Title:	The Bone Tree
	Author:	Greg Iles
	Published:	William Morrow, 2015
	No. of Pages:	804
	Cover Price:	$27.99

---

Every once in a while a book comes out that is a cut above – incredibly awesome. That is the case with the second installment in the Penn Cage series, The Bone Tree, by Greg Iles. This thriller continues the story started in his bestselling novel, Natchez Burning, which was touted by many as one of the best books of 2014. Tom Cage's innocent and not-so-innocent mistakes as a young doctor are exposed, and illustrate how seemingly small things can mushroom into major catastrophes when politicians and the mob are involved.

No fast read, this book is over 800 pages, and Iles blends his fascinating characters with facts from the 60s civil rights era in the United States. It is evident that significant research has gone into the writing of this book, as well as the author's real-life memories of growing up in Natchez during that era. The author has taken some liberties with historical events, and the book is actually considered a work of fiction; history buffs, however, will relish the fact that comparable events actually happened. There are also parallels to the corruption in politics today, as well as plenty of information on the yet unsolved (some say) mystery of who actually shot Kennedy in November of 1963.

Although this book can be read as a stand-alone novel, it is highly recommended that Natchez Burning be read first, so as to get a handle on the characters, history, and events that are discussed in this second novel of the trilogy. The book will keep every reader on the edge, as Penn, his fiancé, Caitlin, his father, Tom, and others are put in grave danger by the powerful political machine in Louisiana. It will serve as a sobering reminder of the blatant greed, money, and struggles for power which are so evident in America today.

The Bone Tree is absolutely a "must read" for anyone who loves to be held in suspense, and also anyone who has a brain and enjoys learning while reading a good book.

This book was purchased with personal funds and no promotion of the book was solicited by the author or publisher.

This book may be purchased at Amazon: The Bone Tree (Penn Cage)