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The Bone Hunters
It is 1824, and the seaside resort of Lyme Regis is teeming with visitors seeking fun and pleasure for the summer. When 22-year-old Harriet unearths the fossilised bones of a giant sea monster, her incredible discovery brings her scientific ambitions tantalisingly within reach.
But as a working-class woman, she is invisible to the geological community to which she longs to belong. After she witnesses a violent crime, and a devastating disaster befalls her, she realises that all around her, monsters lurk.
Against all the advice of those who care for her, with revenge and justice in mind, she steps into a world as cold and dark as the ocean, as treacherous as the storm that is on its way.
But as a working-class woman, she is invisible to the geological community to which she longs to belong. After she witnesses a violent crime, and a devastating disaster befalls her, she realises that all around her, monsters lurk.
Against all the advice of those who care for her, with revenge and justice in mind, she steps into a world as cold and dark as the ocean, as treacherous as the storm that is on its way.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 8, 2024
23 people are currently reading
867 people want to read
About the author
Joanne Burn
3 books47 followersJoanne Burn was born in Northampton in 1973, and now lives in the Peak District where she works as a writing coach. Her first novel, Petals and Stones, was published in 2018. The Hemlock Cure is her second novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
November 28, 2023
A rich and compelling novel with a great protagonist - probably one especially for fans of Elizabeth Macneal and Liz Hyder.
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March 3, 2024I liked all the aspects of fossil hunting in this book. Abaolutely fascainting. I had a hard time warming to the heroine because she kept putting herself in harm's way. Once or twice is understandable as she is young and somewhat naive, but it happened too often and made me feel frustrated. I'd still recommend this unique historical note.
February 11, 2024
I must admit I wasn’t expecting to like this book as much as I did: having read at least one or two novels based on fossil hunting in Lyme Regis, I anticipated something quite generic, but happily, this was far from true. Of course the theme of women dismissed and excluded from the geographical society, but for me the characters really came to life. Ada was a brilliant character, quite unlikeable for much of the book, unlucky, impoverished, stubborn, seemingly unable to help herself from digging up trouble as well as fossils! Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.
February 14, 2024
4⭐️
I really enjoyed this book, inspired by now famous Lyme resident, Mary Anning (but not about), and the work of geologist William Smith. It's a compelling but easy read, well paced, and interesting with an uplifting ending.
I really enjoyed this book, inspired by now famous Lyme resident, Mary Anning (but not about), and the work of geologist William Smith. It's a compelling but easy read, well paced, and interesting with an uplifting ending.
January 21, 2024
Wonderful! As anyone who's read Our Hideous Progeny would probably have already been able to guess, this one was right up my alley... 😂
A beautifully written glimpse into a fascinating period of scientific history. Burn really brings the atmosphere of Lyme to life, and Ada's hunger for knowledge and her struggle to be recognized by the scientific community for her talents were deeply engaging - I loved, too, Ada's determination to find happiness outside the traditional 19th century mold. Highly recommend for fans of Ammonite and Tracy Chevalier's Remarkable Creatures!
A brief content warning, as I haven't seen it mentioned yet in any other reviews:
A beautifully written glimpse into a fascinating period of scientific history. Burn really brings the atmosphere of Lyme to life, and Ada's hunger for knowledge and her struggle to be recognized by the scientific community for her talents were deeply engaging - I loved, too, Ada's determination to find happiness outside the traditional 19th century mold. Highly recommend for fans of Ammonite and Tracy Chevalier's Remarkable Creatures!
A brief content warning, as I haven't seen it mentioned yet in any other reviews:
February 12, 2024
The cliffs and beaches of Lyme Regis on the south coast of England are famous for their fossils, particularly the remains of dinosaurs and other prehistoric reptiles, some of which were discovered in the 19th century by the fossil collector and scientist, Mary Anning. In her new novel The Bone Hunters, Joanne Burn takes inspiration from Anning’s life and work to create the fictional story of another female fossil hunter, Ada Winters.
Ada is twenty-four years old when her story begins in 1824. Since her father’s death, she and her mother have been struggling to pay the rent and are at risk of losing their little cottage by the sea. Much to her mother’s frustration, Ada is reluctant to look for a job, instead spending her days wandering on the beach and insisting that the collection of bones and fossils she is acquiring will one day make their fortune. Ada receives a setback when her request to join the Geological Society of London is rejected, but her disappointment turns to excitement when she discovers what she believes to be the remains of a previously unidentified species.
When Ada meets another geologist, Dr Edwin Moyle, by the cliffs one day, she must decide whether to trust him with what she has found. Edwin’s support means she will be more likely to be taken seriously when she presents her discovery to the Society, but what if he tries to claim the skeleton for himself? Having come so close to achieving her dream, Ada is determined not to let anyone take it away from her!
The Bone Hunters is a beautifully written novel. I loved the descriptions of the landscape – the beach, the harbour, the cliffs of Black Ven with their ‘dark, forbidding crag face looming high above’ – and the town itself. The relationship between the people of Lyme and their natural environment is something that comes up again and again throughout the book: the dangers of landslides that can happen without warning; the severe flooding that can destroy homes and take lives. It’s one of those novels where the geographical setting takes on as much importance as the characters and the plot.
As I read, it was difficult not to make comparisons with Remarkable Creatures, Tracy Chevalier’s novel about Mary Anning, but I think I enjoyed this one more. Inventing a character based on Anning rather than writing about Anning herself allowed Joanne Burn to bring more drama into the story and to introduce other fictional characters and storylines. I particularly liked Josiah and Annie Fountain, an elderly couple who run a bookshop together and have taken Ada under their wing, and Isaac, a young man who has come to Lyme to collect local myths and legends. Ada herself frustrated me because of her single-mindedness and selfishness – I felt sorry for her mother who was making herself ill washing fleeces in a factory all day while Ada refused to go to work – but at the same time I could admire her ambition and determination as a woman trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field. As for Edwin, part of the story is written from his point of view which adds an extra angle of interest, but I won’t tell you whether he turns out to be hero or villain!
Joanne Burn is a new author for me. I haven’t read either of her previous novels, but I do now want to read The Hemlock Cure, based on the real life story of the village of Eyam during the Great Plague.
Ada is twenty-four years old when her story begins in 1824. Since her father’s death, she and her mother have been struggling to pay the rent and are at risk of losing their little cottage by the sea. Much to her mother’s frustration, Ada is reluctant to look for a job, instead spending her days wandering on the beach and insisting that the collection of bones and fossils she is acquiring will one day make their fortune. Ada receives a setback when her request to join the Geological Society of London is rejected, but her disappointment turns to excitement when she discovers what she believes to be the remains of a previously unidentified species.
When Ada meets another geologist, Dr Edwin Moyle, by the cliffs one day, she must decide whether to trust him with what she has found. Edwin’s support means she will be more likely to be taken seriously when she presents her discovery to the Society, but what if he tries to claim the skeleton for himself? Having come so close to achieving her dream, Ada is determined not to let anyone take it away from her!
The Bone Hunters is a beautifully written novel. I loved the descriptions of the landscape – the beach, the harbour, the cliffs of Black Ven with their ‘dark, forbidding crag face looming high above’ – and the town itself. The relationship between the people of Lyme and their natural environment is something that comes up again and again throughout the book: the dangers of landslides that can happen without warning; the severe flooding that can destroy homes and take lives. It’s one of those novels where the geographical setting takes on as much importance as the characters and the plot.
As I read, it was difficult not to make comparisons with Remarkable Creatures, Tracy Chevalier’s novel about Mary Anning, but I think I enjoyed this one more. Inventing a character based on Anning rather than writing about Anning herself allowed Joanne Burn to bring more drama into the story and to introduce other fictional characters and storylines. I particularly liked Josiah and Annie Fountain, an elderly couple who run a bookshop together and have taken Ada under their wing, and Isaac, a young man who has come to Lyme to collect local myths and legends. Ada herself frustrated me because of her single-mindedness and selfishness – I felt sorry for her mother who was making herself ill washing fleeces in a factory all day while Ada refused to go to work – but at the same time I could admire her ambition and determination as a woman trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated field. As for Edwin, part of the story is written from his point of view which adds an extra angle of interest, but I won’t tell you whether he turns out to be hero or villain!
Joanne Burn is a new author for me. I haven’t read either of her previous novels, but I do now want to read The Hemlock Cure, based on the real life story of the village of Eyam during the Great Plague.
January 25, 2024
Set during the early Nineteenth Century (a time of discovery and progress that contrasted with poverty and hardship) we follow Ada, who despite her poor background (and being a woman) dreams of being a recognised geologist. Her discovery of a mysterious paddle bone, and a chance meeting with the ambitious Doctor Moyle sets a series of events into play.
Joanne Burn has the gift of evoking both a sense of time and a sense of place through her beautiful and sensual writing. We are with Ada, as she puts on her father’s old clothes, and goes out to dig in the cliffs of Lyme Regis. We are in the contrasting assembly rooms as the well-to-do play whist. We can almost smell the salt of the sea air, and feel the clinging mud of the landslides.
At the heart of the story is the extraordinary Ada, both intelligent and fierce, but seen as odd and unconventional by the people of the town. Drawn with sympathy and compassion, I so wanted Ada to make her discovery, to gain the recognition she deserved. The book brings home the patriarchal nature of this society, and the way in which recognition could be gained by position and wealth rather than merit.
Not only a beautifully placed piece of historical fiction, with characters that you love (and those you really want to fail!) but this is also gripping, a page turner that kept me reading, at times on the absolute edge of my seat. There is also a sense of folklore, and fairy tale, showing the contrast between science and the supernatural, and providing a lovely touch of gothic.
I am so happy that I received an advance copy of this stunning book, it was just as much of a treat as I hoped it would be. Perfect for anyone who loves their historical fiction with a dark twist, and strong women characters.
Out on February 8th!
Joanne Burn has the gift of evoking both a sense of time and a sense of place through her beautiful and sensual writing. We are with Ada, as she puts on her father’s old clothes, and goes out to dig in the cliffs of Lyme Regis. We are in the contrasting assembly rooms as the well-to-do play whist. We can almost smell the salt of the sea air, and feel the clinging mud of the landslides.
At the heart of the story is the extraordinary Ada, both intelligent and fierce, but seen as odd and unconventional by the people of the town. Drawn with sympathy and compassion, I so wanted Ada to make her discovery, to gain the recognition she deserved. The book brings home the patriarchal nature of this society, and the way in which recognition could be gained by position and wealth rather than merit.
Not only a beautifully placed piece of historical fiction, with characters that you love (and those you really want to fail!) but this is also gripping, a page turner that kept me reading, at times on the absolute edge of my seat. There is also a sense of folklore, and fairy tale, showing the contrast between science and the supernatural, and providing a lovely touch of gothic.
I am so happy that I received an advance copy of this stunning book, it was just as much of a treat as I hoped it would be. Perfect for anyone who loves their historical fiction with a dark twist, and strong women characters.
Out on February 8th!
July 13, 2025
2/5. So… What to say. Throughout the book, I was tempted a couple of times to DNF the book and put it away. I’m still not quite sure why I persevered, probably it’s only because I didn’t bring enough books on my trip :’) But what they say about books and covers sadly holds true for me on this one.
Only from the halfway point did it get a little better - but still, the characters were definitely not my favourite . The only character I actually liked is Isaac.
The ending All in all, I am glad to have finished this book and it wasn’t badly written, but it was not for me.
Only from the halfway point did it get a little better - but still, the characters were definitely not my favourite . The only character I actually liked is Isaac.
The ending All in all, I am glad to have finished this book and it wasn’t badly written, but it was not for me.
February 14, 2024
Oh wow, there’s really not the words to describe how much I enjoyed this novel. I was totally not prepared for how engrossing, moving and harrowing this book was. The attention to detail of the historical setting is just perfect, the characters beautifully fleshed out and believable. And the seeds of the different plot points are scattered masterfully throughout the story. You’ll wonder why certain details and moments are important at the time, only for them to become devastatingly relevant later on.
Ada is also one of the most relatable and sympathetic female characters I have encountered in fiction in a long, long time. Inspired by, but not necessarily based on, the real 19th century geologist Mary Anning, she’s a truly unique protagonist and a character I think will live on long in my memory.
In short this is an absolutely wonderful book, one of the best examples of historical fiction I have ever read and definitely one you will feel glad you have picked up.
Ada is also one of the most relatable and sympathetic female characters I have encountered in fiction in a long, long time. Inspired by, but not necessarily based on, the real 19th century geologist Mary Anning, she’s a truly unique protagonist and a character I think will live on long in my memory.
In short this is an absolutely wonderful book, one of the best examples of historical fiction I have ever read and definitely one you will feel glad you have picked up.
February 19, 2024
I am in awe of The Bone Hunters. What starts off as a gentle (almost too slow) atmospheric read set in early 19th century Dorset, England, becomes a tense race between humans and history, violence and enlightenment, exclusion and freedom.
The protagonist, Ada Winters, is a “peculiar” young woman and a gifted palaeontologist, excluded from The Geological Society of London based on her sex. Not only is this a period of great geological discovery, but it is also a time of shifting ideas regarding nature, religion, and science. Ada finds herself torn between her scientific mind, her pagan ancestry, and her Christian community - a community which shuns her and her withdrawn mother.
TBH is a gritty novel set in an old coastal England where the patriarchy reigns and ancient superstitions simmer just below the surface. Having never been particularly intrigued by dinosaurs or fossils, I nevertheless found myself sucked into this story. I don’t have to be a dino-buff to appreciate what fossil discovery did for human development.
TBH features a protagonist that is (almost certainly) asexual. Ada’s sexuality is never given a name, but she discusses her aversion to sex at length, while non-sexual friendships are thematic throughout the novel.
A gentle warning to sensitive readers that the novel does feature an episode of graphic sexual assault.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The protagonist, Ada Winters, is a “peculiar” young woman and a gifted palaeontologist, excluded from The Geological Society of London based on her sex. Not only is this a period of great geological discovery, but it is also a time of shifting ideas regarding nature, religion, and science. Ada finds herself torn between her scientific mind, her pagan ancestry, and her Christian community - a community which shuns her and her withdrawn mother.
TBH is a gritty novel set in an old coastal England where the patriarchy reigns and ancient superstitions simmer just below the surface. Having never been particularly intrigued by dinosaurs or fossils, I nevertheless found myself sucked into this story. I don’t have to be a dino-buff to appreciate what fossil discovery did for human development.
TBH features a protagonist that is (almost certainly) asexual. Ada’s sexuality is never given a name, but she discusses her aversion to sex at length, while non-sexual friendships are thematic throughout the novel.
A gentle warning to sensitive readers that the novel does feature an episode of graphic sexual assault.
Thank you to Netgalley and Little, Brown Book Group for providing a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
Not for me. Couldnt get a good feel for any of the characters
January 25, 2024
Loosely based on the pioneering female palaeontologist Mary Anning the reader is introduced to the brilliant Ada Winters, who in 1824, combs the beaches of Lyme Regis in search of fossils and new scientific discoveries. Born into poverty, she scrapes by with her mother Edith, selling the curiosities she unearths from the sand and cliffs by her windblown cottage. She strikes a deal with Black Ven, a cliff she returns to time and time again, to give up its secrets and for this she would give everything.
The characterisation of Black Ven and its neighbour the sea were fascinating depictions within the novel. Both at times malevolent and a source of comfort and solace, their timelessness stands in direct contrast to the small and hard lives of the inhabitants that reside briefly next to them. I thought Ada’s drive to succeed and to learn in conjunction with the repeated rebuttals to be acknowledged by the scientific community make her a particularly compelling character as she tries to push through societal and gender conventions.
Edwin Moyles, a doctor, who’s real passion is Geology also scours the cliffs and landscape in search of a big discovery that will rock the foundations of both the scientific world but also the dominant religious beliefs of the time. How can something so old exist? What does this mean for our sense of self and humanities position in the world? I initially thought Edwin was going to be a heroic figure, that his passion and desire for discovery and learning would outweigh any chauvinism and masochism that perhaps dominated the higher echelons of society at this time. I was wrong. His character development and his interactions with Ada become increasingly uncomfortable and culminate in a shocking attack.
The reverberations and consequences of this act spiral out across the novel and I thought it was particularly effective how the writer uses this singular story to consider the treatment of women over time and how individuals who have not ‘known their place’ have been ostracised or categorised as being against God. This plays out in the novel through the stories and legends that pervade the landscape. Stories of witches and wolves that seek to harm those that are too curious or wayward. There is a supernatural element to the story but rather than becoming an unsettling presence, I found its presence comforting in that society may choose to reject different belief systems and ideologies but that does not mean they will simply go away. On the contrary their will always be people who will fight and challenge antiquated systems and within that, there is hope.
A thoroughly compelling read that evokes character and landscape in memorable ways. I am looking forward to reading more of the author’s works.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC
The characterisation of Black Ven and its neighbour the sea were fascinating depictions within the novel. Both at times malevolent and a source of comfort and solace, their timelessness stands in direct contrast to the small and hard lives of the inhabitants that reside briefly next to them. I thought Ada’s drive to succeed and to learn in conjunction with the repeated rebuttals to be acknowledged by the scientific community make her a particularly compelling character as she tries to push through societal and gender conventions.
Edwin Moyles, a doctor, who’s real passion is Geology also scours the cliffs and landscape in search of a big discovery that will rock the foundations of both the scientific world but also the dominant religious beliefs of the time. How can something so old exist? What does this mean for our sense of self and humanities position in the world? I initially thought Edwin was going to be a heroic figure, that his passion and desire for discovery and learning would outweigh any chauvinism and masochism that perhaps dominated the higher echelons of society at this time. I was wrong. His character development and his interactions with Ada become increasingly uncomfortable and culminate in a shocking attack.
The reverberations and consequences of this act spiral out across the novel and I thought it was particularly effective how the writer uses this singular story to consider the treatment of women over time and how individuals who have not ‘known their place’ have been ostracised or categorised as being against God. This plays out in the novel through the stories and legends that pervade the landscape. Stories of witches and wolves that seek to harm those that are too curious or wayward. There is a supernatural element to the story but rather than becoming an unsettling presence, I found its presence comforting in that society may choose to reject different belief systems and ideologies but that does not mean they will simply go away. On the contrary their will always be people who will fight and challenge antiquated systems and within that, there is hope.
A thoroughly compelling read that evokes character and landscape in memorable ways. I am looking forward to reading more of the author’s works.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
Set in one of my favourite places The Bone Hunters is a brilliant story of a woman’s strength of character in such a age of men.
Ada’s character captured me from the very beginning. From the base of those unpredictable cliffs to the tiny cottage shared with her mother, she is shown to be at one with the fossils and curiosities she hunts for, with the ocean that surrounds her home, rather than the people who scorn and avoid her.
This is a story of hunger, power and her strength. Beautiful descriptions of Lyme Regis and it’s surrounding countryside add to this wonderful ode to all of those fossil hunters that follow Ada.
Ada’s character captured me from the very beginning. From the base of those unpredictable cliffs to the tiny cottage shared with her mother, she is shown to be at one with the fossils and curiosities she hunts for, with the ocean that surrounds her home, rather than the people who scorn and avoid her.
This is a story of hunger, power and her strength. Beautiful descriptions of Lyme Regis and it’s surrounding countryside add to this wonderful ode to all of those fossil hunters that follow Ada.
February 4, 2025
Beautiful lyrical writing, with a sense of impending doom. Loved this! Set in Lyme Regis and loosely based on palaeontologist Mary Anning, The sea, the sea shore and the adjoining cliffs are characters in themselves, and just as important as the main protagonist Ada and the dastardly doctor. She has what he wants, how will he get it? A deep delve into fossil hunting with its dangers and challenges, especially in 1824 if you’re a woman.
May 6, 2024
Having heard of Mary Anning, I was interested to read thisnovel, albeit not one written purely about her life.
I found it quite captivating, not only for the geology and fossil elements, but the way in which it highlights, not only the appaling way in which women were treated by organisations such as the Geological Society, but also the day-to-day demeaning ways women encountered men. There was also interesting discourse in the novel around how religion viewed the scientific advances in the first half of the eighteenth century, and how these threatened creationism.
This is a compelling tale, well told. I note that the author is also a writing coach and this may explain why, at times, I felt that the narrative was over-written. Sometimes a story-line is strong enough to stand on its own two feet.
This is the first novel of Joanne Burn I have come across and I would certainly like to read more.
I found it quite captivating, not only for the geology and fossil elements, but the way in which it highlights, not only the appaling way in which women were treated by organisations such as the Geological Society, but also the day-to-day demeaning ways women encountered men. There was also interesting discourse in the novel around how religion viewed the scientific advances in the first half of the eighteenth century, and how these threatened creationism.
This is a compelling tale, well told. I note that the author is also a writing coach and this may explain why, at times, I felt that the narrative was over-written. Sometimes a story-line is strong enough to stand on its own two feet.
This is the first novel of Joanne Burn I have come across and I would certainly like to read more.
May 16, 2024
Well written, very atmospheric at times quite dark. Enjoyed the book.
December 20, 2024
A beautiful story, I loved it.
January 11, 2025
I was looking forward to reading this book, however I found to be badly written and the storyline incoherent.
January 29, 2024
Thanks to Sphere for the gifted proof of this title in return for an honest review.
What an absolutely gorgeous cover!! I could have stared at it all day.
My late nan's closest friend lived about 8 miles from Lyme Regis, and so we often spent out summer holidays in that part of the country, exploring the beach and rock pools and the shops, and my fondest memories come from what we knew as the Dinosaur Museum. I haven't been for years but I loved going, and it's only now that I've taken more of an interest in dinosaurs and fossils and whatnot that I can really appreciate the importance and the wonder that these artifacts bring. But what I wanted to say was I loved Joanne's description of Lyme. Yes she's describing a Lyme 169 years prior to my birth and so is obviously different, it conjured up the same feelings that I have when reading about modern Lyme or looking back at my memories. And this was within the first paragraph, and so I instantly knew that this would be a book for me.
I did a bit of writing about the palaeontologist Mary Anning a couple of years ago and so had read a lot about fossils in Lyme, and this conjured up the same feelings. I know this was a fictional tale rather than about Anning herself, but it was about a strong woman in a time where men were King, and I just found the parallels fascinating.
I love reading about strong women in a period where they were seen as subordinate. It brings this power to the story which I really enjoy reading. Ava was an utterly fabulous main character. A woman in the 1800s needs to be feminine, subordinate, marry and bear children, not go off on her own and dig through mud and stone, rejecting sensible marriage proposals. But I rooted for her from the start and immediately wanted to be her friend. There are lots of other characters, some friendly, some slimy, and some evil, (I could go on forever talking about them), and they've all got their own great qualities, but I will keep my focus on Ava as this is her story and she needs to shout it from the rooftops.
It is such a delicious book. It's a history book, a romance, an adventure, all wrapped up in a delicious, exciting, invigorating parcel. It's well researched but doesn't feel like a non-fiction. Joanne has expertly woven the truth in with artistic licence and she's balanced it so well.
Yes it is obviously about the fossils that Ada finds, but there's more to it than that. There's familial love, unrequited love, death, loss and grief, poverty, deception, passions, abuse, desires, religion vs science, hatred, anger, fear, humanity vs nature, and the extent to which you'll go to get what you desire.
The sign of a good book for me is one that you keep coming back to. I was so absorbed in it that when I finished, I just wanted to continue reading it. And even some time after finishing it, I keep thinking about it. I think it will stay with me for quite some time. My first of Joanne's books but I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for her others.
I read it in one sitting. It is absolutely gorgeous and all consuming and I dare anyone not to find it on their best books of 2024 list.
What an absolutely gorgeous cover!! I could have stared at it all day.
My late nan's closest friend lived about 8 miles from Lyme Regis, and so we often spent out summer holidays in that part of the country, exploring the beach and rock pools and the shops, and my fondest memories come from what we knew as the Dinosaur Museum. I haven't been for years but I loved going, and it's only now that I've taken more of an interest in dinosaurs and fossils and whatnot that I can really appreciate the importance and the wonder that these artifacts bring. But what I wanted to say was I loved Joanne's description of Lyme. Yes she's describing a Lyme 169 years prior to my birth and so is obviously different, it conjured up the same feelings that I have when reading about modern Lyme or looking back at my memories. And this was within the first paragraph, and so I instantly knew that this would be a book for me.
I did a bit of writing about the palaeontologist Mary Anning a couple of years ago and so had read a lot about fossils in Lyme, and this conjured up the same feelings. I know this was a fictional tale rather than about Anning herself, but it was about a strong woman in a time where men were King, and I just found the parallels fascinating.
I love reading about strong women in a period where they were seen as subordinate. It brings this power to the story which I really enjoy reading. Ava was an utterly fabulous main character. A woman in the 1800s needs to be feminine, subordinate, marry and bear children, not go off on her own and dig through mud and stone, rejecting sensible marriage proposals. But I rooted for her from the start and immediately wanted to be her friend. There are lots of other characters, some friendly, some slimy, and some evil, (I could go on forever talking about them), and they've all got their own great qualities, but I will keep my focus on Ava as this is her story and she needs to shout it from the rooftops.
It is such a delicious book. It's a history book, a romance, an adventure, all wrapped up in a delicious, exciting, invigorating parcel. It's well researched but doesn't feel like a non-fiction. Joanne has expertly woven the truth in with artistic licence and she's balanced it so well.
Yes it is obviously about the fossils that Ada finds, but there's more to it than that. There's familial love, unrequited love, death, loss and grief, poverty, deception, passions, abuse, desires, religion vs science, hatred, anger, fear, humanity vs nature, and the extent to which you'll go to get what you desire.
The sign of a good book for me is one that you keep coming back to. I was so absorbed in it that when I finished, I just wanted to continue reading it. And even some time after finishing it, I keep thinking about it. I think it will stay with me for quite some time. My first of Joanne's books but I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for her others.
I read it in one sitting. It is absolutely gorgeous and all consuming and I dare anyone not to find it on their best books of 2024 list.
March 21, 2024
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Overall: The Bone Hunters is a gem for those who appreciate a blend of adventure, history, and science, wrapped in a narrative that respects the intellectual curiosity and adventurous spirit of its characters and readers alike. While it may not be mainstream, its ability to deeply engage and satisfy its audience is undeniable, making it a treasured find for those who discover its charms.
The Deets: The Bone Hunters is an intriguing book that seems to captivate a niche audience, earning a special place in the hearts of its readers, including myself, who will add this to my favorites. I have a great appreciation for its engaging narrative and well-crafted storyline that merges adventure, history, and science in seamlessly.
The book's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to the world of paleontology and archaeology with a thrilling twist. The plot revolves around the hunt for dinosaur fossils, which serves as the backbone for a story filled with suspense, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Joanne Burn's writing style can be praised for its descriptive nature, allowing readers to visualize the scenes vividly and feel the characters' emotions and challenges.
Themes of exploration and discovery are central to The Bone Hunters resonating with those who have a penchant for adventure, history, and science. The book dives into the passion and perseverance of those who dedicate their lives to uncovering the earth's ancient secrets, highlighting the excitement and risks involved in the pursuit of such endeavors.
However, some readers might find the pace of the book a bit slow in parts, with detailed descriptions that, while enriching the narrative's texture, may impede the flow of action. Yet, for those who are fascinated by the intricacies of scientific exploration and historical mysteries, these details enhance the reading experience, offering a deep dive into the world of bone hunters.
Rating Criteria
Quality 9/10
Pace 9/10
Plot 10/10
Characters 9/10
Enjoyability 9/10
Insightfulness 8/10
Ease of reading 10/10
Overall: The Bone Hunters is a gem for those who appreciate a blend of adventure, history, and science, wrapped in a narrative that respects the intellectual curiosity and adventurous spirit of its characters and readers alike. While it may not be mainstream, its ability to deeply engage and satisfy its audience is undeniable, making it a treasured find for those who discover its charms.
The Deets: The Bone Hunters is an intriguing book that seems to captivate a niche audience, earning a special place in the hearts of its readers, including myself, who will add this to my favorites. I have a great appreciation for its engaging narrative and well-crafted storyline that merges adventure, history, and science in seamlessly.
The book's strength lies in its ability to transport readers to the world of paleontology and archaeology with a thrilling twist. The plot revolves around the hunt for dinosaur fossils, which serves as the backbone for a story filled with suspense, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Joanne Burn's writing style can be praised for its descriptive nature, allowing readers to visualize the scenes vividly and feel the characters' emotions and challenges.
Themes of exploration and discovery are central to The Bone Hunters resonating with those who have a penchant for adventure, history, and science. The book dives into the passion and perseverance of those who dedicate their lives to uncovering the earth's ancient secrets, highlighting the excitement and risks involved in the pursuit of such endeavors.
However, some readers might find the pace of the book a bit slow in parts, with detailed descriptions that, while enriching the narrative's texture, may impede the flow of action. Yet, for those who are fascinated by the intricacies of scientific exploration and historical mysteries, these details enhance the reading experience, offering a deep dive into the world of bone hunters.
Rating Criteria
Quality 9/10
Pace 9/10
Plot 10/10
Characters 9/10
Enjoyability 9/10
Insightfulness 8/10
Ease of reading 10/10
November 5, 2024
Quality Rating: Four Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
◆ Thank you to NetGalley for this ebook for review ◆
Fossils, fossil, fossils, what better thing to do than discover and fawn over them. I've been to Lyme once - very briefly on a film location recce - but reading this book I felt the sharp sea air again, the pebbles shifting underfoot. Staring up at the towering cliffs waiting to topple over themselves and onto you, and the white hot excitements of what exists within the stones surrounding you. It feels folkloric even then, and I suppose it is in a lot of ways, something that is even played with a lot in this novel.
The Bone Hunters is far more grim than its synopsis will have you suspect, but it's not keenly dramatic for the sake of it. Each beat has its place in the plot and in Ada's story, and creeps up a cliff small step by small step until you stand at the peak staring at the blackness below. In only 400 pages, an expansive tale unwinds itself with relationship morphing in new directions neither Ada nor I saw coming. (And some of my favourite representations of female/male friendships I've read in a long time.)
Ada's character was a significant highlight of the novel; the balance between headstrong determination and active awareness of her precarious situation was so well developed her quietness spoke volumes in every chapter. It's rare to find a character (let alone a woman) realistically shown to be confident and loyal to herself but still be fought with worry about her place in the world - yet so many of us are like this.
The Anning inspiration is very clear from the start, but I really like the creative license used to tell a slightly different story while paying homage to the mother of geology. I hadn't heard of Joanne Burn before this Netgalley arc but I will be looking up their books now - as is the magic and privilege of being a book reviewer.
Enjoyment Rating: Five Stars
◆ Thank you to NetGalley for this ebook for review ◆
Fossils, fossil, fossils, what better thing to do than discover and fawn over them. I've been to Lyme once - very briefly on a film location recce - but reading this book I felt the sharp sea air again, the pebbles shifting underfoot. Staring up at the towering cliffs waiting to topple over themselves and onto you, and the white hot excitements of what exists within the stones surrounding you. It feels folkloric even then, and I suppose it is in a lot of ways, something that is even played with a lot in this novel.
The Bone Hunters is far more grim than its synopsis will have you suspect, but it's not keenly dramatic for the sake of it. Each beat has its place in the plot and in Ada's story, and creeps up a cliff small step by small step until you stand at the peak staring at the blackness below. In only 400 pages, an expansive tale unwinds itself with relationship morphing in new directions neither Ada nor I saw coming. (And some of my favourite representations of female/male friendships I've read in a long time.)
Ada's character was a significant highlight of the novel; the balance between headstrong determination and active awareness of her precarious situation was so well developed her quietness spoke volumes in every chapter. It's rare to find a character (let alone a woman) realistically shown to be confident and loyal to herself but still be fought with worry about her place in the world - yet so many of us are like this.
The Anning inspiration is very clear from the start, but I really like the creative license used to tell a slightly different story while paying homage to the mother of geology. I hadn't heard of Joanne Burn before this Netgalley arc but I will be looking up their books now - as is the magic and privilege of being a book reviewer.
February 9, 2024
“The Bone Hunters” is an original historical fiction book by Joanne Burn.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Characters: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pace: ⭐️ ⭐️
A great historical fiction novel from Joanne Burn with a very strong female character. The writing style is intriguing. The story flows nicely although I would prefer it to unfold a bit more quickly. In some points I felt like there where info/chapters that didn’t add much value to the story.
Ada leaves in the wrong era unfortunately! A girl with a very strong character, that knows what she wants from her life and she is not interested to follow the rules that want her a nice married girl with no other interests than her family. Ada though loves Geology and she is also very good at it but she needs to fight her way to recognition just because she is a woman. But the cards change in her favour when she discovers something unusual while searching for fossils. Follow her story if you want to learn more, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
I would definitely recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction and lovers of strong women that take their life in their own hands.
My special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my early copy.
Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Plot: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Characters: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Pace: ⭐️ ⭐️
A great historical fiction novel from Joanne Burn with a very strong female character. The writing style is intriguing. The story flows nicely although I would prefer it to unfold a bit more quickly. In some points I felt like there where info/chapters that didn’t add much value to the story.
Ada leaves in the wrong era unfortunately! A girl with a very strong character, that knows what she wants from her life and she is not interested to follow the rules that want her a nice married girl with no other interests than her family. Ada though loves Geology and she is also very good at it but she needs to fight her way to recognition just because she is a woman. But the cards change in her favour when she discovers something unusual while searching for fossils. Follow her story if you want to learn more, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
I would definitely recommend it to all lovers of historical fiction and lovers of strong women that take their life in their own hands.
My special thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my early copy.
January 30, 2024
First of all, thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!
This book was not for me.
From the cover and the synopsis, I was expecting the book to focus mainly on the excavation and discovery of the bones; instead, it took a very unexpected dark turn from the halfway point.
The biggest problem I had were the main characters: they were both so stubborn and selfish, and I could not stand them.
Ada had my sympathy at the beginning, since she struggles to fit in, doesn't want to work in a factory, has no interest in men, and just wants to discover fossils.
When she's at her limit, without money to buy food, losing her home, she still sticks to her one interest.
She doesn't accept help from others, and just gets more involved in other problems.
"Not for the first time she feels as if she doesn't belong in this world. There is nowhere that she fits.
She is an oddity to it all, and she is sick of it."
Overall, this book was not my cup of tea, but I am still happy that I got the chance to read it and learn about the real woman this is inspired by: Mary Anning.
This book was not for me.
From the cover and the synopsis, I was expecting the book to focus mainly on the excavation and discovery of the bones; instead, it took a very unexpected dark turn from the halfway point.
The biggest problem I had were the main characters: they were both so stubborn and selfish, and I could not stand them.
Ada had my sympathy at the beginning, since she struggles to fit in, doesn't want to work in a factory, has no interest in men, and just wants to discover fossils.
When she's at her limit, without money to buy food, losing her home, she still sticks to her one interest.
She doesn't accept help from others, and just gets more involved in other problems.
"Not for the first time she feels as if she doesn't belong in this world. There is nowhere that she fits.
She is an oddity to it all, and she is sick of it."
Overall, this book was not my cup of tea, but I am still happy that I got the chance to read it and learn about the real woman this is inspired by: Mary Anning.
April 25, 2024
‘Ada isn’t a hunter of fossils for the sake of impressing the visitors to Lyme. Orion even to make a living - not truly. She hunts because she always has.’
Ada Winters is a woman born out of her time, much like Mary Anning, the inspiration for this character. Not recognised for her intelligence and worth by Societies created by men, who claim her work as their own.
‘It is a paddle, she thinks, of some aquatic creature, and she has seen no fossils like it previously…her heart kicks hard in her chest, for laid at her feet is a mystery.’
Ada is dismissed because she is a woman and it makes me furious reading this. I was so engrossed in her struggle to unearth a monster, the descriptions and detail are fabulous. I love Lyme Regis and know it well and have walked in Ada’s steps searching for fossils, it has also had me back down some rabbit holes reading about Lyme and Mary Anning again.
‘I understand the skull came from Street in Somerset.’
This story is just beautifully written, at times tense, at times utterly enthralling and completely gripping.
Joanne Burn, I salute you, for this is something truly special.
Ada Winters is a woman born out of her time, much like Mary Anning, the inspiration for this character. Not recognised for her intelligence and worth by Societies created by men, who claim her work as their own.
‘It is a paddle, she thinks, of some aquatic creature, and she has seen no fossils like it previously…her heart kicks hard in her chest, for laid at her feet is a mystery.’
Ada is dismissed because she is a woman and it makes me furious reading this. I was so engrossed in her struggle to unearth a monster, the descriptions and detail are fabulous. I love Lyme Regis and know it well and have walked in Ada’s steps searching for fossils, it has also had me back down some rabbit holes reading about Lyme and Mary Anning again.
‘I understand the skull came from Street in Somerset.’
This story is just beautifully written, at times tense, at times utterly enthralling and completely gripping.
Joanne Burn, I salute you, for this is something truly special.
April 9, 2025
I loved this story and will definitely be picking up the author’s other Historical fiction book.
Set in Victorian Lyme Regis, Ada, is an impoverished fossil hunter who has a talent and passion for geology-but is excluded from the Geological society and academic circles for Palaeontology due to her gender and class. She encounters Dr Edwin Moyle on his pursuit to be the next geological star.
I thought Ada’s character represented the wonderful side of this era of discovery and new ideas-she is deeply connected to the sea and cliffs and although hopes to make a living from her passion, she really wants to be recognised and uncover the secrets of the fossils. Edwin however, represented the greed and glory hunter traits of rich men-desperate for what they could conquer and take and their stories were pitted against each other.
I loved Ada, her story was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I enjoyed how vulnerable and strong she was. The prose was beautiful with poetic descriptions of the sea and landscape and how connected Ada was to them. Reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing in some ways.
Thought the resolution was perfect. 5 stars!
Set in Victorian Lyme Regis, Ada, is an impoverished fossil hunter who has a talent and passion for geology-but is excluded from the Geological society and academic circles for Palaeontology due to her gender and class. She encounters Dr Edwin Moyle on his pursuit to be the next geological star.
I thought Ada’s character represented the wonderful side of this era of discovery and new ideas-she is deeply connected to the sea and cliffs and although hopes to make a living from her passion, she really wants to be recognised and uncover the secrets of the fossils. Edwin however, represented the greed and glory hunter traits of rich men-desperate for what they could conquer and take and their stories were pitted against each other.
I loved Ada, her story was both heartbreaking and hopeful. I enjoyed how vulnerable and strong she was. The prose was beautiful with poetic descriptions of the sea and landscape and how connected Ada was to them. Reminded me of Where the Crawdads Sing in some ways.
Thought the resolution was perfect. 5 stars!
April 20, 2024
There are something magical and unique about this novel, loosely based on the life of Mary Anning, who lived in Lyme, England during the early 19th century. This reader Immediately began to root for, and admire the heroine, Ada. She lived in poverty by the sea, fully immersed in what lay beneath the shingle beach outside her cottage. Ada’s single passion is collecting and studying ammonites and fossils. She develops into an amateur geologist. Her brilliant discoveries and subsequent papers submitted to the British Geological Society were rejected relentlessly because of her gender and lowly social status.
The author, Joanne Burn wields gorgeous and unique prose into a story that kept this reader enthralled feeling the depths and essence of Ada’s plight.
The Bone Hunters will be filed on my favorites shelf to be read and re-read.
For readers who enjoyed this novel:
Recommendations :
Movie : AMMONITE starring the great Kate Winslet
Novel: REMARKABLE CREATURES by Tracy Chevalier
The author, Joanne Burn wields gorgeous and unique prose into a story that kept this reader enthralled feeling the depths and essence of Ada’s plight.
The Bone Hunters will be filed on my favorites shelf to be read and re-read.
For readers who enjoyed this novel:
Recommendations :
Movie : AMMONITE starring the great Kate Winslet
Novel: REMARKABLE CREATURES by Tracy Chevalier
September 5, 2024
Having an archaeology and art/museum background, I am a sucker for a good bone hunting story. And I love historical fiction, so though this is not that genre it feels like it. The author nails the limitations of a woman in this time period in England. And this girl being smart and educated is definitely an anomaly and an inevitable target--for an unscrupulous respected archaeologist/doctor who is her competitor, an even more ruthless landlady and other characters in this town where everyone seems to know everyone's business. Some missed communication as happens in real life made some of the tragedy unavoidable.
Great descriptions of the bones they were hunting for, the creatures they assumed they were; good fleshing out of characters; although after a while Ada seemed a bit DUMB for a smart girl; sort of asking for trouble and of course putting herself in its path. It was a bit much to take when it inevitably lead to dangerous situations. No spoiler here.
I listened on audio, author narrated nicely. Recommend.
Great descriptions of the bones they were hunting for, the creatures they assumed they were; good fleshing out of characters; although after a while Ada seemed a bit DUMB for a smart girl; sort of asking for trouble and of course putting herself in its path. It was a bit much to take when it inevitably lead to dangerous situations. No spoiler here.
I listened on audio, author narrated nicely. Recommend.
October 1, 2024
The Bone Hunters by Joanne Burn audiobook narrated by Catrin Walker-Booth, published by Little, Brown. Listened to using to using Listening Books a charity providing audiobooks for people who finding reading physical books more difficult via Libby. 4 stars.
An interesting listen I first thought it was based on the fossil hunt Mary Anning, as there are so many similarities between her and the character in this title Ada Winters. It is set in 1824 in Lyme Regis and both are female fossil hunters, both are poor without formal education but have a great love and instinct into the fossils and bones they find. At a time when most people believed that the Bible was an accurate account of how the world began both knew that the bones they found were much older than that.
But this is not a retelling of Mary’s story as there are some different characters in the book and differences as to what happens to Ada. Overall, a good story that gives a sense of how difficult it was to be female then and poor.
An interesting listen I first thought it was based on the fossil hunt Mary Anning, as there are so many similarities between her and the character in this title Ada Winters. It is set in 1824 in Lyme Regis and both are female fossil hunters, both are poor without formal education but have a great love and instinct into the fossils and bones they find. At a time when most people believed that the Bible was an accurate account of how the world began both knew that the bones they found were much older than that.
But this is not a retelling of Mary’s story as there are some different characters in the book and differences as to what happens to Ada. Overall, a good story that gives a sense of how difficult it was to be female then and poor.
February 7, 2024
From the author’s notes, this book was inspired by the English palaeontologist Mary Anning, who I hadn’t heard of before, so it was lovely to research her. I read this author’s debut novel so was excited to read this, her third book. Set in 1824 the main protagonist is 24 year old Ada, who initially comes across as selfish but I ended up really routing for her and I liked her headstrong attitude to not fit in with the norm of the time; getting married, having children and doing a job you really don’t want to do. It was hard for women at that time to follow their dreams just because they were women but Ada was prepared to go without to follow her passion. The setting around the beach at Lyme Regis was described well and I could imagine myself there. I haven’t read the author’s second book, The Hemlock Cure, but it’s definitely going on my tbr list now. Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK, Sphere for letting me read and review this book.
March 24, 2024
“ The monsters they seek…..May not be the ones they find “
A slow burner so be patient.
The descriptive narrative of fossils,Dorset coast and the dangers surrounding it was informative , enabling the reader to be there.
All credit for basing the story line on Mary Anning. I read
“ Mary Annings Treasures “ back in the days for my CSE English literature exam, visited Dorset last year and found this book enormously educational aswell as being a well written non fictional novel, although some of the fossils names were a bit beyond my understanding I got the general gist.
Things seemed to be against Ada in whatever she did or said but through no fault of her own.Myths,fables and exaggerated stories through time hindered her and the villagers.
Evolution can be funny, the first paragraph in chapter 14 made me chuckle.
It all came good in the end .
Would I read this again…. Possibly
Would I recommend it….Yes
A 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 rating
A slow burner so be patient.
The descriptive narrative of fossils,Dorset coast and the dangers surrounding it was informative , enabling the reader to be there.
All credit for basing the story line on Mary Anning. I read
“ Mary Annings Treasures “ back in the days for my CSE English literature exam, visited Dorset last year and found this book enormously educational aswell as being a well written non fictional novel, although some of the fossils names were a bit beyond my understanding I got the general gist.
Things seemed to be against Ada in whatever she did or said but through no fault of her own.Myths,fables and exaggerated stories through time hindered her and the villagers.
Evolution can be funny, the first paragraph in chapter 14 made me chuckle.
It all came good in the end .
Would I read this again…. Possibly
Would I recommend it….Yes
A 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 rating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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