Cage of Bones by Jenny O’Brien

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

As the last pot breached the surface of the water, the fisherman's anticipation curdled to dread. No crab clattered within – inside the cage, where his catch should be, were a pile of human bones.

When the bones of a victim are found in the bottom of a crab pot, the bizarre case proves to be Detective Alana Mack’s toughest yet. She and her team must rely purely upon forensic clues to identify the elderly woman’s remains.

As Alana negotiates the complex web of genetic links at the heart of the case, she finds herself the target of a seemingly random attack. Her arm shattered and wheelchair damaged, she has no choice but to call her ex-husband for help.

Reeling from her assault but determined to stay on the case, Alana makes a chilling link between the crab pot victim and an infamous cold case adoption. Ciara Buckley, the sole survivor of a deadly house fire as a teen, appears to share DNA with the unidentified woman – yet believes both her parents perished in the traumatic blaze that scarred her childhood.

Then the estranged brother of the fisherman who discovered the bones is found dead in his home. And Alana and her team make a startling discovery – the brothers were adopted as young boys and their mother disappeared without trace decades ago.

Alana is close to decoding the cryptic forensic clues and unearthing dark family truths – secrets the killer is determined to erase. Can Alana stop more surviving relatives from being targeted before she becomes the next victim?

My Opinion

Cage of Bones is the third book in the Detective Alana Mack series but it can easily be read as a standalone. An interesting read. This is a series that I am really enjoying and this is a great addition.

Rating 4/5

Cage of Bones is an utterly captivating and intense crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Detective Alana Mack is a fierce and determined lead, navigating a complex and chilling case that delves deep into family secrets, hidden identities, and dark pasts. The discovery of human bones in a crab pot is just the beginning of a twisted journey filled with unexpected twists and tense moments. The forensic investigation is masterfully crafted, and the connections between characters are slowly revealed, keeping the reader guessing until the very end. With high stakes, a relentless killer, and a heroine who won’t back down, Cage of Bones is a gripping read that hooks you and doesn’t let go. A truly exceptional thriller!

Book 4 in the Detective Alana Mack series, a really gripping read though I found it a little confusing in parts !! I do wish though that Detective Mack was a much more likeable character.

Another excellent thriller. I enjoy Jenny's style of writing and her stories are well thought out. Her usual standard and highly recommended. I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Loved this twisty book. It was so exciting that I couldn't put it down and when I did I couldn't wait to pick it up again. I loved all the red herrings and didn't guess the ending. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A gripping book, this story pulls you till the very end, I enjoyed reading it. I definitely will love to see more from the author

Due to health issues cannot write a proper review now
A more extensive review will follow. Many thanks to the publisher

This is the third book the Alana Mack series and it is a brilliant read. Fast paced and hard to put down once you start to read. it.

I've not read any of the others in the series but there was enough back story contained in it so that it didn't feel like you were missing out.

The characters in the book were enjoyable and you got into them easy enough. Storyline wise was very enjoyable. A good who done it that kept you guessing all the way through and I can't say I had figured it out before it was revealed in the book!

So many twists and turns!
This is book three in the series and although you could enjoy it as a stand alone, it definitely helps to have read the others for the main characters back stories.
I like the descriptions in this book, you can easily imagine the scenes as they play out.
Can detective Mack and her colleagues figure out just what is going on in this case, and how many seemingly unrelated cases fit it?
All in all a good police procedural with lots of things to keep you guessing!

Cage of Bones chronicles the investigative journey of Detective Alana Mack and her team as they confront a disturbing case initiated by the discovery of human skeletal remains in a crab pot by a local fisherman. As the inquiry unfolds, the complexities of the case escalate, particularly when the fisherman’s estranged brother mysteriously vanishes. The narrative intricately weaves a tapestry of familial secrets and historical connections that span several decades, leading Mack and her associates to unearth a harrowing past involving adoption and familial ties that are deeply intertwined with the remains found in the trap.

Detective Mack, who navigates her professional duties in a wheelchair due to a prior accident, encounters not only the intricate challenges of the investigation but also personal threats that jeopardize both her safety and that of her team. Despite these formidable obstacles, she remains resolute in her pursuit of justice, skillfully deciphering the complexities of forensic evidence while fostering her relationships with team members, including a new recruit, Eve. Through her trials, Mack emerges as a figure of resilience and ingenuity, demonstrating her capacity to lead and motivate her team in the face of adversity.

The novel skillfully amalgamates elements of suspense with rich, evocative descriptions of the Irish landscape, thereby enhancing the reader's experience. The intricate plotting and the interpersonal dynamics within Mack's team enrich the narrative, providing depth to the overarching story. While some readers may perceive the plot as excessively convoluted, the engaging prose and character development render Cage of Bones a commendable choice for enthusiasts of police procedurals and mystery literature. The conclusion leaves readers with a sense of anticipation for further explorations of unresolved themes in potential future installments.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Cage of Bones is book 3 in the series, however this book can be read as a stand alone as well. I did enjoy this read. I liked seeing the inclusion in this book with a MC in a wheelchair. This book held my attention throughout the entire book. After finding human bones in a crab cage, body's continue to pop up. Are they connected, just a coincidence, or do they have a serial killer on the loose? Guess you will have to read to find out!

Awesome read! Another gem from Jenny O'Brien.

Alana Mack returns from holiday assigned to an unusual case of bones found in a crabbing net. Not only are the bones of the deceased linked to the fisherman who found them but throw in a world famous author going missing and a house fire from years ago & you have a complex plot linking back to the remains found in the crabbing nets! The detail of the forensics were phenomenal - clearly the author has done her research and there's quite a few twists and turns including Alana getting into danger herself.

Thanks to Net galley for the advanced copy.

I love this series and I think this one came along just at the right time for me. I’ve already become quite attached to Alana. She’s a bad a— who doesn’t let her disability get in the way of anything she does. That’s important for me to see as I’ve recently been diagnosed with a rare spinal disorder that may also put me in a wheelchair in the future. I found that I looked at her story with a totally different lens and I think it actually took some of the sting out of my diagnosis. I know it sounds insane, and maybe it is. But I love that her disability isn’t the focus of the story. Yes it’s there, but the story is in her detective work and the lengths she will go to to solve the case. She has a great team of supporting characters around her. To be honest, I like all of them, but i still haven’t decided how I feel about Eve. I guess we’ll have to wait for the next one on that.

As far as the case itself, I did know who did it and how, but it was still entertaining as hell watching it all play out. I mean, really, what is wrong with people?! Another fantastic story in this series and I’ll definitely be reading the next one!

Huge thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

Alana returns from a much-needed break to a complex and unusual murder. Forensic science plays a vital role in this investigation, which is realistic and pacy with many twists. The investigation is immersive as the reader makes the same discoveries as the detectives. Alana is a clever and complex detective who engenders strong emotions in those who come into contact with her. I enjoyed the complex, intriguing plot and the vibrant characters.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

BOOK: THE CAGE OF BONES
AUTHOR: JENNY O BRIEN
PUB DATE: 15 AUGUST 2024
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REVIEW- 3.8 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I almost gave up on this book because the first couple of chapters were boring and too slow. It was not until I got to the second murder that it got interesting. By the time I finished the book, I'm glad that I kept reading. The storyline and the victims' stories were so sad.
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I also requested this book because I was curious as to how a paraplegic detective can do her job. I did get some insights, and Alana was realistic enough about her condition. I was able to read her struggles, too. She was an okay detective, and she was a team player, I liked that. Although I woukd have wanted more of her personal life.
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For the case, I liked it. I liked how Alana's team turned every stone in researching the victims' past and finally connecting the dots. It was nice to read and to see the culprit be punished for their crimes.
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This book was good, and I'm glad I kept reading it. Will I read another book in the series? The truth is I don't know yet. But, I probably would if I like the synopsis.
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This is my first novel by Tania Carver and I'm eager to read more. Her writing style drew me in quickly and kept my attention until the end. This was quite a quick read for me once I got a couple of chapters in. I haven't read others in the series, but was able to follow this story easily. In saying that, I'd love to read the first 2 books as well to get a bit more background for the main characters.
There are a few twists and turns but fairly predictable overall. Still enjoyable and good for a palate cleanser - I was taking a break from WWII hf and this was just what I needed.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Jenny O'Brien for an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

The book deals with Detective Alana Mack's solution to several crimes. Why would someone hate a family so much? Why would such a person or persons decide to take such extreme revenge? The choice of the weapon is so unusual! I enjoyed reading the book; thus, I suggest you do the same.

Detective Alana Mack book 3.

I loved this one. I just couldn't work out who it was and for that reason I was hooked! Great book.

When the bones of a victim are found in the bottom of a crab pot, the bizarre case proves to be Detective Alana Mack’s toughest yet. She and her team must rely purely upon forensic clues to identify the elderly woman’s remains. As Alana negotiates the complex web of genetic links at the heart of the case, she finds herself the target of a seemingly random attack. Her arm shattered and wheelchair damaged, she has no choice but to call her ex-husband for help.

Reeling from her assault but determined to stay on the case, Alana makes a chilling link between the crab pot victim and Ciara Buckley – the sole survivor of a deadly house fire who appears to share DNA with the unidentified woman. Yet Ciara believes both her parents perished in the traumatic blaze that scarred her childhood.

Then the estranged brother of the fisherman who discovered the bones is found dead in his home. And Alana and her team make a startling discovery – the brothers were adopted as young boys and their mother disappeared without trace decades ago.

Alana is close to decoding the cryptic forensic clues and unearthing dark family truths – secrets the killer is determined to erase. Can Alana stop more surviving relatives from being targeted before she becomes the next victim?

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. Detective Alana Mack is the Senior Officer investigating the murder of an unknown person, whose bones are discovered in a crab pot by a local fisherman. This us only the beginning of the story with many twists and turns along the way to solving the case. Set in Ireland on the outskirts of Dublin, the team work well together to support the DI and as a team. A few of the characters have back stories which have been revealed in previous books but it no wY impacts on the reader if this is your first book in the series. A very good, crime story, that is gripping to the end.