I should begin by saying that I know Stephen personally, so complete transparency is only fair. That said, I would never recommend a book simply because I know the author. I recommend A Forest Full of Bones because it’s an excellent crime thriller.

I’ve followed Stephen’s writing from the beginning, and I genuinely believe this is his finest novel to date. The plot is tightly woven, the characters are believable, and the story kept me guessing right until the end. Just when I thought I’d worked out where the investigation was heading, another twist changed everything.

One aspect that particularly resonated with me is the setting. I know the area in which the story unfolds, and Stephen captures its atmosphere perfectly. Reading it, I could vividly picture the forests, lanes, and surrounding countryside. That familiarity made the story feel even more real and added an extra layer of tension to an already gripping mystery.

What I admire most about Stephen’s writing is that he doesn’t rely on unnecessary sensationalism. Instead, he creates suspense through believable characters, careful plotting, and a growing sense of unease that keeps the pages turning.

If you’re looking for a crime novel that’s intelligent, atmospheric, and impossible to put down, A Forest Full of Bones is one I can wholeheartedly recommend. Knowing Stephen may have encouraged me to pick up the book, and knowing the area brought the setting to life for me, but it’s the quality of the writing that made me stay with it until the final page. I finished the book wanting more, and that’s about the highest compliment I can give any author.