When the Bones Sing: A Haunting Journey Through Ozark Mysteries
From the moment I laid eyes on the intriguing title When the Bones Sing by A. E. Grace, I was drawn in—both by the promise of a poetic mystery and the allure of the supernatural. The very idea of bones singing, echoing through the humid air of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, was impossible to resist. As a lover of atmospheric tales steeped in both magic and reality, I couldn’t wait to dive into Dovie’s world and experience her journey.
Dovie, a seventeen-year-old girl who is thrust into a legacy of women capable of hearing the dead, is a character I couldn’t help but empathize with. Her initial disbelief in magic reminded me of our own teenage struggles with identity and acceptance. The narrative opens explosively, immersing us in her inner world right away. However, as the story unfolds, the repetitiveness of her internal monologue—her insistence that she doesn’t believe in magic—occasionally dulled the enchanting atmosphere that was beautifully crafted by Grace.
One of the main strengths of When the Bones Sing lies in its rich atmospheric setting. Readers can almost feel the weight of the dense Ozark forests and the oppressive humidity enveloping Lucifer Creek. I could sense the tension and unease that builds throughout the community, affected by the unexplained disappearances. Grace’s portrayal of the Ozark howler as a spectral menace added an ominous vibe that had me flipping pages, eager to unravel the mystery surrounding these lost souls.
Yet, despite these elements, the mystery itself felt a bit underwhelming. Dovie’s quest to uncover the truth places her at the center of a chilling narrative, but surprisingly, the most significant question goes unacknowledged until nearly too late. Perhaps this reflects a typical teen’s perspective—self-centered and fraught with overdramatic tendencies—but as a reader, I wished for a more mature handling of the stakes at play. The big reveal, when it finally came, lacked the necessary darkness and depth to echo the haunting themes set forth in the narrative.
One character, Lo, was a breath of fresh air in this suburban drama, and my admiration for him added complexity to the story; yet, his potential remained largely unfulfilled. I found myself more captivated by the side characters, especially Brother T, who represented the troubling intersections of faith and folklore. Although his motives struck me as somewhat clichéd, I appreciated Grace’s exploration of these dynamics, as they resonate with so many cultural contexts.
The book’s plot drags a bit with the inclusion of a love triangle that felt unnecessary amidst the backdrop of death and danger. As a reader, I struggled to reconcile the tension of romance with the urgency of solving a pressing mystery. Removing this subplot would have tightened the narrative and perhaps bolstered my rating.
Despite these criticisms, the epilogue beautifully tied up loose ends, leaving lingering questions about Dovie’s journey that resonated with me. In the quiet moments of closure, I found a sense of solace that made the reading experience worthwhile.
When the Bones Sing will appeal to fans of young adult mysteries with a touch of the supernatural and those who enjoy a deep dive into atmospheric locales. While it stumbles in pacing at times and leans heavily into drama, it ultimately offers an intriguing glimpse into grief, justice, and the connections we share—even with those who have passed on.
Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC. This review contains my honest—and often personal—reflections on the book. If you crave a story that weaves together suspense, atmosphere, and a bit of magic, Dovie’s journey through the haunting Ozark Mountains may be just what you’re looking for.
