Brian Panowich

An epic tragedy with an uplifting ending! Is that even a thing? Well, it is now. Panowich has gently guided me through his books with his literary prose, action-filled storylines, and depth of feelings and character. This book is a crescendo of all of those skills. Part of the Burroughs series but can be read as a stand-alone. I know because I just discovered that I missed a book before this one which I will rectify quickly.

Nails and Dallas - the two main characters in this novel are both broken and able to see the deep-seated hurt in each other which leads them to truly care for one another and be cared for: something they haven't experienced in many years, if ever. Unfortunately, they meet under extreme circumstances: Nails saves Dallas from sexual exploitation and accidentally kills her assailant which sends them both on the run like Bonnie & Clyde.

This is an amazing love story for which I can't say much because it would spoil others from experiencing the raw emotions they travel through. And for being such a beautiful love story it also portrays graphic violence and the ugly side of humanity. Be ready to feel all the feels.… (altro)

Nothing But the Bones by Brian Panowich is a prequel in the Bull Mountain series set in McFalls County, Georgia, following the Burroughs family. It definitely works as a stand alone and is highly recommended Southern crime fiction.

Nelson “Nails” McKenna is a giant of a man who was born with a deformed hand and can be slow on the uptake. He has worked for local crime boss Gareth Burroughs since an incident when he was a teen. When Nails goes too far defending a young woman one night, leaving a man dead at a roadhouse, Burroughs sends him off with $8,000 cash to Jacksonville, Florida where he's supposed to call a man who will help him. On the start of his trip to Florida, he discovers the young woman he was protecting, Dallas Georgia, is hiding in his car. The two take off together to Florida and become fugitives.

Nails and Dallas are both being pursued by others, including Alex Price, brother of the dead man, and Nails' friend Clayton Burroughs. These two are at crossed purposes and have very different goals in mind. As they are on the run, Nails and Dallas develop an agreement but their alliance is plagued by Dallas' bad decisions.

Nothing But the Bones is full of interesting characters and laden with corrupt people and organizations. It is a tension-filled, engaging, fast-paced plot that will hold your attention throughout. There are twists and surprises along the way, some more credible than others, but all of them serve to propel the narrative forward. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/04/nothing-but-bones.html… (altro)

Rarely does a book open with such an emotionally suspenseful scene. I felt stunned as I read the dramatic, heart wrenching story of a mother’s attempt to leave her abusive, criminal husband. Like Lions is a sequel to Bull Mountain and it’s just as dark and gritty. This story takes place on Bull Mountain, Georgia where a sheriff is determined to extinguish the crime and violence from his community. Such a tall order considering he is constantly fighting against his own family whose legacy is so powerful. This time, Sheriff Clayton Burroughs’ enemies come after his wife and child. Brian Panowich doesn’t just write really great novels; his story telling abilities are masterful. Panowich skillfully illustrates how easily the boundaries are blurred for Clayton as he navigates to protect his family. And, wow…the ending truly left me frozen. I had to sit and digest that one for some time.… (altro)