Ginny Myers Sain’s "When the Bones Sing" is a spellbinding novel that blends elements of mystery, supernatural intrigue, and psychological depth. With its richly detailed setting, complex characters, and a plot that keeps readers enthralled from start to finish, this book offers a unique and unforgettable reading experience.

The story centers around Indigo James, a young woman with a troubled past who is drawn back to her hometown of Blackwood after a decade away. Haunted by the disappearance of her twin brother, Phoenix, years earlier, Indigo has never been able to shake the feeling that something sinister lurks in Blackwood. Determined to uncover the truth about her brother’s fate, she finds herself entangled in a web of dark secrets and eerie occurrences that defy explanation.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its atmospheric setting. Blackwood is depicted with such vividness and detail that it almost becomes a character in its own right. The town’s dense forests, abandoned buildings, and shadowy corners create a palpable sense of unease and suspense. Sain’s descriptive prose immerses readers in the haunting beauty of Blackwood, making the town’s eerie atmosphere and supernatural elements feel both real and unsettling.

Indigo is a compelling and multifaceted protagonist. Her determination to find out what happened to her brother is driven by a mix of guilt, grief, and an unyielding hope. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of Blackwood, she confronts not only external threats but also her own inner demons. Sain portrays Indigo’s emotional journey with sensitivity and depth, making her a character that readers can both empathize with and root for.

The supporting characters in "When the Bones Sing" are equally well-developed and add richness to the narrative. From Indigo’s old friends who have their own secrets to the enigmatic newcomers who stir up trouble, each character plays a significant role in the unfolding mystery. Sain skillfully weaves their backstories and motivations into the plot, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that adds depth and complexity to the story.

The novel’s supernatural elements are both intriguing and chilling. Sain expertly balances the line between the real and the fantastical, creating a sense of ambiguity that keeps readers guessing. The supernatural occurrences in Blackwood are tied to the town’s dark history, and as Indigo uncovers more about her brother’s disappearance, she also unravels the sinister forces at play. Sain’s portrayal of these elements is both imaginative and grounded, making the supernatural aspects feel believable within the context of the story.

The plot of "When the Bones Sing" is intricately woven and expertly paced. Sain balances moments of high tension and action with quieter, introspective scenes that delve into the characters’ psyches. Each chapter ends with a hook that propels readers forward, creating a narrative that is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The mystery at the heart of the story unfolds gradually, with carefully placed clues and red herrings that keep readers engaged until the very end.

Sain’s writing style is both evocative and engaging. Her prose is lyrical and descriptive, capturing the emotions and experiences of the characters with clarity and depth. The dialogue is natural and reflective of the characters’ personalities, adding authenticity to their interactions. Sain’s ability to convey emotion through her writing is particularly noteworthy, making the novel’s most poignant moments resonate with readers.

"When the Bones Sing" also explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of confronting one’s past. Indigo’s journey is not just about solving the mystery of her brother’s disappearance but also about finding closure and healing. The novel’s exploration of these themes is both uplifting and thought-provoking, adding depth to the supernatural thriller format.

Thank you to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for a temporary e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I would have read this in one sitting if I didn't have responsibilies. This was such a fun read I enjoyed every page.

Dove has a power – she can hear the bones of the dead sing to her, begging for her to find them and put them to rest. She wouldn’t call it magic, though; Dove doesn’t believe in magic since her mother left her family. Something is killing the hikers on the trails near her home in the Ozarks, and that power – magic or not – is the only way they can find the bodies and get one step closer to stopping it.

Super fast read; I was hooked from the beginning. I would have loved if Dove was a little older, if only because of the heaviness she has to deal with. This is definitely a tragic read (she's digging up bodies, after all). Tracking down the killer was quite the adventure, with plenty of twists and turns that worked well. I really enjoyed seeing it all come together in the end!

Unfortunately, this novel did not work for me. After weeks of trying to get into it, I skimmed to the end. Which is so disappointing. A southern-gothic featuring a girl who can hear the bones of the dead? Sounds fantastic. But a fantastic only gets you so far.

When the story started to focus more on a romantic plotline, I lost interest. And then the story just kept dragging on.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC.

intense, high stakes, dramatic YA thriller with some fantasy elements. very well written, awesome characters. the words on the page sing as much as the bones do. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

"When the Bones Sing" is a captivating blend of Southern Gothic and supernatural mystery. Set in the atmospheric Ozark Mountains, the novel follows Dovie, a young woman with a unique gift: she can hear the "song" of the dead, guiding her to their buried remains.

The story is driven by a chilling mystery: the disappearances of numerous hikers in the local trails. As the body count rises, Dovie and her best friend, Lo, find themselves drawn into a dangerous investigation. Lo, haunted by the spirits of the victims, becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth, while Dovie grapples with the ethical implications of her gift and the growing darkness that threatens to consume them both.

What makes this book stand out:

Atmospheric Setting: The Ozark Mountains are vividly brought to life, creating a sense of isolation and eeriness that perfectly complements the eerie atmosphere.
Compelling Characters: Dovie and Lo are well-developed and relatable characters. Their friendship and the growing tension between them add depth to the narrative.
Unique Premise: The concept of "hearing the bones sing" is original and intriguing, offering a unique perspective on death and the afterlife.
Intriguing Mystery: The mystery surrounding the disappearances is well-crafted, with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.
Minor Criticisms:

Some readers may find the supernatural elements to be slightly predictable.
The pacing could feel a bit uneven at times.
Overall:

"When the Bones Sing" is a haunting and atmospheric novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading. It's a must-read for fans of Southern Gothic, supernatural mysteries, and stories that explore the themes of grief, loss, and the search for truth.

Recommendation:

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a touch of the supernatural and a focus on strong character development.

A Southern supernatural mystery thriller with very similar traits to Charlaine Harris' Harper Connelly series. Dovie and Lo are teenagers and best friends, but held separate from the rest of the small community of Lucifer's Creek. Lo lives with his grandmother in the woods, and is following in her footsteps of healing witchcraft - a popular service but it causes them to be ostracized, especially by members of the local church. Dovie doesn't believe in magic even though she feels the vibrations of the dead, and helps the local sheriff find the bodies of the missing. And there are so many bodies. Hikers along the nearby Ozark trail are constantly disappearing and having "accidents." But as tourism is the lifeblood of the region, all is kept quiet. But Lo has begun seeing the dead and they are literally driving him mad in their need to find justice. Dovie loves Lo more than anyone, and the two set out to find the killer.
Very dark and emotional story of two teens damaged by their circumstances and loss of their mothers. The mystery is well-plotted and secondary characters fleshed out. The setting is as oppressive as the summer heat. But the relationship of the two teens is the primary focus and what really moves the story along. Recommended.

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.