THE SKELETON BOX by Bryan Gruley performs a hat trick with its tightly woven mystery, the deft handling of small town politics, and the intricate display of family relationships.

Gus Carpenter, editor of the local paper, coach to the River Rats, the first high school hockey team since his days on the team with a chance to go to the state playoffs, and dutiful son who doesn't know on the best of days how to take care of his ailing mother. He struggles to put his past mistakes and past love behind him as he works to solve the Bingo Night Burglaries. Four homes broken into. Nothing taken. No evidence left. The only connection is they all happened on Bingo night.

When Mrs. B, the mother of his ex-girlfriend, is found murdered in his mother's bathroom, Gus has no choice but to work with the only woman he's ever loved to find the truth behind the seemingly senseless crimes.

Mrs. B's dying words point Gus to Father Nilus Moreau, a pastor at St. Valentine's, but connecting a long dead priest to the present murder can be difficult when the only people who remember Nilus have their own secrets to protect. Gus must sort through the memories and lies for a truth that might tear his family apart.

The world Bryan Gruley has created in THE SKELETON BOX perfectly depicts the life and politics of a small town where intricate circles not only tie the community together but could potentially break it apart as well. It's a world where families; those you're born to as well as those you create, cause hurt as often as comfort. It's a world I'll definitely look forward to visiting again.