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When the Bones Sing
Not yet published
Expected 4 Mar 25From New York Times bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies comes a new southern gothic supernatural thriller about a teen girl in a small Ozark town who can hear the bones of the dead.
The past three years have been tough for Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, a small town quietly tucked away in the Ozark mountains. More than two dozen people have disappeared on the local hiking trails; there one moment, gone the next, not a trace left behind, until their buried bodies are discovered.
17-year-old Dovie doesn’t believe in magic even though she comes from a long line of women who can hear the bones of the dead sing, and for the past few years the bones have been crooning nonstop, calling out to Dovie to dig them up.
Some of the old-timers believe that it’s the monstrous Ozarks howler snatching people off the Aux Arc Trail. Well Dovie doesn’t believe in the howler, and she doesn’t believe her best friend Lo when he tells her he is being haunted by dark shadows. All she believes in is her talent that guides the local sheriff to the bones when they begin their song, then reuniting the dead with their families to give them some peace.
Lo doesn’t know peace, though. The shadows follow him everywhere. He soon learns they’re the murdered hikers and they want answers. But the truth of their deaths isn’t buried with their bones; it’s hidden somewhere deep in the hills. And Lo and Dovie must unearth it before anyone else is killed.
The past three years have been tough for Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, a small town quietly tucked away in the Ozark mountains. More than two dozen people have disappeared on the local hiking trails; there one moment, gone the next, not a trace left behind, until their buried bodies are discovered.
17-year-old Dovie doesn’t believe in magic even though she comes from a long line of women who can hear the bones of the dead sing, and for the past few years the bones have been crooning nonstop, calling out to Dovie to dig them up.
Some of the old-timers believe that it’s the monstrous Ozarks howler snatching people off the Aux Arc Trail. Well Dovie doesn’t believe in the howler, and she doesn’t believe her best friend Lo when he tells her he is being haunted by dark shadows. All she believes in is her talent that guides the local sheriff to the bones when they begin their song, then reuniting the dead with their families to give them some peace.
Lo doesn’t know peace, though. The shadows follow him everywhere. He soon learns they’re the murdered hikers and they want answers. But the truth of their deaths isn’t buried with their bones; it’s hidden somewhere deep in the hills. And Lo and Dovie must unearth it before anyone else is killed.
352 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 4, 2025
About the author
Ginny Myers Sain
4 books838 followersGinny Myers Sain lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has spent the past twenty years working closely with teens as a director and acting instructor in a program designed for high school students seriously intent on pursuing a career in the professional theatre. Having grown up in deeply rural America, she is interested in telling stories about resilient kids who come of age in remote settings. Dark and Shallow Lies is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 24, 2024
I was beyond excited about this book, When the Bones Sing, by Ginny Myers Sain. It's a Southern gothic supernatural thriller about a teen girl who can hear the bones of the dead - excuse me, what!? ✨
This book is truly one-of-a-kind, and its premise captivates you from the very first page. The author excels at crafting rich character development, ensuring that even the side stories feel fully fleshed out and engaging. As I delved into the narrative, my gut instantly became suspicious of who the 'guilty' party might be very early on. My hunch was correct; however, the intricate plot elements and connections that led to the climactic reveal kept me enthralled. The author masterfully weaves in surprising twists that add layers of complexity, skillfully building suspense and creating an atmosphere of doubt. I trust when others read this, they'll find themselves questioning their assumptions and shifting blame onto different characters, making for an exhilarating reading experience.
Even though there was a section that didn't appeal to me as much—mainly due to my own expectations and a hint of disappointment stemming from my hopeful anticipation—I can wholeheartedly say that I enjoyed every aspect of this book. Its intricate characters and engaging plot kept me captivated, and despite that personal misalignment, the overall experience was truly gratifying. This book is just SO unique, not to mention the title is perfect, and the cover is absolutely stunning - you will definitely want to add this to your TBR. The expected publication date is March 04, 2025.
Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for an ARC of this upcoming YA mystery/thriller. All thoughts are my own! 🖤
This book is truly one-of-a-kind, and its premise captivates you from the very first page. The author excels at crafting rich character development, ensuring that even the side stories feel fully fleshed out and engaging. As I delved into the narrative, my gut instantly became suspicious of who the 'guilty' party might be very early on. My hunch was correct; however, the intricate plot elements and connections that led to the climactic reveal kept me enthralled. The author masterfully weaves in surprising twists that add layers of complexity, skillfully building suspense and creating an atmosphere of doubt. I trust when others read this, they'll find themselves questioning their assumptions and shifting blame onto different characters, making for an exhilarating reading experience.
Even though there was a section that didn't appeal to me as much—mainly due to my own expectations and a hint of disappointment stemming from my hopeful anticipation—I can wholeheartedly say that I enjoyed every aspect of this book. Its intricate characters and engaging plot kept me captivated, and despite that personal misalignment, the overall experience was truly gratifying. This book is just SO unique, not to mention the title is perfect, and the cover is absolutely stunning - you will definitely want to add this to your TBR. The expected publication date is March 04, 2025.
Thank you, PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for an ARC of this upcoming YA mystery/thriller. All thoughts are my own! 🖤
October 17, 2024
Goosebumps! Especially towards 85 percent of the book!
Wow! I am quite impressed with the book. I really love it when the characters are honest about themselves and their feelings, especially when it comes to high stakes YA fantasy. The writing exactly provides this for which I am really quite happy with.
The writing is really fast paced and not a word wasted I say!
Dovie can feel the skeletons of mysterious dead bodies until she united them with their loved ones.
Shadows keep haunting her best friend, Lo, until he has to find answers for the mrdered hikers.
More people are disappearing for the past few years and now they have to do something about it using their gifted (or are they cursed?!) abilities to find the truth and prevent further harm.
I just couldn’t stop reading the book and it is perfect for the spooky season! Wish the book was already available so I could tell everyone I know to get the book today itself!
You can expect friends to lovers but I would tell you not to expect much romance from the book. I really appreciate it when romance is not forced onto the characters especially when the characters are not ready to be serious about their relationship.
Yes, the ending is quite satisfactory and you will like how things go despite all the chaos they faced in their crazy harrowing journey.
One of the most enjoyable thrilling YA books I read this year.
TW for gory descriptions of mrdr/dead bodies.
Thank you, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for the ARC.
Wow! I am quite impressed with the book. I really love it when the characters are honest about themselves and their feelings, especially when it comes to high stakes YA fantasy. The writing exactly provides this for which I am really quite happy with.
The writing is really fast paced and not a word wasted I say!
Dovie can feel the skeletons of mysterious dead bodies until she united them with their loved ones.
Shadows keep haunting her best friend, Lo, until he has to find answers for the mrdered hikers.
More people are disappearing for the past few years and now they have to do something about it using their gifted (or are they cursed?!) abilities to find the truth and prevent further harm.
I just couldn’t stop reading the book and it is perfect for the spooky season! Wish the book was already available so I could tell everyone I know to get the book today itself!
You can expect friends to lovers but I would tell you not to expect much romance from the book. I really appreciate it when romance is not forced onto the characters especially when the characters are not ready to be serious about their relationship.
Yes, the ending is quite satisfactory and you will like how things go despite all the chaos they faced in their crazy harrowing journey.
One of the most enjoyable thrilling YA books I read this year.
TW for gory descriptions of mrdr/dead bodies.
Thank you, G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, for the ARC.
August 26, 2024
I don't give five star reviews easily. As a writer it's hard for me to distance myself from the craft of fiction and get totally immersed in the story. That's never the case with a novel by Ginny Myers Sain, and When the Bones Sing is no different. Total immersion effortlessly from page one.
Seventeen year-old Dovie doesn't believe in magic or the supernatural. The legend of the Ozark Howler means nothing to her. She and her family are even pariahs of the local church, the culture of which pervades every day life in small town Lucifer Creek, Arkansas. Despite all this, local law enforcement officials have recognized Dovie's unusual--and definitely supernatural--talent for hearing the song of the dead. When hikers start to go missing on the nearby Aux Arc trail, they wait patiently for the bones to start rattling in the night so that Dovie can locate the macabre source of the music.
Dovie's not the only one who is haunted by the disappearances, though. Her best friend and twin flame, Lo, is convinced he is being followed by the ghosts of the missing hikers. He knows the only way to finally silence them is by solving their murders and bringing the killer to justice before anyone else can become the next victim.
Ginny Myers Sain is a genius when it comes to using setting as a character in her novels, and When the Bones Sing is a masterclass in the technique. It's not just Dovie and Lo telling the story here, it's the Arkansas Ozarks, too. The hills and streams and valleys all have their own voices and magic, and they won't be ignored. Every detail of the Ozarks is true to life--I should know, it's literally my backyard--and although Lucifer's Creek is fictional, I hope readers will fall in love with the Ozarks and all the real spooky locations here.
This is one of those books that I would give anything to read for the first time again. I wish I could go back to try to figure out all the twists and turns, because even though I *thought* I had everything figured out, I was floored by the ending. I absolutely did not see it coming.
If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods looking to recreate the vibes of Lucifer's Creek and the Ozark National Forest, I highly suggest visiting Eureka Springs, Devil's Den State Park, Hawksbill Crag, and Mount Magazine! Arkansas isn't called the Natural State for nothing!
My thanks to Ginny Myers Sain and Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC of When the Bones Sing in exchange for an honest review. Being a part of the #WhenTheBonesSingArArcTour was such a privilege!
Seventeen year-old Dovie doesn't believe in magic or the supernatural. The legend of the Ozark Howler means nothing to her. She and her family are even pariahs of the local church, the culture of which pervades every day life in small town Lucifer Creek, Arkansas. Despite all this, local law enforcement officials have recognized Dovie's unusual--and definitely supernatural--talent for hearing the song of the dead. When hikers start to go missing on the nearby Aux Arc trail, they wait patiently for the bones to start rattling in the night so that Dovie can locate the macabre source of the music.
Dovie's not the only one who is haunted by the disappearances, though. Her best friend and twin flame, Lo, is convinced he is being followed by the ghosts of the missing hikers. He knows the only way to finally silence them is by solving their murders and bringing the killer to justice before anyone else can become the next victim.
Ginny Myers Sain is a genius when it comes to using setting as a character in her novels, and When the Bones Sing is a masterclass in the technique. It's not just Dovie and Lo telling the story here, it's the Arkansas Ozarks, too. The hills and streams and valleys all have their own voices and magic, and they won't be ignored. Every detail of the Ozarks is true to life--I should know, it's literally my backyard--and although Lucifer's Creek is fictional, I hope readers will fall in love with the Ozarks and all the real spooky locations here.
This is one of those books that I would give anything to read for the first time again. I wish I could go back to try to figure out all the twists and turns, because even though I *thought* I had everything figured out, I was floored by the ending. I absolutely did not see it coming.
If you ever find yourself in this neck of the woods looking to recreate the vibes of Lucifer's Creek and the Ozark National Forest, I highly suggest visiting Eureka Springs, Devil's Den State Park, Hawksbill Crag, and Mount Magazine! Arkansas isn't called the Natural State for nothing!
My thanks to Ginny Myers Sain and Penguin Teen for providing me with an ARC of When the Bones Sing in exchange for an honest review. Being a part of the #WhenTheBonesSingArArcTour was such a privilege!
November 24, 2024
Listen here, Ginny Myers Sain, I've got a bone to pick with you (see what I did there? BONE. Punny. LOL). Just what do you think you're doing? Going and messing with my heart like that. You're setting the bar so high that no one will be able to reach it.
I loved Dark and Shallow Lies so much that I made it a traveling book in my Facebook book club. My expectations for When the Bones Sing were already high, and Sain did not disappoint. All aspects were executed with phenomenal precision - world building, character development, writing style, pacing, and plot. You'll find an abundance of decadent creepiness within these pages. It's written so well that it's almost believed, and the idea is wholly original. Sain will be a solid auto-buy author for me from now on. This was my most anticipated read of 2025, but I was lucky enough to score a copy from Bookish First, so it became one of my few favorites of 2024. This copy will also live on as a traveling book, and earned a spot on my all-time favorites list. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
If you enjoyed When the Bones Sing, you might like these titles: Small Favors by Erin A Craig, Wake by Lisa McMann, Behold the Bones by Natalie C Parker, Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood, and That Dark Infinity by Kate Pentecost.
If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, pen pals, traveling books, and a lot more!
I loved Dark and Shallow Lies so much that I made it a traveling book in my Facebook book club. My expectations for When the Bones Sing were already high, and Sain did not disappoint. All aspects were executed with phenomenal precision - world building, character development, writing style, pacing, and plot. You'll find an abundance of decadent creepiness within these pages. It's written so well that it's almost believed, and the idea is wholly original. Sain will be a solid auto-buy author for me from now on. This was my most anticipated read of 2025, but I was lucky enough to score a copy from Bookish First, so it became one of my few favorites of 2024. This copy will also live on as a traveling book, and earned a spot on my all-time favorites list. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own.
If you enjoyed When the Bones Sing, you might like these titles: Small Favors by Erin A Craig, Wake by Lisa McMann, Behold the Bones by Natalie C Parker, Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood, and That Dark Infinity by Kate Pentecost.
If you love active book communities, check out LiterALLy BOOKiSh Book Club (on Facebook)! Games, giveaways, discussions, reviews, bingo, swaps, pen pals, traveling books, and a lot more!
October 11, 2024
‘From New York Times bestselling author of Dark and Shallow Lies comes a new southern gothic supernatural thriller about a teen girl in a small Ozark town who can hear the bones of the dead.’
Mannnnnnn. Sain just has this way, I swear. Her writing style is so damn delectable, I can’t get enough. I want to crawl inside her books, sprawl out and luxuriate in her words and all over the pages.
When the Bones Sing is riddled with witchy & magical things. And whispers of a legend, the Ozark Howler, what locals believe is the harbinger of death. There’s also a chilling mystery with gruesome serial murders and creepy Arkansas mountains where things lurk in the dark. There’s grief and pain but also love and eventually something a little like a balm.
Impossible to put down until you get to the truth.
Sain is a go-to for me. I will read anything she writes.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group PYRG | GP Putnam’s Sons books for YR for this arc in exchange for review.
Pub date: 3.4.25
October 28, 2024
In the past three years, more than a dozen people have disappeared in the Ozark mountains. The hikers disappear within minutes of being separated from their groups and never leave a trace. The Sherrif's department has given up hope of finding the hikers until Dovie's bones start to sing. Dovie comes from a long line of women whose bones sing for the dead and will not stop until the bones are found. When Dovie's best friend, Lo tells Dovie that he is being haunted by the missing hikers, the two must work together to find out who or what is killing these hikers.
Ginny Myers Sain has a way with paranormal mysteries that completely suck me in. I think this one is my favorite so far. This book was perfect for Fall and there were so many mysteries to unravel in this book that I couldn't stop reading. The ending took me by complete surprise, but the ending was not farfetched, and the clues were all laid out. I highly recommend this book for all paranormal mystery readers and cannot wait to see what the author comes up with next.
When the Bones Sing comes out March 4th, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for the opportunity to review When the Bones Sing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Ginny Myers Sain has a way with paranormal mysteries that completely suck me in. I think this one is my favorite so far. This book was perfect for Fall and there were so many mysteries to unravel in this book that I couldn't stop reading. The ending took me by complete surprise, but the ending was not farfetched, and the clues were all laid out. I highly recommend this book for all paranormal mystery readers and cannot wait to see what the author comes up with next.
When the Bones Sing comes out March 4th, 2025.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Young Readers for the opportunity to review When the Bones Sing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 26, 2024
When the Bones Sing was a pleasing YA paranormal tale. The world building was nicely handled and both Dovie and Lo came across well as characters, both of them growing through the course of the story. It was a fairly simple, easy read, but it was an entertaining story and I didn't guess the true culprit behind the killings until close to the reveal, so it was well structured in terms of the mystery too. The paranormal elements added to the story without overpowering the human interactions and emotion, and I would certainly pick up other books by this author in the future. I am giving it a solid four stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and had a hard time putting it down. I’ll definitely be looking into more books by this author.
4.5/5 ⭐️
4.5/5 ⭐️
July 29, 2024
Thank you again to Ginny Myers Sain for sending me an ARC copy of When then Bones Sing! I truly appreciate it and I can’t wait to share this review. I LOVED IT! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time and I didn’t want to put it down.
I want to go to Lucifers Creek, Arkansas (if it was totally real). I want to walk down main street and figure out the mystery of the hills behind the town. I loved Lo’s and Dovie friendship and wanted them to succeed in everything together.
I loved how easy it was to read and I could follow along every step of the way. The way Ginny Myers Sain uses imagery is fantastic! I could picture every scene played out in my head. The way Ginny Myers Sain describes the town and the mountain is so real and you are definitely a fly on the wall. The paranormal aspect of WTBS is something to be amazed act. It wasn’t to over the top and had just the right amount to move the story forward and ass to the mystery.
I want to reveal so much but I have been sworn to secrecy and you’ll just have to get the book when it comes out March 4 2025! What I can share with permission is some of my favorite lines. I am not going to tell you the pages, but that just brings the mystery to life.
Just be careful to finish this book before the Ozark Howler gets you too.
Some of my favorite lines are:
“He’s the only thing in this world that could almost make me believe in magic again”
“Not understanding someone isn’t a good enough reason to go around throwing rocks,” I argue. “No,” Daddy admits. “But bein’ afraid of someone is. At least in their minds.”
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
I want to go to Lucifers Creek, Arkansas (if it was totally real). I want to walk down main street and figure out the mystery of the hills behind the town. I loved Lo’s and Dovie friendship and wanted them to succeed in everything together.
I loved how easy it was to read and I could follow along every step of the way. The way Ginny Myers Sain uses imagery is fantastic! I could picture every scene played out in my head. The way Ginny Myers Sain describes the town and the mountain is so real and you are definitely a fly on the wall. The paranormal aspect of WTBS is something to be amazed act. It wasn’t to over the top and had just the right amount to move the story forward and ass to the mystery.
I want to reveal so much but I have been sworn to secrecy and you’ll just have to get the book when it comes out March 4 2025! What I can share with permission is some of my favorite lines. I am not going to tell you the pages, but that just brings the mystery to life.
Just be careful to finish this book before the Ozark Howler gets you too.
Some of my favorite lines are:
“He’s the only thing in this world that could almost make me believe in magic again”
“Not understanding someone isn’t a good enough reason to go around throwing rocks,” I argue. “No,” Daddy admits. “But bein’ afraid of someone is. At least in their minds.”
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
November 1, 2024
Y’all, this book blew me away! This is the 4th book I’ve read by Ginny Myers-Sain and this is definitely runner up behind her debut Dark and Shallow Lies. ����🏻
Another super atmospheric read, very much southern gothic vibes even though it was taking place in the Ozark Mountains. We have mystery, romance, a small town setting, and a hint of magic and a paranormal aspect. This book just instantly drew me in with how unique it was for the FMC to be able to “feel” the bones of the deceased called out to her like a song. Ahhh chills! To think about what that would do to a person mentally being someone that bones call out to when they are lost is just such a deep thought. Considering this is YA, Ginny Myers-Sain has a way of brining her characters to life with such depth.
She’s crafted a mystery with so many red herrings that I didn’t see several twists coming until they were practically in my face. I SUSPECTED and my suspicion was correct but this was still a mystery until the end. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
These characters. A piece of me will remain with these characters. Dovie. I already talked about her but her heartache and troubles run deeper than that as do Lo’s. Lowan Wilder reminds me of someone I know and I was fascinated with and FELT for this boy. His outcome in the ending was unexpected but I love Lo! And Xander. A mysterious stranger who will leave a mark on both of them.
I just loved everything about this story. It’s fast paced and thrilling. The myth/ legend of the Ozark Howler, the magic and possible ghostly apparitions, the mountains, the mystery of the missing hikers…. an easy 5 star read that will linger. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Another super atmospheric read, very much southern gothic vibes even though it was taking place in the Ozark Mountains. We have mystery, romance, a small town setting, and a hint of magic and a paranormal aspect. This book just instantly drew me in with how unique it was for the FMC to be able to “feel” the bones of the deceased called out to her like a song. Ahhh chills! To think about what that would do to a person mentally being someone that bones call out to when they are lost is just such a deep thought. Considering this is YA, Ginny Myers-Sain has a way of brining her characters to life with such depth.
She’s crafted a mystery with so many red herrings that I didn’t see several twists coming until they were practically in my face. I SUSPECTED and my suspicion was correct but this was still a mystery until the end. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
These characters. A piece of me will remain with these characters. Dovie. I already talked about her but her heartache and troubles run deeper than that as do Lo’s. Lowan Wilder reminds me of someone I know and I was fascinated with and FELT for this boy. His outcome in the ending was unexpected but I love Lo! And Xander. A mysterious stranger who will leave a mark on both of them.
I just loved everything about this story. It’s fast paced and thrilling. The myth/ legend of the Ozark Howler, the magic and possible ghostly apparitions, the mountains, the mystery of the missing hikers…. an easy 5 star read that will linger. 🙂↕️🙂↕️
December 1, 2024
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
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
October 13, 2024
I could not put this book down. When the Bones Sing is a mystery thriller about 17 year old Dovie Warner who can hear the bones of the dead, and this skill is put to use in the small town of Lucifer’s Creek where she’s from. For the past three years, hikers have been mysteriously vanishing and within a few months, their bones call out to Dovie screaming to be found.
As the body count piles up, Dovie’s best friend Lo finds he is haunted by the spirits of the hikers, and the spirits want justice to prevail. Despite her gifting, Dovie does not believe in the supernatural, but she will do anything to save her best friend. Together, they work to unravel the mystery of the darkness that’s plaguing their mountain, but the closer they come to the truth, the less sure they are they want to know…
There are so many layers of mystery to this book, and it’s woven together so well. It is dark and thrilling and twisty, and the end was one I never saw coming. If you’re looking for a spooky ghost story in 2025, this is it.
I would like to thank Penguin Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the body count piles up, Dovie’s best friend Lo finds he is haunted by the spirits of the hikers, and the spirits want justice to prevail. Despite her gifting, Dovie does not believe in the supernatural, but she will do anything to save her best friend. Together, they work to unravel the mystery of the darkness that’s plaguing their mountain, but the closer they come to the truth, the less sure they are they want to know…
There are so many layers of mystery to this book, and it’s woven together so well. It is dark and thrilling and twisty, and the end was one I never saw coming. If you’re looking for a spooky ghost story in 2025, this is it.
I would like to thank Penguin Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 21, 2024
4.5/5 !
Wow what a story!! This was unlike anything I have ever read. Ghosts, magic, spells, curses, mystery, suspense, love - wrap it all up and you get this beautiful book!
Dovie has a gift, she can feel the bones of dead bodies sing to her. Which has been tough, because for the past three years in Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas in the Ozarks, more than 24 hikers have disappeared; and it’s Dovie’s job to find them.
Dovie’s best friend, Lo, has been haunted by the ghosts of the dead hikers. He must find out who, or what, is killing all these people and put an end to it.
I absolutely loved this story. The characters had a lot of depth to them and the reveal was so surprising! I thought I had it figured out several times but was of course wrong! The magic was surprisingly a lot of fun and I loved the ending how everything was beautifully wrapped up on so many levels.
I don’t normally go for books like this, about ghosts and magic, but can we talk about how stunning the cover is?!?! It really drew me in and the title was very fitting.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Ginny Myers Sain for the ARC for a review.
Wow what a story!! This was unlike anything I have ever read. Ghosts, magic, spells, curses, mystery, suspense, love - wrap it all up and you get this beautiful book!
Dovie has a gift, she can feel the bones of dead bodies sing to her. Which has been tough, because for the past three years in Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas in the Ozarks, more than 24 hikers have disappeared; and it’s Dovie’s job to find them.
Dovie’s best friend, Lo, has been haunted by the ghosts of the dead hikers. He must find out who, or what, is killing all these people and put an end to it.
I absolutely loved this story. The characters had a lot of depth to them and the reveal was so surprising! I thought I had it figured out several times but was of course wrong! The magic was surprisingly a lot of fun and I loved the ending how everything was beautifully wrapped up on so many levels.
I don’t normally go for books like this, about ghosts and magic, but can we talk about how stunning the cover is?!?! It really drew me in and the title was very fitting.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Ginny Myers Sain for the ARC for a review.
November 20, 2024
This was a great book, the cover is absolutely gorgeous and the writing is descriptive. I will say that it probably could have been about 50-100 pages shorter and didn't need the random love triangle, but otherwise this was a great read. This story is about a family who can hear the unsettled dead and helps the local sheriff pull up bodies they cannot find. A best friend who is part of a family of mountain witches. And a serial killer loose in a quiet Arkansas town that thrives off the hikers who visit, but seem to also disappear. This book is a mix of magic, cryptozoology, deep family ties, love, and loss. The best friends search for the serial killer in the woods, while listening to the Ozark Howler in the woods, seeing/trying to understand the dead, in the many forms they come. This mystery suspense novel is for those who like local legends and strange twists that are both predictable and not.
November 20, 2024
When the Bones Sing had me hooked from quite literally the first line. That’s what makes Ginny’s books some of my favorites, the way that she immediately grabs you and pulls you in. And just when I think I’ve got it all figured out, a twist comes in and makes me question it all! I can’t say much without blabbing a bunch of spoilers, so for now I’ll just say this: ADD THIS BOOK TO YOUR TBR & PREORDER YOUR COPY!! I promise you will not want to miss out on this perfectly eerie Ozark adventure.
October 24, 2024
5/5 stars
Recommended if you like: ghosts, Southern Gothic, crime thrillers, the Ozarks
Big thanks to G.P. Putnam Son's Books, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First off, can I say how gorgeous this cover is? Sain always gets the most interesting covers, and I particularly like the style of Dark and Shallow Lies and the Italian edition of Secrets So Deep (edizione italiana) , so I was excited to see this cover got that treatment.
Dovie can feel the bones of the dead sing to her, and the only way to get a body to stop singing is to dig up that body. You'd think this would be helpful to the local police department, and indeed it is, particularly since more and more hikers seem to be turning up dead.
Something I liked about this setup is that the sheriff and his deputy not only believe Dovie, but also that they willingly camp out and follow her into the Ozarks to find those bodies. The lot may not always get along, Dovie in particular doesn't take too kindly to them tossing her grandmother's sweet tea, but there's a sense of trust and a shared burden there, and I liked that they didn't butt heads just because Dovie's a teenager.
Part of the reason the sheriff so readily believes Dovie is 1) she dug up her first body when she was 4 years old, and 2) the 'power' is passed down through the women in her family, so both her grandmother and mother were able to hear the bones as well. This, naturally, leads the other inhabitants of Lucifer's Creek to look at the family askance, just about the way you'd expect in any small town. I thought it was really interesting to see the way the traditional practices and older magical beliefs of the Ozarks came into play in this book. I don't really know a lot about the region, so I don't know how much Sain is relying on real beliefs people had/have and how much is made up, but I definitely liked reading about the hill people and the little magicks and charms people sought in their everyday lives.
Speaking of magic, it's actually kind of hilarious how much Dovie doesn't believe in magic or spirits or ghosts. She can sense bones and her grandmother and best friend, both of whom she loves and adores, believe in and practice magic, but she simply will have nothing to do with it. Okay, that's a little disingenuous, she'll participate somewhat because she loves them, but Dovie will also straight up say magic isn't real. Like...girl, you can feel and locate dead bodies, what do you think that is? (her answer is: a talent, like learning languages, lol). I do feel kind of bad for Lo though and wonder how he doesn't lose it being friends with Dovie all while she insists he can't really see ghosts.
The murder of the hikers is what really takes the main stage in the book. 24 hikers in three years is a lot, but it isn't until Dovie and her best friend, Lo, start looking at things more closely do they realize just how unusual it is. Like with any good mystery, they have a few false starts and end up pursuing the wrong suspect more than once before finally figuring it out. I think Sain did a really good job making the different twists believable and each suspect really did feel like they could have done it. I feel like sometimes with mysteries like this it's easy to tell when someone is a red herring suspect, but it was really well done here. I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it alongside the characters, and even had some guesses of my own.
Something that did feel a little odd to me though was the scene at the end with Dovie and the townspeople. People, especially those who are becoming fanatic in some way, are not just going to change their mind and be like 'oh, sorry, I was wrong' just because they were...well, wrong. I expected more to go down between the inhabitants of Lucifer's Creek and the Wilder-Clover clans, and it didn't feel right for things between them to just kind of slide into lukewarm territory.
Overall I greatly enjoyed this! I suppose it's less of a horror book and more of a crime thriller, with some light magic and mysticism thrown in.
Recommended if you like: ghosts, Southern Gothic, crime thrillers, the Ozarks
Big thanks to G.P. Putnam Son's Books, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
First off, can I say how gorgeous this cover is? Sain always gets the most interesting covers, and I particularly like the style of Dark and Shallow Lies and the Italian edition of Secrets So Deep (edizione italiana) , so I was excited to see this cover got that treatment.
Dovie can feel the bones of the dead sing to her, and the only way to get a body to stop singing is to dig up that body. You'd think this would be helpful to the local police department, and indeed it is, particularly since more and more hikers seem to be turning up dead.
Something I liked about this setup is that the sheriff and his deputy not only believe Dovie, but also that they willingly camp out and follow her into the Ozarks to find those bodies. The lot may not always get along, Dovie in particular doesn't take too kindly to them tossing her grandmother's sweet tea, but there's a sense of trust and a shared burden there, and I liked that they didn't butt heads just because Dovie's a teenager.
Part of the reason the sheriff so readily believes Dovie is 1) she dug up her first body when she was 4 years old, and 2) the 'power' is passed down through the women in her family, so both her grandmother and mother were able to hear the bones as well. This, naturally, leads the other inhabitants of Lucifer's Creek to look at the family askance, just about the way you'd expect in any small town. I thought it was really interesting to see the way the traditional practices and older magical beliefs of the Ozarks came into play in this book. I don't really know a lot about the region, so I don't know how much Sain is relying on real beliefs people had/have and how much is made up, but I definitely liked reading about the hill people and the little magicks and charms people sought in their everyday lives.
Speaking of magic, it's actually kind of hilarious how much Dovie doesn't believe in magic or spirits or ghosts. She can sense bones and her grandmother and best friend, both of whom she loves and adores, believe in and practice magic, but she simply will have nothing to do with it. Okay, that's a little disingenuous, she'll participate somewhat because she loves them, but Dovie will also straight up say magic isn't real. Like...girl, you can feel and locate dead bodies, what do you think that is? (her answer is: a talent, like learning languages, lol). I do feel kind of bad for Lo though and wonder how he doesn't lose it being friends with Dovie all while she insists he can't really see ghosts.
The murder of the hikers is what really takes the main stage in the book. 24 hikers in three years is a lot, but it isn't until Dovie and her best friend, Lo, start looking at things more closely do they realize just how unusual it is. Like with any good mystery, they have a few false starts and end up pursuing the wrong suspect more than once before finally figuring it out. I think Sain did a really good job making the different twists believable and each suspect really did feel like they could have done it. I feel like sometimes with mysteries like this it's easy to tell when someone is a red herring suspect, but it was really well done here. I enjoyed trying to figure out who did it alongside the characters, and even had some guesses of my own.
Something that did feel a little odd to me though was the scene at the end with Dovie and the townspeople. People, especially those who are becoming fanatic in some way, are not just going to change their mind and be like 'oh, sorry, I was wrong' just because they were...well, wrong. I expected more to go down between the inhabitants of Lucifer's Creek and the Wilder-Clover clans, and it didn't feel right for things between them to just kind of slide into lukewarm territory.
Overall I greatly enjoyed this! I suppose it's less of a horror book and more of a crime thriller, with some light magic and mysticism thrown in.
October 9, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“When the Bones Sing” by Ginny Myers Sain is a captivating YA paranormal mystery set against the haunting backdrop of the Ozark Mountains and the eerie town of Lucifer’s Creek. With its atmospheric setting, dark secrets, and intriguing supernatural abilities, this book is a thrilling ride that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This book reminded me of the “Body Finder” YA series (by Kimberly Derting) with the overall premise, but Sains really shines with her immersive settings, and this book also focuses more on local magic.
The story follows Dovie, a young girl who can hear the bones of the deceased calling out to her—a gift passed down from her mother and grandmother. Alongside her best friend Lo, who is haunted by shadows tied to the unsolved mystery of murdered hikers, Dovie must use her unsettling abilities to uncover the truth behind the disappearances in her town. The mystery of the dead hikers and the subplot involving Dovie's mother add layers of intrigue that keep the plot moving at a brisk pace.
Sain’s talent for creating vivid, immersive settings shines throughout the novel. The descriptions of the Ozark Mountains and the small-town dynamics of Lucifer’s Creek are brought to life in a way that pulls you into the story's world. The portrayal of religious fanaticism and small-town gossip adds a layer of realism that highlights the judgment and suspicion faced by those who are different, like Dovie and Lo.
The plot is fast-paced, with very little downtime, which can be both a strength and a weakness. While the quick pacing keeps the suspense high, it also leaves little room for deeper character exploration or quieter moments that could help balance the intense tone of the story. The mystery itself is well-constructed, with enough twists to keep readers guessing until the very end. Although the identity of the culprit might be predictable for some, the dark motives behind the killings are genuinely surprising and add a chilling twist to the tale.
Dovie and Lo are well-developed characters, each growing and evolving as they face the town's secrets and their own personal struggles. However, the story could have benefited from Lo's perspective, as his insights and feelings toward Dovie remain somewhat of a mystery. The relationship between Dovie and Lo teeters on the edge of romance, but it wisely avoids becoming a central focus, allowing the mystery and supernatural elements to take the lead.
The book’s pacing does slow down at certain points, particularly when delving into the town's religious fervor and the role of the local pastor. While these sections may feel a bit heavy-handed, they serve to build the underlying tension and suspicion that pervades the town’s atmosphere.
Overall, “When the Bones Sing” is an engaging and well-crafted YA paranormal mystery that blends supernatural elements with human emotion and small-town drama. It’s a story that’s perfect for the spooky season, with its eerie setting and bone-chilling mystery. Ginny Myers Sain has crafted a book that not only grips you with its suspenseful plot but also leaves you pondering the darkness that can lurk in both people and places. If you enjoy fast-paced YA stories with a hint of the paranormal, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list.
“When the Bones Sing” by Ginny Myers Sain is a captivating YA paranormal mystery set against the haunting backdrop of the Ozark Mountains and the eerie town of Lucifer’s Creek. With its atmospheric setting, dark secrets, and intriguing supernatural abilities, this book is a thrilling ride that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This book reminded me of the “Body Finder” YA series (by Kimberly Derting) with the overall premise, but Sains really shines with her immersive settings, and this book also focuses more on local magic.
The story follows Dovie, a young girl who can hear the bones of the deceased calling out to her—a gift passed down from her mother and grandmother. Alongside her best friend Lo, who is haunted by shadows tied to the unsolved mystery of murdered hikers, Dovie must use her unsettling abilities to uncover the truth behind the disappearances in her town. The mystery of the dead hikers and the subplot involving Dovie's mother add layers of intrigue that keep the plot moving at a brisk pace.
Sain’s talent for creating vivid, immersive settings shines throughout the novel. The descriptions of the Ozark Mountains and the small-town dynamics of Lucifer’s Creek are brought to life in a way that pulls you into the story's world. The portrayal of religious fanaticism and small-town gossip adds a layer of realism that highlights the judgment and suspicion faced by those who are different, like Dovie and Lo.
The plot is fast-paced, with very little downtime, which can be both a strength and a weakness. While the quick pacing keeps the suspense high, it also leaves little room for deeper character exploration or quieter moments that could help balance the intense tone of the story. The mystery itself is well-constructed, with enough twists to keep readers guessing until the very end. Although the identity of the culprit might be predictable for some, the dark motives behind the killings are genuinely surprising and add a chilling twist to the tale.
Dovie and Lo are well-developed characters, each growing and evolving as they face the town's secrets and their own personal struggles. However, the story could have benefited from Lo's perspective, as his insights and feelings toward Dovie remain somewhat of a mystery. The relationship between Dovie and Lo teeters on the edge of romance, but it wisely avoids becoming a central focus, allowing the mystery and supernatural elements to take the lead.
The book’s pacing does slow down at certain points, particularly when delving into the town's religious fervor and the role of the local pastor. While these sections may feel a bit heavy-handed, they serve to build the underlying tension and suspicion that pervades the town’s atmosphere.
Overall, “When the Bones Sing” is an engaging and well-crafted YA paranormal mystery that blends supernatural elements with human emotion and small-town drama. It’s a story that’s perfect for the spooky season, with its eerie setting and bone-chilling mystery. Ginny Myers Sain has crafted a book that not only grips you with its suspenseful plot but also leaves you pondering the darkness that can lurk in both people and places. If you enjoy fast-paced YA stories with a hint of the paranormal, this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list.
November 13, 2024
A Southern Gothic Murder Mystery in the Ozarks (With a Side of Romance)
Ginny Myers Sain’s When The Bones Sing is a blend of supernatural suspense and southern gothic mystery that transports readers to the eerie and enchanting landscape of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas. Set against the rough, haunting backdrop of the Ozarks, this novel will enthrall fans of ghost stories, mysteries, and gothic tales.
The story follows 17-year-old Dovie, a young woman whose family has an unusual gift: the ability to hear the bones of the dead. While her relatives embrace this “gift”, Dovie is skeptical, preferring to rely on facts and reason. The small town of Lucifer’s Creek is steeped in mystery and murder as hikers continue to disappear on the local trails, only to be discovered buried months later. Dovie’s connection to the voices of the dead draws her into a dark mystery, pushing her to confront her beliefs and her family legacy. With the help of her best friend, Lo, who is haunted by the shadows of the missing hikers, Dovie embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery lurking in the hills.
The story explores themes of legacy, belief, and the thin line between skepticism and faith. Dovie’s resistance to her family’s “gift” raises questions about personal identity and the inheritances we resist yet cannot fully escape. The theme of grief and the search for closure also plays a significant role, as Dovie’s ability to communicate with the dead offers peace to grieving families. The Ozark setting makes an excellent backdrop to these themes, adding a layer of isolation and mystery, enhancing its gothic ambiance.
Ginny Myers Sain’s writing is lyrical and immersive, pulling readers into the fog-laden trails and shadowed woods of Lucifer’s Creek. The pacing draws readers gradually but surely toward the book’s chilling climax. Sain’s skillful integration of supernatural elements enhances the suspense, building tension and wonder in equal measure.
Sain’s ability to layer the supernatural with relatable, human concerns makes the story thrilling and deeply poignant. I enjoyed the suspense, guessing who the killer was, and the progression of Dovie and Lo’s relationship. A few of the plot turns near the middle of the book left me wondering how the hell it would all turn out but Sain provides a satisfying resolution in the end.
If you enjoy supernatural mysteries, southern gothic tales, and atmospheric suspense this book is for you.
Note: I received this ARC for free in return for an honest review
Ginny Myers Sain’s When The Bones Sing is a blend of supernatural suspense and southern gothic mystery that transports readers to the eerie and enchanting landscape of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas. Set against the rough, haunting backdrop of the Ozarks, this novel will enthrall fans of ghost stories, mysteries, and gothic tales.
The story follows 17-year-old Dovie, a young woman whose family has an unusual gift: the ability to hear the bones of the dead. While her relatives embrace this “gift”, Dovie is skeptical, preferring to rely on facts and reason. The small town of Lucifer’s Creek is steeped in mystery and murder as hikers continue to disappear on the local trails, only to be discovered buried months later. Dovie’s connection to the voices of the dead draws her into a dark mystery, pushing her to confront her beliefs and her family legacy. With the help of her best friend, Lo, who is haunted by the shadows of the missing hikers, Dovie embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery lurking in the hills.
The story explores themes of legacy, belief, and the thin line between skepticism and faith. Dovie’s resistance to her family’s “gift” raises questions about personal identity and the inheritances we resist yet cannot fully escape. The theme of grief and the search for closure also plays a significant role, as Dovie’s ability to communicate with the dead offers peace to grieving families. The Ozark setting makes an excellent backdrop to these themes, adding a layer of isolation and mystery, enhancing its gothic ambiance.
Ginny Myers Sain’s writing is lyrical and immersive, pulling readers into the fog-laden trails and shadowed woods of Lucifer’s Creek. The pacing draws readers gradually but surely toward the book’s chilling climax. Sain’s skillful integration of supernatural elements enhances the suspense, building tension and wonder in equal measure.
Sain’s ability to layer the supernatural with relatable, human concerns makes the story thrilling and deeply poignant. I enjoyed the suspense, guessing who the killer was, and the progression of Dovie and Lo’s relationship. A few of the plot turns near the middle of the book left me wondering how the hell it would all turn out but Sain provides a satisfying resolution in the end.
If you enjoy supernatural mysteries, southern gothic tales, and atmospheric suspense this book is for you.
Note: I received this ARC for free in return for an honest review
December 1, 2024
💓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.
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.
October 21, 2024
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🥾 have ever hiked in the Ozark Mountains
👻 enjoy spooky stories
🌪️ love a book with lots of twists
♥️ would do anything for your person
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
The past three years have been tough for Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, a small town quietly tucked away in the Ozark mountains. More than two dozen people have disappeared on the local hiking trails; there one moment, gone the next, not a trace left behind, until their buried bodies are discovered.
17-year-old Dovie doesn’t believe in magic even though she comes from a long line of women who can hear the bones of the dead sing, and for the past few years the bones have been crooning nonstop, calling out to Dovie to dig them up.
Some of the old-timers believe that it’s the monstrous Ozarks howler snatching people off the Aux Arc Trail. Well Dovie doesn’t believe in the howler, and she doesn’t believe her best friend Lo when he tells her he is being haunted by dark shadows. All she believes in is her talent that guides the local sheriff to the bones when they begin their song, then reuniting the dead with their families to give them some peace.
Lo doesn’t know peace, though. The shadows follow him everywhere. He soon learns they’re the murdered hikers and they want answers. But the truth of their deaths isn’t buried with their bones; it’s hidden somewhere deep in the hills. And Lo and Dovie must unearth it before anyone else is killed.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Wow! I really loved everything about this story. The beginning threw us right into the action and didn’t really let up. The cast of characters is fairly small, so I didn’t have a super hard time figuring out who was behind everything, but I was having trouble understanding the why behind it. Dovie’s ability to find people was so cool and a really unique part of the story. I was definitely shocked by a few of the revelations though, and I even got confused during one point of the story near the end because it repeated itself and I thought the pages got mixed up. Overall, a really great read for spooky season! Make sure to preorder this one!
🥾 have ever hiked in the Ozark Mountains
👻 enjoy spooky stories
🌪️ love a book with lots of twists
♥️ would do anything for your person
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
The past three years have been tough for Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, a small town quietly tucked away in the Ozark mountains. More than two dozen people have disappeared on the local hiking trails; there one moment, gone the next, not a trace left behind, until their buried bodies are discovered.
17-year-old Dovie doesn’t believe in magic even though she comes from a long line of women who can hear the bones of the dead sing, and for the past few years the bones have been crooning nonstop, calling out to Dovie to dig them up.
Some of the old-timers believe that it’s the monstrous Ozarks howler snatching people off the Aux Arc Trail. Well Dovie doesn’t believe in the howler, and she doesn’t believe her best friend Lo when he tells her he is being haunted by dark shadows. All she believes in is her talent that guides the local sheriff to the bones when they begin their song, then reuniting the dead with their families to give them some peace.
Lo doesn’t know peace, though. The shadows follow him everywhere. He soon learns they’re the murdered hikers and they want answers. But the truth of their deaths isn’t buried with their bones; it’s hidden somewhere deep in the hills. And Lo and Dovie must unearth it before anyone else is killed.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
Wow! I really loved everything about this story. The beginning threw us right into the action and didn’t really let up. The cast of characters is fairly small, so I didn’t have a super hard time figuring out who was behind everything, but I was having trouble understanding the why behind it. Dovie’s ability to find people was so cool and a really unique part of the story. I was definitely shocked by a few of the revelations though, and I even got confused during one point of the story near the end because it repeated itself and I thought the pages got mixed up. Overall, a really great read for spooky season! Make sure to preorder this one!
October 6, 2024
I really enjoyed When the Bones Sing. When reading the premise I thought it was very intriguing and caught my attention immediately. That continued to follow through the first few chapters. Then something happened and I started to have a bit harder of a time with it keeping my attention. This town seems to be one that the inhabitants are very religious and when you mix that with people who are different and have more of a magical type aspect to them like our main characters like Dovie ,who can literally hear the bones of the deceased singing to her to come find them like her mother and grandmother before her, you can imagine how well that will play out.
Since the age of 4 Dovie has heard bones sing to her. Since then she has found over 30 deceased people bones in the OXard trails. When a stringe of murders, that is original thought to be the world of a monster, start to happen the local sherif enlists her help to find the deceased and with the help of her best friend Lo to figure ouut what is really happening.
The first 15 percent or so of the book I was good. Then it for me started to slow. I hard a harder time becuase when it got to the portions were we kept getting to the parts were they talked about the town and the religion and the pastor I started losing interest and that was becuase of my own hang ups personally. I kept reading becuase I really wanted to known what was going on and when I got back to the half way mark on the book it really started picking back up for me again and I was so focused that I breezed through the rest of the book with no issues and was so sad when it had ended. In the end I did have it figured out who but not really why and throughly enjoyed the read. I have been eyeing the other books that have been put out by Ginny Myers Sain for a while now and after reading this I am definitely going to be putting them on my TBR to be picked up and read asap!
Since the age of 4 Dovie has heard bones sing to her. Since then she has found over 30 deceased people bones in the OXard trails. When a stringe of murders, that is original thought to be the world of a monster, start to happen the local sherif enlists her help to find the deceased and with the help of her best friend Lo to figure ouut what is really happening.
The first 15 percent or so of the book I was good. Then it for me started to slow. I hard a harder time becuase when it got to the portions were we kept getting to the parts were they talked about the town and the religion and the pastor I started losing interest and that was becuase of my own hang ups personally. I kept reading becuase I really wanted to known what was going on and when I got back to the half way mark on the book it really started picking back up for me again and I was so focused that I breezed through the rest of the book with no issues and was so sad when it had ended. In the end I did have it figured out who but not really why and throughly enjoyed the read. I have been eyeing the other books that have been put out by Ginny Myers Sain for a while now and after reading this I am definitely going to be putting them on my TBR to be picked up and read asap!
November 1, 2024
A book that almost feels like it would have been whispered about deep in the hills of my families home in West Virginia giving me a solid read for Halloween night.
A generational gift finds Dovie working with the police to uncover the dead and with hikers going missing she finds that the bones aren’t the only thing being dug up in this mountain town where secrets run deep and monsters howl when death approaches.
As mentioned above this book immediately made me feel like I was back in the small town my grandparents grew up in where God is good and the strange are whispered about and maybe there’s a cryptid in the woods warning us of tragedy to come. Sinking into this world happened so quick and we were immediately off to the races on this mystery wrapped up in a bit of magic…if you believe in that stuff anyway.
Our characters were great and Dovie was so funny in ways that actually made me laugh out loud she was tough and had a smart mouth that I enjoyed every second of. Her relationships with her family and others who understand her gift were a fun contrast between the professional and the more folklore like understanding of the talent and I enjoyed that too. I think where this book benefits is where it goes the line between the supernatural and reality in that you can almost argue both ways which side is real and which isn’t and I couldn’t stop reading to see if we would ultimately solve the question.
This is a great and quick read that I very much love and that cover is so stunning I can’t wait for everyone to read it!
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
A generational gift finds Dovie working with the police to uncover the dead and with hikers going missing she finds that the bones aren’t the only thing being dug up in this mountain town where secrets run deep and monsters howl when death approaches.
As mentioned above this book immediately made me feel like I was back in the small town my grandparents grew up in where God is good and the strange are whispered about and maybe there’s a cryptid in the woods warning us of tragedy to come. Sinking into this world happened so quick and we were immediately off to the races on this mystery wrapped up in a bit of magic…if you believe in that stuff anyway.
Our characters were great and Dovie was so funny in ways that actually made me laugh out loud she was tough and had a smart mouth that I enjoyed every second of. Her relationships with her family and others who understand her gift were a fun contrast between the professional and the more folklore like understanding of the talent and I enjoyed that too. I think where this book benefits is where it goes the line between the supernatural and reality in that you can almost argue both ways which side is real and which isn’t and I couldn’t stop reading to see if we would ultimately solve the question.
This is a great and quick read that I very much love and that cover is so stunning I can’t wait for everyone to read it!
**special thanks to the publishers and netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for a fair and honest review**
October 11, 2024
I'm a sucker for a good YA mystery that takes place in the Ozarks, Appalachians, or deep in the bayou - the kind where the setting itself becomes an integral character to the story, and When the Bones Sing didn't disappoint. The treacherous hills of the Ozarks, the Sulphur-scented Lucifer's Creek, and the small town nestled in between them were all really well-developed, and the setting was immersive.
Dovie's ability to "hear" the bones "sing" was fresh and unique, and paired with Lo's abilities and talents, made for a compelling combination in driving them to solve the mystery of the missing and murdered hikers. The intensity of their relationship felt like a bit of overkill at times, but I also think that as an adult, I am no longer the target audience for that type of romance, so take that comment with a grain of salt if you will.
I did think that the whodunnit of the storyline was predictable (I had it figured out by 30% of the way through), but that's typical of novels that have a short list of characters. The why-dunnit, however, wasn't as predictable, and I had been wracking my brain the entire book to figure out WHY this character would have done what they did. I didn't entirely love the reasoning and resolution there, but I guess it did work in the context.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, though, and I definitely think that the YA audience is going to eat it up.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Dovie's ability to "hear" the bones "sing" was fresh and unique, and paired with Lo's abilities and talents, made for a compelling combination in driving them to solve the mystery of the missing and murdered hikers. The intensity of their relationship felt like a bit of overkill at times, but I also think that as an adult, I am no longer the target audience for that type of romance, so take that comment with a grain of salt if you will.
I did think that the whodunnit of the storyline was predictable (I had it figured out by 30% of the way through), but that's typical of novels that have a short list of characters. The why-dunnit, however, wasn't as predictable, and I had been wracking my brain the entire book to figure out WHY this character would have done what they did. I didn't entirely love the reasoning and resolution there, but I guess it did work in the context.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one, though, and I definitely think that the YA audience is going to eat it up.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2024
Book:
WHEN THE BONES SING by Ginny Myers Sain
Thank you PenguinTeen and Netgalley for the Earc(Mar 4)
Review:
4.5⭐
This is only the second book I've read by this author, and so far it was my favorite---subject to change after I read Sain's two books on my shelf. .
WHEN THE BONES SING is a gothic telling of heartbreak, mixed with loss, and all of the creepy vibes. It was also a mystery that was so knotted up that it seemed almost impossible that it would unravel into a whodunit. This book follows Dovie, who can hear the dead---the bones sing to her until she unearths them. As more and more hikers disappear, she teams up with Lo to put a stop to it. What she inevitably finds is worse than she could imagine.
Like I mentioned above, I really liked this book. The story telling took me on a journey, and it was like I was picking apart the mystery, trying to solve it before Dovie could. In the beginning, I never grasped a suspect. There was no one that I thought could be responsible. Then the suspects started rushing it, and, honestly, I couldn't believe it. Especially when Dovie accused [REDACTED]. That was something I hoped would be proven wrong.
WHEN THE BONES SING started off with a punch, slacked toward the middle, and went out with a bang. Not literally, but the whodunit reveal, the action that led up to it, and the ghosts really set everything straight, and I pieced together the clues that were left throughout the novel. I would recommend this if you like Sain's previous work, but also if you like a mystery that runs deeper in a small town full of secrets.
WHEN THE BONES SING by Ginny Myers Sain
Thank you PenguinTeen and Netgalley for the Earc(Mar 4)
Review:
4.5⭐
This is only the second book I've read by this author, and so far it was my favorite---subject to change after I read Sain's two books on my shelf. .
WHEN THE BONES SING is a gothic telling of heartbreak, mixed with loss, and all of the creepy vibes. It was also a mystery that was so knotted up that it seemed almost impossible that it would unravel into a whodunit. This book follows Dovie, who can hear the dead---the bones sing to her until she unearths them. As more and more hikers disappear, she teams up with Lo to put a stop to it. What she inevitably finds is worse than she could imagine.
Like I mentioned above, I really liked this book. The story telling took me on a journey, and it was like I was picking apart the mystery, trying to solve it before Dovie could. In the beginning, I never grasped a suspect. There was no one that I thought could be responsible. Then the suspects started rushing it, and, honestly, I couldn't believe it. Especially when Dovie accused [REDACTED]. That was something I hoped would be proven wrong.
WHEN THE BONES SING started off with a punch, slacked toward the middle, and went out with a bang. Not literally, but the whodunit reveal, the action that led up to it, and the ghosts really set everything straight, and I pieced together the clues that were left throughout the novel. I would recommend this if you like Sain's previous work, but also if you like a mystery that runs deeper in a small town full of secrets.
Want to read
December 2, 2024Ginny Myers Sain's When the Bones Sing is a gripping Southern Gothic supernatural thriller set in the mysterious town of Lucifer's Creek, Arkansas. This small town in the Ozark Mountains is haunted by the tragic disappearances of over two dozen people on local hiking trails. Their bodies, buried deep in the hills, are only uncovered through the eerie ability of 17-year-old Dovie, who comes from a lineage of women gifted with hearing the "singing" of the dead.
Dovie, skeptical of magic and legends like the monstrous Ozark howler, uses her unique talent to help reunite families with their lost loved ones. Her pragmatic worldview is challenged when her best friend, Lo, begins to experience terrifying hauntings by dark shadows—the restless spirits of the murdered hikers demanding justice. Together, Dovie and Lo must navigate supernatural forces and unearth the truth hidden in the hills before more lives are lost.
This novel excels at blending the atmospheric tension of the Southern Gothic genre with compelling character dynamics. The story delves into themes of family, heritage, and the weight of extraordinary abilities. Sain's vivid descriptions of the Ozark setting amplify the story's haunting and immersive quality.
Fans of Sain's previous works, such as Dark and Shallow Lies, will appreciate her signature style of marrying suspense with deeply emotional storytelling. The twists and turns in When the Bones Sing keep readers on edge while providing a satisfying exploration of grief, courage, and the search for truth.
Dovie, skeptical of magic and legends like the monstrous Ozark howler, uses her unique talent to help reunite families with their lost loved ones. Her pragmatic worldview is challenged when her best friend, Lo, begins to experience terrifying hauntings by dark shadows—the restless spirits of the murdered hikers demanding justice. Together, Dovie and Lo must navigate supernatural forces and unearth the truth hidden in the hills before more lives are lost.
This novel excels at blending the atmospheric tension of the Southern Gothic genre with compelling character dynamics. The story delves into themes of family, heritage, and the weight of extraordinary abilities. Sain's vivid descriptions of the Ozark setting amplify the story's haunting and immersive quality.
Fans of Sain's previous works, such as Dark and Shallow Lies, will appreciate her signature style of marrying suspense with deeply emotional storytelling. The twists and turns in When the Bones Sing keep readers on edge while providing a satisfying exploration of grief, courage, and the search for truth.
October 4, 2024
I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book was set not very far at all from where I grew up. Most people don’t know this area exists, so to see it in a book was fun…even if it was fictional…there were many places the author wrote about that I used to go to often. That always makes things a little more fun.
I did enjoy this book. It had a nice southern gothic feel as well as some supernatural elements. I think it was a unique idea as a plot.
The pacing seemed a little off at times in the beginning, in my opinion, but after it got going, I felt like everything evened out pretty well.
I think this is a great book for the Halloween season. The author did a good job creating an eerie atmosphere in Lucifers Creek.
Alas, I knew who the killer was as soon as they were introduced. I think I have been reading too many thrillers. I haven’t been shocked in a long time, so I don’t hold it against this book. Maybe I need to switch genres for a while.
I really enjoyed When the Bones Sing. I thought it was a unique, emotional, eerie read that kept me captivated the whole time. It wasn’t just a thriller but a story of grief and how it weaves its way into every part of your life and how it affects your belief system. I think it’s also a story about the judgment of others. Someone can look good and be bad. Someone can look bad and be good. It was a meaningful story as well as a mystery and thriller.
I did enjoy this book. It had a nice southern gothic feel as well as some supernatural elements. I think it was a unique idea as a plot.
The pacing seemed a little off at times in the beginning, in my opinion, but after it got going, I felt like everything evened out pretty well.
I think this is a great book for the Halloween season. The author did a good job creating an eerie atmosphere in Lucifers Creek.
Alas, I knew who the killer was as soon as they were introduced. I think I have been reading too many thrillers. I haven’t been shocked in a long time, so I don’t hold it against this book. Maybe I need to switch genres for a while.
I really enjoyed When the Bones Sing. I thought it was a unique, emotional, eerie read that kept me captivated the whole time. It wasn’t just a thriller but a story of grief and how it weaves its way into every part of your life and how it affects your belief system. I think it’s also a story about the judgment of others. Someone can look good and be bad. Someone can look bad and be good. It was a meaningful story as well as a mystery and thriller.
November 5, 2024
Reading When the Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain was like stepping into a world that’s as haunting as it is beautiful. Sain masterfully captures that eerie southern gothic vibe—small-town secrets, mysterious disappearances, and a girl who hears the bones of the dead calling to her. I couldn’t get enough of the Ozark setting, with its misty trails and ghostly folklore that make you feel like you’re right there in Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas.
Dovie, our main character, is raw and compelling; she’s skeptical of her own “gift,” even though it has this dark pull over her life. Her connection to the dead is intense, especially with so many locals vanishing on the trails, leaving behind nothing but questions. And then there’s Lo—Dovie’s best friend, who’s haunted by shadows, visions, and the lingering presence of the missing souls. His struggle to make sense of it all gives the story an emotional depth that balances the suspense.
This book dives into dark, unsettling themes of loss and mystery but also tackles what it means to trust in yourself and face things others might not believe. It’s a gritty, atmospheric read that left me wanting to explore more of Sain’s ghostly, layered storytelling. If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers with a southern twist, When the Bones Sing will definitely send shivers down your spine!
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Dovie, our main character, is raw and compelling; she’s skeptical of her own “gift,” even though it has this dark pull over her life. Her connection to the dead is intense, especially with so many locals vanishing on the trails, leaving behind nothing but questions. And then there’s Lo—Dovie’s best friend, who’s haunted by shadows, visions, and the lingering presence of the missing souls. His struggle to make sense of it all gives the story an emotional depth that balances the suspense.
This book dives into dark, unsettling themes of loss and mystery but also tackles what it means to trust in yourself and face things others might not believe. It’s a gritty, atmospheric read that left me wanting to explore more of Sain’s ghostly, layered storytelling. If you’re a fan of supernatural thrillers with a southern twist, When the Bones Sing will definitely send shivers down your spine!
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
July 27, 2024
I read this as an Arc, sent to me by Ginny Myers Sain. She has perfected YA Paranormal Horror! This one was everything I had hoped it would be. First up, Fave Quotes ~ It's so hard to pick a quote because Lo and Dovie are just perfection together. But l've picked 2 of my favorites. ~ 1) Granny Pearl reaches out and touches my hand and then Lo's, and I know she's passing us some bit of unnamed magic. Spellin' us without tellin' us, is what Lo and I used to call it. ~ 2) My heart would stop if Lo's did.
My review: I’m adding Lucifer's Creek to the list of fictional towns that l'm devastated aren't real places. This book sent my emotions all over the place. Dovie and Lo are so perfectly haunted, and this story takes us along with them as they try and put a stop to whoever, or whatever, is killing hikers on their mountain. Want a book with a girl who maybe is a witch, maybe isn't.. but can definitely find the final resting place of a human, through the song their bones play for her? Also need a good scary cryptid with red glowing eyes? And the ghosts of those murdered hikers, wanting justice? And maybe a love story along the way? This one has it all. Dovie and Lo are absolute perfection, and their witchy grandmothers are pretty great too. The ending was perfectly jaw dropping, I NEVER saw that coming. Love love love it!
My review: I’m adding Lucifer's Creek to the list of fictional towns that l'm devastated aren't real places. This book sent my emotions all over the place. Dovie and Lo are so perfectly haunted, and this story takes us along with them as they try and put a stop to whoever, or whatever, is killing hikers on their mountain. Want a book with a girl who maybe is a witch, maybe isn't.. but can definitely find the final resting place of a human, through the song their bones play for her? Also need a good scary cryptid with red glowing eyes? And the ghosts of those murdered hikers, wanting justice? And maybe a love story along the way? This one has it all. Dovie and Lo are absolute perfection, and their witchy grandmothers are pretty great too. The ending was perfectly jaw dropping, I NEVER saw that coming. Love love love it!
October 13, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked immediately. I thought it kept a good pace. I was never bored. I was super invested in the characters and could vividly imagine everything playing out thanks to the descriptive writing. There were characters I loved, disliked, found delightful, a few I found suspicious, and I really, really want to spend an afternoon at Grandma Pearl’s cabin.
The story follows Dovie, a teen who doesn’t believe in magic, but has a gift of being called by the bones of the dead in order to find them. Several hikers have been killed over a 3 year span on the hiking trail that goes through their little Ozark town, Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, leaving Dovie to have dig their bones. Lo (Lowan), her best friend, is haunted by the ghosts of these dead hikers and while Dovie doesn’t believe in his ghosts, she knows whatever is happening to him is tearing him apart and she’s losing him to the madness of it all. They decide to try and solve the mystery of who the serial killer is in order to save them from the torment these murders bring upon them; Dovie having to dig up their singing bones and Lowan being haunted by the ghosts.
Throw in an overzealous preacher, a mythical Ozark Howler, lots of walking in the woods at night, some ghosts, and a whole lot of suspense and you have yourself a really great book that you won’t be able to put down
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Dovie, a teen who doesn’t believe in magic, but has a gift of being called by the bones of the dead in order to find them. Several hikers have been killed over a 3 year span on the hiking trail that goes through their little Ozark town, Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, leaving Dovie to have dig their bones. Lo (Lowan), her best friend, is haunted by the ghosts of these dead hikers and while Dovie doesn’t believe in his ghosts, she knows whatever is happening to him is tearing him apart and she’s losing him to the madness of it all. They decide to try and solve the mystery of who the serial killer is in order to save them from the torment these murders bring upon them; Dovie having to dig up their singing bones and Lowan being haunted by the ghosts.
Throw in an overzealous preacher, a mythical Ozark Howler, lots of walking in the woods at night, some ghosts, and a whole lot of suspense and you have yourself a really great book that you won’t be able to put down
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for giving me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 1, 2024
★★★★★
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…
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…
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