When the Bones Sing: An Engaging Dive into Southern Superstition and Mystery
When I first stumbled upon When the Bones Sing by L.W. Eadie, the intriguing premise of a girl who could hear the dead bones sing instantly captured my curiosity. Nestled in the atmospheric backdrop of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, this YA mystery promised a mix of haunting intrigue and supernatural elements—a combination that sounded right up my alley. As I turned the pages, I found myself immersed in a world rich with superstition and deeply rooted traditions, yet I also uncovered a few pitfalls along the way.
Seventeen-year-old Dovie follows in the footsteps of the resilient women before her, inheriting the uncanny ability to communicate with the dead. The novel plunges right into her story as she begins to hear the eerie songs of the bones that echo through the Ozark Mountains. While I was initially captivated by the vibrant, gothic atmosphere, I soon discovered that Dovie’s steadfast refusal to accept the magic around her became somewhat repetitive. Her mantra of “I don’t believe in magic” echoed through my mind, dimming my empathy for her as the story progressed. However, I found solace in the intermediate pacing that emerged later, allowing me to shift gears and enjoy the reading experience more fully.
Dovie’s best friend Lo is a character I found intrinsically more intriguing. Though his backstory remains somewhat nebulous, his connection with the specters haunting the town feels much more passionate and complex than Dovie’s unfolding journey. Yet, like too many elements in the novel, Lo’s characterization leaves me longing for more depth and development. Sadly, other characters, like the supposed love interest, felt like mere background noise, eliciting more eye-rolls than emotional engagement.
The author excels in constructing the atmospheric elements that envelop the narrative. The darkened forests, stagnant waters of Lucifer Creek, and looming shadows are vividly painted, immersing the reader in a tangible sense of dread and uncertainty. This setting serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery—a realm where danger lurks just out of sight but is always felt. Nevertheless, I found myself craving a more pronounced supernatural presence to heighten this clarity and deepen the tension.
Yet, the mystery itself left me somewhat underwhelmed. The plot wanders through several sub-mysteries, diverting attention from central questions that feel essential to the narrative’s core. The eventual reveal lacked the impact I hoped for, particularly as it felt misplaced within the framework of Dovie’s teen angst and the exploration of a prospective love triangle that proved to be more distracting than enriching.
Despite these critiques, there are shining moments, such as the character of Brother T, who embodies the necessary critique of societal prejudice against witchcraft and belief systems. His role, although stereotypical, serves to ground the story in a broader context of historical bias against the so-called “witches” of the world.
As I closed the book, ultimately wrapping it up with a satisfying epilogue, I felt as though When the Bones Sing had the potential for much more. Readers looking for chilling atmospheres and a touch of supernatural mystery may find enjoyment in this journey. However, if you’re seeking a tightly woven mystery with nuanced characters, you may want to approach with tempered expectations.
In conclusion, while the premise, rich atmosphere, and thematic elements stirred my intrigue, the repetitiveness and underdeveloped aspects of the main plot diluted my overall enjoyment. Nonetheless, this book certainly places a spellbinding lens on Southern lore and the heavy weight of tradition—a combination that will likely resonate with fans of young adult supernatural mysteries. Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC; my thoughts remain authentically my own! 📚✨