Reviews

Pulsing  suspense moves this brisk plot along, shifting the reader's focus on one gripping event to the next. Just when the complexities of the plot appear to click into place, the story takes another chilling spin, compelling the reader to read on. Hutchinson weaves the eerie past into present day twists and turns in this page-turner novel.

The Dog Bones is an immersive and thought-provoking novel that grips you from the first page and refuses to let go. Without giving away spoilers, it’s the kind of story that rewards a second read, offering new layers of insight and appreciation once you’ve unraveled its mysteries and fully understood its rich characters and intricate narrative.

At the heart of the tale is Ella, an enigmatic protagonist whose true nature is shrouded in mystery. While it’s clear from the start that there’s something extraordinary about her, the story keeps you guessing. Some revelations will reward astute readers as their theories are confirmed, while others will defy expectations, lingering in your mind long after you’ve closed the book. The novel’s sweeping timeline — spanning Ella’s immortal existence — adds remarkable depth, intertwining her centuries-old past with her life in the present day in a way that feels both timeless and innovative.

M.L. Hutchinson masterfully blends elements of history, theology, and speculative fiction, reimagining age-old ideas with a fresh perspective. Her ability to craft a narrative that is grand in scope yet deeply personal reflects her extensive experience in both studying and teaching the art of writing.

In short, The Dog Bones is a captivating debut that I wholeheartedly recommend. M.L. Hutchinson may be new to the publishing world, but her skill and insight are evident on every page. This is a book and an author you won’t want to miss!

Loved The Dog Bones it was suspenseful, vivid and imaginative. Kept me on my toes with each turn of the page. Can’t wait for a sequel.

"The Dog Bones" represents a complex metaphysical exploration of immortality, divine purpose, and existential identity. Hutchinson's narrative ingeniously deconstructs traditional supernatural tropes, presenting Azraella—the protagonist—as a liminal being simultaneously functioning as both savior and harbinger of death. While the plot occasionally verges on melodramatic, Hutchinson maintains narrative integrity through meticulously constructed supernatural mechanics that interrogate the boundaries between human free will and divine intervention.

In "The Dog Bones", M.L. Hutchinson weaves a luminous tapestry of consciousness, where mortality trembles at the edges of eternity. Here, death is not an ending, but a transmission—a sacred choreography of souls seeking liberation. Ella Du'nange, our transcendent protagonist, stumbles between human frailty and celestial purpose, her every breath a whispered negotiation between earthly shadow and divine light. Hutchinson does not merely tell a story; she composes a philosophical hidden structure of existence, where each murder is a mercy, each dream a doorway, and every character a fragment of cosmic knowledge. A profound meditation on the unseen currents that move beneath the surface of human perception.

Interesting take on the supernatural concept of duality--a true struggle for one's identity. The protagonist's character arc bubbles to a complex crescendo through a battle between the human and the divine. Every character leaves the reader guessing about true identities while keeping the storyline grounded and pulsing to the next chapter. It's a page turner resulting in a conquest between good and evil--which side is truly the stronger and what does it tell us about the real world. Bravo for a gripping debut novel.