• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Connect With Me
    • Policies
    • Testimonials
    • (Closed) Request A Review
    • (Closed) Beta Reading Requests
  • Book Review Archive
    • Book Review Archive
    • Audiobook Review Archive
    • Spooky Children’s Book Review Archive
  • Resources
    • A Running List of 2023 Horror Book Releases
    • A Running List of 2024 Horror Book Releases
    • Interview Archive
    • List of Horror Author Online Bookshops
    • List of Horror Publishers That Sell Books Directly
    • Podcast Recs
    • Referral Links
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bluesky
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Goodreads
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

Recent Posts

A Bleak Remedy by D.S. LaLonde | Book Review

Book cover of Ushers by Joe Hill - featuring a brightly colored winged beings silhouette

Ushers by Joe Hill | Short Story Review

Interview with Stephen Kozeniewski

[Book Review] The Bone Feud by Wynne McLaughlin

July 2, 2017      Erica Robyn      8 Comments

Before we dive in, I would like to thank Wynne McLaughlin again for both responding to one of my tweets about Dragon Teeth to let me know about this book, and for sending me a wonderful paperback copy! I am so thrilled to put a copy of this book on my shelves!

Click here to check out my review of Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton if you missed it. In that review, I discuss a few of the characters that appear in The Bone Feud.

My Thoughts on The Bone Feud by Wynne McLaughlin

I knew that I was going to love this book right from this page that appears before the prologue:

I really love the set up for this book!

The very first paragraph of the prologue is written in a way that addresses the readers, as the narrator asks for us to forgive him for any inaccuracies due to the methods of how he gathered information for this story. This narrator was a reporter named William H. Ballou.

William walks into a saloon in Tin Cup, Nebraska to try to find James Garvey, a man  that worked as a guide for paleontologist, Professor Edward Cope. William approaches Garvey and asks to hear his story. Garvey is thrilled to oblige. In chapter one, we dive right into the story that Garvey told to William.

As the book goes on, it is written as if we were experiencing the action first hand, but there are also random breaks where the story was interrupted. Sometimes this is because William had a question, or because something happened in the saloon that interrupted them. Other times, Garvey needed to back track or give William more information to make sure the rest of the story flows well. I thought that this format was absolutely incredible. It kept me totally engaged with the storyline, and I couldn’t wait to read more!

Of course, all of the characters were lovely, even if they were quite rough around the edges.

The writing style was lovely. So easy to read because of the upbeat tone and great organization. All of the dialogue was very realistic, and many times I found myself laughing out loud at some of the passages.

My Favorite Passages from The Bone Feud



It’s my belief that all of the greatest tales ever told have been told in saloons.

I think history is just an interpretation of events, intended to justify the deeds of the people in power.

Edward Drinker Cope was in his mid-thirties, tall and angular, with a pleasant, vaguely handsome face that burned with passion and excitement as he spoke.

“Good judgment comes from experience, Mr. Garvey. And most experience comes as a result of bad judgement. A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor.”

“This here preacher… well, there’s no doubt he was narrow-minded enough to see through a keyhole with both eyes.”

Knowledge is weightless. It’s a treasure you an always carry with you.

I admire your loyalty, but I think you’re crazy as popcorn on a hot skillet.

Cope and Sternberg followed the riverbank through the dark woods as best they could on horseback.
Cope squinted into the shadows ahead. “I can’ see a damnable thi―”
He was cut short by a low-hanging branch that cold cocked him and knocked him from his saddle. This spooked his horse, and it galloped off into the brush.
“Professor Cope!” shouted Sternberg. “Have you injured yourself, sir?”
“Only my pride, I think. But it’s had so many lumps recently, I’m sure it will persevere.” He began to stand, then fell back, shouting in pain. “My ankle, it would seem, has a different opinion.”

“Captain Beckwith. Do you have a moment, sir?”
“Well now. That’s something you can never be sure of. I try to live my life like I might not.”

My Final Thoughts on The Bone Feud

I highly recommend giving this book a read! I really enjoyed it. I know I will be re-reading it again very soon and I cannot wait!

Here are a few more recent posts you might like:

  • A Bleak Remedy by D.S. LaLonde | Book Review
  • Ushers by Joe Hill | Short Story Review
  • Interview with Stephen Kozeniewski

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Katiria Rodriguez says

    July 3, 2017 at 2:23 am

    Awesome review Erica! I absolutely love your favorite passage it had me giggling as well. This is actually the first time I heard about this book, but it really looks and sounds totally amazing and very intriguing. I never read a book set in the wild west before, and that's way I have too check this one out and see if I like it or not. Thank you so much for the great post Erica.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      July 3, 2017 at 12:37 pm

      Thank you! When you pick it up, I'd love to see what you think! It's such a fun and quick read πŸ™‚

      Reply
  2. Sassy Brit says

    July 3, 2017 at 2:28 pm

    Sounds great, Erica. I love your book photo, too!

    Luv
    Sassy x
    http://alternative-read.com πŸ˜€

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      July 3, 2017 at 2:34 pm

      It was such a fun read! πŸ™‚ And thank you so much!

      Reply
  3. Heather Cilley says

    July 3, 2017 at 5:10 pm

    I am so happy you loved this book E! Awesome review! <3

    Reply
    • Erica Robyn says

      July 3, 2017 at 5:18 pm

      Thanks so much! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  4. Olivia-Savannah says

    July 21, 2017 at 9:02 pm

    I am glad you were able to love this book from the very first page. Even from before that page! I love the sound of the characters and how well the world building is done πŸ˜€ Great review x

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      July 21, 2017 at 11:33 pm

      Thank you! Yeah, this book was so lovely!! If you check it out, I'd also highly recommend Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton πŸ™‚

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Erica Robyn Reads!

Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
Hello! I’m Erica, a Mainer living in New Hampshire who runs on hot tea, good books, and loud music. Join me as I seek out amazing horror tales and help support the indie horror community!
 

Subscribe via Email

Loading

Search This Blog

Browse By Category

An Easy Guide to Locating Horror Reviews Without Losing Your Mind created by Lori of Barks At The Ghouls
Featured Book Reviewer
Shirley's Book Blogger List
Ultimate List of the Best Book Review Blogs by Kindlepreneur

Copyright © 2025 Erica Robyn Reads