Published by Minotaur Books on April 16, 2024

Nothing But the Bones builds its plot from a diverse range of crimes and criminals. A central character controls the crime in a mountainous Georgia county but extends his reach into other parts of the country. A more sophisticated criminal, complete with a British accent and a proper education, is based in Jacksonville. Also in Jacksonville is a criminal who traffics in young people. A wealthy televangelist (again from Georgia) is a criminal by definition.

Embedded in the crime plot is a love story. Whether the love story will appeal to readers depends on how they will react to a plot twist. How they will react likely depends upon which side of a cultural divide they inhabit. Since the love story depends on a surprise that shouldn’t be spoiled, I’ll focus on the crime story.

Before he acquired the name Nails, Nelson McKenna was a large, shy kid with a deformed hand. Bullies thought Nelson was mentally challenged (although that wasn’t the phrase they used to describe him), but he suffers from a disability that makes it difficult for him to place his thoughts into words. Two girls intervened when Nelson was being bullied because they knew Nelson to be a nice guy. When the bully turned on one of the girls, Nelson decided it was time to fight back. Unfortunately, he didn’t know when to stop fighting.

Clayton Burroughs watched it all happen. He regarded Nelson as a friend so he called his Deddy to clean up the mess. That turned out to be a bad decision. Nelson acquired the name Nails from Gareth Burroughs and became Gareth’s enforcer. Gareth controls everything in the mountains and local law enforcement knows not to mess with him.

At a later point in his life, Nails has acquired a reputation for violence. He’s hanging out in a bar when a girl named Dallas flirts with him. A couple of tough guys assault Dallas and Nails intervenes to protect her. Again, Nails doesn’t know when to stop and again, Gareth Burroughs needs to clean up a mess. He sends Nails to Jacksonville but the likelihood is that he’s heading to his own funeral. Without being invited, Dallas joins him for the trip.

Nails bonds with Dallas as they make their way to Jacksonville. More crimes follow, including a theft of money from Nails, a gas station robbery, and the kidnapping of Dallas. Clayton defies his father by traveling to Jacksonville to rescue his friend. Violence ensues.

We’re told that Nails is a fan of old pulp novels, the kind that can be read quickly: “Short bursts of simple words. Short chapters that got to the point.” Brian Panowich adopts that style for Nothing But the Bones. He doesn’t try to write with self-conscious literary flair. He doesn’t mess around with devices like time shifts or changing points of view. He tells a straightforward, linear story with carefully chosen but unassuming prose. He writes with the gritty darkness of the best pulp writers. Unlike most pulp fiction, however, Panowich obviously took his time, editing and rewriting to avoid the clunkiness of pulp writers who had to churn out a high volume of words each month to pay the rent.

Nails and Clayton have a moral center that makes them likable. Clayton’s confrontation with his father adds tension to the story, as do Nails’ efforts to rescue people in distress. A section of the novel that functions as an epilogue forces a happy ending that seems out of place and isn’t nearly as believable as the rest of the story. Fans of happy endings will want to read the whole book; fans of realism might want to skip the ending.

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Such a riveting novel full of action, mystery, and suspense! Great Storyline!!

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the first novel I have read of author Brian Panowich and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.

It captivated me since the first chapter. I felt so sad for Nelson "Nails" McKenna and "Dallas." I think the author did a great job of including the twist in the storyline. It totally took me by surprise. I have to admit I did not see it coming!

I loved the fact that this novel has a happy ending. I was rooting for both of them and wanted to see them happy for once in their lives.

Great novel! I absolutely recommend!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. :)

*4.5 stars rounded up.

Set in McFalls County, Georgia in the 1990s, Nelson 'Nails' McKenna works for local crime boss, Garth Burroughs, as his enforcer. One night at a local bar, Nails sees a young woman being mistreated by her boyfriend and steps in. Things get out of hand and he ends up killing the guy. His boss calls in a favor and arranges for Nails to take off for Jacksonville, Florida with a wad of cash to meet a contact there. And somehow that young woman he helped hitches a ride. Who is she really? Trouble with a capital T?

Nelson has some mental and physical problems but he's a big, likable guy who tries to do what's right. One of his best friends from high school days happens to be the crime boss's son, Clayton, who quickly realizes Nails might be getting set up and decides to track him down. Things get pretty hot and heavy in Jacksonville!

I really enjoyed the pace that the plot unfolded; it really kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next. A great addition to this series. Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

4.5⭐

Nelson “Nails” McKenna has been working as an enforcer for the local crime boss Gareth Burroughs on Bull Mountain, Georgia, for almost a decade ever since he was sixteen years old. His initiation with the Burroughs clan was a result of a particularly violent episode that resulted in the grievous injury of a young man in Burrough’s employ. Loyal to a fault, he follows orders and is trusted by his employer. Despite his apparent toughness, he is a loner with an unhappy childhood behind him. When Nelson encounters Dallas one night at the local pub, he is immediately drawn to her and in a shocking turn of events he ends up killing a man who was abusing her with a room full of witnesses. Nelson’s boss instructs him to go to Jacksonville, Florida, where it is assumed that arrangements are being made for his escape from the law. When Clayton, Nelson’s childhood friend and Gareth's son who is not involved in his father’s criminal dealings, finds out that things aren't as they seem and Nelson could be in danger and decides to go looking for him. But Clayton isn’t the only one looking for Nelson and Dallas, who has partnered up with Nelson and harboring secrets that might get the both of them killed. The narrative follows Nelson and Dallas as they go on the run.

Dark, gritty and atmospheric, Nothing but the Bones by Brian Panowich is a gripping read. The complex characters, the setting, and the propulsive action-packed plot drew me in and kept me hooked till the very end. Perfectly paced with not a boring moment, I could not put this one down! I loved how the author describes the dynamics between the characters – the love, friendship, and family connections – the deep-rooted ties that bind people together as well as those that are fractured when loyalties are tested when push comes to shove. Each of the characters is well defined ( even the immensely unlikable ones) and I was invested in both Nelson’s and Dallas’s storylines and thought the author did a remarkable job of bringing all the threads of the story together in the end with plenty of surprises on the way. Though I haven’t read any of the books in the Bull Mountain series, I had no trouble following the narrative and now I’m eager to read the other books in this series.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I read BULL MOUNTAIN several years ago but could still tell you the story held within those pages. It's that kind of book. NOTHING BUT THE BONES is the 4th published volume of the Bull Mountain series but it's more of a prequel or added side story than a continuation of the story begun in 2015. You'll recognize many of the characters and the community in which they live, work and die. Brian Panowich's writing skills are some of the best in today's market as he continues the story of the Burroughs' and the lengths they must go through to keep ahead of the law. Panowich expands the story of Nelson "Nails" McKenna. Friend of Clayton Burroughs and enforcer for his father, Gareth, Nails' choices find him running from the law and his enemies to save a young woman and himself from retribution. Another excellent book in this excellent series.

I’ll read anything Brian Panowich writes.

NOTHING BUT THE BONES is gritty southern crime fiction at its best. The story is dark, explosive, and totally engrossing.

The characters are complex, walk-off-the-page people.

Crime fiction should not make my eyes leak, but the depth of emotions here is intense. I felt like an active participant, rather than a mere reader.

This is technically the fourth Bull Mountain novel, but you don’t need to read others first. (Though you should definitely read them, because wow!) In fact, I think this one could be considered a prequel to the other three.

*I received an eARC from the publisher, via NetGalley.*

Brian Panowich continues his multi-generational saga about the Burroughs crime family on Bull Mountain in McFalls County, Georgia, with Nothing But the Bones (Minotaur Books, April 2024). Most of the action takes place before the later events of Bull Mountain. The book is broken into three segments, the first one set in 1989, the second one in 1996, and the third one in 2007.

Misfit Nelson McKenna was born crippled, his family abused and mistreated him, then he was rejected by most of the world until Gareth Burroughs took him in as a teenager and diverted his formidable strength into an enforcer role for Burroughs’ criminal activities.

One night at a club McKenna sees a woman being mistreated and loses his temper, killing the bully in full view of a number of people. Burroughs doesn’t have enough political pull to protect McKenna from the legal consequences, so he gives him a place to run to and enough money to pay for the trip.

The mistreated woman invites herself along and the two hesitantly bond during the drive to Jacksonville, Florida, discovering both had been damaged by their parents and exploited by others. Clayton Burroughs, Gareth’s youngest son and the conscience of the Burroughs family, finds McKenna to bring him back to Georgia. Things go sideways rapidly in a series of inhumanely violent events that miraculously converge to deliver hope and happiness for both of the main characters, who are amazing creations.

The definition of family, of friendship, and of loyalty is explored here in the context of the poverty and hopelessness of rural Appalachian Georgia. Beautifully and powerfully written, this book is compulsively readable despite the brutality and callousness much of it portrays. I was immediately immersed and it was hard to put the book down. The time shifts are straightforward here and easier to follow than I found the repeated chronological disruptions of Bull Mountain. Not an easy read but fans of southern noir will welcome this addition to the Bull Mountain canon.

"Nothing But the Bones" was a fast-paced gripping read. From start to finish I was pulled into this storyline eager to see what was going to happen next.

The writing was gritty and atmospheric, full of twists and turners that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters both complex and memorable. I think this is definitely worth checking out if you enjoy reading Crime Thrillers!

Thank you Brian Panowich, Net Galley and St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for proving me with an ARC of this book!

Nothing But the Bones is gripping, punch you in the face, southern noir intensity that is impossible to set down and addictive right down into your very marrow.

The absolutely brilliant @bpanowich drops the latest and greatest McFalls County / Bull Mountain instalment today and to say I’m obsessed with this series is an understatement - if you want hugely atmospheric, deep rural south, good men doing bad things, bad men doing worse things, crime thriller vibes then this is the series you cannot sleep on. Every book ratchets up the intensity and every book leaves you wanting more.

Brian has this incredible knack for writing characters who live the moral grey area and who are so undeniably compelling that you are desperate for them to come out on top, even when they are sometimes very bad men, known for doing very dangerous things. I cannot get enough of the Burroughs family in particular - genuinely some of the most brilliantly crafted characters I’ve ever read.

This book is tense, fast paced, packed with blood, sweat and tears and fully ready to tear you apart as a reader.

You absolutely have to have it.

The best news is that this is out today so you don’t have to wait to get on board this rollercoaster thriller that will have you frantically devouring chapters well into the night. A literal MUST READ this spring - no TBR will be complete without it.

Many thanks to @minotaur_books for the copy and @bpanowich - you know I’m already itching for more.

Nothing But the Bones is book 4 in the gripping crime thriller series Bull Mountain by Brian Panowich.
A very enthralling read that has me so ready for more, great characters and real human emotion in the fast-paced story.
The characters are complex and determined.
With an amazing cast of characters, non stop action and an extremely well written story line, you won’t be able to put this book down.
A compelling crime thriller oozing with authenticity! This was a gritty, thrilling enjoyable read in this series and is highly recommended.

Thank You NetGalley and Minotaur Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Powerful Southern noir page turner that's a gut punch with a surprise or two. This is part of a series, of sorts, but it's wholly readable as a standalone. Nails, who is so much more than his tormenters over the years know, stands up Dallas, a woman he meets in the local a bar-setting off a nightmare trip through Georgia to Florida. Lucky for Nails, he's got the support of the crime boss of his county and more importantly in many ways the support of Clayton, the boss's son. This is violent- very violent and it's distressing in other ways as well. Dallas is an indelible character who has a secret I didn't guess. It's atmospheric, the characters are incredible (right down to the gas station owner Dallas robs), and the Panowich has a way with building tension. Know that this might feel like it's got a slow start but that it will amp up quickly and then you'll be along for the ride with Nails and Dallas. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A terrific read.

"Nothing But the Bones" by Brian Panowich is a gritty and gripping tale of crime, loyalty, and redemption set against the backdrop of McFalls County, where one man's desperate bid for freedom leads to a harrowing journey of survival.

At the heart of the story is Nelson "Nails" McKenna, a reluctant enforcer for local crime boss Gareth Burroughs. When Nails finds himself embroiled in a deadly altercation while defending a woman in a roadhouse, he becomes a fugitive on the run, forced to flee alongside his unlikely partner. Panowich masterfully builds tension as Nails and the woman navigate the treacherous landscape of McFalls County, pursued by multiple parties with their own agendas.

What sets "Nothing But the Bones" apart is its raw and unflinching portrayal of life on the fringes of society. Panowich delves deep into the psyche of his characters, exploring themes of morality, justice, and the lengths one will go to for freedom. Nails is a compelling protagonist, torn between his loyalty to Burroughs and his desire to break free from the cycle of violence that defines his existence.

As the story hurtles towards its gripping conclusion, Panowich keeps readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that are both unexpected and satisfying. The tension is palpable, and the stakes are high as Nails must confront his past and make a fateful decision that will determine his fate.

In "Nothing But the Bones," Panowich proves once again why he is a master of the crime genre. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and relentless pace, this novel is a riveting read from start to finish. Fans of gritty, noir-inspired thrillers will find much to love in this tale of survival and redemption in the face of overwhelming odds.

Overall, "Nothing But the Bones" is a must-read for anyone craving a dark and immersive crime drama. Panowich's deft storytelling and richly drawn characters make this novel a standout in the genre, leaving readers eagerly anticipating his next literary offering.

This is the fourth book I've read by Brian Panowich and they just keep getting better and better. This continues the story of the Burroughs family from Bull Mountain only this time digging into the past to present more backstory on some of the key characters. Although this can easily be enjoyed as a stand a lone, I strongly recommend starting with Bull Mountain and reading the entire series in order. Great characters, an action packed plot, and multiple unexpected twists. Highly recommended

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced reader copy.

This new to me author put out a fascinating book.
Nothing But Bones story follows Nelon “Nails” McKenna. It started off with a punch (pun intended in the prologue. For 10+ years he has been repaying that debt back. He found himself in hot water that even his boss could not help him with.

This story was fun, two strangers on the run with another POV sprinkled in. Since finishing it appears this is a prequel to an existing series. It explains the lack of character development and explanation backgrounds. But the world building was vast and interesting.

Brian Panowich does it again. Nothing But the Bones is another novel set (for the most part) in McFalls County in the North Georgia Mountains. This is technically a prequel to Panowich's classic Appalachian noir novel Bull Mountain, since it takes place before Clayton Burroughs becomes sheriff. Here, Clayton is still a young man and still very much in the shadow of his crime-lord father, Garrett Burroughs. The main character is a troubled young man named Nelson McKenna, nicknamed “Nails” by Garrett, his boss and protector. Nails is the kind of guy people in the South shake their heads about and say, “That boy ain’t right.” Nails runs afoul of the law, falls in love, and goes on the run. Clayton is tasked with finding Nails and bringing him back home, armed only with the knowledge that Nails and his accomplice are “somewhere in Florida.”

Nails is, quite possibly, Brian Panowich’s most intriguing and well-developed character, which is saying a lot since his previous novels have given us so many memorable characters. I saw a lot of myself in the somewhat-deranged Nails McKenna, which troubles me a bit, to say the least. Brian’s novels begin with a gut-punch intro story, and that’s still the case here, with the gut-punch being delivered over the first 5 chapters (“Intro 1989”). The novel is structured like an alt-country music record, with Side One being Nails’ story set in 1996, Side Two set in Florida, and the concluding chapters as Bonus Tracks and a Coda.

No spoilers, but there are some queer themes in Nothing But the Bones, and as Brian’s biggest gay fan I sincerely appreciate the way he handled those themes here. The ending of the novel is deeply moving. Brian’s fans will love it, and hopefully this novel will attract even more new readers. I believe Nothing But the Bones is destined to become a rural noir classic.

An epic tragedy with an uplifting ending! Is that even a thing? Well, it is now. Panowich has gently guided me through his books with his literary prose, action-filled storylines, and depth of feelings and character. This book is a crescendo of all of those skills. Part of the Burroughs series but can be read as a stand-alone. I know because I just discovered that I missed a book before this one which I will rectify quickly.

Nails and Dallas - the two main characters in this novel are both broken and able to see the deep-seated hurt in each other which leads them to truly care for one another and be cared for: something they haven't experienced in many years, if ever. Unfortunately, they meet under extreme circumstances: Nails saves Dallas from sexual exploitation and accidentally kills her assailant which sends them both on the run like Bonnie & Clyde.

This is an amazing love story for which I can't say much because it would spoil others from experiencing the raw emotions they travel through. And for being such a beautiful love story it also portrays graphic violence and the ugly side of humanity. Be ready to feel all the feels.

A moving, deeply felt take on Bonnie and Clyde whose inexorable trajectory still allows room for plenty of twists.

A surprisingly heartwarming, powerful, and lyrical tale of an unlikely hero.

Nelson „Nails“ McKenna, an often underestimated and misunderstood outsider, is just a teenager when, in 1989, he protects one of his friends - with devastating consequences. Calling on local crime boss Gareth Burroughs, who rules this part of the Georgia mountains, to help, Nails quickly becomes an enforcer for Burroughs‘ criminal enterprise.

Seven years later, Nails once again finds himself defending a woman, and once again, someone ends up dead. But this time, Burroughs can‘t protect him - in fact, he wants Nails to disappear to Jacksonville, Florida. And so begins this tale of an unlikely, utterly kind hero making his way down South with an unexpected passenger.

I was awed by the author‘s talent for both describing the events with lyrical prose, engulfing you in the atmosphere of both the Appalachian mountains and Florida, and also endearing the novel‘s main protagonist to me. Though it took me a few pages to get into the story, once I did, I could not put this intense, gripping and powerful Southern Lit gem down. And while I have not read the previous 3 books in the „Bull Mountain“ series (and there is no need to before you start, as this book also works a standalone work), I will definitely do so now.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin‘s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

TW for sexual assault, violence.

I loved this book!! Total page turner!! Definitely going to check out if this author has anything else out there

Nothing but the bones - Brian Panowich

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

I LOVED this book, and I finished it in one sitting. When I initially began this story I thought perhaps it was a reimagining of Mice and Men, the societal misfit, compelled to a tragic end.

However, I was thrilled to find this story to be so MUCH more - ultimately I found it a well-woven intricacy uplifting quilt of individualism, empowerment and ultimately, redemption..

Best book of the year so far!