Bones of the Deep (Large Print Paperback, 16pt)

This book starts out as an archaeological adventure where deep underwater in a grotto. A new form of life is found as a skeleton on a pedestal. Ones person‘s relic is another person‘s property. He consequence or devastating. However, the book has a much more profound message. What is in the soul of a person? What justifications can be used for your transgressions? There are those that are willing to sacrifice everything to help others. And there are some who will justify their actions, even though it’s sacrifices others. Sometimes lessons are never learned and the elusive thoughts of fame and notoriety are more important than humanity. This is a fascinating, subject and the characters battle for their own personal gain and knowledge to the world versus the purity of their heart in sacrificing everything to save others. A absolutely marvelous story. One lie after another will leave the crew exposed and unlikely to survive. It’s amazing what the human spirit can justify in order to be successful. Even after others sacrifice themselves, the true nature of an individual remains the same. This is a truly fascinating read.

JF Penn's knack for writing suspense thrillers with edgy foreboding never disappoints. An assorted cast of characters, a mysterious cargo, a rusty but beloved ship, sharks and much more in tow, and a storm brewing on the horizon underpins this unforgettable journey. Every scene is not wasted -- definitely a page turner - and full of sensory descriptions that hauls you in to be part of this rollercoaster ride through this fantastical world. Grab your life jackets and jump in, but be careful in those waters, there are deadly consequences for every action.

Bones of the Deep is another absolute triumph from an author who consistently delivers high-octane, deeply engaging thrillers. Having read several of Penn's books over the years, I went in with high expectations—and this one might just be her most atmospheric and gripping story yet. Penn once again demonstrates her mastery of tension, seamlessly blending deep-sea exploration, ancient mythology, and pulse-pounding action. The setting is vividly realized; you can practically feel the crushing pressure of the oceanic abyss and the claustrophobia of the dark depths. As always, her meticulous research shines through, grounding the eerie archaeological lore and marine science in real-world detail without ever sacrificing narrative momentum. The characters are complex and emotionally grounded, making the high-stakes survival elements hit even harder. Every chapter ratchets up the suspense with sharp twists and that signature dark, intelligent edge Penn brings to all her work. If you are already a fan of her writing, Bones of the Deep is a brilliant addition to her catalog that won't disappoint. And if you're new to J.F. Penn, it’s a fantastic place to dive in. Five well-deserved stars!

Bones of the Deep by J. F. Penn is a gripping and highly original horror thriller that hooked me from the very first pages. The story builds tension masterfully, keeping me on the edge of my seat until the very end. What impressed me most was the vivid, atmospheric writing—the descriptions brought every setting to life and created a constant sense of unease. The blend of suspense, mystery, and horror feels fresh rather than relying on familiar tropes, making the novel stand out in the genre. Long after I finished the book, its haunting imagery and unforgettable scenes stayed with me. If you enjoy intelligent, immersive thrillers with a chilling edge, Bones of the Deep is an unforgettable read that I highly recommend.

Action, horror, folk tales all come together in an awesome story.
Bones of the Deep is one of my favorite J.F. Penn stories. I kind of had an idea where this story was going when I settled into my chair to read, but I sure wasn’t ready for where it took me.

The imagery of the ship left me feeling memories of the wind in my face and the South Pacific sun burning my skin as I stood on the deck watching the endless expanse of the open ocean.

I loved the action and pacing of the story, several scenes brought back memories of seeing storms and typhoons far out to sea, however Joanna’s description gave me the experience of living through the storms on a small ship.
The characters in this story were not just believable, but each was flawed in unique individual ways. I can’t say more about the characters because I’m tempted to provide spoilers, and this story is too good to spoil for any potential reader.

My only suggestion to potential reader is to get a copy – buy, borrow whatever but get a copy and settle in for a south sea adventure unlike anything you’ve read before.

As good as anything this author has written very very very good read ive read all her books abs and this is one of the best

I really enjoy the writing of J.F. Penn. She gets my heart pounding which shows me that I am immersed in her book(s)! The story itself was a tad predictable but that doesn't mean that I didn't thoroughly enjoyed it. I started it on a Sunday morning and was finished with it by Monday evening (and that's because I had to work on Monday!) I look forward to her next book, just don't get it twisted, Bones of the Deep is not so much a thriller as it is a horror story!

Bones of the Deep by J.F. Penn is a gripping, atmospheric read that I loved from start to finish. Penn has a real gift for bringing the sea and the ship to life — you can practically feel the timber creaking beneath your feet and the wind moving through the rigging. Small sensory details, like "the hiss of water along the hull," pull you straight onto the deck alongside the characters. As someone who has always loved sailing, this book felt like it was written just for me. Penn captures the rhythm of life at sea — the creak of rope, the snap of canvas overhead, the way the wind itself seems to carry a voice — and layers all of it with a slow-building sense of dread that makes for the perfect spooky, eerie read. This is exactly the kind of creepy, immersive journey I've come to expect and love from this author. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys atmospheric horror with a strong sense of place — you'll want to read it with the windows open and the wind blowing. I received an ARC of this book and am leaving my honest review.

Adventure thriller on steroids. Loved the evolving story and flawed characters. Feelings of wonder, fantasy, fear, horror and perhaps atonement.

Another winner from Joanna Penn!

This book is labeled as a thriller, but I found it more of a horror novel. When I think thriller, I think of someone acing against time to avert a catastrophe. This was just scary as could be. I hard a hard time getting to sleep the first evening I started reading. So if that is your thing, you will really like this book. The author does a great job establishing the characters, which ones are good, which ones are flawed. And the peril is identified right at the start, which then ramps up as the book goes along. You'll find yourself say, "Oh, no. Oh no" over and over again. Excellent ending.