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Bone Pendant Girls
Beware of jewelry that calls to you. Andi Wyndham has been able to communicate with spirits since she was a kid. When a bone pendant carved into the likeness of a girl’s face calls to her at a gem show in Pennsylvania, she can’t resist buying it and a sister piece. When she discovers the girls are missing runaways and the pendants made of human bone, Andi is drawn into a mystery that will force her to confront her gifts, her guilt, and the ghosts haunting her. Pendant Girls Mariah and Bennie urge Andi to find a man they call "Fisherman,” a master of disguise. Teaming up with a handsome P. I. and a South Carolina sheriff, Andi must find the girls’ bodies and put their souls to rest, before the Fisherman casts his deadly net to trap Andi.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 30, 2024
12 people are currently reading
10941 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 16, 2024
I absolutely loved this book and couldn’t stop thinking about it both while reading and for days after I finished. I love how the ghosts work in this world and the little drops of humor throughout. The majority of the book is fast-pace, gripping, and dark. There are three POVs and each voice was incredibly distinct and unique and they were used perfectly to build out the world and story without feeling pointless. I already miss the characters, specifically Eli, and really hope that Friedman writes another book with him and Andi in the future! 100% recommend!
November 10, 2023
This is a fascinating psychic novel that grabs you and will not let go. A serial killer, a romance, and mystery that seems unsolvable. This is a heck of a good story. Great characters that feel so real, you can see them. I'll be adding Terry S Friedman to my follow list and looking for more of her books.
I received an advance review copy for free and this is my honest review.
I received an advance review copy for free and this is my honest review.
January 7, 2024
First off, the cover for this book is absolutely stunning! It definitely grabbed my attention from the start, and I just had to know what the book was about. Upon reading the blurb, I knew this would be right up my alley!
The book is told mostly from Andi's POV with a couple others thrown in every so often, which really helped expand the story, as readers are able to gain more information in a way that both fits and furthers the storyline without Andi needing to know absolutely everything that's happening at all times. There's humor throughout, but it's done really well and doesn't detract from the mystery or tension at all (as someone who uses humor as a defense mechanism, I can always appreciate a dark joke or twelve in a tense moment!).
There were some times early on that I had to double back and read something again, as I thought I'd missed something because of the writing style, but once I got used to it, I was able to surge forward with very few issues. For the last 25% or so, I was flying through the pages, eager to see what was going to happen and how everything would come to a head. I was not disappointed in the least, and I definitely hope there's going to be more in this world!
4 stars
**I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
The book is told mostly from Andi's POV with a couple others thrown in every so often, which really helped expand the story, as readers are able to gain more information in a way that both fits and furthers the storyline without Andi needing to know absolutely everything that's happening at all times. There's humor throughout, but it's done really well and doesn't detract from the mystery or tension at all (as someone who uses humor as a defense mechanism, I can always appreciate a dark joke or twelve in a tense moment!).
There were some times early on that I had to double back and read something again, as I thought I'd missed something because of the writing style, but once I got used to it, I was able to surge forward with very few issues. For the last 25% or so, I was flying through the pages, eager to see what was going to happen and how everything would come to a head. I was not disappointed in the least, and I definitely hope there's going to be more in this world!
4 stars
**I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and comments contained within are my own.**
January 18, 2024
Bone Pendant Girls is a phenomenal paranormal suspense thriller! The author, Terry S. Friedman, does a great job creating a world and characters that are believable, relatable, and engaging. She solidly sets the stage for the rest of the book in the first few pages. One line in the book really stirred my heart as one character, Tom, laments that kids make mistakes but should not have to die for them. That is at the heart of the story and speaks much to what happens in the real world.
The characters draw you into the story from page one. They continue to engage you until the last page of the book. The relationship between Andi, the Girls, and the Shadow children lends an erie yet heartwarming edge to the story. They make you feel that Andi's gift is not so extraordinary and immensely useful.
A lot is going on in this book. The story walks between two worlds, with the common denominator being Andi. The storyline is robust, fluid, very compelling, and moves faster than it seems. Some elicit a visceral response, be it cheering, tears, laughing, laughing through tears, or looking for the key to your gun's lock box (because a certain character in the book really needed to die).
With suspenseful drama, paranormal action, a who-done-it mystery, a little romance, a little humor, and a lot of tragedy, Bone Pendant Girls is a very entertaining and compelling page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did not want to put it down. I am hoping that the author turns this into a series. Reading more crime-solving adventures from Andi, Eli, and gun-toting Fiona would be fun in more stories.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters draw you into the story from page one. They continue to engage you until the last page of the book. The relationship between Andi, the Girls, and the Shadow children lends an erie yet heartwarming edge to the story. They make you feel that Andi's gift is not so extraordinary and immensely useful.
A lot is going on in this book. The story walks between two worlds, with the common denominator being Andi. The storyline is robust, fluid, very compelling, and moves faster than it seems. Some elicit a visceral response, be it cheering, tears, laughing, laughing through tears, or looking for the key to your gun's lock box (because a certain character in the book really needed to die).
With suspenseful drama, paranormal action, a who-done-it mystery, a little romance, a little humor, and a lot of tragedy, Bone Pendant Girls is a very entertaining and compelling page-turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. I did not want to put it down. I am hoping that the author turns this into a series. Reading more crime-solving adventures from Andi, Eli, and gun-toting Fiona would be fun in more stories.
I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2024
Wow, it’s hard to believe Bone Pendant Girls is a debut novel, Terry Friedman is a master storyteller, from page one I was drawn into the book and had a hard time putting it down. The story is so believable you expect to start hearing voices talking to you or yellow eyes looking at you from the dark. If you have a cameo in your jewelry box you won’t be looking at it the same way ever again. The most frightening character in the book is not who you can’t see but the villain who is a master at disguises. He is as cunning as he is evil. Paranormal is not on my normal reading list, but this was given to me as a gift, and I am glad it was. I will not hesitate to buy Terry Friedman’s next book.
December 6, 2023
I loved this book so much. So much so I am desperately hoping there are more to come with these characters. It had all of the best things, murder mystery and a bit of spooky to make it even better. I'm not one to go in to detail for risk of spoilers so I will just say, take a chance I think you'll be happy you did.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 2, 2024
This book offered by BookSirens is absolutely beautiful. The images that flashed through my mind enabled myself to see and feel all the things the author was trying to express. Serial Killers in novels are one of my favorite tropes. This book did not disappoint. Fisherman was evil. He killed young women, did horrible things to them and disposed of their bodies in the most cruelest of ways. Andi, much to her displeasure, saw ghosts and could hear them. She also had the Shadows, spirit beings that could help her when needed. Andi had been a victim herself so when she heard the first victim’s voice, she felt compelled to listen. The victims just wanted closure and for someone to hear their pleas.
I really had some moments while reading this book. I was angry for what happened to all the girls. I was frustrated as much as Andi trying to figure out the clues given to her by the ghosts. When the police came to visit Mariah’s parents, i could hear the wail that Mariah’s mom let out. I cried any times while reading this book. I was rooting for Andi and the girls when trying to find out who the Fisherman was. The end was so creative in the way that all the loose ends tied up. Give this book a read….you will be glad you did.
I really had some moments while reading this book. I was angry for what happened to all the girls. I was frustrated as much as Andi trying to figure out the clues given to her by the ghosts. When the police came to visit Mariah’s parents, i could hear the wail that Mariah’s mom let out. I cried any times while reading this book. I was rooting for Andi and the girls when trying to find out who the Fisherman was. The end was so creative in the way that all the loose ends tied up. Give this book a read….you will be glad you did.
February 10, 2024
Whoa! A stunning debut suspense novel from an author who knows how to put goosebumps on your arms, a hitch in your breath and a race to your heartbeat!
January 27, 2024
Bone Pendant Girls is one of those books that intrigued me because of the interesting title and the fascinating cover page. I am not usually one who is swayed by cover pages as I tend to choose books more about the subject matter, but I can appreciate beautifully done cover pages when I see them. It was the ghost story that definitely drew me in and I found that aspect of the story to be both tragic and well-done at the same time.
Most of the story is told from Andi's POV, but several of the chapters are told from a couple of other characters POV as well. I am still unsure if the multiple POV was necessary, but at least it didn't detract from the story in any way. I enjoyed this author's writing style, thought the story was fun and interesting, and liked the twists and turns, some of them I didn't quite catch. And while I appreciate it when an author shows you what happens through dialogue and through a character's perspective, I did feel like the author needed to tighten up a few things in the story as there were some inconsistencies. There were times when I thought I missed something important and had to back track to double-check, only to find it wasn't me, but the way the story was written.
The story moved along rather quickly, with a lot of things happening, and the tension level kept me turning the pages especially in the last 25% of the book. One of the issues I did have with this book was the lack of knowledge about the actual serial killer as I felt the reader didn't fully get an understanding of their motivations or the reasons behind the killings and while this didn't lower the tension level, it did affect it as I couldn't relate to how they got where they did and how they knew what they did. There was no closure in that regard.
Andi was a great character and I liked her sense of humour considering she had to deal with both a serial killer and a crazy ex-husband on top of everything. I loved her inner monologue when speaking to the ghosts and trying to figure out how she would impart information she received to the police and the P.I. without giving away how she got her information, and found it quite humourous. In all fairness, if I was investigation something and someone told me they go their information from ghosts and shadows, I'd be skeptical as well, and I believe in ghosts. I also liked how she didn't do anything stupid when trying to gain information as that is the one things that always bothers me when reading some of these books, and she didn't information from the police as if she was entitled to it.
Bone Pendant Girls was a great debut novel and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The story moved along quickly and the paranormal element was very interesting and incorporated quite seamlessly. I did feel like there were some inconsistencies with the plot and character development, and I wished we knew more about the serial killer as there was little about their motives and reasons, but overall, it was full of tension and quite enjoyable. I will definitely read another book by this author in the future.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Most of the story is told from Andi's POV, but several of the chapters are told from a couple of other characters POV as well. I am still unsure if the multiple POV was necessary, but at least it didn't detract from the story in any way. I enjoyed this author's writing style, thought the story was fun and interesting, and liked the twists and turns, some of them I didn't quite catch. And while I appreciate it when an author shows you what happens through dialogue and through a character's perspective, I did feel like the author needed to tighten up a few things in the story as there were some inconsistencies. There were times when I thought I missed something important and had to back track to double-check, only to find it wasn't me, but the way the story was written.
The story moved along rather quickly, with a lot of things happening, and the tension level kept me turning the pages especially in the last 25% of the book. One of the issues I did have with this book was the lack of knowledge about the actual serial killer as I felt the reader didn't fully get an understanding of their motivations or the reasons behind the killings and while this didn't lower the tension level, it did affect it as I couldn't relate to how they got where they did and how they knew what they did. There was no closure in that regard.
Andi was a great character and I liked her sense of humour considering she had to deal with both a serial killer and a crazy ex-husband on top of everything. I loved her inner monologue when speaking to the ghosts and trying to figure out how she would impart information she received to the police and the P.I. without giving away how she got her information, and found it quite humourous. In all fairness, if I was investigation something and someone told me they go their information from ghosts and shadows, I'd be skeptical as well, and I believe in ghosts. I also liked how she didn't do anything stupid when trying to gain information as that is the one things that always bothers me when reading some of these books, and she didn't information from the police as if she was entitled to it.
Bone Pendant Girls was a great debut novel and I enjoyed it quite a bit. The story moved along quickly and the paranormal element was very interesting and incorporated quite seamlessly. I did feel like there were some inconsistencies with the plot and character development, and I wished we knew more about the serial killer as there was little about their motives and reasons, but overall, it was full of tension and quite enjoyable. I will definitely read another book by this author in the future.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2024
This is an intriguing book that goes in a lot of directions at once. I would have rated it slightly lower, except that I feel it had a target, and that it hit that target perfectly. Andi can talk with spirits, and has since she was a child, but this time it's different. A pair of cameo pendants, carved from "cow bone" in the images of young girls catch her eyes (and inner ears) at a flea market, and she buys them. From that point on she, her friends and a PI who is described in a way that makes you think he'd grace the covers of romance novels, into a very dark, very disturbing story.
The novel jumps from Andi's POV to that of two young ghosts, to that of "The Fisherman" and it made the narration a little jarring. There are several stories in the novel, and all of them reach satisfying conclusions, but I can't help but feel that the novel is treated like a light, almost cozy story and that the horrific events described in part of it feel like they should have been given their own world to play out in.
I'm not going to provide any spoilers, but this one has a little romance, a little history, some very dark horror, and likeable characters. Light and entertaining with dark spots.
I listened to the audiobook. The main narrator's voice was perfect for Andi and her friends, and the narration of the two young girls was also spot on. I was less thrilled with the voice of The Fisherman and felt as if the story would have been better told without anything from his POV.
A quick, entertaining book.
The novel jumps from Andi's POV to that of two young ghosts, to that of "The Fisherman" and it made the narration a little jarring. There are several stories in the novel, and all of them reach satisfying conclusions, but I can't help but feel that the novel is treated like a light, almost cozy story and that the horrific events described in part of it feel like they should have been given their own world to play out in.
I'm not going to provide any spoilers, but this one has a little romance, a little history, some very dark horror, and likeable characters. Light and entertaining with dark spots.
I listened to the audiobook. The main narrator's voice was perfect for Andi and her friends, and the narration of the two young girls was also spot on. I was less thrilled with the voice of The Fisherman and felt as if the story would have been better told without anything from his POV.
A quick, entertaining book.
February 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The story follows Andi, a woman who has been able to communicate with spirits since she was a child. When she comes across a bone pendant at a gem show, she is drawn to it and ends up buying it as well as the sister piece. Little does Andi know, these pendants are made of human bone and are connected to two missing runaways.
The story is well-written and the characters are well-developed. One of the things that I enjoyed the most about this book is the way the author seamlessly weaves in elements of the paranormal into a mystery novel. It adds an interesting and unique twist to the story and it really keeps the reader engaged.
Overall, 'Bone Pendant Girls' is a fantastic read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and the paranormal, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story. Terry S. Friedman is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more of their work in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story follows Andi, a woman who has been able to communicate with spirits since she was a child. When she comes across a bone pendant at a gem show, she is drawn to it and ends up buying it as well as the sister piece. Little does Andi know, these pendants are made of human bone and are connected to two missing runaways.
The story is well-written and the characters are well-developed. One of the things that I enjoyed the most about this book is the way the author seamlessly weaves in elements of the paranormal into a mystery novel. It adds an interesting and unique twist to the story and it really keeps the reader engaged.
Overall, 'Bone Pendant Girls' is a fantastic read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a perfect blend of mystery, suspense, and the paranormal, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good ghost story. Terry S. Friedman is a talented writer and I look forward to reading more of their work in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 7, 2023
this is more a murder mystery than a fantasy or paranormal story but not the less for it. Real nail biting chapters and I found it a bit difficult to read a night, left the lights on lol. I wasn't crazy about the romance part but thats just me, it was tastefully done with nothing explicit. The characters were well developed and the story horrible but unfortunately not impossible in this day and age. Interesting tie in with the ghosts of the deceased trying to help the main character solve the crime. Got a little wild and a bit much at the end but I was relieved....won't say anymore.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 11, 2024
I can't believe that this is a debut novel. This story kept me engaged from the very first page.
Andi and Eli both have a quirky sense of humour that helps to lighten the mood when things get especially tense, which they do quite often. As an empath, I did not find this an easy story to read. I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I also got the distinct impression that Fisherman was four year old Andi's abductor. She got away then and he was determined she wouldn't do so again.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Bone Pendant Girls through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
Andi and Eli both have a quirky sense of humour that helps to lighten the mood when things get especially tense, which they do quite often. As an empath, I did not find this an easy story to read. I was on an emotional rollercoaster. I also got the distinct impression that Fisherman was four year old Andi's abductor. She got away then and he was determined she wouldn't do so again.
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Bone Pendant Girls through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.
February 6, 2024
This book was both thrilling and chill-inducing. The paranormal aspect sent it right up my alley! One thing that I thought was very unique was how the POVs alternated between the living and the spirit world. The plot was both engaging and entertaining, and I love all the characters. Even the fisherman, because who really goes through all that trouble? (Read and you'll know what I'm talking about lol) I have ZERO complaints and would recommend this book to everyone, especially people who are fans of Riley Sager and Simone St. James!
March 10, 2024
Rounded up from 1.5. I almost dnf'd this after page 38, but I went back and gave it another shot. The premise was intriguing, but the writing just couldn't carry it. The ghost-girls monologues are inconsistent in terms of grammar and attempted dialect, while much of the dialogue has the same problem. The characters were one-dimensional and there were a few events or issues that were made to seem important and yet were left unresolved at the end. So, not a book I'd recommend.
January 6, 2024
This enjoyable book has elements of the paranormal, mystery, murder, danger, and the hunt for truth and justice for the victims. The MCs are defined, engaging, likable, and determined to follow through. I loved this entertaining book and would read more by this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2024
An excellent paranormal thriller with strong horror elements and an interesting main characters.
Gripping, twisty and well plotted
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Gripping, twisty and well plotted
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
November 14, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 8, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. The Audible version was excellent with 3 different narrators, it really brought the books to life. Bravo on an excellent debut novel!
May 7, 2024
This book was so heartbreaking and such a good read - captivated me from start to end and 100% recommend
February 10, 2024
What would you do if you could see and hear ghosts and you find yourself trying to solve the mystery of their death?
This book is a rather slow burn for me. The characters are all a little quirky. Which I can’t say I mind quirkiness. It did make reading this book difficult at times. The flow of dialogue felt stilted at times.
Overall a solid read. I would rate 3.5/5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is a rather slow burn for me. The characters are all a little quirky. Which I can’t say I mind quirkiness. It did make reading this book difficult at times. The flow of dialogue felt stilted at times.
Overall a solid read. I would rate 3.5/5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 6, 2024
I loved this book. The way the author used the ghosty bits to help solve the crime was really cool.
I love a good serial killer type thriller, so will be looking for more books by this author.
Thank you to Book Sirens, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read and review this free ARC.
I love a good serial killer type thriller, so will be looking for more books by this author.
Thank you to Book Sirens, the publisher, and the author for allowing me to read and review this free ARC.
October 6, 2024
Perfect spooky time read. Let’s solve the murders with the help of the victims ghosts! I liked having the ghosts as characters. I was super invested in all the girls. I would have preferred the book to end in the boat. I felt like everything that came after was just wrapping up everything too nicely. Life doesn’t always get the perfect happy ending especially with murder.
February 21, 2024
i’ll def reread this some day.
February 26, 2024
I like books with fresh concepts. Friedman's "Bone Pendant Girls" was fresh. Granted, books in the Fantasy/Sci Fi genres take a lot more liberties than other fiction stories. Still, if we are to accept this fantasy world, it has to stay true to its own "rules". This book sets up a world within a world. The premise is carefully set up with Andi as our guide and the bridge between the living world and the world of the dead.
I liked how the story line moved. We know whose viewpoint we're reading because we're told at the beginning of each chapter who our narrator is. (I could see this book as a movie).
I'll never look at a ginkgo leaf the same way again.
I hope to read another book by Terry Friedman soon.
I liked how the story line moved. We know whose viewpoint we're reading because we're told at the beginning of each chapter who our narrator is. (I could see this book as a movie).
I'll never look at a ginkgo leaf the same way again.
I hope to read another book by Terry Friedman soon.
March 16, 2024
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I ended up staying up all night to finish it. The story takes place in beautiful South Carolina! Andi is shopping when suddenly a cameo pendant calls out to her. Andi has been able to see ghosts since she was a little girl. Her mother does u! She soon discovers the girls in the pendant were missing but she knew they were dead. She teams up with a PI to find out who murdered the girls!
This book was very suspenseful! I loved the setting and original story. It is well written! This is my first time reading this author but definitely not my last! I loved the PI and Andi’s relationship and how it slowly builds. I highly recommend this book and this author!
This book was very suspenseful! I loved the setting and original story. It is well written! This is my first time reading this author but definitely not my last! I loved the PI and Andi’s relationship and how it slowly builds. I highly recommend this book and this author!
February 24, 2024
3.25 stars. I think the idea of the book was really interesting with Andi being able to see and talk to spirits and the idea of a serial killer making girls’ bones into pendants is horrifying and creative for a book premise, but one of the problems with the book I found was there were parts that dragged and then the parts that happened near the end towards the climax of the book just felt rushed. It’s not a bad book, but I’m probably not going to re-read it.
April 27, 2024
Riveting and suspenseful.
Just when you think you know what is going to happen another twist comes along. I started this not sure of what to think, at some point in the story I couldn't put it down. This one I felt.
Just when you think you know what is going to happen another twist comes along. I started this not sure of what to think, at some point in the story I couldn't put it down. This one I felt.
December 30, 2023
A beautiful novel further enhanced by the narration. The perfect mix of mystery, thriller, horror, and hope.
March 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The twists, turns, and vibes were great. I loved the multiple pov’s. The girls were so great. I will definitely pick up more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews