Review By: Stephanie Kenific
Published: 2025
Genre(s): YA Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Magical Realism
Audience: Grades 9–12, Adult
Content Warnings: Violence, murder, gore
Reviewer’s Note: “I think it was on a Goodreads recommendation list for spooky season.”
Goodreads Link: When the Bones Sing
Summary:
Set in the eerie Ozark Mountains, When the Bones Sing follows Dovie, a teen from a long line of women who can “hear the bones of the dead.” When hikers start vanishing near her town, the local sheriff turns to Dovie’s strange ability to help find the bodies. Alongside her best friend, Lo, who believes he is being haunted by the victims, Dovie must face both human and supernatural dangers to uncover the truth behind the killings—and the mysterious Ozark Howler rumored to stalk the woods.
Review:
When the Bones Sing is a haunting southern gothic tale that blends small-town mystery with eerie supernatural elements. Ginny Meyers Sain masterfully builds suspense, weaving red herrings and folklore into a chilling story about friendship, belief, and grief. The tension between rational Dovie and spiritual Lo adds emotional complexity, while vivid descriptions of the Ozark setting deepen the atmosphere. Although their relationship occasionally feels melodramatic, the mystery’s twists and the ghostly touches make it a satisfying and spooky read, perfect for fans of Dark and Shallow Lies or readers seeking a chilling fall thriller.
