, 2018
This novel was so moving! I was in such awe and riveted by the author's intense empathy and raw insight. I felt incredibly overwhelmed with emotions reading Daina's story. The tears just didn't stop rolling down my cheeks because this girl never had a chance to be a kid. She always had hardship and neglect rather emotionally or physically. Then to know although this story is fiction, their are children's bones found out their with unsolved stories that are true. For Diana's character to live a lonely life of abuse and die alone with her imaginary tormentor is just infallible. I recommend this book if you want a good suspense and emotional mystery drama with interchanging scenes and dialogue.
June 8, 2015
You can find this review along with many others on my blog
Since I hadn't read any mystery/thriller books in a while and found myself with the desire of reading one, I decided to read Skeletal. I had requested this from Netgalley on a total whim. I hadn't really heard of the author before and decided to base my judgement purely on the cover, which lets admit, looks kind of creepy. My expectation where at bay so i guess I wasn't really disappointed. With that said, I wasn't blown away either.
Skeletal started out with moderately slow pacing. Thoughts of DNFing it did cross my mind, but I decided against it since I wasn't even that far into it. When I reached around 30% of the book I found myself pretty engrossed. Which was not only due to the endearing plot, but also to the way in which the story was told.
The majority of the time we get everything from Daina, the main character who is dead. The event alternated between 2004 (the year in which Daina died) and 2014 the year in which her case was presented in court. I found it very unique and engrossing because -well, it's pretty much self explanatory! The main character is DEAD and she is in court watching everything go down! It was amazing. And what's even better is that on some occasions we got to see things from some of the other character's perspective, although those were significantly brief.
The thing about this book is that during the first part I was basically glued to the story because I thought I had an idea of where the story was headed. And I liked it. But then there's this plot twist and things took such an odd turn. I felt like I wasn't even reading the same story during the second part! It wasn't bad, but still. There was so much build up for something that wasn't that much of a surprise.
The character's were well-written, though. And the writing it self was quite nice too. I just felt that things ended up being anti-climactic.
All in all, the story was good. Odd, but good nonetheless. I would recommend it to anyone searching for something that will have you on the edge of your seat. It's endearing, creepy and crude. Which leads to give you all a fair warning that there is some heavy, mature content such as: rape, drugs, alcohol use. So just keep that in mind.
Since I hadn't read any mystery/thriller books in a while and found myself with the desire of reading one, I decided to read Skeletal. I had requested this from Netgalley on a total whim. I hadn't really heard of the author before and decided to base my judgement purely on the cover, which lets admit, looks kind of creepy. My expectation where at bay so i guess I wasn't really disappointed. With that said, I wasn't blown away either.
Skeletal started out with moderately slow pacing. Thoughts of DNFing it did cross my mind, but I decided against it since I wasn't even that far into it. When I reached around 30% of the book I found myself pretty engrossed. Which was not only due to the endearing plot, but also to the way in which the story was told.
The majority of the time we get everything from Daina, the main character who is dead. The event alternated between 2004 (the year in which Daina died) and 2014 the year in which her case was presented in court. I found it very unique and engrossing because -well, it's pretty much self explanatory! The main character is DEAD and she is in court watching everything go down! It was amazing. And what's even better is that on some occasions we got to see things from some of the other character's perspective, although those were significantly brief.
The thing about this book is that during the first part I was basically glued to the story because I thought I had an idea of where the story was headed. And I liked it. But then there's this plot twist and things took such an odd turn. I felt like I wasn't even reading the same story during the second part! It wasn't bad, but still. There was so much build up for something that wasn't that much of a surprise.
The character's were well-written, though. And the writing it self was quite nice too. I just felt that things ended up being anti-climactic.
All in all, the story was good. Odd, but good nonetheless. I would recommend it to anyone searching for something that will have you on the edge of your seat. It's endearing, creepy and crude. Which leads to give you all a fair warning that there is some heavy, mature content such as: rape, drugs, alcohol use. So just keep that in mind.
April 30, 2015
MY REVIEW
It took me about 5 mins to fall in love with this book. I started reading and I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book I have read from this author and now I am going back for more. She takes us on a ride The story is told from Daina's point of view but I am not going to tell you any more about that because I want you to discover out for yourself. This is a very relevant story that starts out with bullying and then a mobbing by school children. Daina is bullied in school then is sexually assaulted by a mob of teenagers . Which is also entwined with a subplot that has Daina becoming involved in a crime that has her stealing some documents which is found with her.
The main character Daina is a girl trying to survive with an alcoholic mother and heading to a new school yet again. She is shy but strong, when she befriends a couple of girls at her new school. She thinks things might be ok she is harassed by the mean girls and bullied big time . Her friends aren't really her friends and the mean girl is well just going to say it, She is a bitch. Then there is a twist and we meet the man in grey. Now we don't know if he is actually real or a ghost but he leads he down a trail of crime.. I really loved these characters, trust me your heart will break for Daina and what she goes through . But she comes out as a strong character that just wants to do the right thing.
The author takes us on a journey that hits some very dark places . This isn't for the faint of heart . The mobbing scene alone had me ugly crying. The sexual assault scene also made me cry. I kind of wanted to throw my kindle across the room. I wanted to knock some heads together after that .
She also jumps from past to present in the book and that is seamlessly done . There is violence in this book but it is written with such a passion and caring. I was very impressed with this story and going to look for more books by this author. So if you like a good book written with a passion that will make you think and shed a tear or fifty . This is the book for you . So check it out
September 2, 2015
This book started out really weird. It took some time to get used to the fact that the main character, who tells the story from her POV, is already dead when the book begins. Now, after her body has been discovered after several years, we are witnessing a court trial where the circumstances and possible culprit of her death are to be revealed. The story jumps between the past and present. In the past, Daina is still alive and we get to know which events led to her fatal destiny. In the present, several people from her past give testimony, and it is interesting to see how their accounts and viewpoints may differ from what happened in reality.
What starts as a story about bullying and even mobbing at school, soon turns into a full-grown thriller when Daina becomes part of some criminal act. The cruel mobbing by her classmates and the mean intrigue spun to humiliate her even further read very realistic and convincing. This subject would have made a perfect story on its own.
But suddenly the mobbing, which was the main promoter of the story, is pushed to the background and almost forgotten as it is replaced by some unbelievable second plot. Daina is forced to commit some crime for a man from her past who suddenly appears without ever being mentioned before. While some of her strange behavior may be explained by it, until the very end the reader is left guessing who the gray man might be or whether he is even real. The final conclusion about some scientific stuff seemed more like a necessary addendum to explain things than a real addition to the story.
In my opinion, the author unnecessarily mixed up two plots which would have served perfectly to create two suspense-packed books instead of blending them into one story. While Skeletal is still a fascinating read, 'less is more' would have made it even better.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
What starts as a story about bullying and even mobbing at school, soon turns into a full-grown thriller when Daina becomes part of some criminal act. The cruel mobbing by her classmates and the mean intrigue spun to humiliate her even further read very realistic and convincing. This subject would have made a perfect story on its own.
But suddenly the mobbing, which was the main promoter of the story, is pushed to the background and almost forgotten as it is replaced by some unbelievable second plot. Daina is forced to commit some crime for a man from her past who suddenly appears without ever being mentioned before. While some of her strange behavior may be explained by it, until the very end the reader is left guessing who the gray man might be or whether he is even real. The final conclusion about some scientific stuff seemed more like a necessary addendum to explain things than a real addition to the story.
In my opinion, the author unnecessarily mixed up two plots which would have served perfectly to create two suspense-packed books instead of blending them into one story. While Skeletal is still a fascinating read, 'less is more' would have made it even better.
(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review)
March 7, 2015
I've got a lot of mixed feelings about this book.
First of all, I thought the writing was fantastic. That's really what kept me reading through the whole thing - it was definitely the best thing about Skeletal. Katherine Hayton can sure as hell write, and that makes me want to read her other book too.
Now, for the problems. The plot started out okay: teenager being bullied, absentee alcoholic mother, winds up with the daughter dead. I thought the book was simply going to be snippets of Daina's life leading up to her death interspersed with the newer court proceedings. For a lot of the book, that's what it was...
And then I don't even know what was happening? Something about a geneticist, and research, and vials and files and a Grey Man and murder and lord knows what else? WHY. It was a perfectly good book without introducing all this stuff halfway through. There was never a clear picture of what this was, or why Daina was involved with it... There was also some undiagnosed mental illness on Daina's part causing hallucinations?
I really don't know, everything just kind of fell apart and I'm here at the end of it bewildered.
Skeletal had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it didn't live up to it.
First of all, I thought the writing was fantastic. That's really what kept me reading through the whole thing - it was definitely the best thing about Skeletal. Katherine Hayton can sure as hell write, and that makes me want to read her other book too.
Now, for the problems. The plot started out okay: teenager being bullied, absentee alcoholic mother, winds up with the daughter dead. I thought the book was simply going to be snippets of Daina's life leading up to her death interspersed with the newer court proceedings. For a lot of the book, that's what it was...
And then I don't even know what was happening? Something about a geneticist, and research, and vials and files and a Grey Man and murder and lord knows what else? WHY. It was a perfectly good book without introducing all this stuff halfway through. There was never a clear picture of what this was, or why Daina was involved with it... There was also some undiagnosed mental illness on Daina's part causing hallucinations?
I really don't know, everything just kind of fell apart and I'm here at the end of it bewildered.
Skeletal had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it didn't live up to it.
May 9, 2015
I devoured this extremely gripping mystery thriller about a very enthralling protagonist, Daina Harrow. A very bright fourteen year old girl from a troubled single-parent home, whose bones are discovered ten years after she goes missing, in the foundations of an old house that has been denuded and lifted after an earthquake.
How Daina got there, her life and state of mind just before she goes missing are all discovered as a series of witnesses are called to testify in coroner's court. The story is told largely from Daina's point of view posthumously, which caught my imagination right from the very first page. Even though we know at the start of the book that things do not end well for Daina, I felt a huge amount of affinity for this character, who had so much going for her, despite her difficult circumstances.
This mystery thriller totally blew me away and I cannot recommend it enough.
How Daina got there, her life and state of mind just before she goes missing are all discovered as a series of witnesses are called to testify in coroner's court. The story is told largely from Daina's point of view posthumously, which caught my imagination right from the very first page. Even though we know at the start of the book that things do not end well for Daina, I felt a huge amount of affinity for this character, who had so much going for her, despite her difficult circumstances.
This mystery thriller totally blew me away and I cannot recommend it enough.
March 11, 2015
I received a copy of this courtesy of NetGalley in in exchange for an honest review.
I was craving something different and when I read the synopsis for this book, I decided I had to read it! Very well written and it kept me guessing as to what was going on the entire time. The horrors that Daina went through were awful.
I was barely able to put down the book and it kept me invested from beginning to end. It did not disappoint! I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
There is some language that may not be suitable for younger adults and there is a rape scene that's not so much a rape as it is a non participating, non consensual sex scene. It's not graphic and unlikely to be a trigger with anyone. The way it was written, I'm not even certain I'd call it a "rape."
That being said... don't hate me. :) Just read the book and form your own opinions!
I was craving something different and when I read the synopsis for this book, I decided I had to read it! Very well written and it kept me guessing as to what was going on the entire time. The horrors that Daina went through were awful.
I was barely able to put down the book and it kept me invested from beginning to end. It did not disappoint! I highly recommend this book if you enjoyed Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold.
There is some language that may not be suitable for younger adults and there is a rape scene that's not so much a rape as it is a non participating, non consensual sex scene. It's not graphic and unlikely to be a trigger with anyone. The way it was written, I'm not even certain I'd call it a "rape."
That being said... don't hate me. :) Just read the book and form your own opinions!
July 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. What a horrible story!! Horrible as in all the horrible things that happen to 14-year-old Daina. Daina is very bright, unfortunately the daughter of a drunk. She had terrible things happen to her. But, that was 10 years ago,and now her body has been found. What really happened to her? I couldn't stop reading this, it was like watching a train wreck. Awful, but you look anyway. The book isn't awful, just everything this poor girl had to endure. The only thing missing for me was what happened to all the bad people? Did they get what was coming to them?
April 16, 2015
Oh, I enjoyed this book so much! Sad, and a bit hard to read, seeing as she's gone the whole book, yeah, really great to read!
December 11, 2016
A Spirited tale
This was a well written story with a clever twist at the end. Daina is a character steeped in flaws and well worth rooting for
This was a well written story with a clever twist at the end. Daina is a character steeped in flaws and well worth rooting for
July 15, 2020
When the ghost of the protagonist relives the weeks before her death through the witness statements of those who were close (?), will we finally learn then TRUTH?
Ten years after her disappearance, Daina's remains are dislodged when an earthquake creates opportunity to rebuild. What follows will eventually uncover a crime with far greater implications than imaginable. Told with voices from the present at a coroner's inquest, a decade ago (the weeks before Daina's death) and when Daina was 5 years old, the story builds one twist at a time. What remains front and foremost in the present is the debilitating impact bullying, rape, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental illness have on everyone. Skeletal does not take an easy approach to introducing these more raw aspects of Daina's life . . . we are thrust into the midst just as Daina is. One twisted moment to the next.
Reading Deals ARC.
Ten years after her disappearance, Daina's remains are dislodged when an earthquake creates opportunity to rebuild. What follows will eventually uncover a crime with far greater implications than imaginable. Told with voices from the present at a coroner's inquest, a decade ago (the weeks before Daina's death) and when Daina was 5 years old, the story builds one twist at a time. What remains front and foremost in the present is the debilitating impact bullying, rape, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental illness have on everyone. Skeletal does not take an easy approach to introducing these more raw aspects of Daina's life . . . we are thrust into the midst just as Daina is. One twisted moment to the next.
Reading Deals ARC.
April 19, 2021
Daina's skeleton is found when workers cleaning up after an earthquake find her skeleton. She has been there for years, under a house foundation. Skeletal could refer to the way she is found, or the way she looks before she dies.
Through a series of circumstances, she looks skeletal because she refuses to eat and loses so much weight she is "skin and bones". During her short life, she is faced with neglect by her alcoholic mother, bullying by people in school, rape, and self-neglect, (she refuses to eat because she feels her food is being poisoned).
I couldn't put the book down. I found Daina believable and felt sorry for the experiences she was forced to deal with and her struggles to save herself from under the house, until she realizes she can't get out and must wait for someone to find her.
I was given the opportunity to read this book from Reading Deals in exchange for an honest review.
Through a series of circumstances, she looks skeletal because she refuses to eat and loses so much weight she is "skin and bones". During her short life, she is faced with neglect by her alcoholic mother, bullying by people in school, rape, and self-neglect, (she refuses to eat because she feels her food is being poisoned).
I couldn't put the book down. I found Daina believable and felt sorry for the experiences she was forced to deal with and her struggles to save herself from under the house, until she realizes she can't get out and must wait for someone to find her.
I was given the opportunity to read this book from Reading Deals in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2018
This story sensationalizes the degredation and abuse that too many girls and women experience in life!
The reader is subjected to the horrific reality of bullying, rape, negligence, abuse and indifference with no redeeming value. Exploitation of the evils assaulting the female gender is not subject matter for entertainment or publicity! I am offended to my core. This story is vile, humilating and despicable. It doesn't shine a revealing light on the palpable evil in the culture of subservience and powerlessness. Instead, these horrific travisties of the human spirit are fodder for literary license!
The reader is subjected to the horrific reality of bullying, rape, negligence, abuse and indifference with no redeeming value. Exploitation of the evils assaulting the female gender is not subject matter for entertainment or publicity! I am offended to my core. This story is vile, humilating and despicable. It doesn't shine a revealing light on the palpable evil in the culture of subservience and powerlessness. Instead, these horrific travisties of the human spirit are fodder for literary license!
February 15, 2018
Skillfully Written And Very Clever Thriller
This book positively ensnared me in its powerful grip and I read it happily and greedily in one go. This writer, Katherine Hayton, put together an ingenious plot, a protagonist that is do well fleshed out it seems she is in the room, and unraveling the tale.
I could go on and on with my admiration for the novel, and author. However, suffice it to say that I want to read the next in the series and I advise fans of great fiction to give this a try. I am so pleased that I did!
This book positively ensnared me in its powerful grip and I read it happily and greedily in one go. This writer, Katherine Hayton, put together an ingenious plot, a protagonist that is do well fleshed out it seems she is in the room, and unraveling the tale.
I could go on and on with my admiration for the novel, and author. However, suffice it to say that I want to read the next in the series and I advise fans of great fiction to give this a try. I am so pleased that I did!
August 7, 2017
I had some trouble at first following what was going on but soon caught on. I felt so bad for Daina. No young woman should go through what she did alone. Not only was she bullied, assaulted, physically and emotionally neglected but her mental health was ignored. I really enjoyed this book but it does have triggers. The end came before I knew it and I still had questions. I will be reading other books by this author.
February 16, 2018
What an amazing book. I truly enjoyed the experience as the author kept me on my toes the entire time. It was very sad to get to the end even though you already know the fate of Daina at the beginning of the story. It's one of those things where you wish somehow it would turn out different...somehow you could make the other characters in the book see what's really going on and do something to change the ending. But that's impossible. Sad and impossible.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
March 17, 2018
Suspension
This is about a teenager trying to right a wrong. Her mama is a drunk and a druggie. Her daddy wants nothing to do with her, so she has nobody to help her. She's bullied at school, and then raped at a party. I recommend reading this book so you too can read about what happened to this child. The terrors that she was forced to endure.
This is about a teenager trying to right a wrong. Her mama is a drunk and a druggie. Her daddy wants nothing to do with her, so she has nobody to help her. She's bullied at school, and then raped at a party. I recommend reading this book so you too can read about what happened to this child. The terrors that she was forced to endure.
June 19, 2017
Interesting but confusing
Wanted to give 3 1/2 stars. Took a long time to finally play out but held my interest enough to finish . Might try another by this author. Needs editing as do all the kindle books I have read.
Wanted to give 3 1/2 stars. Took a long time to finally play out but held my interest enough to finish . Might try another by this author. Needs editing as do all the kindle books I have read.
September 8, 2017
Heartbreaking story
This book grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let go. It got 5 stars because the characters are drawn so clearly that you feel like you know them. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. But this book has no cliffhangers.
This book grabs you from page 1 and doesn't let go. It got 5 stars because the characters are drawn so clearly that you feel like you know them. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. But this book has no cliffhangers.
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