I really enjoy the paranormal aspects of Ginny Myers Sain’s books (granted I’ve only read two but still)! I appreciate that what seems “supernatural” IS supernatural, it isn’t a trick to fool the reader! I enjoyed this book, it was fun and the twists were entertaining! I appreciate Sain’s writing style, it’s smooth and quick and it makes you want to keep reading! Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this arc.

I tremendously enjoyed WHEN THE BONES SING by Ginny Myers Sain. She has done an incredible job with the setting in this story; it is truly a character unto itself. The characters were all interesting, particularly our main characters. I'm pleased to see Sain (DARK AND SHALLOW LIES) returning to her haunting, creeping, suspenseful ways that made her debut novel so rich and successful.

Thank you NetGalley and Ginny Myers Sain for allowing me to read an ARC of Where the Bones Sing. This is an honest review and is only my opinion.

In the small town of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas in the Ozarks, more than two dozen hikers have gone missing and turned up murdered. Some people believe it’s the work of the Ozark Howler snatching up the hikers, but otherwise there are no leads.

Dovie, a 17 year old local, comes from a long line of women that “hear the bones sing” and assists the sheriff in finding the murdered victims. Dovie and her childhood friend Lowan, a boy who comes from a line of magic wielding/believing Christians, decide enough is enough and set out to find the murderer.

First off, I really liked this book. I love how the author set the scene in the small Arkansas town, described the legends around the ominous Ozarks howler, and combined the supernatural in a way that didn’t make the whole book center around it.

The writing was easy to read, was not overly descriptive but just enough that you can paint a picture in your head. The characters were likable and relatable, and the author developed them well as the book went on, showing their growth as individuals and growth in their relationship with each other. The book was captivating from the first page, keeping the reader continuously trying to guess who the killer is, while also trying to decide if they feel that the supernatural ties in to the murders or not. The book is paced well, leaving the first half of the book building the characters and history, and the second half diving into the hunt for a killer. I really enjoyed how the author was able to tie in the mysteries of Dove’s and Lowan’s lives while also leaving breadcrumbs throughout to lead us to the ultimate finale. You will find yourself shifting blame amongst multiple characters and regularly changing your guesses on who is involved, quickly turning the pages to get to the answers.

This book is unique and exciting, and will leave you wanting more from Author Ginny Myers Sain. I suggest adding it to your TBR, the release date is March 3, 2025!

Being from southwest Missouri, I was automatically drawn to the setting of this book--northern Arkansas. While the area is heartbreakingly beautiful, it is still very rural and "backward" in some ways. This book read like a Netflix series and I loved every second of it. Two teenagers are drawn together because of their unique gifts of sensing the dead. When hikers start to go missing and are murdered from the neighboring trail, they seek to end the killings---even if it risks their own safety. Twisty ending, too! Highly recommended.

High Stakes YA Fantasy Southern Gothic Romance The story is told from Dovie's perspective, whose family has a long history of women who can hear the singing of the bones. Dovie feels an intense connection to skeletons, which call to her until she reunites them with their loved ones. Lo returns, but shadows that stalk/haunt him accompany him. Meanwhile, mysterious disappearances of gifted individuals occur, raising the question of whether these disappearances are connected to their gifts.

Dovie and Lo develop a friendship that deepens over time. With its many twists and turns, the book remains interesting throughout. I felt like Ginny Myers Sain was able to captivate her readers with detailed spellbinding descriptions and world building.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for an honest review.

Potential to be a creepy missing person story with a touch of magic, but this book was all over the place...nothing really fit together and there were so many pointless twists that it really made the story drag. It seemed like the author couldn't decide which ending to go for so threw in a bunch of red herrings that made no sense.

Dovie was annoying and I found myself only mildly sympathetic to her or Lo. WTF were the cops doing the past three years...no investigating at all until a teenage girl says she can hear the bones?

Also, I could've done without the dozens and dozens of references to the disgusting, sulfuric, rotten egg smell of the creek. It seemed like there was a least one in every chapter. We get it - it smells gross!

Some books and authors have such a way with language that they bring the setting and characters to life. Ginny Myers Sain does just that in When the Bones Sing. Prepare to be transported to a rural, mountain town in the Ozarks during a sweltering hot summer. and a series of unsolved murders. You'll be introduced to two old families whose families are intertwined in their histories and tragedies along with the town that eyes them all suspiciously and skeptically. I wasn't sure what to make of the story based on the book blurb, but I was immediately pulled in by the lyrical and descriptive writing. I easily found myself suspending disbelief over the mystical and fantastical parts of the story - in fact, I definitely felt scared, tense and nervous through some sections of the book. And I thoroughly enjoyed the eerie gothic terror vibe, even though this isn't my typical genre and I'm not the target audience. Or maybe I am! 4.75/5

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the e-ARC!

A beautifully written book. I absolutely enjoyed everything about it. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Gorgeous and evocative writing, fantastic world-weaving and storytelling, the spooky Ozark town of Lucifer’s Creek, the expertly crafted cast of characters, the layers (oh my goodness…the layers!) and spot-on dialogue in “When the Bones Sing”… sang to my reader’s heart! (Pun intended.)

This one snagged me from the opening scene and kept a tight hold on me.

Such a delight to read. Everything about this supernatural southern gothic yarn satisfied me and left me wanting another book set in Lucifer’s Creek (immediately), by the end.

This is a story that keeps you immersed and guessing throughout the twists and turns. Dovie and Lo, the central characters, and the entire odd, intriguing cast, captivated me. I also happen to love well-done vernacular which this one has in spades.

Suspense and dread keep mounting—there’s nothing predictable here.

Highly recommend

5 stars

𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚖𝚞𝚛𝚖𝚞𝚛 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢 𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚊𝚏𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚘𝚏 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊 𝙱𝚒𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎𝚜 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕 𝚐𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚜, 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚕.

I loved the southern gothic vibe of this book.

There were so many murder suspects, but I was wrong about the one I was set on. When I got to the part where it was revealed I kinda had my suspicions about him. The reasoning behind the hikers' death was so damn infuriating. I suppose that happens when greed consumes you.

The book started off slow, and it did drag on a bit where there wasn't any sleuthing to be done.
I did enjoy the concept of the FMC finding bodies as a human dowsing rod.
There was a tiny bit of romance, but it wasn't the main point of the story & I don't feel like it was just dropped out of nowhere. There was history between the FMC and MMC. & she does help him uncover the mystery of the murdered hikers.
I do feel like having the brother of one of the dead hikers make a move on her was odd. Like it was just thrown in there, and they don't even expand on that. They share a few kisses and then he's sent back home in an ambulance when he gets hurt, never to see her again.

Despite that I did like this book.

As a witch I loved the folk magic that was practiced! I loved how accurately the author portrayed actual witchcraft. It was all mundane stuff, but set with intentions. The FMC did kinda bug me when she kept criticizing the MMC's beliefs, but when she encounters the supernatural her views start to shift.

I was looking forward to this because the idea sounded so unique and intriguing but there was too much adult language for my taste. I made it to chapter three and felt like every other sentence had expletives. DNF.

Listen, this book was so AMAZING. Gothic thrillers really are my cup of tea and Ginny Myers Sain DELIVERSSS!!!!! Her writing creates the perfect atmosphere and I was fully immersed by the storytelling.

This book was hauntingly beautiful. I could not stop reading. I simply devoured this book, I loved the setting taking place in the Ozarks. The Ozarks gave the perfect eerie atmosphere. I loved Dovie and Lo's strong connection and inseparable friendship. So many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end of the book. I highly recommend giving this one a read !

Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really loved this book and flew through the pages. I was drawn in from the very first line and thought the story was well told. It is a young adult book but it didn't read that way except for some of the character's decisions and behaviors. The paranormal aspect was interesting and the descriptions of a rural, economically depressed town were accurate. Overall I enjoyed the southern gothic, spooky vibes, and felt it was very well written with complex characters and an "edge of your seat" story arc. Thank you to the publisher, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, and to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

💓The Definition of Southern YA Gothic 💓

Simply put this book was the perfect blend of southern small town supernatural thriller and New / Young Adult fiction with a dawning of that moment when best friends begin to examine and explore their evolving feelings as they turn to a deeper romantic love. Taken together this, for me, is the very definition of great gothic Storytelling!

With writing so vivid and sensory that I could literally feel the heat and smell the sweet scent of the Ozark Mountains blended with the unique scent of Lucifer's Creek, this book transported me to the hills and streets of small town Arkansas. I felt as if I met all the strange and curious people who lived the holding secrets and sorrows so close to themselves that left their decisions and action creating ghosts that lived within every shadow. Add to this the knowledge of Mountain Magic, Ozark Legends and Southern Lore that Nana and Granny brought to the page and I was entranced by a magical world that kept me wondering how man and myth would merge in Dovie and Lowain world to create the mystery that we were trying solve, and yes I mean we because I was with Dovie at every turn. This story was perfectly paced with tension and suspicion, I found myself racing with Dovie and Lo to find out who was snatching the hikers from the trail and spinning theories on their motivation. With great twists and turns, surprises and red herrings, this was the Nancy Drew style book my 16 year old self always wanted because it was real, current, imaginatively written and filled with all the longing, sweet kisses and pulse pounding emotions to fill any big screen . Told completely from Dovie's perspective, this narrative design not only increased tension but also brought a wonderful sense of romance and a touch of romantic rivalry between Lo and a surprise secondary character.

I cannot think a more perfect read for anyone, Young, New or Mature Adult because every character, primary and seconday, is well rounded, complex, and vital to this story....even the setting itself that is as vital to When The Bones Sing and even speaks with a melodic voice to the characters and readers alike.

This is my first book by Ginny Myers Rain and it will not my last.

★★★★★

Absolutely devoured this book! I was hooked right from the start—the setting, the characters, and their fascinating abilities had me glued to the pages. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the story threw me for a loop! The twists, the mystery, the plot—absolute perfection. And heads up, you might need a tissue or two… or maybe that’s just me being soft. My emotions were all over the place, and I tore through this in less than 24 hours. Now I’m kind of bummed it’s over.
~
Dovie, a 17-year-old with a unique family gift, can hear the songs of the dead—specifically, the unfound. When it’s time for them to return home, their bones sing to her, guiding her to unearth them.

In Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, hikers have been disappearing, and the local sheriff has been relying on Dovie to track them down. But things get even more complicated when her best friend, Lo, suddenly returns after months away. Questions start swirling, ghosts begin appearing, and a heavy sense of vengeance looms—but no one knows who’s behind it. The mountains, once magical and full of good memories, are now tainted with blood… and something monstrous.

Just when Dovie and Lo think they’ve uncovered the truth about the bodies piling up in the woods, the twists unravel everything they thought they knew. The answers they find aren’t what they expected—and the truth may not set them free…

Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains lies the small town of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas. Nothing special about the town except that it crosses through a major hiking trail, which brings in some of the little income this poor town makes. Nothing special, and definitely nothing magical, if you’d ask Dover Warner. No such thing as magic, even though her best friend is a mountain healer, learning the ways of plants and spells from his grandmother. Definitely no such thing as magic, even though her body rattles with the songs of bone music, calling her to find remains as if she were the official cadaver dog of the town.

After three years, and over twenty hunters gone missing and their remains found, Dove and her friend Lowan are determined to find the cause of all of these deaths, if for nothing else than to stop Lo from seeing the ghosts of these hunters haunting him. The locals say it’s the result of the Ozark Howler, a mythical beast known for bringing death in these mountains, but Dove knows the Howler is nothing but an old folk tale… or is it?

This was such an interesting story. It was a unique tale with magical elements interwoven throughout, despite our main character’s denial of any strange happenings. We have a little bit of something for everyone in this novel - fantasy/magical realism, a mystery to solve, and a potential budding romance between our two friends. The author did such a great job with making the setting an integral part of the story, feeling as if these mountains come alive with every step we take further into them.

Recommended if you like: young adult fiction, mystery/thrillers, magical realism, and coming of age romance

4.5/5

From the very beginning I got sucked into the story. This is a YA book, but it feels feels like it was meant for older Adults as well. I love the aspect of seeing or feeling the ghosts of the dead hikers and trying to figure out what was happening to them. This was such a quick, easy, and to the point read. I had no questions that was left unanswered. There were so many twists and turns in the book, that I never knew what was coming next. I thought from the very beginning on who was doing the murders, but I was wrong. I did eventually know who it was, but it took a little bit after figuring out my guess was wrong. The twists end at the very last page.
I loved watching Dovie's and Lo's relationship blossom. Even what she thought the worse of him, she was always there and believed him at the end. That was the definition of true love for them.
If you enjoy friends to lovers, dark thriller YA books, whodunit, and supernatural books, I recommend reading this one. This is the first time reading any Ginny Myers Sain books and it won't be my last.
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin teen for allowing me to read this arc, in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Dark and Shallow Lies so I was excited to read this new book. It did not disappoint! The story took a dark turn at the end and I loved the relationship between Lo and Dovie.

Ginny Myers Sain's When the Bones Sing delivers a compelling mix of Southern Gothic atmosphere, family secrets, and supernatural intrigue. The novel shines in its richly detailed setting, pulling readers into a world steeped in mystery and haunting melodies. Sain’s prose is lyrical, weaving an enchanting narrative that feels both grounded and otherworldly.

The protagonist’s journey is emotionally resonant, and the layered exploration of generational trauma adds depth to the story. However, the pacing occasionally falters, with some plot twists feeling predictable or underdeveloped.

Overall, When the Bones Sing is a beautifully written and engaging story, though not without its imperfections. It’s a 3.5-star read that will captivate fans of eerie, atmospheric tales and complex family dynamics.