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Needle and Bone
She saw a murder. Now the ghost won't let her forget—and the killer won't let her live.
Philadelphia, 1841. Seventeen-year-old Annis Hargrave is running from a nightmare. She and her brother have fled New York, burdened by secrets, grief, and the cursed blue pearl that may have brought death in its wake. But the past refuses to stay buried.
Offered work as a medical illustrator by the enigmatic Dr. Thomas Mütter, Annis enters a world of surgical marvels and grotesque beauty. There, amid bottled organs and broken bodies, she begins to rebuild her shattered life—until the ghost of the girl she couldn’t save begins to appear. And the man who killed isn’t far behind.
As bodies begin to fall and her brother is taken, Annis must descend into the eerie depths of Mütter’s surgical amphitheater—The Pit—for a final confrontation with the monster who haunts her…
Darkly atmospheric and emotionally gripping, Needle and Bone is a gothic tale of guilt, vengeance, and a girl’s fight to reclaim her soul from the shadows.
Philadelphia, 1841. Seventeen-year-old Annis Hargrave is running from a nightmare. She and her brother have fled New York, burdened by secrets, grief, and the cursed blue pearl that may have brought death in its wake. But the past refuses to stay buried.
Offered work as a medical illustrator by the enigmatic Dr. Thomas Mütter, Annis enters a world of surgical marvels and grotesque beauty. There, amid bottled organs and broken bodies, she begins to rebuild her shattered life—until the ghost of the girl she couldn’t save begins to appear. And the man who killed isn’t far behind.
As bodies begin to fall and her brother is taken, Annis must descend into the eerie depths of Mütter’s surgical amphitheater—The Pit—for a final confrontation with the monster who haunts her…
Darkly atmospheric and emotionally gripping, Needle and Bone is a gothic tale of guilt, vengeance, and a girl’s fight to reclaim her soul from the shadows.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2025
43 people are currently reading
302 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Mitchell
4 books143 followersEver since reading Jane Eyre in high school, Tonya has been drawn to dark stories, particularly of the gothic variety. Her influences include Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, and Bram Stoker. More contemporarily, she loves the work of Shirley Jackson, Agatha Christie, Victoria Holt, Margaret Atwood, and Laura Purcell.
When she landed on a story about a woman who pretended to be insane in order to write a newspaper story, she knew she’d landed on something she was meant to write.
Tonya received her BA in journalism from Indiana University. Her short fiction has appeared in The Copperfield Review, Words Undone, and The Front Porch Review, as well as in various anthologies, including Furtive Dalliance, Welcome to Elsewhere, and Glimmer and Other Stories and Poems, for which she won the Cinnamon Press award in fiction.
She is a self-professed Anglophile and is obsessed with all things relating to the Victorian period. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society North America and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and three wildly energetic sons.
A Feigned Madness is her first novel.
When she landed on a story about a woman who pretended to be insane in order to write a newspaper story, she knew she’d landed on something she was meant to write.
Tonya received her BA in journalism from Indiana University. Her short fiction has appeared in The Copperfield Review, Words Undone, and The Front Porch Review, as well as in various anthologies, including Furtive Dalliance, Welcome to Elsewhere, and Glimmer and Other Stories and Poems, for which she won the Cinnamon Press award in fiction.
She is a self-professed Anglophile and is obsessed with all things relating to the Victorian period. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society North America and resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with her husband and three wildly energetic sons.
A Feigned Madness is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 20, 2025
In a Nutshell: A historical suspense with mild elements of thriller, paranormal and romance. Fabulous storyline, great characters, excellent historical content, outstanding atmosphere. Medium-paced for the most way. Though a couple of things could have gone better for me, I enjoyed this read. Gripping all the way. Much recommended! DON’T READ THE GR BLURB!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
PSA: Please do NOT read the GR blurb. It reveals almost the entire plot, including details of the final confrontation.
Bookish Yays:
👻 The chilling prologue. I love it when prologues do exactly what they are supposed to without rehashing a scene from the main chapters.
👻 Annis as the lead. Given that she is so young, she can be terribly naïve at times. I often felt like shaking some sense into her. But her behaviour, a mix of reliable and reckless, comes across as believable considering her age and family circumstances. I loved her gumption and her independent spirit.
👻 Dr. Mütter. What an outstanding character! And to learn that he is the fictionalised version of an actual doctor in 1840s Philadelphia whose work can still be seen in a museum – wow!
👻 The antagonist – Brrrr! So creepy! I had to push myself through some of their chapters because they gave me the jitters.
👻 Most of the other characters, whether in major or minor roles, still come across convincingly. Even if their scene lasts just a few paragraphs, we can easily see what drives them. They weren’t too layered and most were easily classifiable into good/bad slots, but such an approach works well for the plot-driven story.
👻 The wide range of genres: historical, Gothic, medical, crime, paranormal (totally non-scary), suspense, thriller, and romance. Ambitious and yet so well-woven into the plot without feeling like an overkill.
👻 The medical content, be it surgery in that era or the medical research or the training approach. Fascinating!
👻 The pacing – mostly steady and medium, with a rev-up at the end. I appreciate how the momentum keeps going ahead even if at a slower pace sometimes.
👻 The historical feel, from the complex themes such as the social attitude towards women and the disfigured and the constraints on women when it came to work to the simpler inclusions such as the clothes worn or the entertainment available. Ensures that we never forget the time setting.
👻 The atmosphere, especially in the paranormal and suspense scenes. Some scenes are really disturbing but the writing does justice to the same without sensationalising anything.
👻 The romance. As many of you know, I am not fond of romance entering non-romance genres. So I loved that this book never allowed the budding relationship to take centrestage at the cost of the core plot. At the same time, the connection was slow and sweet enough to warm this Grinch’s heart.
👻 The author’s note. Excellent and detailed. Loved knowing the truth behind some of the fictional elements of the story. Her research is always stunning!
Bookish Mixed Bags:
👺 Each chapter has a clear timestamp about when and where it is set. This is indeed helpful in keeping track, but the proceedings also get confusing at times as every single chapter, whether from the present or from the recent past, is written in the simple present tense.
👺 Annis has a bad habit of keeping secrets. While she has her reasons for this, and the reasons are even understandable, the overdose of secret-keeping does get irksome after a point.
Overall, though Annis did frustrate me with her reluctance to seek help, I still enjoyed most of this gripping book. It incorporates so many distinct themes and historical bits within its plot and does justice to almost all of them.
This isn't my first experience of this author’s writing. I had read and enjoyed ‘The Arsenic Eater's Wife’, her sophomore novel. It was also so strong on history and research that I kept the author’s name in mind for future reference. With this new novel of hers, she enters my must-read-authors list and I will happily grab anything she writes.
Much recommended to all historical suspense fans.
4.5 stars, rounding up! (I was a bit confused about whether to give the book 4.25 stars or 4.5 stars. But It is a truth universally acknowledged** that the rating of a book depends greatly on how it makes the reader feel at the end. And this reader absolutely enjoyed the end.)
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a complimentary copy of “Needle and Bone” at my request. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
**If this isn't a universally-acknowledged truth yet, it should be. 😁
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
1841. Philadelphia. Seventeen-year-old Annis has had to flee from New York with her younger brother Ben, though she doesn’t reveal the reason to him. With no family alive, all Annis can count upon for survival are a possibly-cursed family heirloom and her artistic talent. When, after an accident, she is offered work as a medical illustrator by the awe-inspiring Dr. Mütter, Annis hopes that she can leave the past behind and finally secure their future. However, a ghost doesn’t let Annis forget what happened in New York. She can only hope that the other monster doesn’t learn her new whereabouts.
The story comes to us in the third-person perspective of Annis and another key character.
PSA: Please do NOT read the GR blurb. It reveals almost the entire plot, including details of the final confrontation.
Bookish Yays:
👻 The chilling prologue. I love it when prologues do exactly what they are supposed to without rehashing a scene from the main chapters.
👻 Annis as the lead. Given that she is so young, she can be terribly naïve at times. I often felt like shaking some sense into her. But her behaviour, a mix of reliable and reckless, comes across as believable considering her age and family circumstances. I loved her gumption and her independent spirit.
👻 Dr. Mütter. What an outstanding character! And to learn that he is the fictionalised version of an actual doctor in 1840s Philadelphia whose work can still be seen in a museum – wow!
👻 The antagonist – Brrrr! So creepy! I had to push myself through some of their chapters because they gave me the jitters.
👻 Most of the other characters, whether in major or minor roles, still come across convincingly. Even if their scene lasts just a few paragraphs, we can easily see what drives them. They weren’t too layered and most were easily classifiable into good/bad slots, but such an approach works well for the plot-driven story.
👻 The wide range of genres: historical, Gothic, medical, crime, paranormal (totally non-scary), suspense, thriller, and romance. Ambitious and yet so well-woven into the plot without feeling like an overkill.
👻 The medical content, be it surgery in that era or the medical research or the training approach. Fascinating!
👻 The pacing – mostly steady and medium, with a rev-up at the end. I appreciate how the momentum keeps going ahead even if at a slower pace sometimes.
👻 The historical feel, from the complex themes such as the social attitude towards women and the disfigured and the constraints on women when it came to work to the simpler inclusions such as the clothes worn or the entertainment available. Ensures that we never forget the time setting.
👻 The atmosphere, especially in the paranormal and suspense scenes. Some scenes are really disturbing but the writing does justice to the same without sensationalising anything.
👻 The romance. As many of you know, I am not fond of romance entering non-romance genres. So I loved that this book never allowed the budding relationship to take centrestage at the cost of the core plot. At the same time, the connection was slow and sweet enough to warm this Grinch’s heart.
👻 The author’s note. Excellent and detailed. Loved knowing the truth behind some of the fictional elements of the story. Her research is always stunning!
Bookish Mixed Bags:
👺 Each chapter has a clear timestamp about when and where it is set. This is indeed helpful in keeping track, but the proceedings also get confusing at times as every single chapter, whether from the present or from the recent past, is written in the simple present tense.
👺 Annis has a bad habit of keeping secrets. While she has her reasons for this, and the reasons are even understandable, the overdose of secret-keeping does get irksome after a point.
Overall, though Annis did frustrate me with her reluctance to seek help, I still enjoyed most of this gripping book. It incorporates so many distinct themes and historical bits within its plot and does justice to almost all of them.
This isn't my first experience of this author’s writing. I had read and enjoyed ‘The Arsenic Eater's Wife’, her sophomore novel. It was also so strong on history and research that I kept the author’s name in mind for future reference. With this new novel of hers, she enters my must-read-authors list and I will happily grab anything she writes.
Much recommended to all historical suspense fans.
4.5 stars, rounding up! (I was a bit confused about whether to give the book 4.25 stars or 4.5 stars. But It is a truth universally acknowledged** that the rating of a book depends greatly on how it makes the reader feel at the end. And this reader absolutely enjoyed the end.)
My thanks to Bloodhound Books for a complimentary copy of “Needle and Bone” at my request. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
**If this isn't a universally-acknowledged truth yet, it should be. 😁
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Facebook ||
August 19, 2025
This is my first book by Tonya Mitchell and I was definitely impressed. Taking place in 1841, 17 yr old Annis Hargrave has witnessed a murder. Now she and her brother flee to Philadelphia from NY to escape that nightmare. She finds a job as a medical illustrator for Dr. Mutter. Then the ghost of the murdered girl appears, and so does the murderer., and she is in fear for her life. This book had that atmospheric gothic vibe that I love. It was dark, creepy, and suspenseful. The characters are fleshed out and I was captivated by the story. I will definitely read this author in the future. I really enjoyed her writing.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 15, 2025
I would describe this as a historical gothic thriller filled with suspense. I truly enjoyed this book!! It’s 1841 in Philadelphia and we meet brother and sister Anna and Ben. They both have fled New York after after witnessing a brutal murder. With her cursed blue pearl she finds a job as a medical illustrator for the mysterious Dr. Thomas Mütter, here she is shown the world of surgical twisted beauty. When the ghost of a girl appears to Anna and it’s the girl she couldn’t save, Anna is now aware the man who killed isn’t far behind. Her life is in danger by his need for murderous revenge. This book had me at the edge of my seat!
August 14, 2025
This is my second book from this author, and I love the way she crafts the perfect gothic tale. Deeply atmospheric, set in the 19th century, with chilling, perfectly flawed characters, a touch of dark magic, and an engaging, haunting story that pulls you in from the first page.
If you love stories that are eerie, beautiful, and impossible to put down, this one is a must-read.
If you love stories that are eerie, beautiful, and impossible to put down, this one is a must-read.
August 4, 2025
Great gothic historical thriller, with real history of the time mixed having real life figures mixed with the fictional characters in a tale that is dark and tense, you feel for Annis and her Brother Ben as they try to survive in Philadelphia after leaving New York after their mother's death, Annis is also fleeing from a dark event she got herself in. We also get the view of the man she is on the run from who was a magician with a dark side but thanks to Annis now has a scar, we see him trying to look for her. Annis meanwhile is able to get a job for Dr Thomas Mütter doing illustrations for his surgical work. This was such a gripping and engaging story.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Bernard's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2025
This had a little bit of everything and each genre had its shining moment. I loved the historical gothic vibes that set the scene in the beginning. The medical procedures and drawings to document were very interesting and I really enjoyed Dr. Mutter as a character. The thriller and paranormal aspects of what Annis was running from was gripping and the suspense grew as the story did. I enjoyed the amount of character building and historical detail that went into making it an atmospheric read.
Thank you @tmitchell.2012 @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @tmitchell.2012 @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
August 28, 2025
A suspenseful and atmospheric thriller centered on Annis, a young woman who witnessed a murder and fled. Now the ghost of the victim stalks her, as does the murderer.
Not only is this a chilling tale of Annis being haunted and hunted down by a madman, but the author also adds intriguing details that are fascinating yet still contribute a touch of eeriness all their own.
Annis, only seventeen, is trying to provide for her younger brother, since her parents have both passed away. She is so thankful when a doctor spies the artwork she is selling and hires her on as a medical illustrator. Dr. Mütter is a surgical professor, but he also specializes in surgery on those with conditions that are considered grotesque, freakish, or curiosities.
The suspense builds as Annis’ stalker draws close, and he will stop at nothing and will use anyone she loves to hurt her.
Set in Philadelphia in the mid-1800s, this novel exudes a genuine historical feel, particularly in its portrayal of medical knowledge and the vivid descriptions of the streets and living conditions. The characters are meticulously drawn, each with their own unique traits and motivations. Annis, in her naivety and resilience, is a strong protagonist. The villain, with his dark past and deceptive charm, is truly unsettling. And Dr. Mütter, my favorite, who is a real Historical Figure, adds an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @tmitchell.2012 for the #gifted book.
September 12, 2025
Who doesn't enjoy a little ghost story, especially as fall approaches?
Annis (and I love the name!) and Ben are a brother/sister pair who have some serious heartaches. Orphaned by a loving father and a self-centered, haughty mother, they are left with nothing, and not even an uncle will provide for them. Annis is lured into becoming an assistant to Gabriel Marchand, a magician who thinks rather highly of himself--especially when it comes to murdering women. One of them, Greta--is a ghost who haunts Annis as she strives to build a new life in Philadelphia. Assuming that Greta is haunting her because she couldn't rescue her before her murder, a tormented Annis draws medical analmolies for the incredible Dr. Mutter--a doctor who performs surgery on needy individuals who have deformities. Annis's skills are finally paying off. What happens from there is a fantastic Halloween-themed adventure, complete with scarred faces, knives, surgical instruments, and even a woman's head with a horn sticking out of it!
Mitchell deserves praise for such an imaginitive and delightfully grusome tale. This book has opened her writing windows into a darker Gothic world full of phantoms, fearsome imagery, and harlequinesque villains. It's a fun read!
Five haunted stars!
Annis (and I love the name!) and Ben are a brother/sister pair who have some serious heartaches. Orphaned by a loving father and a self-centered, haughty mother, they are left with nothing, and not even an uncle will provide for them. Annis is lured into becoming an assistant to Gabriel Marchand, a magician who thinks rather highly of himself--especially when it comes to murdering women. One of them, Greta--is a ghost who haunts Annis as she strives to build a new life in Philadelphia. Assuming that Greta is haunting her because she couldn't rescue her before her murder, a tormented Annis draws medical analmolies for the incredible Dr. Mutter--a doctor who performs surgery on needy individuals who have deformities. Annis's skills are finally paying off. What happens from there is a fantastic Halloween-themed adventure, complete with scarred faces, knives, surgical instruments, and even a woman's head with a horn sticking out of it!
Mitchell deserves praise for such an imaginitive and delightfully grusome tale. This book has opened her writing windows into a darker Gothic world full of phantoms, fearsome imagery, and harlequinesque villains. It's a fun read!
Five haunted stars!
September 4, 2025
This book is the perfect mix of eerie, atmospheric, and downright addictive. Set in the 19th century, it follows Annis—a seventeen-year-old orphan trying to care for her younger brother—and takes a job as a medical illustrator. Sounds intriguing enough, but things take a dark turn due to her witnessing a murder, and the killer finds her. Suddenly, she’s being stalked by both the killer and the ghost of his victim.
What makes this story so gripping is the blend of suspense, historical detail, and just the right touch of dark magic. The characters are sharp and unforgettable—Annis is both naïve and tough, the villain is bone-chilling, and Dr. Mütter (yes, the real historical figure!) adds an authentic edge.
Creepy, beautifully written, and impossible to put down—this is a haunting read you’ll want to devour with the lights on.
What makes this story so gripping is the blend of suspense, historical detail, and just the right touch of dark magic. The characters are sharp and unforgettable—Annis is both naïve and tough, the villain is bone-chilling, and Dr. Mütter (yes, the real historical figure!) adds an authentic edge.
Creepy, beautifully written, and impossible to put down—this is a haunting read you’ll want to devour with the lights on.
September 5, 2025
This was a really interesting historical thriller that had paranormal aspects. It could be considered YA since the main character is seventeen.
It also mixes real people such as Dr. Mütter (the author’s notes at the end gives more insight into the doctor) with fictional characters.
The book is set in 1841- 1842 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main character, Annis Hargrave, has run away from New York with her younger brother due to something she experienced there and the fact that she and her brother are now penniless orphans.
The book does a nice job of going back in time to tell us exactly what happened in New York as the book at the same time keeps the action fresh in Philadelphia.
There is definitely a creepy element with Annis
having stalkers that are both in human and ghostly form.
A good book for an atmospheric spooky season read.
It also mixes real people such as Dr. Mütter (the author’s notes at the end gives more insight into the doctor) with fictional characters.
The book is set in 1841- 1842 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The main character, Annis Hargrave, has run away from New York with her younger brother due to something she experienced there and the fact that she and her brother are now penniless orphans.
The book does a nice job of going back in time to tell us exactly what happened in New York as the book at the same time keeps the action fresh in Philadelphia.
There is definitely a creepy element with Annis
having stalkers that are both in human and ghostly form.
A good book for an atmospheric spooky season read.
December 24, 2025
Needle and Bone is a dark, atmospheric read that shows a lot of creative ambition, even if it doesn’t always come together perfectly. The story leans heavily into mood, with haunting imagery and a lingering sense of unease that will appeal to readers who enjoy slow-burn, gothic-tinged fiction. Its world feels strange and textured, and there’s a clear confidence in the author’s voice.
While the pacing can be uneven and the narrative occasionally feels more impressionistic than grounded, the book’s originality is a definite strength. It isn’t afraid to be weird or unsettling, and that willingness to take risks makes it more memorable than many safer stories. Overall, Needle and Bone may not work for everyone, but for readers who appreciate atmosphere, symbolism, and darker themes, it offers an intriguing and worthwhile experience.
While the pacing can be uneven and the narrative occasionally feels more impressionistic than grounded, the book’s originality is a definite strength. It isn’t afraid to be weird or unsettling, and that willingness to take risks makes it more memorable than many safer stories. Overall, Needle and Bone may not work for everyone, but for readers who appreciate atmosphere, symbolism, and darker themes, it offers an intriguing and worthwhile experience.
August 13, 2025
This is my second book by Tonya Mitchell, and once again—she didn’t let me down. Needle and Bone is dark, emotional, and full of atmosphere. I was pulled in from the start and couldn’t stop thinking about it even after I finished.
The story follows Annis, a girl haunted by grief and guilt, who ends up working for Dr. Mütter in a place filled with strange medical oddities. There’s a ghost, a killer, and a lot of tension—and somehow it all works. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, but still gives you that eerie, gothic vibe.
I really liked how the book mixed mystery with emotion. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about healing, facing the past, and finding strength. If you enjoy gothic stories with heart and a little bit of creepiness, this one’s worth picking up.
The story follows Annis, a girl haunted by grief and guilt, who ends up working for Dr. Mütter in a place filled with strange medical oddities. There’s a ghost, a killer, and a lot of tension—and somehow it all works. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, but still gives you that eerie, gothic vibe.
I really liked how the book mixed mystery with emotion. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about healing, facing the past, and finding strength. If you enjoy gothic stories with heart and a little bit of creepiness, this one’s worth picking up.
August 14, 2025
Gothic historical thriller with a strong plot. The FMC Annis and her brother are coping after their mother passes and an evil villain who is calculated. There is a veil between present and past, truth and fiction, perspective and reality. The suspense and twists keep you reading.
There is definitely a psychological game throughout. Its one those books I can't say too much without spoilers. So I will keep it short. It was vivid and took you to a different time and place with ease. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't super fast paced like a lot of thrillers tend to be. But didn't feel slow or dragged out by any means. I love the gothic historical aspect.
Thank you Book Sprout for the e arc. All opinions are my own.
There is definitely a psychological game throughout. Its one those books I can't say too much without spoilers. So I will keep it short. It was vivid and took you to a different time and place with ease. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't super fast paced like a lot of thrillers tend to be. But didn't feel slow or dragged out by any means. I love the gothic historical aspect.
Thank you Book Sprout for the e arc. All opinions are my own.
August 26, 2025
Tonya Mitchell skillfully weaves a story inspired by a very real aspect of 19th century medicine with a thrilling and terrifying tale of murder. Annis and her brother Ben are orphans at the outset of the story, trying to make their way in Philadelphia after the death of their mother. What Ben doesn't know is that his sister has been witness to a murder, a murder which continues to haunt her. A bit of good luck befalls them, however, when Annis take a job in a school for surgeons, drawing anatomical oddities. The scenes in the school (based on a real museum!) are absolutely. The incredible story of those early medical discoveries is just as riveting as the story of the terrifying killer, who hunts our heroine down.
September 11, 2025
Absolutely fascinating and creative, I loved my time with this story that delivered all the gothic vibes. Set in the 1840s in Philadelphia, Annis and her brother are on the run from their pasts.
Annis is offered work as a medical illustrator by a local doctor. Oh my. This was really fascinating to read about. Things are going well until a ghost revisits her. When her brother is taken, Annis is forced to confront the past.
Needle and Bone is well-written, absorbing, and fascinating. Annis is a strong main character, and I was fully invested in her harrowing journey.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Annis is offered work as a medical illustrator by a local doctor. Oh my. This was really fascinating to read about. Things are going well until a ghost revisits her. When her brother is taken, Annis is forced to confront the past.
Needle and Bone is well-written, absorbing, and fascinating. Annis is a strong main character, and I was fully invested in her harrowing journey.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
August 17, 2025
I really enjoyed all the historical details included in this historical thriller. With Gothic vibes and lots of atmospheric tension this story transported me back in time and suddenly I was terrified in London having witnessed a murder. Annis is so young to have suffered so much already, but those were difficult times and her courage is admirable. I found the art of illustrating bodies fascinating and appreciate the contribution those drawings made to training others in the medical field. The author's notes are fantastic and her research meticulous. A thoroughly captivating read.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 7, 2025
Tonya Mitchell has done it again! Needle and Bone has everything you could ask for in chilling gothic tale: A vulnerable heroine in mortal danger. A foully demented evil villain. And a gothic setting to die for – the pit of a nineteenth century operating theatre. But even more, it is beautifully written and brilliantly crafted, giving vivid life to a time, a place, and an array of characters you will not soon forget. Leave yourself plenty of time. Once you start reading Needle and Bone, you won’t stop until the end.
September 2, 2025
I’m always fascinated by the evolution of medical and surgical discoveries and I could not put this book down. I’m also a big believer in “the right place at the right time” and although I hate that Ben sustained an injury, it was a blessing that he and Annis met Dr. Mūtter. I always appreciate a forward thinker and he definitely personified one! This would be a perfect read during spooky season with Greta’s ghost and the creepy Marchand but I think this book would be a stand out in any season! I enjoyed the author’s note about the inspiration and research for the book.
August 5, 2025
Annis and her brother are alone in Philadelphia.
Her great skill is drawing and the only thing worth anything they own is a blue pearl. She is followed by someone but is she really there?
Described as a gothic thriller but I'd more say it's a psychological thriller. It really gets going when she is introduced to two doctors who want her help.
Chilling at times and well worth reading.
I received this book for free and all views expressed are my own.
Her great skill is drawing and the only thing worth anything they own is a blue pearl. She is followed by someone but is she really there?
Described as a gothic thriller but I'd more say it's a psychological thriller. It really gets going when she is introduced to two doctors who want her help.
Chilling at times and well worth reading.
I received this book for free and all views expressed are my own.
August 14, 2025
I was gripped by this book from the very first page. It is full of suspense and well written characters who I cared about. It is a beautifully written book and has plenty of twists to keep the apprehension and suspense going.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes Gothic/psychological thrillers and those who want to feel a little apprehensive whilst reading.
This is one of the rare books that gets under your skin and you can't stop thinking about.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes Gothic/psychological thrillers and those who want to feel a little apprehensive whilst reading.
This is one of the rare books that gets under your skin and you can't stop thinking about.
August 18, 2025
The story is set in Philadelphia in 1841. Seventeen-year-old Annis Hargrave witnesses a murder New York and flees to Philadelphia with her younger brother, where she finds work as a medical illustrator for Dr. Thomas Mütter. Is she able to truly escape the killer. An atmospheric thriller, and although slow to start the pace does pick up.
3.5🌟
3.5🌟
August 19, 2025
Third time is a charm. Tonya Mitchell delivers another bone chilling tale. As someone who adores Gothic literature, I can honestly say that Mitchell has perfected the Gothic heroine in Annis. I love how she weaves historical figures and events into her narrative. Dr. Mütter’s story is fascinating. The story is fast paced and grips at your heart.
September 4, 2025
Tonya Mitchell has fashioned yet another twisty-turny gothic page-turner. Needle and Bone is a fascinating read that kept me engaged on every page. The setting is 1841 Philadelphia, and young Annis Hargrave and her brother are recently orphaned. Annis must try to stay out of reach of the murderous magician who has her in his sights and keep those around her safe. Highly recommended.
September 13, 2025
NEEDLE AND BONE is truly a historical thriller! I am a fan of this genre and this book is a great example of it. The author created a dark and creepy feel in this story that kept me reading late into the night. I couldn’t stop, it is that good!
Many thanks to Tonya Mitchell for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
Many thanks to Tonya Mitchell for my gifted copy.
This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.
October 7, 2025
Love Historical Mysteries
Riveting page turner in a fascinating historical setting, I was completely invested in the plight of the characters from the first chapter. Tonya Mitchell does a great job providing descriptive background knowledge while still keeping the story moving. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction.
Riveting page turner in a fascinating historical setting, I was completely invested in the plight of the characters from the first chapter. Tonya Mitchell does a great job providing descriptive background knowledge while still keeping the story moving. Highly recommend for fans of historical fiction.
July 25, 2025
Annis escapes New York with her brother after she is witness to a brutal murder but will she be able to outrun the murderers revenge? A great story from America in the 1800’s, plenty of suspense and some great writing.
August 25, 2025
Intrigue, mystery, and murder yes please!
Such a well written book! The mystery and intrigue starts and hooks you all the way through. Loved the story. Another excellent book from Tonya Mitchell!
Such a well written book! The mystery and intrigue starts and hooks you all the way through. Loved the story. Another excellent book from Tonya Mitchell!
August 3, 2025
I loved this. I found it a little slow in the beginning but it soon gained pace. It was genius - feminism, murders and love all rolled into one
August 19, 2025
Such a thriller! Twists and turns abound in this fabulous account of desperation, murder and the grit of a young woman trying to free herself from a madman. Wonderful!
August 28, 2025
Official rating 4.5 ~ Amazing book. Review coming soon x
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