Layer upon layer! STONE BRUISES is one of those novels where nothing is as it seems, and our understanding of a character is increased ever so slowly throughout the read. Our minds are changed, our sympathies are realigned, and our suspicions are never allowed to settle for too long.

Sean is alone and on the run, and from what exactly is initially not known to the reader. Has he committed a crime, or has a crime been committed in which he was the victim? Our mystery man is desperate, hiding his car in a ditch and injured from managing to stumble into an animal trap. He needs help, and our sympathies are with him for his evident fear and desperation. Local farmholders find him and take him home, saving his life but what are their intentions towards him after that?

STONE BRUISES features the present Sean, and also the past Sean who once had a girlfriend and a life that he understood. There is a slow building up of menace and concern for Sean but you will have to be patient before the connections and ramifications of Sean's past actions become evident as to how they relate to the predicament of his present. Sean is in a deep, dark bad place but there is always hope within him, and us, that he will come through.

STONE BRUISES is a slow burn thriller that sets you with great expectations for a firecracker finish.