Review of When the Bones Sing by R.E. G. Taylor
Sometimes a book catches your eye for reasons beyond its cover or blurb; it speaks to that part of you that craves an atmosphere rich with intrigue and a touch of the supernatural. R.E.G. Taylor’s When the Bones Sing immediately grabbed my attention with its promise of eerie sounds and age-old mysteries echoing through the Ozark Mountains. As someone fascinated by folklore and the ways our stories intertwine with our realities, I was eager to dive into this world of seventeen-year-old Dovie, who comes from a long line of women who can hear the bones sing.
Set in Lucifer’s Creek, Arkansas, the book opens with Dovie hearing the haunting notes of the dead, drawing us into a tantalizing blend of magic realism and teen drama. Dovie, like many seventeen-year-olds, is convinced she knows best—the kind of confidence that often leads to impulsive decisions and an “I don’t believe in magic” mantra that grows tiresome as the story unfolds. Initially, I found her relatable, but as her repetitive internal struggle unfolded, I began to wonder if she could ever truly embrace her gifts or just enjoy being in the moment. One moment, she’s determined to lead the local sheriff to justice; the next, she’s completely dismissing the warnings from her best friend, Lo, who is haunted by shadows that seem all too real.
Speaking of Lo, he captures a warmth and depth I wished had been more central. Unfortunately, the narrative often left him in the background, and while he’s an interesting contrast to Dovie’s intense emotions, we don’t quite get to dig under his skin. The other male character feels like a ghost in his own right—colorless and somewhat extraneous in a story that could have benefited from clearer motivations and dynamics.
Among its strengths, the atmosphere truly stands out in When the Bones Sing. Taylor’s descriptions of the dark, humid forests and the stench of Lucifer Creek enveloped me in a palpable sense of dread and anticipation. I could feel the weight of uncertainty hanging in the air, particularly in the presence of the mythic Ozark howler—a character in itself that serves as a haunting backdrop to the unfolding mystery.
Yet, as gripping as the atmosphere is, the mystery itself could have pushed deeper into the darkness the setting suggests. The reveal felt somewhat underwhelming, especially since the most significant question doesn’t bubble up until someone nudges Dovie in that direction. Perhaps this aligns with her teenage perspective, where the world revolves around her, but it detracted from the carefully woven narrative.
The inclusion of Bro. T, the stereotypical Christian figure aiming to convert the so-called “witches,” also stuck out. While I appreciated the representation of real-world biases and tensions, his role, at times, overshadowed the main plot. It felt like he received an unnecessary spotlight, distracting from the core mystery that needed more tension and layers.
One of my biggest critiques? The supposed love triangle that felt forced and unnecessary amid the awful backdrop of disappearances and death. Imagine being surrounded by that heaviness while prioritizing romantic escapades—it simply didn’t resonate.
The story finds its rhythm toward the latter half, and the epilogue, in particular, ties up loose ends amiably. However, I craved more insight into the forest and the local lore—an author’s note could have enriched the experience.
To summarize, When the Bones Sing is an imaginative tale that starts strong but loses its bite amid repetitive introspection and an underdeveloped mystery. While fans of atmospheric YA with a hint of the supernatural may find it engaging, those looking for a more complex plot might feel it falls short. Overall, this read was both a meander and a wonder—though it falls short of its potential, it certainly left me reflecting on life, death, and everything that lingers in between.
Thank you, NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, for the eARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts on this intriguing story. #NetGalley #WhenTheBonesSing