When the Bones Sing: An Atmospheric YA Journey with a Dash of Repetition
When I first stumbled upon When the Bones Sing by M. L. Gaskin, I was immediately drawn in by the enchanting premise: a teenage girl who can hear the bones of the dead sing, all set against the eerie backdrop of Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas. As a lover of atmospheric tales steeped in mystery and a hint of the supernatural, my curiosity was piqued. Little did I know, this novel would take me on a wildly compelling yet somewhat repetitive journey.
Dovie, our seventeen-year-old protagonist, comes from a lineage of women gifted—or cursed, depending on how you see it—with the ability to hear the songs of the dead. At first, her skepticism about magic felt relatable, almost endearing, but after the first quarter of the story, the mantra of “I don’t believe in magic” started to drag. But I digress; Dovie’s teenage drama and intense emotions are a vivid reminder of our younger years, where everything feels monumental, and the world centers around our own thoughts.
One of the book’s most captivating aspects is its atmosphere. Gaskin expertly paints a picture of a haunting and humid environment, where every rustle in the dark woods sends shivers down your spine. I could practically feel the stench of Lucifer Creek and the palpable fear of the mythical Ozark howler lurking just beyond the trees. It’s the kind of setting that envelops you, pulling you deeper into Dovie’s world, a feat that can only be credited to Gaskin’s masterful prose.
However, as much as I enjoyed the atmosphere, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the plot could have benefitted from more depth, especially in the supernatural elements. The premise is rich and ripe for a proper horror mystery, yet the execution felt a bit half-hearted. The mystery surrounding the missing individuals becomes muddled, and the critical questions don’t seem to dawn on Dovie until it’s almost too late. It had me wondering if perhaps her teenage self-absorption was getting in the way of what could have been a more gripping narrative.
Lo, Dovie’s best friend, is a character I found myself connecting with more than I expected, despite his limited screen time. His haunting shadows add a layer of intrigue, and I wished Gaskin had explored his character further. As for the supposed love triangle? Well, let’s just say it felt unnecessary and detracted from the overall tension of the narrative. It seemed almost trivial to focus on romantic entanglements when there’s a killer on the loose!
The writing style is refreshing, and I appreciated the first-person, present-tense perspective as it kept me fully immersed in Dovie’s emotional turmoil. Yet, the repetitive nature of her inner dialogue made it challenging to maintain that connection throughout the book. I found myself speeding through the latter sections, eager to reach resolutions that were frustratingly hard to come by.
In conclusion, When the Bones Sing captures the imagination with its eerie atmosphere and intriguing premise but ultimately meanders into the realm of an average YA mystery. It will resonate with readers who appreciate emotional teenage narratives wrapped in a cloak of mystery, particularly those who are fans of supernatural elements. While it may not have met all my expectations, it certainly left me contemplating the layers of complexity hidden within its pages. If you’re in the mood for an atmospheric read that sometimes falters but still holds promise, give this one a try—you might just find its songs echoing in your mind long after the last page.
A heartfelt thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers for the eARC! This review, as always, reflects my honest opinions.
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