‘Bone Deep Bonds’ by B. G. Arnold

Published by Atmosphere Press,
13 January 2022.
ISBN: 978-1-63988180-2 (PB)

Phillip takes great pleasure in picking up young boys, educating them and introducing them to the world of sexual delights. He then releases them when they get older, and is proud of what he does. They however view it differently.

It’s a while since the last boy he had and Phillip drives around in his BMW  looking for another. He entices twelve-year-old Brian to go for a ride in his car then drugs him at gunpoint. He takes him to a specially converted basement at his large mansion. There is every home comfort, plus a pool and a well-equipped gym.

Meanwhile Brian’s father Dave, worries when his son doesn’t return from his usual jog. When a friend of his tells Dave he saw a black BMW being slowly driven along the road Brian always took, Dave is sure he has been kidnapped. Driven out of his mind by the slow machinations of the police, Dave decides to take matters into his own hands and track Brian down himself. He is sure with the guidance of God he will succeed.

When he sets out, he meets several people who help him, although some try to dissuade him. An older couple especially prove to be priceless in leading him through the labyrinth of missing persons.

Meanwhile, Phillip a very wealthy man, thought highly of, treats Brian like a son. He is fed well and made very comfortable but kept on drugs. As is often the way in kidnapping cases, Brian becomes fond of Phillip and in the main is happy, although he is locked in all the time. He is promised use of the pool and gym if he behaves. Being a bit of an athlete he is excited at the prospect.

Then certain information Phillip gathers, makes him suspect Brian’s father is closing in on them. He comes to the conclusion he may have to “dispose” of the boy. It would not be the first time he has had to kill one of his surrogate sons.

Can Dave, Brian’s father reach his son in time or will there be a catastrophic ending?

A very well written book dealing with a very difficult subject. It has to be every parent’s potential nightmare.
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Reviewer: Tricia Chappell

B. G. Arnold. Although the characters in Bone Deep Bonds are fictitious, they are based on the author’s thirty-five years as a licensed professional clinical counsellor, where she worked with families of incest and other sexual abusers and victims. Participants find that recovery is a lifelong process, but through the years it brings health and healing not only to themselves, but to their families, friends, and communities, creating a more charitable world for all.

Tricia Chappell. I have a great love of books and reading, especially crime and thrillers. I play the occasional game of golf (when I am not reading). My great love is cruising especially to far flung places, when there are long days at sea for plenty more reading! I am really enjoying reviewing books and have found lots of great new authors.