Ted Dekker is the author of numerous books and recently has been whipping out books at a pace that rivals James Patterson. I have probably read about seven or eight of DeKker’s novels and have certainly enjoyed everything I have read. In his latest novel, Boneman’s Daughters Ted DeKker has written a book that is a bit of a departure from the books that I have come to know and expect. It is no secret that Ted is a Christian and he has become well known for his subtle Christian message that underlie what seems to be on the surface non-religious stories. In Boneman’s Daughter DeKker he continues to write in this manner but also poses some very hard faith questions which I felt he left unanswered.
Boneman’s Daughters revolves around a serial killer who has murdered nearly a dozen teenage girls in a gruesome and unconventional way, by breaking their bones in their bodies. What drives this maniacal killer are his father issues as he is looking for the perfect daughter. After he kidnaps young girls he tries to convince them to become his daughter and when they don’t live up to his standards he kills them in this arduous manner. Ryan Evans is an intelligence officer who is traumatized as he is taken captive in the Middle East and forced witness the killing of young children in like manner to the serial killer known as Boneman. Upon his return Evans is shocked to find that his estranged daughter has coincidentally been kidnapped by the serial killer and Ryan is forced with some decisions that can impact his life forever and or could end up getting his daughter killed. The authorities find it ironic that during the time Ryan was in the Middle East there were no Boneman killings but upon his arrival the kidnappings resume. Suspicions are high and Ryan Evans embarks on a quest to prove his innocence all the while trying to save his daughters life.
This was definitely a great read and a suspenseful page turner that I read in a day. Personally I think this is DeKker’s most unusual (in a good way) novel’s to date. I found myself cringing at some of the graphic descriptions throughout the novel and as usual I didn’t feel like I was reading a Christian novel. In fact Boneman’s Daughters is probably Ted’s least Christian novel and I think will appeal to mystery suspense enthusiasts around the world. Whether you are a longtime Ted DeKker reader or you have never read anything from him then Boneman’s Daughter will be a great place to start. Be forewarned once you pick this gem up it will be nearly impossible to put down until you get to the climactic conclusion.
Reviewed by Jae Anderson
