The Bones of You

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

A Richard and Judy Book Club bestseller, Debbie Howells' The Bones of You is a gripping psychological thriller about the dark side of suburban England.

I have a gardener's inherent belief in the natural order of things. Soft-petalled flowers that go to seed. The resolute passage of the seasons. Swallows that fly thousands of miles to follow the eternal summer.

Children who don't die before their parents.

A community in shock

When eighteen-year-old Rosie Anderson disappears, the idyllic village where she lived will never be the same again. Local gardener Kate is struck with guilt. She'd come to know Rosie well, and thought she understood her - perhaps better even than Rosie's own mother.

A family torn apart

Rosie was beautiful, kind and gentle. She came from a loving family and she had her whole life ahead of her. Who could possibly want to harm her? And why?

A keeper of secrets

Kate is convinced the police are missing something. She's certain that someone in the village knows more than they're letting on. As the investigation deepens, so does Kate's obsession with solving the mystery of what happened to Rosie.

Critics Review

  • The Bones of You is a brilliantly twisty read that delves deep into the dark heart of the seemingly perfect family. Recommended.

    Tammy Cohen
  • I couldn’t stop reading this from the moment I picked it up. An intelligent thriller which looks behind the perfect facade of village life to reveal the dark secrets within. Written with heart and real depth, and with some real hand-over-mouth moments – I was gasping in surprise in a cafe! This is going to be a huge hit, and deservedly so.

    Rachael Lucas, author of Sealed With A Kiss and Coming Up Roses
  • Utterly compelling and addictive. A memorable debut

    Samantha Hayes, bestselling author of Until You're Mine
  • The Bones of You is one of those books that captivates you from the first page, holds tight and never lets go. I savoured every word, character and psychological twist. Truly brilliant!

    Lisa Jackson, New York Times number one bestselling author
  • Suspenseful and poignant

    Publishers Weekly
  • A dazzling debut from a writer who looks to me to have an exceptional future. Howells’s novel has a rare freshness and depth that set her apart

    Daily Mail

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.