I DNF'd this book twice - First around 30%, then again at 50% - but I kept thinking of the story and wanted answers. That says something, I suppose. But am I glad I went back to finish it? Not really.

I love the concept of the treasure hunt and the obsession of those that follow it. But it's actually much more about the two families at the centre of the story and their betrayals, secrets, and feuds, and unfortunately I didn't care about them enough to easily engage with the story. Because of this, it felt incredibly long and mundane, to me, which is why my interest waivered so often.

I enjoyed the darker, gothic aspects of the story and lied Kelly's poetic and descriptive writing, so I will definitely give her other books a go. But this one definitely wasn't for me, as much as I love the cover!

A solid family saga/thriller with an eclectic cast of characters and a plot that drops truth bomb after truth bomb.

I will be honest I found the first 100 pages slow at first while the author was setting up our players, their connections to one another, and the backstory to the infamous Golden Bones story. But once all that is established the plot moves at breakneck speed and I found myself struggling to keep up (which I loved). I enjoyed watching the family members interact with each other and I came to appreciate those first 100 pages with each new revelation. There were many times I had to put the book down and walk away.

I just wish the pacing of the book had been quicker.

From the author of Watch Her Fall comes a thriller about a decades-old literary treasure hunt and the sinister passions and obsessions that are reignited when a cult mystery picture book is reissued.

What starts as a book about a decades old book called The Golden Bones it winds its way towards becoming more of a book on family drama, dynamics and the inevitable fall outs as a result of keeping secrets.

The story is predominantly told from Nell’s perspective but I find myself never fully gelling with her as a character. I did love Billie though which was a surprise as she is a side character. The two families? Didn’t gel with many of them.

However, much like the book within the book (The Golden Bones) this drops hints and clues throughout and leads you on a journey that will undoubtedly keep a lot of readers guessing which is a hell of a skill from the author.

Unless you really pay attention to what you are reading you might find yourself going huh?! a few times.

Whilst it is a thoroughly decent book it just didn’t grab me and keep me engaged. But that could be down to the pace and lack of thriller elements for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder and Stoughton for the ARC and the chance to read this book.

The Skeleton Key is an original story with an interesting cast of characters and twisty storyline. When a book is released encouraging the readers to take part in an elaborate treasure hunt things take a sinister turn. The fallout then continues on the anniversary of the book’s publication decades later.
I found this book interesting but the pace was far too slow to hold my attention in parts. It needed to be much shorter to engage the reader and move the story along.

Thank you Hodder & Stoughton and NetGalley for this ARC
I really liked the premise of this book but wasn't sure it was for me and wow - it thrilled me.
I have read other books by Erin but have to say this is the best yet.
Absolutely brilliantly written and great storyline - more please!

An excellent dark thriller. The main character Nell returns home to take part in the 50th anniversary of a book The Golden Bones written by her father. Lots of intrigue this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and one to be recommended.

Can we just appreciate the cover!! 😍 Beautiful

I really enjoyed The Skeleton Key! It had everything: Fantasy, treasure hunts, drugs, alcohol, murder, mystery and dysfunctional families. It had a lot going on and I loved it!
The writing and characters are well written.

This was such an interesting and incredible read, there was such depth and intrigue. I found myself completely entranced by the story.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I was attracted to this book by the blurb describing the puzzle / search for Elinor's bones. The early pages of the book give explanations of the clever clues and solutions, but I found it difficult to believe the madness that arose from the fans. The narrative swaps around in different times, and the 2 men, Frank and Lally, seem to be enemies more than close friends. By 25% through I disliked every character and nothing seemed to have happened other than Eleanor becoming increasingly paranoid. I stopped reading as I had no iinterest in seeing how the story ended.

A gripping book that I struggled to put down. Brilliant plot with a host of interesting characters, I will definitely read more by this author.

I was immediately drawn to this, both from the cover and the description - treasure hunting? Check! Book writing? Check! Family mystery? CHECK
I honestly loved it, the suspense was brilliant and kept me turning every single page as fast as I could. It’s good that you weren’t sure who you could trust or what was going to happen. It incorporates fame, fortune and success and the drama and family ties that surround it. Very very good!

Nell's family meets up to celebrate the upcoming publication of the 50th anniversary edition of her father's book and its new treasure hunt. With trepidation Nell arrives at her parents’ home which brings back all the memories she has tried to bury. All her family is there. As well as a camera team filming an exclusive documentary. Meanwhile, outside the house, the hard core fans are gathering.

A story of a woman who has hidden herself from the public because of the decisions of her parents. She’s trying to protect her foster daughter as much as herself from the events and the repercussions of the past.

A page-turner with an MC that has scars on her body and soul. Solving the decades old riddle, unearthing several family secrets on the way, is the only way for Nell to keep her foster daughter and make peace with the past.

A thoroughly enjoyable read! I have my own recollections of, as a child, poring over the beautiful illustrations of Masquerade, and remember how it gripped the country during that time. And today, with the power of social media and the increasing number of conspiracy theorists this novel is entirely believable in its premise. The overarching ego of the man behind the book, secrets, passion, bitterness and envy - a great recipe for disaster, Beautifully written, you're drawn into the world of the families caught up in the drama (whether they wish it or not) and will very much have your own ideas on just how you really want it to all work out...

i had a phase of my youth where i was utterly compelled by armchair treasure hunts like forrest fenn, masquerade and the secret. to get a book that's basically a distilled interrogation of that culture is an absolute hoot. loved it.

I’ve never read Erin Kelly so grabbed this one when I saw it appear. The premise of finding clues to fulfill a skeleton, is convincing - it balloons out of control so the family are being stalked to see if the clues can be winkled out. The violence and deceit underlying the entire endeavour begins to corrode the family as they are all drawn in. As the years go by, murders, pedophilia and betrayals mount up as the money rolls in.

The story is told us by the daughter who was born after the treasure hunt/book began to take off in their lives, and was named for the central character - all based on an ancient tale of betrayal and murder too. As she grows up, she is targeted and incited to attack in retaliation. The original friends who married each other’s brothers, or sisters, or daughters, have a fractious relationship and this is inherited down the generations. All plausible like crazy and I was gripped. Okay it is long, and some of the characterisations are thin - and who is this Billie that has been taken in by our narrator? No real personality just professed need by our narrator - who has removed herself from the family.

There is a deeply buried crime from years ago, eating away, which is resolved by the end - and entails more cover up to keep everyone intact in the family. My only complaint is that characterisations are sometimes fleshed out in order to make the plotting work … but I am convinced by the driver of the Pokémon game playing style with its fierce advocates, etc. really great fun, adept and well written - and i am someone who dislikes flashbacks normally!

This is unlike any book I've read! Before I knew it I was hooked, and couldnt put it down! The characters were fascinating, and I felt fully invested in Nell and Billie. Brilliant!

This was a really interesting novel; I was intrigued by the dynamics of the family and also the tale of Elinore who had become a curse for the Churcher family. There's a lot going on but but I was gripped; a fantastic 4 star read.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Skeleton Key shows Erin Kelly at her best; an enthralling tale with a nod to the real life treasure hunt sparked by Kit Williams’ Masquerade. In the novel, Frank Churcher’s book, The Golden Bones, incites similar levels of frenzy and obsession. And when the book’s 50th anniversary edition is released, old wounds reopen and murder and mayhem ensue.

I am so annoyed at myself for taking so long to get around to this! I loved Watch Her Fall by Erin Kelly, and now I've given another of her books 5 stars, I desperately need to check out her backlist.

The Skeleton Key is a slow-building family saga and I think the author did a fantastic job of showing these messy and toxic relationships. The atmosphere was impeccable.

From the synopsis, I expected this to have more action but I'd say this leans more towards being a mystery rather than a thriller. It was a little too long at 500+ pages but once I was past the halfway point I flew threw it.

The Skeleton Key is a thrilling mystery novel that captures the reader's attention with its intricate puzzle and obsession. The family elements in the story are engaging, and readers will find themselves deeply invested in the characters' lives. The author's ability to make readers understand the characters and their motivations is impressive. Overall, The Skeleton Key is a well-written and captivating read that will keep readers turning the pages until the very end.