Ms. Tangredi’s The Puppet Maker’s Bones has elements of a Shakespearian tragedy and is as well written as any I have ever read. This compelling novel also has horror and paranormal elements, AND it’s a love story. Pavel Trusnik is a mysterious recluse who lives with a tragic secret that is revealed to us in layers as his story unfolds. The manner in which the author shifts seamlessly to the past and present makes for an entertaining read. From the first mention of the strange pair of scars on his back, you begin to wonder, “what the heck is going on?” Who is Pavel Trusnik? The prose is brilliant (as it was in another book I read by the same author, UNDER THE LOOKING GLASS). Loved the details presented regarding the craft of puppet making. On a more esoteric level, Ms. Tangredi writes stories involving insanity and madness that draws you in gradually until you are so immersed in the characters, it would be impossible to pull away until you complete the journey. I’m not alluding Pavel is insane, not by any means, but where do you draw the line between decades of isolation and utter loneliness and the madness that can ensue? No doubt he is an empathetic character and you want things to turn out well for him. If you enjoy stories that really get into the characters’ heads, and by doing so, get into the reader’s head, pick up THE PUPPET MAKER’S BONES. The title itself is intriguing enough to make you want to read the story. Once you begin, you won’t want to stop! This book takes a bold step beyond the usual realms of supernatural and paranormal genre. I do like quirky and new concepts and this one sneaks up on you in a slow unsuspecting way.From the moment of his birth Pavel is connected with death and it takes him many years to find out why death follows him around. Indeed much like the scars on his shoulders, his real identity and scope of his true being remains a mystery for many years.Pavel almost reminds me of various animals used to demonstrate the effects of solitary confinement on the human, or in this case non human psyche. Eventually he starts to lose a grip on reality, because he digs himself so deeply into his own hole ofPlot wise I am not so sure why Pavel's act was considered worse and worthy of a harsher punishment than his friend Cheidu.I have to say I am not sure having the two major plotlines run side by side did the book any justice. Kevin's serial killer tendencies and ultimate plan seemed so far removed from the other storyline that it didn't gel very well. I think that is perhaps because Pavel and his story in combination with his supernatural heritage, was a far superior conceptually. It was like throwing a banana in a bag full of chocolate truffles.I liked the off the wall thinking this author brought to the story. It is quite dark and there is no use of the usual components of the genre. I received a free copy of this book for my review.
What do You think about The Puppet Maker's Bones (2012)?
Beautifully written and hauntingly twisted. A quick, but exciting and thoroughly enjoyable read.
—fate_ederlyn
Wow! I really enjoyed the characterization in this novel. This is well worth a read.
—tonysuarez85
Interesting story,hard to put down,not normally my genre but would recommend
—islandbookgirl
Could not put it down. Read it almost in one sitting!
—nessainyang
