Bad bones by Graham Marks

Red eye series. Stripes Publishing, 2015. ISBN 9781847154545
(Age: 14+) Horror. Warning on back cover: Not for younger readers. Gabe is under pressure - his father has lost his job and money is in short supply. On a ride in the hills around LA, he comes across a grave and finds not only a skeleton but a gold bracelet. He thinks that will end his money troubles but it is only the beginning of his misfortune. He has awakened more than he bargained for. With his new friend Stella, he investigates the background of the gold artefacts while he is stalked by Raphael, a sinister figure from the past, who is accompanied by coyote and owl companions.
Those who have read quite a few books in this genre like me will find that the rather strange mixture of wicked priest taking hearts from his victims in an Aztec like ritual, gold artefacts that have a hypnotic effect, and good versus evil, has a familiar feel. However this may not affect readers new to the genre as the action is fast paced and the plot quite chilling. There are some scary moments as Raphael goes on a killing spree, leaving Gabe to stumble along hoping that people survive this monster.
Reluctant readers may enjoy this as it is easy to read with lots of action and tension.
Pat Pledger