Book Review: Wil's Bones

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Wil's Bones     Amazon US TPB Amazon Canada TPB
Kevin Bowen
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Archaeology   Thriller
Engage, 2000, $12.95, 244 pp.

Internationally renowned archeologist Wil Wilson waited a lifetime for this post at the Institute for Palestinian Research in Israel. Will knows this job gives him the opportunity to find evidence that will play havoc with his “Dad’s Religion” Christianity. While growing up in Washington State, Wil’s abusive, bible-quoting father used religion to condone his nasty behavior. Even today, his mother, who in Wil’s mind did nothing but rationalize her husband’s behavior at the expense of her son’s well being. She knows how obsessively angry her son remains.

With the American Secretary of State coming to the region to promote peace, Wil is tapped to help search for explosives at famous sites. Instead of bombs, Wil makes a discovery that will shake more than just Christianity out of its complacency. Everyone wants the find reburied except Wil who defies the establishment to tell the world the truth.

WIL’S BONES is an exciting thriller that never eases up until the plot is finished. Wil is an intriguing character who is heroic in an epic way even as the powerful combines forces try to discredit and ultimately kill him. His beloved provides him hope that he can survive the ordeal as he struggles to inform the world the truth. Although the characters are never fully developed or understood except to a degree Wil, Kevin Bowen packs plenty of non-stop action in his fast-paced plot.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner