In 1989, Nelson McKenna is a reserved young man bravely fighting off constant aggressors, both in school and at home. As he sits and enjoys one of his treasured comics, a pair of bullies commence their harassment of him. Soon after, Clayton Burroughs and two female friends arrive and stick up for Nelson. However, after one of his tormentors accosts one of the ladies, Nelson pummels him into a bloody pulp. The teenager lies on the ground nearly lifeless. Clayton makes a fateful decision that will have ramifications: he calls his father, Gareth Burroughs. A mess has been cleaned, but now a debt is owed.

"This is a profound story about the transcending bonds of friendship, the crucible of family dysfunction, and acceptance in a mixed-up world. It’s a wonderful book that you will want to pick up for a second and third read."

In 1998, Nelson McKenna is known simply as “Nails.” His presence has transformed from quiet to imposing. When people see his tall silhouette, they know it is usually at the behest of crime boss Gareth Burroughs. Nails collects debts for the Burroughs clan, and he uses his muscle to convince recalcitrant debtors to fork over their money posthaste. As Nails sits at the bar reading a book, an attractive young woman attempts to engage him in conversation. Nails is nonplussed at her flirtations and rebuffs her. Nevertheless, he keeps his eyes on her and decides to take action when he sees her date begin to rough her up. His protective instincts unleash a fury inside him, and when all is done, a man is dead.

Nails is informed by a friend/associate that he is to hightail it out of town and head to Jacksonville, Florida. When he demurs, he is told that this decision comes from Gareth. As Nails climbs into his car to drive off, he finds an unexpected passenger: the young woman from the bar. Despite initial hesitancy, he flees to Florida with little idea of his true destination.

Meanwhile, Clayton receives a visit from his girlfriend along with a mutual friend. They voice their concerns about their old chum, Nelson, and his current predicament. The intentions of Gareth are called into question, and the ladies plead with Clayton to find Nelson. Clayton wants to help his friend but knows he will do so at the risk of infuriating his father. As Nails waits with his newfound friend in Jacksonville, other parties are on the lookout for him with varying motives.

NOTHING BUT THE BONES is Brian Panowich’s latest stellar effort. His fourth novel serves as a prequel to his ongoing and engaging tales about the Burroughs family, who are predominant in law enforcement and law-breaking endeavors. Clayton has rejected his father’s way of life for most of his own and has become a pariah in the process. Every encounter with Gareth is fraught with tension. By helping Nelson, he inadvertently altered Nelson’s path in life. Nearly 10 years later, Clayton is faced with a similar conundrum in saving a friend. Except this time around, he is going to handle it much differently.

This is a profound story about the transcending bonds of friendship, the crucible of family dysfunction, and acceptance in a mixed-up world. It’s a wonderful book that you will want to pick up for a second and third read.