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Skeletons: Extended Edition
When the police discover the body of a gay man locked in a closet, they call in help from P.I. Paulie Paisano (Price Slashers) and his new partner, Taylor Conroy (We're Still Here), because this is just the beginning. In this city, there are far more skeletons in the closet.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2024
About the author
Chisto Healy
104 books61 followersChisto started writing as a child and it was always his biggest passion, though he is also a musician and artist. When he was forced to quarantine in March 2020 due to the pandemic, he decided to focus on his writing and write full-time and has since had 100 stories accepted to be published, many of which are already out there. He hopes this is only the beginning...
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 10, 2024
Chisto Healy's "Skeletons (The Extended Edition)" consists of three interlinked stories, which should be read as three chapters of a novel. The first two stories have already appeared in a couple of incredible anthologies (in "Price Slashers" and "We're Still Here"), the third is new (to me, at least). The first and the second story introduce the two main characters (respectively) of the third - though the fun doesn't stop there, since there are ties to another of Healy's books, "Two of A Kind".
This kind of structure may sound complex, even convoluted, but it's anything but. Sure, there are Easter Eggs buried all over, but the stories (and thus the entire book) are standalones: there's no need to have a panoramic view of Healy's LGTBQ+ "crime/thriller/horror universe" in progress (though if you do get to that point, the world-building will awe you!) Except for the characters and their personal problems, no story shares plots or issues with the others; in fact, the chapters can be read in any order, as long as you allow the first two stories to stand as prequels.
So what is the book about? On the one hand, it's about cops, serial killers, crime solving, conspiracies, skeletons and closets (literally): there's an escalation of action, an assortment of graphic killings and some nicely done police procedural scenes. The first story has Paulie, a demoted detective, trying to arrest a serial killer and prove his hunch correct at the same time. Starring in the second tale is Taylor, a detective who's been tasked with resolving hate crimes. Both Paulie and Taylor, now PIs, appear in the last story, as they try to help a cop and his partner capture a serial killer. On the other hand, however, the book is about the all-pervasive homophobia and transphobia making life hell for everyone who is not "straight" in the world of the book - here "skeletons" and "closets" are meant figuratively as well: Paulie is bi, Taylor is openly gay, and they're constantly facing ridicule from their peers, harassment and even violence. The crimes they have to solve range from gay bashing to graphic acts against young queer people. The third story, especially, culminates in a large-scale anti-LGBTQ attack seldom seen in fiction, at least at that level - though it makes perfect sense as a brilliant tie-in to Healey's "Two of A Kind" book.
To be honest, the violence perpetrated on people, violence based on their gender Identity, as it's described in the book, shocked me a bit. At times, the hatred and the bias were too much; not too graphic, just too much. Healy misses no chance to make a point about the brutality, both physical and psychological, which the LGBTQIA+ community has to confront daily. In this context, though, the use of (straight) female characters in the stories troubled me: mothers rejecting their children, spouses cheating or disparaging their husbands, female colleagues easily betraying the confidence of their LGBTQ+ workmates. I'm still unsure how much of this pressure drives the story; perhaps it does.
In any case, this is a passionate work of terrific writing, great dialogue, non-stop action, and unexpected twists. It will hook you immediately and you'll even forget to ask for a trigger warning page! Without a doubt, one of the best Chisto Healey books!
This kind of structure may sound complex, even convoluted, but it's anything but. Sure, there are Easter Eggs buried all over, but the stories (and thus the entire book) are standalones: there's no need to have a panoramic view of Healy's LGTBQ+ "crime/thriller/horror universe" in progress (though if you do get to that point, the world-building will awe you!) Except for the characters and their personal problems, no story shares plots or issues with the others; in fact, the chapters can be read in any order, as long as you allow the first two stories to stand as prequels.
So what is the book about? On the one hand, it's about cops, serial killers, crime solving, conspiracies, skeletons and closets (literally): there's an escalation of action, an assortment of graphic killings and some nicely done police procedural scenes. The first story has Paulie, a demoted detective, trying to arrest a serial killer and prove his hunch correct at the same time. Starring in the second tale is Taylor, a detective who's been tasked with resolving hate crimes. Both Paulie and Taylor, now PIs, appear in the last story, as they try to help a cop and his partner capture a serial killer. On the other hand, however, the book is about the all-pervasive homophobia and transphobia making life hell for everyone who is not "straight" in the world of the book - here "skeletons" and "closets" are meant figuratively as well: Paulie is bi, Taylor is openly gay, and they're constantly facing ridicule from their peers, harassment and even violence. The crimes they have to solve range from gay bashing to graphic acts against young queer people. The third story, especially, culminates in a large-scale anti-LGBTQ attack seldom seen in fiction, at least at that level - though it makes perfect sense as a brilliant tie-in to Healey's "Two of A Kind" book.
To be honest, the violence perpetrated on people, violence based on their gender Identity, as it's described in the book, shocked me a bit. At times, the hatred and the bias were too much; not too graphic, just too much. Healy misses no chance to make a point about the brutality, both physical and psychological, which the LGBTQIA+ community has to confront daily. In this context, though, the use of (straight) female characters in the stories troubled me: mothers rejecting their children, spouses cheating or disparaging their husbands, female colleagues easily betraying the confidence of their LGBTQ+ workmates. I'm still unsure how much of this pressure drives the story; perhaps it does.
In any case, this is a passionate work of terrific writing, great dialogue, non-stop action, and unexpected twists. It will hook you immediately and you'll even forget to ask for a trigger warning page! Without a doubt, one of the best Chisto Healey books!
August 22, 2024
Okayyy. I have read 'Price Slashers' and Chisto's story in the anthology 'We’re Still Here' (because of this book) but I haven't read 'Two Of A Kind'. I know, I know. Shame on me. Especially because Chisto is a dear friend!! I will be reading 'Two Of A Kind' ASAP because I’ll definitely understand the full connection between these interlinked horror world collections he has brought to the community. However, you don’t have to read those in order to enjoy and understand this Crime Fiction Horror Novel! I want to understand the Easter eggs within though, so I’ll most definitely be checking 'Two Of A Kind' out in my free time so I can “ooooooh and ahhhh.”
Chisto is truly one of the most prolific and creatively talented authors that I’ve come to read in my years of love for reading! I don’t throw out 5 stars very often but every single one of his books HITS without fail.
Skeletons is a novel of Crime Fiction/Serial Killer Fiction that also falls into the realm of LGBTQ fiction as well, which I thoroughly enjoyed! It truly made this book even that more AMAZING. In this novel we follow a few detectives turned private investigators as they hunt down serial killers all while managing their personal lives that have brought many hiccups following into their career. I had a blast trying to solve the case all while being thrown with many twists. If anyone can write a story with a plot twist that isn’t a dead giveaway or even remotely close to solving, it’s Chisto.
Thank you, Chisto, for this ARC! I LOVED it so much and can’t wait for the world to read it and experience for themselves. Skeletons will be released in September. Date TBD.
Chisto is truly one of the most prolific and creatively talented authors that I’ve come to read in my years of love for reading! I don’t throw out 5 stars very often but every single one of his books HITS without fail.
Skeletons is a novel of Crime Fiction/Serial Killer Fiction that also falls into the realm of LGBTQ fiction as well, which I thoroughly enjoyed! It truly made this book even that more AMAZING. In this novel we follow a few detectives turned private investigators as they hunt down serial killers all while managing their personal lives that have brought many hiccups following into their career. I had a blast trying to solve the case all while being thrown with many twists. If anyone can write a story with a plot twist that isn’t a dead giveaway or even remotely close to solving, it’s Chisto.
Thank you, Chisto, for this ARC! I LOVED it so much and can’t wait for the world to read it and experience for themselves. Skeletons will be released in September. Date TBD.
August 30, 2024
Okay, Chisto does it again. He’s one of my favorite authors for a reason and every book I read by him continues to solidify why. 😍 As much as I adore his splatter-comedies, this fictional crime / serial killer horror with LGTBQ characters might be my new favorite. Not to mention there’s so many connections to his other stories, and I love me some good Easter eggs. 😝
Chisto has a way with characters. He does them SOO well that you really get to know them and either love or hate them. Usually love, even when it’s the bad guy. 🙌🏼
Being Italian and a self proclaimed guido, I really appreciated the dialogue. It was really fun to read in my over exaggerated accent and highly relatable language. 🤌🏼
Skeletons also contains his stories from Price Slashers and We’re Still Here. They’re all connected and even connect to his book Two of a Kind. It’s basically two novellas with one short story in between, thus creating the perfect full length novel. Paige Ray had mentioned it perfectly in her review stating, “Chisto is creating a hardboiled horror universe.” and I couldn’t agree or say it better myself.
Chisto has a way with characters. He does them SOO well that you really get to know them and either love or hate them. Usually love, even when it’s the bad guy. 🙌🏼
Being Italian and a self proclaimed guido, I really appreciated the dialogue. It was really fun to read in my over exaggerated accent and highly relatable language. 🤌🏼
Skeletons also contains his stories from Price Slashers and We’re Still Here. They’re all connected and even connect to his book Two of a Kind. It’s basically two novellas with one short story in between, thus creating the perfect full length novel. Paige Ray had mentioned it perfectly in her review stating, “Chisto is creating a hardboiled horror universe.” and I couldn’t agree or say it better myself.
September 16, 2024
This was the the first time I've ever read a Chisto Healy book and I'm am hooked. This book specifically was 3 stories that was in the crime/horror/serial killer genre with the characters being LGTBQ+. There was also a lot of humor in there which I think was a great blend that helps break up the graphic scenes. The stories are so very well detailed that I can picture every single thing in my head as I read. The characters are amazing and very well developed. Of the 3 stories in this book, the first one has stuck with me the most. It was twisted and gruesome and went so deep. The murderer was methodical and had every thing so well planned out... that story has been living in my head since I read it!!! I also loved how well the detective handled the jokes and banter regarding his situation. This was an amazing read. I definitely recommend and will be checking out more books by Chisto now.
September 16, 2024
Skeletons is a tightly plotted horror thriller that's not afraid of hitting you with bloody, disturbing imagery.
Chisto Healy wants to showcase the ways hate for everything queer is still present in our homes, or workplaces, and our institutions, and takes this concept to horrifying consequences.
Likeable characters, converging storylines and a mystery with unexpected twists will keep you hooked beginning to end.
I love that this story starts with two separate people whose lives come at a crossroads, and then finds a way to put them at their own crossroads together when a series of mysterious killings strike a very personal chord with both.
You get to see them bring their own personal story into this investigation, and see the ways in which it affects them both.
I truly great horror thriller with a relevant message. It feels new and personal.
Chisto Healy wants to showcase the ways hate for everything queer is still present in our homes, or workplaces, and our institutions, and takes this concept to horrifying consequences.
Likeable characters, converging storylines and a mystery with unexpected twists will keep you hooked beginning to end.
I love that this story starts with two separate people whose lives come at a crossroads, and then finds a way to put them at their own crossroads together when a series of mysterious killings strike a very personal chord with both.
You get to see them bring their own personal story into this investigation, and see the ways in which it affects them both.
I truly great horror thriller with a relevant message. It feels new and personal.
September 1, 2024
You have to read this one!
September 25, 2024
Received an eARC from the author.
I'll be honest... I signed up for the ARC based on the cover alone and am I glad I did! This book is split into several sections and different cases however, we see recurrent characters and situations. A string of murders of which the victims appear to be LGBTQ+ or adjacent, catch the attention of several detectives/PIs, who uncover a more sinister plot with far reaching implications. If you enjoy crime thrillers with a nice side of horror, pick this up.
I'll be honest... I signed up for the ARC based on the cover alone and am I glad I did! This book is split into several sections and different cases however, we see recurrent characters and situations. A string of murders of which the victims appear to be LGBTQ+ or adjacent, catch the attention of several detectives/PIs, who uncover a more sinister plot with far reaching implications. If you enjoy crime thrillers with a nice side of horror, pick this up.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews