For Dash Fuller, Hollywood’s underbelly is home. He’s spent years making the film industry’s worst secrets disappear, and it’s left him a cynical burnout with a taste for bourbon and self-loathing.
But when a young woman comes to him with a peculiar quest, Dash sees a chance at redemption. Madeline Ironwood is the daughter of Ken Ironwood, a notorious smuggler and murderer who disappeared 20 years ago. Ken’s skeleton has just been discovered in a barrel at the bottom of a dried-up lake, and Madeline wants to know who killed him.
Dash agrees to help, and as this desperate daughter and jaded cynic claw their way through a world of sun-bleached secrets, crooked cops, and Hollywood thugs, they soon uncover a conspiracy involving some of LA’s most powerful people.
I was offered an advance copy of this book by the author for the purpose of review and sent a digital copy by the publisher via NetGalley, for which they have my thanks. I have reviewed the book honestly and impartially as always.
If you are a fan of old school, hard-boiled crime fiction, you are going to want to pick up a copy of Where The Bones Lie by Nick Kolakowski. It has all of the elements you’ll love – disenchanted investigator, feisty female character, seedy underworld operatives and a convoluted crime to be followed to the bitter end.
I am not a big reader of this genre but I do like to dip my toe in now and again and, having dipped my toe in here, I am happy to confirm that you should plunge ahead, the water is lovely. I enjoyed every minute of this book and was on the edge of my seat throughout.
Our heroic narrator is Dash, a former Hollywood fixer turned standup comedian, although he is isn’t turning out to be as successful at the latter as he was at the former. When his former mentor tempts him back to do one last job, he is reluctant but agreeable, although he soon wishes he hadn’t taken it on, as it is stirring up some bad memories and reminds him why he quit in the first place.
However, he is then approached by a woman who is investigating the death of her father, who has been missing for years and whose body has recently been discovered. Dash agrees to help, but it soon becomes clear there is more to the case that they anticipated and they head straight into danger, and the plot takes on more twists and turns than a rollercoaster.
The plot is full of intrigue, red herrings, double dealings and deadly peril and will have you guessing and gasping throughout. Dash is suitably tortured and jaded, Madleine is quick-witted, sharp-tongued and ballsy and the baddies are sinister and determined. The book has plenty to say about Hollywood corruption, morality and climate change and the whole thing was just hella entertaining. All in all, a fabulous read.
Where The Bones Lie will be published on 11 March in paperback and ebook and you can pre-order a copy here.
About the Author
Nick Kolakowski is the author of several crime novels, including “Where the Bones Lie” and “Payback is Forever.” His work has been nominated for the Anthony and Derringer awards, and his short story “Scorpions” appeared in The Best Mystery and Suspense 2024. His short fiction has appeared in numerous anthologies and magazines, including Mystery Weekly, Shotgun Honey, Rock and a Hard Place Press, and more.
Connect with Nick:
Facebook: Nick Kołakowski Author
Twitter: @nkolakowski
Instagram: @nickkolakowski
