Description
Book SynopsisI collected the first bone when I was twelve. This fact was not mentioned in court... Such a tiny little bone, more like a tooth. I only kept it to keep him safe. Holloway prison, 1925. Dr Kathryn Darkling, branded The Westminster Vampire by the press, has two weeks until she is hanged for a series of brutal murders. Facing death, she knows that time is running out to complete her mission. Will she find a way to escape her fate? Will she be able to perform the special bone rites that will save her brother? Winner of The Virginia Prize for Fiction, Bone Rites is a dark, literary tale of love, loss and one woman's obsessive fight for justice and redemption within a ruthless world.
Trade Review"We loved the chilling voice and strong sense of place her writing offers."- Author Kiran Millwood-Hargrave, Blue Pencil Awards judge. "A delightful twist in the murder genre - a serial killer motivated by love." --Nicolas Mercier, writer 'Call My Agent'. "Completely gripping from the get-go, Natalie deftly builds such a complex story that has you rooting for a character you know you shouldn't." --Hellie Ogden, literary agent and judge the Blue Pencil Novel Prize. "The author has created such an intense worldview by aligning us with Kathryn's strange point of view. You know you shouldn't support her actions (which are often gruesome) but you just WANT her to get away with it. It's set in Edwardian times, (and deftly researched- especially the First World War and the Paris opium scenes) but Kathryn reminded me of more contemporary psychopaths like Killing Eve or The Talented Mr Ripley. The love aspect of the story is beautifully drawn and fully humanizes Kathryn. I was initially dubious about the supernatural twist, but the author handles it well and it adds a great spooky atmosphere to the plot. Will there be more from Natalie Bayley? I hope so. Highly recommended." --Justin Williamson, Netgalley Reviewer
