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The Bone Queen
A chilling horror-thriller debut where a mother's search for her missing daughter battles against the shadows of a historic, dangerous legend.
Single mother Jenna arrives on the tranquil shores of Athelsea fueled by the desperate hope to find Chloe, her teenage daughter who’s disappeared from their London home. She has no idea why–all she knows is that Chloe had changed in the previous two weeks, haunted by something, or someone, and the ferry ticket here is the only clue she has.
As she explores the village and interacts with the locals, Jenna soon realizes a macabre secret is being hidden in plain sight. A dark legend of a vengeful woman called the Bone Queen is spoken of in hushed tones amongst the villagers, some of whom are frantically trying to suppress the tale that has long terrorized their lives.
As Jenna starts to learn more about the Bone Queen and her previous victims, the village’s grip on reality begins to loosen and no one can say for sure who, or what, is responsible for the deaths and disappearances on Athelsea. Suffering from what she can no longer distinguish between paranoid hallucinations or real manifestations, Jenna must act quickly before Chloe is next…
The Bone Queen has left her mark, and one day she’ll collect.
Single mother Jenna arrives on the tranquil shores of Athelsea fueled by the desperate hope to find Chloe, her teenage daughter who’s disappeared from their London home. She has no idea why–all she knows is that Chloe had changed in the previous two weeks, haunted by something, or someone, and the ferry ticket here is the only clue she has.
As she explores the village and interacts with the locals, Jenna soon realizes a macabre secret is being hidden in plain sight. A dark legend of a vengeful woman called the Bone Queen is spoken of in hushed tones amongst the villagers, some of whom are frantically trying to suppress the tale that has long terrorized their lives.
As Jenna starts to learn more about the Bone Queen and her previous victims, the village’s grip on reality begins to loosen and no one can say for sure who, or what, is responsible for the deaths and disappearances on Athelsea. Suffering from what she can no longer distinguish between paranoid hallucinations or real manifestations, Jenna must act quickly before Chloe is next…
The Bone Queen has left her mark, and one day she’ll collect.
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2026
56 people are currently reading
25595 people want to read
About the author
Will Shindler
12 books130 followersWill Shindler has been a Broadcast Journalist for the BBC for over twenty-five years, spending a decade working in television drama as a scriptwriter on Born and Bred, The Bill and Doctors.
You can currently find him every weekday on the radio reading the news headlines, whilst writing crime novels in the afternoon. Will has previously worked as a television presenter for HTV, a sports reporter for BBC Radio Five Live, and one of the stadium presenters at the London Olympics.
His debut novel, The Burning Men, will be published by Hodder.
You can currently find him every weekday on the radio reading the news headlines, whilst writing crime novels in the afternoon. Will has previously worked as a television presenter for HTV, a sports reporter for BBC Radio Five Live, and one of the stadium presenters at the London Olympics.
His debut novel, The Burning Men, will be published by Hodder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
May 23, 2025
This spine-tingling, eerie, and absolutely horrifying debut is a knockout start—one that’ll have you sleeping with the lights on, whispering a prayer that the Bone Queen doesn’t mark you next. Blood for blood, she demands.
At its heart, this is a chilling story wrapped around a fractured mother-daughter bond. Jenna Tipton, a disgraced journalist, recovering alcoholic, and newly divorced mom, is trying her best to raise her sixteen-year-old daughter Chloe—who’s been acting strangely. Pale, sleep-deprived, constantly scratching her arms, and haunted by terrifying nightmares, Chloe is spiraling into something dark. After stumbling across a cursed link online, she starts communicating with a mysterious figure who tells her she’s been marked by the Bone Queen. Her only chance at survival? Go to Athelsea. Alone. Leave everything behind.
And she does. Vanishes.
When Jenna discovers her daughter is missing, she follows her digital trail and realizes Chloe may have traveled to Athelsea—a remote, fog-drenched island shrouded in secrets. Accompanied by her supportive sister Hattie, Jenna boards a ferry in pursuit. But the moment they step onto the island, they learn human remains have just been found—believed to belong to Adam Nick, the man once suspected of murdering his wife, Lily Yates, and their baby boy Josh, whose body was never recovered.
As Jenna digs deeper, she encounters a group of locals—Ben Markham, Frank Archer, Katrina, Ruth, and Sheelagh—people who were last seen with Adam. The more questions she asks, the clearer it becomes: this island is haunted by more than ghost stories. The legend of the Bone Queen, an avenging spirit born from the brutal murder of a grieving woman in the 1700s, begins to bleed into Jenna’s reality. According to myth, Eleanor Aubney lost her children to her husband’s drunken rage, was tortured by his friends, and thrown into the lake—only to rise again, collecting the bones of the children of her murderers.
Now, Jenna sees her ghost.
And as the legend warns, the Bone Queen haunts abusive parents. But how is Chloe connected? Why would she be marked? Why are the islanders denying she ever arrived? What links a 20-year-old murder case with Jenna’s daughter? With time running out and visions closing in, Jenna refuses to leave Athelsea without answers—even if it costs her life.
Overall: This is a fresh, gripping, and haunting paranormal thriller set in a claustrophobic island full of secrets. The pacing is tight, the plot twists cleverly layered, and the ending? Absolutely chilling. Will Shindler has made a powerful entrance into the thriller genre, and I cannot wait to see what he conjures up next!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for the digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest review.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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At its heart, this is a chilling story wrapped around a fractured mother-daughter bond. Jenna Tipton, a disgraced journalist, recovering alcoholic, and newly divorced mom, is trying her best to raise her sixteen-year-old daughter Chloe—who’s been acting strangely. Pale, sleep-deprived, constantly scratching her arms, and haunted by terrifying nightmares, Chloe is spiraling into something dark. After stumbling across a cursed link online, she starts communicating with a mysterious figure who tells her she’s been marked by the Bone Queen. Her only chance at survival? Go to Athelsea. Alone. Leave everything behind.
And she does. Vanishes.
When Jenna discovers her daughter is missing, she follows her digital trail and realizes Chloe may have traveled to Athelsea—a remote, fog-drenched island shrouded in secrets. Accompanied by her supportive sister Hattie, Jenna boards a ferry in pursuit. But the moment they step onto the island, they learn human remains have just been found—believed to belong to Adam Nick, the man once suspected of murdering his wife, Lily Yates, and their baby boy Josh, whose body was never recovered.
As Jenna digs deeper, she encounters a group of locals—Ben Markham, Frank Archer, Katrina, Ruth, and Sheelagh—people who were last seen with Adam. The more questions she asks, the clearer it becomes: this island is haunted by more than ghost stories. The legend of the Bone Queen, an avenging spirit born from the brutal murder of a grieving woman in the 1700s, begins to bleed into Jenna’s reality. According to myth, Eleanor Aubney lost her children to her husband’s drunken rage, was tortured by his friends, and thrown into the lake—only to rise again, collecting the bones of the children of her murderers.
Now, Jenna sees her ghost.
And as the legend warns, the Bone Queen haunts abusive parents. But how is Chloe connected? Why would she be marked? Why are the islanders denying she ever arrived? What links a 20-year-old murder case with Jenna’s daughter? With time running out and visions closing in, Jenna refuses to leave Athelsea without answers—even if it costs her life.
Overall: This is a fresh, gripping, and haunting paranormal thriller set in a claustrophobic island full of secrets. The pacing is tight, the plot twists cleverly layered, and the ending? Absolutely chilling. Will Shindler has made a powerful entrance into the thriller genre, and I cannot wait to see what he conjures up next!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books for the digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest review.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
June 8, 2025
❥ My Thoughts & Rating ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
This horror thriller novel debut was a hit! It is chilling and eerie! I was fully immersed in this eerie story while reading it. This novel is captivating, well written and unique! This is a medium paced read that is both plot and character driven. This novel is haunting and dark. It is the nightmarish horror, not the spooky kind of horror. I really enjoyed the characters in this one. My favorite character in the story was Jenna, who is a single mom in the story. The vivid imagery in this novel is great! It has twists and turns that you do not see coming! The only part that felt short for me was the ending. The cover of the book is amazing and it is what initially made me want to read it! Overall, I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating!
❥ Book Synopsis ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
“The Bone Queen” is a novel that centers around a single mother named Jenna. She goes on to search for her missing daughter. Her teenaged daughter named Chloe disappeared from their London home. As this story unfolds, it uncovers buried legends and Jenna ends up exploring a mysterious village. She learns more about the bone queen and its victims.
❥ Who I think would enjoy this book & Content Warnings ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
I think fans of adventurous, dark thriller horror mysteries would really enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include violence and death.
❥ Thank You ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
Thank you to NetGalley, author Will Shindler and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
❥ Publication Date ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
This book is expected to be published on February 3, 2026!
❥ Quick Review ❥
╰┈➤ Horror / Thriller
╰┈➤ Dark & Eerie
╰┈➤ Mysterious Vibes
╰┈➤ A mother searching for her daughter
╰┈➤ Suspenseful
╰┈➤ Uncovers buried legends
╰┈➤ Atmospheric/ Vivid Imagery
╰┈➤ Psychological Unraveling
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
This horror thriller novel debut was a hit! It is chilling and eerie! I was fully immersed in this eerie story while reading it. This novel is captivating, well written and unique! This is a medium paced read that is both plot and character driven. This novel is haunting and dark. It is the nightmarish horror, not the spooky kind of horror. I really enjoyed the characters in this one. My favorite character in the story was Jenna, who is a single mom in the story. The vivid imagery in this novel is great! It has twists and turns that you do not see coming! The only part that felt short for me was the ending. The cover of the book is amazing and it is what initially made me want to read it! Overall, I give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars rating!
❥ Book Synopsis ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
“The Bone Queen” is a novel that centers around a single mother named Jenna. She goes on to search for her missing daughter. Her teenaged daughter named Chloe disappeared from their London home. As this story unfolds, it uncovers buried legends and Jenna ends up exploring a mysterious village. She learns more about the bone queen and its victims.
❥ Who I think would enjoy this book & Content Warnings ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
I think fans of adventurous, dark thriller horror mysteries would really enjoy reading this book! Content warnings include violence and death.
❥ Thank You ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
Thank you to NetGalley, author Will Shindler and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
❥ Publication Date ❥
════ ⋆★⋆ ════
This book is expected to be published on February 3, 2026!
❥ Quick Review ❥
╰┈➤ Horror / Thriller
╰┈➤ Dark & Eerie
╰┈➤ Mysterious Vibes
╰┈➤ A mother searching for her daughter
╰┈➤ Suspenseful
╰┈➤ Uncovers buried legends
╰┈➤ Atmospheric/ Vivid Imagery
╰┈➤ Psychological Unraveling
》* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ * 。° 。 • ˚《
❥ ୨⎯ Connie ⎯୧ ❥
ツ౨ৎ
November 26, 2025
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Will Shindler, and Minotaur Books, and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Eager to delve into great pieces of horror, I accepted this ARC by Will Shindler. Having read some of his work before, I came in with high expectations and hoped to be pulled into the middle of something intense. When Jenna arrives in Athelsea, she has a mission; locate her daughter, Chloe, who disappeared days ago from their London home. Chloe had been acting strangely and the only clue to her whereabouts was a ferry ticket. As Jenna explores the seaside town, she chats with locals and learns about the dark legend of the Bone Queen, an entity that captures people and demands they kill to be released. Jenna had high hopes of finding her daughter, though when bodies turn up around the island, brutally killed and marked by the Bone Queen, hope of finding Chloe keeps dwindling. Soon, Jenna is forced to face the ongoing concern about the entity and her own mental health, all the while hunting for the truth and hoping Chloe is still out there. Shindler makes his mark once more with this piece.
Will Shindler’s past writing is some that I have had trouble putting down. His storytelling abilities are matched with a strong narrative base that keeps the reader interested. This is a mix of thriller and horror genres, masterfully woven together for the reader’s enjoyment. Shindler’s use of varied chapter lengths provide a pace that pulls the reader into the mix as things take a dark turn. The multiple perspectives also help give a full picture quality to the piece. There is much to process in this novel and the reader is soon pulled into the heart of the darkness. Shindler is to be applauded for his hard work!
Characters emerge and provide needed impact to keep the reader curious. Core characters offer development to advance their own storylines, while flavouring the present piece to keep things relevant. Jenna and Chloe push their own perspectives well and add depth to a tense story the reader cannot help but enjoy. Other storylines emerge with characters who take some of the additional spotlight, which enriches the reading experience.
Shindler surprises the reader throughout and creates backstory when needed. Thrilling perspectives provide sharp angles and an ever-evolving story provides significant entertainment. While not overly graphic, the tension mounts and leaves the reader feeling ill at ease, which creates a story that can be enjoyed well into the night. I am ready to explore more or Will Shindler’s work and see if this intensity remains.
Kudos, Mr. Shindler, for another great novel!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Eager to delve into great pieces of horror, I accepted this ARC by Will Shindler. Having read some of his work before, I came in with high expectations and hoped to be pulled into the middle of something intense. When Jenna arrives in Athelsea, she has a mission; locate her daughter, Chloe, who disappeared days ago from their London home. Chloe had been acting strangely and the only clue to her whereabouts was a ferry ticket. As Jenna explores the seaside town, she chats with locals and learns about the dark legend of the Bone Queen, an entity that captures people and demands they kill to be released. Jenna had high hopes of finding her daughter, though when bodies turn up around the island, brutally killed and marked by the Bone Queen, hope of finding Chloe keeps dwindling. Soon, Jenna is forced to face the ongoing concern about the entity and her own mental health, all the while hunting for the truth and hoping Chloe is still out there. Shindler makes his mark once more with this piece.
Will Shindler’s past writing is some that I have had trouble putting down. His storytelling abilities are matched with a strong narrative base that keeps the reader interested. This is a mix of thriller and horror genres, masterfully woven together for the reader’s enjoyment. Shindler’s use of varied chapter lengths provide a pace that pulls the reader into the mix as things take a dark turn. The multiple perspectives also help give a full picture quality to the piece. There is much to process in this novel and the reader is soon pulled into the heart of the darkness. Shindler is to be applauded for his hard work!
Characters emerge and provide needed impact to keep the reader curious. Core characters offer development to advance their own storylines, while flavouring the present piece to keep things relevant. Jenna and Chloe push their own perspectives well and add depth to a tense story the reader cannot help but enjoy. Other storylines emerge with characters who take some of the additional spotlight, which enriches the reading experience.
Shindler surprises the reader throughout and creates backstory when needed. Thrilling perspectives provide sharp angles and an ever-evolving story provides significant entertainment. While not overly graphic, the tension mounts and leaves the reader feeling ill at ease, which creates a story that can be enjoyed well into the night. I am ready to explore more or Will Shindler’s work and see if this intensity remains.
Kudos, Mr. Shindler, for another great novel!
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 ⭐
The Bone Queen was a very atmospheric read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I mean who doesn't love a mystery on a spooky island that has a dark history?
While I liked this, I didn't love it. I liked the folklore it gave us about the island, but found the conclusion a little lackluster and missing that folklore creepiness it initially gave us. It just didn't live up to the hype the book was giving throughout.
» Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books | NetGalley for an eARC of this book! «
❗ Expected Publication Date: February 3, 2026
The Bone Queen was a very atmospheric read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I mean who doesn't love a mystery on a spooky island that has a dark history?
While I liked this, I didn't love it. I liked the folklore it gave us about the island, but found the conclusion a little lackluster and missing that folklore creepiness it initially gave us. It just didn't live up to the hype the book was giving throughout.
» Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books | NetGalley for an eARC of this book! «
❗ Expected Publication Date: February 3, 2026
December 9, 2025
A missing daughter? A spooky, gothic island with a dark history? I was so excited to jump into this one.
It's a fast start - 2 sisters arrive on the island looking for the missing teenager. There are lots of characters and, pretty quick, a few POV and it was a tangle at first to keep it all straight. You're getting the spooky history of the island all while the sisters search and it rounded out the story to try to pull all the strings together.
But, I just never felt pulled in. I kept wondering how this all worked, why it was working out the way it did and I just couldn't wrap my head around why a teenager would go along with any of this. I never felt the gothic creepy factor and had wanted the ghost story part of it to feel a little more present.
It was a quick read, and one that had an interesting idea, but it just never seemed to pull together for me. I wanted to love it but it just wasn't my jam.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
It's a fast start - 2 sisters arrive on the island looking for the missing teenager. There are lots of characters and, pretty quick, a few POV and it was a tangle at first to keep it all straight. You're getting the spooky history of the island all while the sisters search and it rounded out the story to try to pull all the strings together.
But, I just never felt pulled in. I kept wondering how this all worked, why it was working out the way it did and I just couldn't wrap my head around why a teenager would go along with any of this. I never felt the gothic creepy factor and had wanted the ghost story part of it to feel a little more present.
It was a quick read, and one that had an interesting idea, but it just never seemed to pull together for me. I wanted to love it but it just wasn't my jam.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 24, 2025
The Bone Queen by Will Shindler is a grisly, atmospheric horror‑thriller that blends folklore, small‑town mystery, and a mother’s desperate fight against both real and supernatural forces. The story begins when Jenna Tipton, a single mother and former journalist, follows the sudden disappearance of her teenage daughter Chloe from their London home to the fog‑shrouded isle of Athelsea after clues point there. Once on the island, she discovers a creepy local legend about a vengeful entity known as the Bone Queen, whispered among villagers and tied to decades‑old deaths and disappearances.
As Jenna probes deeper, pacing through eerie beaches, murky woods, and tight‑lipped locals bones wash ashore, secrets surface, and reality blurs into terrifying possibility. The novel alternates viewpoints and timelines, weaving psychological dread and supernatural menace as the hunt for Chloe becomes a race against both time and legend.
What lingered most with me is how haunting and uncanny the island setting feels: Athelsea becomes a character in its own right, with fog‑bound paths and whispers redolent of old, buried horrors that seep into characters’ minds and memories. Jenna’s relentless maternal fear and guilt ground the horror in real emotional stakes, making her fear of losing Chloe feel both gut‑wrenching and believable. The Bone Queen legend itself, an avenging spirit tied to past sins and the bones of victims gives the story a creepy folklore backbone that keeps the atmosphere tense and unsettling as layers of village history and personal loss intertwine.
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars. I’m giving The Bone Queen three stars because it delivers genuinely creepy folklore terror and a gripping emotional core in Jenna’s pursuit of her daughter, even if its conclusion doesn’t fully live up to the eerie promise of its early chapters.
For fans of atmospheric horror steeped in myth, isolated settings, and emotional suspense rooted in love and fear, this debut novel is a memorable, spooky journey that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
As Jenna probes deeper, pacing through eerie beaches, murky woods, and tight‑lipped locals bones wash ashore, secrets surface, and reality blurs into terrifying possibility. The novel alternates viewpoints and timelines, weaving psychological dread and supernatural menace as the hunt for Chloe becomes a race against both time and legend.
What lingered most with me is how haunting and uncanny the island setting feels: Athelsea becomes a character in its own right, with fog‑bound paths and whispers redolent of old, buried horrors that seep into characters’ minds and memories. Jenna’s relentless maternal fear and guilt ground the horror in real emotional stakes, making her fear of losing Chloe feel both gut‑wrenching and believable. The Bone Queen legend itself, an avenging spirit tied to past sins and the bones of victims gives the story a creepy folklore backbone that keeps the atmosphere tense and unsettling as layers of village history and personal loss intertwine.
My rating: 3 out of 5 stars. I’m giving The Bone Queen three stars because it delivers genuinely creepy folklore terror and a gripping emotional core in Jenna’s pursuit of her daughter, even if its conclusion doesn’t fully live up to the eerie promise of its early chapters.
For fans of atmospheric horror steeped in myth, isolated settings, and emotional suspense rooted in love and fear, this debut novel is a memorable, spooky journey that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
May 24, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review
3.5 stars rounded up.
I really enjoyed my time in this world with these characters. From when Jenna steps onto the island the atmosphere just thrusts you into a creepy, foggy, small town world. The island itself is built out into its own character and its a nice way to get lost in the world.
Overall the story was heavier on the horror side than I expected and that ended up being my favorite part. The story is told out of order, flashing back to the weeks and days before Chloe's disappearance and it keeps you moving through it very easily.
It just ended up being the ending that fell a little flat for me, as most do in this genre. A lot of strong build up for what becomes a page climax, but I still enjoyed the journey and the characters that were introduced. If you are a fan of mystery horrors you will enjoy this book!
3.5 stars rounded up.
I really enjoyed my time in this world with these characters. From when Jenna steps onto the island the atmosphere just thrusts you into a creepy, foggy, small town world. The island itself is built out into its own character and its a nice way to get lost in the world.
Overall the story was heavier on the horror side than I expected and that ended up being my favorite part. The story is told out of order, flashing back to the weeks and days before Chloe's disappearance and it keeps you moving through it very easily.
It just ended up being the ending that fell a little flat for me, as most do in this genre. A lot of strong build up for what becomes a page climax, but I still enjoyed the journey and the characters that were introduced. If you are a fan of mystery horrors you will enjoy this book!
July 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for an ARC of The Bone Queen.
When I read the description of this book I had high hopes for a great read, but for a book with so many murders it was actually quite boring and not at all scary. My biggest problem was the characters didn't have enough dimension for me to care about what happened to them and the ending felt anticlimactic. A unique idea for a story, but one that definitely missed the mark for me.
2.5 stars
When I read the description of this book I had high hopes for a great read, but for a book with so many murders it was actually quite boring and not at all scary. My biggest problem was the characters didn't have enough dimension for me to care about what happened to them and the ending felt anticlimactic. A unique idea for a story, but one that definitely missed the mark for me.
2.5 stars
February 10, 2026
Rough draft - 3.5
#ad much love for my finished copy @stmartinspress #SMPEarlyReaders
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
The Bone Queen
‼️ In shadows deep the Bone Queen sleeps, Beware the night when shadows creep,
For in her gaze the lost bones weep. (Quote for review post) ‼️
Awe 🥹 You know I have a soft spot for author’s who have lost their mothers. What a beautiful but sad dedication 🫶🏻
Once the Bone Queen has marked you, she’ll be coming for you and you’ll never be rid of her. You’re SOL.
Athelsea Island was once the site of a jail. Until tragedy struck and they were forced to shut it down for good. All that remains there is a tree and an urban legend which grew from there. The jail closed down and it was just left to decay.
The Bone Queen, a legend among the island’s inhabitants. Kids dress up as her for Halloween, but the adults know the more haunting story. On Gallows Hill sits a tree, a tree that saw many convicts hung, a tree with a special marking on it. Rumored to be HER mark.
The Bone Queen by Will Shindler is a haunting and atmospheric-mystery that will chill you to your bones.
I liked this one.
Jenna and Hattie (sisters) - looking for Chloe - Jenna’s daughter - she disappeared a week ago and is only 16 yrs old.
Alternating timelines/povs
🎧: Also followed along to the audio and really enjoyed it. Def recommend you give this book a listen. Tamsin Kennard did a phenomenal job bringing this book to life.
If you love atmospheric mysteries with folklore vibes, dark island settings, and emotional family threads mixed into the suspense - this one will absolutely chill you to your bones.
𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖:
✓ Rat king
✓ Gray hairs by mid-40’s is premature??? 😂
✓ Had to google what a jacket potato is 🫣
✓
✓
✓
Relationship between mother/daughter
#ad much love for my finished copy @stmartinspress #SMPEarlyReaders
& @macmillan.audio #partner for the ALC
The Bone Queen
‼️ In shadows deep the Bone Queen sleeps, Beware the night when shadows creep,
For in her gaze the lost bones weep. (Quote for review post) ‼️
Awe 🥹 You know I have a soft spot for author’s who have lost their mothers. What a beautiful but sad dedication 🫶🏻
Once the Bone Queen has marked you, she’ll be coming for you and you’ll never be rid of her. You’re SOL.
Athelsea Island was once the site of a jail. Until tragedy struck and they were forced to shut it down for good. All that remains there is a tree and an urban legend which grew from there. The jail closed down and it was just left to decay.
The Bone Queen, a legend among the island’s inhabitants. Kids dress up as her for Halloween, but the adults know the more haunting story. On Gallows Hill sits a tree, a tree that saw many convicts hung, a tree with a special marking on it. Rumored to be HER mark.
The Bone Queen by Will Shindler is a haunting and atmospheric-mystery that will chill you to your bones.
I liked this one.
Jenna and Hattie (sisters) - looking for Chloe - Jenna’s daughter - she disappeared a week ago and is only 16 yrs old.
Alternating timelines/povs
🎧: Also followed along to the audio and really enjoyed it. Def recommend you give this book a listen. Tamsin Kennard did a phenomenal job bringing this book to life.
If you love atmospheric mysteries with folklore vibes, dark island settings, and emotional family threads mixed into the suspense - this one will absolutely chill you to your bones.
𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕒𝕓𝕝𝕖:
✓ Rat king
✓ Gray hairs by mid-40’s is premature??? 😂
✓ Had to google what a jacket potato is 🫣
✓
✓
✓
Relationship between mother/daughter
February 10, 2026
Single mother Jenna follows the trail of her missing daughter, Chloe, to an eerie secluded island. Athelsea itself reflects how strange Chloe’s behavior was prior to her disappearance. But as bodies begin to appear, Jenna quickly learns the island is writhing with dark legends and grief.
The atmosphere blew me away. It’s exactly what I look for in a mystery/thriller. Tension in the air, murky and filled with secrets. The story is told in multiple perspectives. To be honest, it was hard to grasp at first. Tamsin Kennard, the narrator, was phenomenal on managing these different points of view. This was my first time reading from this author. Shindler knows how to pull the reader in. It definitely reads like a detective novel. Every nook and cranny I was searching for the puzzle pieces just like Jenna. The book definitely still has its horror moments. More like a scrumptious treat than a main focus.
Although the atmosphere and mysterious folklore had my interest, I had a disconnect. I can 100% praise Jenna for what she did. The police were no help and she took matters into her own hands when her life was in shambles. Really pulls on that mother-daughter connection. The suspense amplifies the further you get in. What disappointed me was that ultimate climate was about two to three chapters. The reader certainly sees what is about to happen while the two MCs have no idea until the moment. Overall a fun, quick and eerie read.
Thank you to Will Shindler, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.
The atmosphere blew me away. It’s exactly what I look for in a mystery/thriller. Tension in the air, murky and filled with secrets. The story is told in multiple perspectives. To be honest, it was hard to grasp at first. Tamsin Kennard, the narrator, was phenomenal on managing these different points of view. This was my first time reading from this author. Shindler knows how to pull the reader in. It definitely reads like a detective novel. Every nook and cranny I was searching for the puzzle pieces just like Jenna. The book definitely still has its horror moments. More like a scrumptious treat than a main focus.
Although the atmosphere and mysterious folklore had my interest, I had a disconnect. I can 100% praise Jenna for what she did. The police were no help and she took matters into her own hands when her life was in shambles. Really pulls on that mother-daughter connection. The suspense amplifies the further you get in. What disappointed me was that ultimate climate was about two to three chapters. The reader certainly sees what is about to happen while the two MCs have no idea until the moment. Overall a fun, quick and eerie read.
Thank you to Will Shindler, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for providing me with an ALC in exchange for my honest opinions.
February 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this fantasy horror story about a mystical bone queen who will take the bones of those that don't belong to be here. The setting was very eerie, and the narration was really good. I would definitely read another book by this author. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this audiobook, in return for an honest review.
February 6, 2026
3.5 stars
November 10, 2025
About a week before Halloween I was looking for a horror book to read, and NetGalley offered me this one. I was a mess with the technical details, so I ended up not starting it until Halloween. Too bad, but totally my fault.
I really enjoyed it. There were 2 or 3 times when I got goosebumps all over, and I think once the hairs on my arms stood straight up. That's pretty much what I'm looking for in a horror novel. Some reviewers didn't like the ending, and I was a little leery going in because "sticking the landing" is really hard, but I thought it was very well done.
I really enjoyed it. There were 2 or 3 times when I got goosebumps all over, and I think once the hairs on my arms stood straight up. That's pretty much what I'm looking for in a horror novel. Some reviewers didn't like the ending, and I was a little leery going in because "sticking the landing" is really hard, but I thought it was very well done.
January 13, 2026
I had a really hard time staying engaged with this novel and actually wanted to DNF quite a few times. After thinking on it for a while, I think that it just lacks emotional depth. The story revolves around a mother looking for her run away child, but I just didn't get the vibe that the mother cared that much about the kid. It just made it hard for me to care about the characters. It also reads more like a mystery novel, which I'm not too fond of. As for the mythology surrounding The Bone Queen, it was fantastic and well thought out. The author seamlessly stitches scenes together to create an almost fever dream feel that you don't even know you're in until you're in it.
I did take the time to read the author's afterword, and I would like to say that this is his first American published novel (and first horror novel). Schindler usually writes police procedural stories. Knowing that I'd like to applaud Schindler on his first horror novel and the very creative kill scenes included in this novel. I am going to say that those that aren't used to reading horror may want to tread lightly because they are quite realistic.
If you enjoy mystery/thrillers that take place on an island, this one is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and
Minotaur Books for providing an eARC of The Bone Queen prior to publication. Expected Pub Date: February 3, 2026.**
I did take the time to read the author's afterword, and I would like to say that this is his first American published novel (and first horror novel). Schindler usually writes police procedural stories. Knowing that I'd like to applaud Schindler on his first horror novel and the very creative kill scenes included in this novel. I am going to say that those that aren't used to reading horror may want to tread lightly because they are quite realistic.
If you enjoy mystery/thrillers that take place on an island, this one is for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and
Minotaur Books for providing an eARC of The Bone Queen prior to publication. Expected Pub Date: February 3, 2026.**
January 15, 2026
I did enjoy this more than I thought I would, but it still wasn’t my favorite. This hits very middle of the road in my opinion.
The author does a great job of building suspense and writing eerie imagery. There are a few scenes that were fairly creepy and kept me interested to figure out what was going on. The Bone Queen herself was creepy!
I didn’t really enjoy any of the characters. It was hard to get attached to any of them or root for anyone. I also thought the ending was a little disappointing. It was rushed and lacked the eerie feelings we get in the beginning. It feels so out of place and unanswered.
The audiobook version of this story I thought was very well done. I really enjoyed the narrator. Listening to the audiobook definitely kept my interest going and motivated me to finish this book.
Overall, this wasn’t for me. I felt that the ending was missing something and was rushed. I also would have liked to see more character development to get attached and root for them! I will give the author credit though that their writing style was good, they can write some good creepy scenes for sure! This would honestly probably do very well as a movie!
***Thank you so much to NetGalley, St Martins Press, and Minotaur Books for the eARC as well as Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The author does a great job of building suspense and writing eerie imagery. There are a few scenes that were fairly creepy and kept me interested to figure out what was going on. The Bone Queen herself was creepy!
I didn’t really enjoy any of the characters. It was hard to get attached to any of them or root for anyone. I also thought the ending was a little disappointing. It was rushed and lacked the eerie feelings we get in the beginning. It feels so out of place and unanswered.
The audiobook version of this story I thought was very well done. I really enjoyed the narrator. Listening to the audiobook definitely kept my interest going and motivated me to finish this book.
Overall, this wasn’t for me. I felt that the ending was missing something and was rushed. I also would have liked to see more character development to get attached and root for them! I will give the author credit though that their writing style was good, they can write some good creepy scenes for sure! This would honestly probably do very well as a movie!
***Thank you so much to NetGalley, St Martins Press, and Minotaur Books for the eARC as well as Macmillan Audio for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 30, 2025
The Bone Queen, by Will Shindler, was a chilling story, The reader follows Jenna’s who is desperate to find her missing daughter, Chloe, and ventures to a remote foggy island which feels creepy. The residents whisper about the bone queen. The slow atmosphere drew me into the story. Houses were built over centuries old prison. A witch legend involving children consumes the town. There are mysterious bones and deaths. All of this peaks my interest and chills me to the bone.
Besides an excellent setting, the characters were well developed. As Jenna digs deeper into the legend because it could be the key to finding Chloe, emotions as a grieving mother jumped off the page. Readers may sense unease and foreboding among the residents.
The Bone Queen is told out of order. The reader follows Jenna on her search for Chloe and also flashes back to the weeks and days before Chloe’s disappearance. As the timeline shifts, Shindler builds atmosphere and storyline. The Bone Queen is a slow burn that I enjoyed lot. A great ghost story. Perfect for chilly winter nights.
I really enjoyed the characters and atmosphere in The Bone Queen. It is a great story for fans of atmospheric horror. If you are looking for a faster paced book. This might not be the book for you.
Besides an excellent setting, the characters were well developed. As Jenna digs deeper into the legend because it could be the key to finding Chloe, emotions as a grieving mother jumped off the page. Readers may sense unease and foreboding among the residents.
The Bone Queen is told out of order. The reader follows Jenna on her search for Chloe and also flashes back to the weeks and days before Chloe’s disappearance. As the timeline shifts, Shindler builds atmosphere and storyline. The Bone Queen is a slow burn that I enjoyed lot. A great ghost story. Perfect for chilly winter nights.
I really enjoyed the characters and atmosphere in The Bone Queen. It is a great story for fans of atmospheric horror. If you are looking for a faster paced book. This might not be the book for you.
January 25, 2026
I was really into the first half of this book. The atmosphere was eerie, the premise pulled me in, and the emotional stakes around a missing child genuinely worked. The slow-burn tension had me invested and expecting a strong payoff.
Unfortunately, the latter half fell short for me. The story lost some of its momentum, and the horror elements didn’t land as hard as I hoped. While the folklore and mood stayed interesting, the resolution didn’t quite match the promise of the setup.
Overall, a solid read with a strong start, but the ending kept it from being a standout.
Unfortunately, the latter half fell short for me. The story lost some of its momentum, and the horror elements didn’t land as hard as I hoped. While the folklore and mood stayed interesting, the resolution didn’t quite match the promise of the setup.
Overall, a solid read with a strong start, but the ending kept it from being a standout.
January 18, 2026
This one was fun and really interesting. I loved the setting and narration. The supernatural aspect was sinister and delightful. It lost a little momentum for me here and there but overall it was an enjoyable listen.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The moment I started The Bone Queen and I was pulled in and just couldn't stop because.....the moment you know about the Bone Queen, she knows about you.
What a tagline!!! Who wouldn't want to read a book with a tagline like that?
I felt The Bone Queen was super fast-paced with short chapters and not a ton of characters, I didn't forget who was who.
We follow Jenna in search for her daughter Chloe who is in search of the Bone Queen. Along the way we get to hear the creepy folk tale about the Bone Queen and all the lives she had touched.
I was able to listen to this book in less than 2 days and it was worth it. I wouldn't say it was a horror but definitely was scary at times. I recommend this read late at night.
I want to Thank NetGalley St. Martin's Press and Will Shindler for an audio arc in exchange for my honest review.
What a tagline!!! Who wouldn't want to read a book with a tagline like that?
I felt The Bone Queen was super fast-paced with short chapters and not a ton of characters, I didn't forget who was who.
We follow Jenna in search for her daughter Chloe who is in search of the Bone Queen. Along the way we get to hear the creepy folk tale about the Bone Queen and all the lives she had touched.
I was able to listen to this book in less than 2 days and it was worth it. I wouldn't say it was a horror but definitely was scary at times. I recommend this read late at night.
I want to Thank NetGalley St. Martin's Press and Will Shindler for an audio arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2026
I have thoughts. 3 to 3.5 star rating. I was interested and I wanted to discover the mystery of The Bone Queen by Will Shindler. The ending felt super rushed. I was certainly eye rolling at least 2 major things that were introduced but only lightly explained. I’m the type of reader that is irritated and left questioning why the author did this. I did enjoy the narration by Tamsin Kennard. ALC was provided by Macmillan Audio. I received an advance listening copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2025
Will Shindler's debut The Bone Queen expertly weaves a chilling tale of grief, legend, and lurking evil that will keep you on edge from start to finish. Jenna's desperate journey to find her missing daughter on the eerie shores of Athelsea is haunted by more than just her own fears — there's an ancient, deadly secret lurking beneath the village’s tranquil facade. From the moment Jenna steps onto the island, the atmosphere thickens with foreboding. The locals speak in hushed whispers about the vengeful Bone Queen, a figure shrouded in myth and bloodshed, whose presence seems to seep into every shadow and whisper of the wind. As Jenna digs deeper into the legend, reality begins to warp, blending paranoia with supernatural menace. Is she hallucinating? Or is the legend truly alive and hungry? Shindler masterfully crafts a tense, atmospheric story that balances psychological suspense with folklore horror. The characters are layered, and Jenna's desperation feels palpable as she fights against forces she barely can comprehend, risking her sanity and, perhaps, her life to save her daughter. While the plot occasionally leans into familiar tropes of cursed legends and isolated villages, Shindler’s skillful storytelling — along with some genuinely creepy moments — elevates the novel beyond typical horror fare. The ending provides a satisfying climax that leaves readers questioning what’s real and what’s myth, making The Bone Queen a haunting read that lingers long after the final page. Overall, a strong debut that’s perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and folklore gone awry. A solid 3.5 stars — rounded up for its chilling atmosphere and suspenseful storytelling.
February 8, 2026
There’s nothing a mother won’t do to protect her child. For single mom Jenna, that means traveling from London to the remote shores of Athelsea in search of her teenage daughter, Chloe. Jenna knows Chloe was struggling after the divorce. If she’s honest, her daughter had been struggling long before that, but the changes of the past few weeks felt different. Chloe seemed withdrawn, almost haunted. When Jenna discovers a ferry ticket to Athelsea, it’s the only lead she has, and she clings to it.
The village itself offers little comfort. As Jenna searches for answers, she’s met with lingering stares and hushed conversations that abruptly stop when she draws near. Everyone seems to know something, but no one is willing to say it outright. Her desperation finally yields a name whispered with unease: the Bone Queen. At first, Jenna dismisses it as nothing more than a local legend, a story meant to frighten outsiders and children alike.
But the fear etched into the villagers’ faces tells a different story. As Jenna learns about the deaths and disappearances that have plagued Athelsea for decades, her certainty begins to erode. The line between folklore and reality grows thinner, paranoia creeping in where logic once held firm. And as her grip on reality starts to slip, Jenna realizes there’s no line she won’t cross to protect her daughter, especially if the Bone Queen is real.
Will Shindler makes his horror debut with a terrifying missing-person story that immediately got under my skin. He blends the procedural pull of an investigation with folkloric legend and richly drawn characters, creating a page-turner that feels grounded even as the uncanny begins to seep in. The Bone Queen is unsettling precisely because it dares readers to question what, if anything, can truly be believed. That lingering sense of possibility worms its way into your thoughts, forcing you to confront horrors that may or may not be real.
Yes, there’s plenty of overt creepiness on the page, but the novel’s real power lies in how quietly it gets under your skin, how your own imagination begins to do some of the work for it. I was glued to every page, unable to stop reading even as the sense of dread steadily intensified. It all builds to an ending that feels satisfying yet unsettling—one that leaves you wondering whether the story is truly over, or if something far more sinister still lies in waiting just out of sight.
The village itself offers little comfort. As Jenna searches for answers, she’s met with lingering stares and hushed conversations that abruptly stop when she draws near. Everyone seems to know something, but no one is willing to say it outright. Her desperation finally yields a name whispered with unease: the Bone Queen. At first, Jenna dismisses it as nothing more than a local legend, a story meant to frighten outsiders and children alike.
But the fear etched into the villagers’ faces tells a different story. As Jenna learns about the deaths and disappearances that have plagued Athelsea for decades, her certainty begins to erode. The line between folklore and reality grows thinner, paranoia creeping in where logic once held firm. And as her grip on reality starts to slip, Jenna realizes there’s no line she won’t cross to protect her daughter, especially if the Bone Queen is real.
Will Shindler makes his horror debut with a terrifying missing-person story that immediately got under my skin. He blends the procedural pull of an investigation with folkloric legend and richly drawn characters, creating a page-turner that feels grounded even as the uncanny begins to seep in. The Bone Queen is unsettling precisely because it dares readers to question what, if anything, can truly be believed. That lingering sense of possibility worms its way into your thoughts, forcing you to confront horrors that may or may not be real.
Yes, there’s plenty of overt creepiness on the page, but the novel’s real power lies in how quietly it gets under your skin, how your own imagination begins to do some of the work for it. I was glued to every page, unable to stop reading even as the sense of dread steadily intensified. It all builds to an ending that feels satisfying yet unsettling—one that leaves you wondering whether the story is truly over, or if something far more sinister still lies in waiting just out of sight.
December 22, 2025
3.5 stars
In horror, mystery, and thriller, I love a creepy, isolated location where the locals have their own set of beliefs, rituals, lore, and devotion to each other and NOT to you, the fateful outsider who comes to solve their troubles in these places. Well, you've seen _Wicker Man_ and its peers. We've all been warned!
Jenna is that outsider who comes to - in this case, Althesea - that creepy, isolated locale, for a good reason. Her daughter, Chloe, is missing, and since she is a teen who maybe believes she has been marked by the titular Bone Queen, she likely needs several kinds of assistance. The trouble is that Jenna, who is referred to more than once as clever, does not prove her assertions with actions and realizations as quickly as one may expect.
The location is great, and the lore of The Bone Queen is an intriguing backdrop for the central mystery. The Bone Queen apparently marks children whose parents are less than stellar, which encourages readers to wonder what's so concerning about Jenna's parenting that her daughter has been targeted by a supernatural entity to punish her (Jenna). This nuance made me more interested in how things were evolving than I'd have been with just the basic unfolding mystery.
I found it tough but not impossible to root for Jenna and enjoyed the directions this plot took overall. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
In horror, mystery, and thriller, I love a creepy, isolated location where the locals have their own set of beliefs, rituals, lore, and devotion to each other and NOT to you, the fateful outsider who comes to solve their troubles in these places. Well, you've seen _Wicker Man_ and its peers. We've all been warned!
Jenna is that outsider who comes to - in this case, Althesea - that creepy, isolated locale, for a good reason. Her daughter, Chloe, is missing, and since she is a teen who maybe believes she has been marked by the titular Bone Queen, she likely needs several kinds of assistance. The trouble is that Jenna, who is referred to more than once as clever, does not prove her assertions with actions and realizations as quickly as one may expect.
The location is great, and the lore of The Bone Queen is an intriguing backdrop for the central mystery. The Bone Queen apparently marks children whose parents are less than stellar, which encourages readers to wonder what's so concerning about Jenna's parenting that her daughter has been targeted by a supernatural entity to punish her (Jenna). This nuance made me more interested in how things were evolving than I'd have been with just the basic unfolding mystery.
I found it tough but not impossible to root for Jenna and enjoyed the directions this plot took overall. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
*Special thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for this arc and alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 6, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. The Bone Queen by Will Shindler is a spine tingling story about a mother searching for her missing daughter. She's followed her daughter to an island after finding a couple of notes that pointed her in that direction. Upon arrival, bones washing a shore have the entire island spooked. As more deaths occur, Jenna (mother) continues to hunt for her daughter Chloe, and can feel that something evil is lurking. It's clear to her that stories of The Bone Queen have a hold on the island. On the other hand, a group of friends who long ago were with another victim on the day she died, are hiding secrets and trying to find their own answers.
The characters in this book are well-rounded. Their story expands past the haunting of the island and therefore gives insight into why they take the actions they do. I was rooting for Jenna, it was clear that she had overcame some difficult times and just wanted to be better, and her missing daughter is a tipping point for her.
The time jumps from past to now in this novel are well-placed and added to the eerie mystery in a perfect way. I appreciate an unravelling history that lands the current storyline to a critical point. Overall, a great horror story.
The characters in this book are well-rounded. Their story expands past the haunting of the island and therefore gives insight into why they take the actions they do. I was rooting for Jenna, it was clear that she had overcame some difficult times and just wanted to be better, and her missing daughter is a tipping point for her.
The time jumps from past to now in this novel are well-placed and added to the eerie mystery in a perfect way. I appreciate an unravelling history that lands the current storyline to a critical point. Overall, a great horror story.
February 5, 2026
The Bone Queen is the author’s first horror novel and the first book of his I’ve read. At the end in the acknowledgements he mentions it is his first book to be published in the US. It was an ok read. The overall setting and story were very interesting. I’d have liked more character development especially of The Bone Queen. Also more history and description for Athelsea too. If you don’t usually read horror I think you’d be ok with this one. If, like me, you like horror I’d say this is light horror. It was a pretty short and fast read as well.
**Thanks to the author and Minotaur Books for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
**Thanks to the author and Minotaur Books for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**
February 10, 2026
I saw this cover and instantly fell in love. I couldn't wait to start listening to this story and it didn't disappoint.
I feel like The Bone Queen was an awesome debut and Shindler has a bright future in the horror community. The storyline and atmosphere create a very spooky and entertaining tale. It gave me spooky-pasta vibes and I loved the folklore behind The Bone Queen. She is definitely a villain/ monster that I would never want to be marked by.
As far as narration goes there is a singular narrator and she has a wonderful voice. I listened to this book in one sitting.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
I feel like The Bone Queen was an awesome debut and Shindler has a bright future in the horror community. The storyline and atmosphere create a very spooky and entertaining tale. It gave me spooky-pasta vibes and I loved the folklore behind The Bone Queen. She is definitely a villain/ monster that I would never want to be marked by.
As far as narration goes there is a singular narrator and she has a wonderful voice. I listened to this book in one sitting.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2026
“The Bone Queen has left her mark, and one day she’ll collect.”
This was a wild and creepy ride.
Release date: 2/3/2026
Dark, creepy island ✔️
Little town with a creepy past ✔️
Mother and daughter with a strained relationship ✔️
Townspeople getting spooked ✔️
This was a perfect mix of spooky, thriller, a dash of horror, and fun whodunnit!
Highly recommend the audio! Tamsin Kennard did a fantastic job bringing the characters and the story to life! Perfect mix of creepy in her voice!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
This was a wild and creepy ride.
Release date: 2/3/2026
Dark, creepy island ✔️
Little town with a creepy past ✔️
Mother and daughter with a strained relationship ✔️
Townspeople getting spooked ✔️
This was a perfect mix of spooky, thriller, a dash of horror, and fun whodunnit!
Highly recommend the audio! Tamsin Kennard did a fantastic job bringing the characters and the story to life! Perfect mix of creepy in her voice!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC!
June 10, 2025
I was thrilled to be accepted for the arc for this book (my first ever acceptance!) so I devoured this in one sitting. I felt totally immersed in this world and its characters from start to finish and was entirely shocked at every twist and reveal. This book had me on the edge of my seat and never had a dull moment. It fell more in the mystery genre than what I’m used to but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. If you love a scary folk tale you’ll love this book!
July 13, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. The world building was on point and there was never a time that the book slowed down. The third person and multiple POV's were so refreshing after reading so many first person and single POV books. You could really feel the sense of urgency as Jenna is trying to find her daughter. I love the plot twists in this. The ending gave me cold chills for hours.
A big thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
A big thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 13, 2026
A creepy don’t read at night before you go to bed book. At first it starts off reminding me of the late 90s horror movie the ring. I can totally see this as a movie but by the end the last 30 pages in my opinion went by too fast with the ending being wrapped up too quickly. After the journey of getting to the end and figuring out all the pieces and where the belonged that quick ending left me feeling like I was spinning to fast in the haste that the story wrapped up
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