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The Talking Bone: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26“Rene Denfeld reminds us that storytelling remains one of the most powerful means we have of confronting our darkest human impulses and sometimes overcoming them.”—Washington Post
From the revered bestselling author, a compulsive, page-turning thriller inspired by her real life work exonerating innocents, a novel that asks how far we’ll go in our pursuit of the truth—an emotionally rich, luminously written book about evil and people trying to do good in the world.
Ruby Spencer is known as “the exonerator.” Her job as an investigator is to free innocent men from death row, and she’s good at what she does. What many people don’t know is that she spends her time finding missing women, too. The orphaned daughter of an orphaned mother, Ruby feels a natural affinity for those who have been mistreated by the world at large.
Her newest case takes her to Georgia, and involves a man set to be executed in two weeks. What begins as a routine exoneration unexpectedly sends Ruby down a winding path. Pursuing the truth, she begins to uncover crimes that lead to startling revelations about her own life.
With time running out, will Ruby’s search for answers ultimately lead her to danger?
From the revered bestselling author, a compulsive, page-turning thriller inspired by her real life work exonerating innocents, a novel that asks how far we’ll go in our pursuit of the truth—an emotionally rich, luminously written book about evil and people trying to do good in the world.
Ruby Spencer is known as “the exonerator.” Her job as an investigator is to free innocent men from death row, and she’s good at what she does. What many people don’t know is that she spends her time finding missing women, too. The orphaned daughter of an orphaned mother, Ruby feels a natural affinity for those who have been mistreated by the world at large.
Her newest case takes her to Georgia, and involves a man set to be executed in two weeks. What begins as a routine exoneration unexpectedly sends Ruby down a winding path. Pursuing the truth, she begins to uncover crimes that lead to startling revelations about her own life.
With time running out, will Ruby’s search for answers ultimately lead her to danger?
256 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Rene Denfeld
24 books2,502 followersRene Denfeld is the bestselling author of THE CHILD FINDER, THE ENCHANTED, THE BUTTERFLY GIRL, SLEEPING GIANTS, and the forthcoming THE TALKING BONE (Harper July 2026), which was inspired by her real life work exonerating innocents.
Rene's poetic fiction has won numerous awards including the French Prix, an ALA Medal for Excellence and an IMPAC listing. Rene works as a licensed investigator, including exonerating. In 2017 she was awarded the Break The Silence Award for her advocacy work, and the New York Times honored her for heroism.
By day Rene continues to work in justice, having worked hundreds of cases over the years, including exonerations, death row and helping trafficking victims.
She lives in Portland, Oregon, where she is a happy foster and adoptive mother.
Rene's poetic fiction has won numerous awards including the French Prix, an ALA Medal for Excellence and an IMPAC listing. Rene works as a licensed investigator, including exonerating. In 2017 she was awarded the Break The Silence Award for her advocacy work, and the New York Times honored her for heroism.
By day Rene continues to work in justice, having worked hundreds of cases over the years, including exonerations, death row and helping trafficking victims.
She lives in Portland, Oregon, where she is a happy foster and adoptive mother.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 25, 2026
A woman whose mission is to free innocent people from death row seeks to help a wrongfully accused Georgia man and finds that their lives are eerily connected. As she searches to uncover the truth, she must face deep, dark, past secrets. Multiple narrators and timelines keep the plot fresh and compelling. Rene Denfeld’s writing skills and the raw empathy of her characters are captivating. Ideal for fans of Karen Dionne and Charlie Donlea.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Harper and Rene Denfeld for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Harper and Rene Denfeld for my complimentary e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 16, 2026
4.5 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance copy.
Review to follow.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for an advance copy.
Review to follow.
June 19, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars
First, thank you to HarperCollins for the physical ARC of The Talking Bone by Rene Denfeld.
Rene Denfeld has a gift for writing stories that are equal parts mystery and meditation on humanity, and The Talking Bone is no exception. This beautifully written literary thriller follows Ruby Spencer, an investigator known for exonerating innocent men on death row, as she takes on a case that becomes far more personal than she ever expected.
What I loved most about this novel was the emotional depth. While there is certainly a compelling mystery at its core, this story is really about compassion, trauma, identity, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth. Ruby is a fascinating protagonist—determined, empathetic, and deeply shaped by her own past—and I found myself completely invested in her journey.
Denfeld’s prose is luminous and atmospheric, creating a haunting sense of place while never losing sight of the people at the center of the story. The themes surrounding injustice, found family, and resilience added so much heart to the narrative. Several revelations caught me off guard, and I appreciated how the story balanced suspense with moments of tenderness and hope.
The reason this wasn’t a full five-star read for me is that the pacing occasionally slowed, particularly in the middle sections, and a few threads felt more reflective than urgent. However, the emotional payoff and unforgettable characters more than made up for it.
If you enjoy literary thrillers with richly drawn characters, emotional depth, and mysteries that explore both the darkness and goodness of humanity, The Talking Bone is absolutely worth picking up.
A haunting, compassionate, and thought-provoking story that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
First, thank you to HarperCollins for the physical ARC of The Talking Bone by Rene Denfeld.
Rene Denfeld has a gift for writing stories that are equal parts mystery and meditation on humanity, and The Talking Bone is no exception. This beautifully written literary thriller follows Ruby Spencer, an investigator known for exonerating innocent men on death row, as she takes on a case that becomes far more personal than she ever expected.
What I loved most about this novel was the emotional depth. While there is certainly a compelling mystery at its core, this story is really about compassion, trauma, identity, and the lengths people will go to uncover the truth. Ruby is a fascinating protagonist—determined, empathetic, and deeply shaped by her own past—and I found myself completely invested in her journey.
Denfeld’s prose is luminous and atmospheric, creating a haunting sense of place while never losing sight of the people at the center of the story. The themes surrounding injustice, found family, and resilience added so much heart to the narrative. Several revelations caught me off guard, and I appreciated how the story balanced suspense with moments of tenderness and hope.
The reason this wasn’t a full five-star read for me is that the pacing occasionally slowed, particularly in the middle sections, and a few threads felt more reflective than urgent. However, the emotional payoff and unforgettable characters more than made up for it.
If you enjoy literary thrillers with richly drawn characters, emotional depth, and mysteries that explore both the darkness and goodness of humanity, The Talking Bone is absolutely worth picking up.
A haunting, compassionate, and thought-provoking story that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this on good reads . I really loved this book . I ended up reading it in one night
Ruby Spencer's official job is freeing innocent men from death row, but she secretly spends her time searching for missing women as well. Her latest case takes her to Georgia to assist a man scheduled for execution in just two weeks. As she investigates, what starts as a routine exoneration turns into a dangerous journey uncovering crimes that lead to shocking revelations about her own life.
Ruby Spencer's official job is freeing innocent men from death row, but she secretly spends her time searching for missing women as well. Her latest case takes her to Georgia to assist a man scheduled for execution in just two weeks. As she investigates, what starts as a routine exoneration turns into a dangerous journey uncovering crimes that lead to shocking revelations about her own life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
I opted to read this title based primarily on the author, as I have read some of her books before and really enjoyed them. Also, she's from my home state of Oregon and bases her books there, and I tend to enjoy books set in the PNW.
While I did enjoy this book, it didn't resonate with me in the same way as her previous works. I liked the premise of the story, and the interconnectedness of the lives of the characters. They seemed like true, unique, perhaps slightly flawed individuals, yet still mostly redeemable (well, minus the one major exception...). The big reveal near the end of the story was also a positive aspect, as I did not anticipate it and felt like it wrapped things up nicely.
However, a couple of aspects made it challenging for me to fully delve into the world of this story. I struggled to keep track of the timeline based on the inconsistent reference points. Also, the omniscient third-person narrative voice that included the direct perspective of several characters, as well as the breaking of the fourth wall to have that narrative voice 'speak' directly at the reader, took away from some of the magic of the story - for me, at least.
Ultimately, though, the characters, the setting, and the overall plot made it a worthwhile read, and I will definitely pick up more books by this author in the future.
*Note: I received an Advance Digital Copy of this title from the publisher, via Edelweiss+, in exchange for my honest review.
I opted to read this title based primarily on the author, as I have read some of her books before and really enjoyed them. Also, she's from my home state of Oregon and bases her books there, and I tend to enjoy books set in the PNW.
While I did enjoy this book, it didn't resonate with me in the same way as her previous works. I liked the premise of the story, and the interconnectedness of the lives of the characters. They seemed like true, unique, perhaps slightly flawed individuals, yet still mostly redeemable (well, minus the one major exception...). The big reveal near the end of the story was also a positive aspect, as I did not anticipate it and felt like it wrapped things up nicely.
However, a couple of aspects made it challenging for me to fully delve into the world of this story. I struggled to keep track of the timeline based on the inconsistent reference points. Also, the omniscient third-person narrative voice that included the direct perspective of several characters, as well as the breaking of the fourth wall to have that narrative voice 'speak' directly at the reader, took away from some of the magic of the story - for me, at least.
Ultimately, though, the characters, the setting, and the overall plot made it a worthwhile read, and I will definitely pick up more books by this author in the future.
*Note: I received an Advance Digital Copy of this title from the publisher, via Edelweiss+, in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Talking Bone by Rene Denfeld. Thanks to Harper books for the gifted Arc ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ruby Spencer works to exonerate innocent men on death row. She’s known for it but most don’t know she also searches for missing women. Her newest case takes her to Georgia and a man set for execution in two weeks, where she starts uncovering crimes and learning about her own background.
I loved Denfeld’s last book, Sleeping Giants, so I knew I was in for another treat. She has a way of writing that is hypnotizing and makes it hard to put the book down. I loved the main character and could see more books with her and different convicts she is exonerated. I would read them! I loved the slight magical realism with the talking bone and how it served as a stepping stone to the past. There were a lot of characters that I had difficulty keeping track of but I think it’s because I read this one over a longer period of time than I usually would due to life events.
“Being innocent was not an inoculation against injustice.”
“It was said that sometimes the sharp edge of a bone - the voice - could break through. That was why people had the bury the dead. So they no longer had to hear what they had to say.”
Read if you like:
-Murder investigations
-Missing women stories
-Small southern town atmosphere
-Exoneration work
The Talking Bone comes out 7/21.
Ruby Spencer works to exonerate innocent men on death row. She’s known for it but most don’t know she also searches for missing women. Her newest case takes her to Georgia and a man set for execution in two weeks, where she starts uncovering crimes and learning about her own background.
I loved Denfeld’s last book, Sleeping Giants, so I knew I was in for another treat. She has a way of writing that is hypnotizing and makes it hard to put the book down. I loved the main character and could see more books with her and different convicts she is exonerated. I would read them! I loved the slight magical realism with the talking bone and how it served as a stepping stone to the past. There were a lot of characters that I had difficulty keeping track of but I think it’s because I read this one over a longer period of time than I usually would due to life events.
“Being innocent was not an inoculation against injustice.”
“It was said that sometimes the sharp edge of a bone - the voice - could break through. That was why people had the bury the dead. So they no longer had to hear what they had to say.”
Read if you like:
-Murder investigations
-Missing women stories
-Small southern town atmosphere
-Exoneration work
The Talking Bone comes out 7/21.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ruby Spencer is known as “The Exonerator.” Her job is to free innocent men from Death Row.
She also works passionately to locate missing women. Ruby’s mother mysteriously vanished when she was young. She wants to give these women dignity and help their families find closure.
While investigating her latest case, Ruby finds that she and the inmate Mitchell have some interesting things in common. She also has two weeks to clear his name before the execution.
Ruby has no idea that her two passions are about to collide!
If you enjoy atmospheric, mysterious thrillers, you should preorder this book.
The Talking Bone is also interesting, because it is based on Denfeld’s real life experiences as a licensed investigator working for a public defender.
I think The Talking Bone could easily be the first book in a series!
Release date is July 21, 2026.
Thank you HarperCollins for sending me this ARC.
She also works passionately to locate missing women. Ruby’s mother mysteriously vanished when she was young. She wants to give these women dignity and help their families find closure.
While investigating her latest case, Ruby finds that she and the inmate Mitchell have some interesting things in common. She also has two weeks to clear his name before the execution.
Ruby has no idea that her two passions are about to collide!
If you enjoy atmospheric, mysterious thrillers, you should preorder this book.
The Talking Bone is also interesting, because it is based on Denfeld’s real life experiences as a licensed investigator working for a public defender.
I think The Talking Bone could easily be the first book in a series!
Release date is July 21, 2026.
Thank you HarperCollins for sending me this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruby Spencer is an exonerator. She travels all over the country to visit death row inmates who claim innocence. It's Ruby's job to investigate thoroughly to find proof of the inmates' innocence before it's too late. Typically Ruby has months to do her research. With her newest case, she has 10 days.
Mitchell was just a young man when he moved to Georgia for a new job opportunity. After celebrating at a bar one evening, an inebriated Mitchell drove off and was later found passed out in the parking lot of a gas station; a gas station whose attendant is missing; a gas station whose counter is full of blood.
Mitchell is convicted of the crime and sentenced to death. His lawyer asks for Ruby's help to pull off a last minute miracle and prove Mitchell's innocence before it's too late. As Ruby races against time, she uncovers errors and deceit in the previous investigation.
Rene Denfeld has written a rollercoaster of a novel, part mystery, part drama, part suspense, and a little whimsical, and completely unputdownable.
Mitchell was just a young man when he moved to Georgia for a new job opportunity. After celebrating at a bar one evening, an inebriated Mitchell drove off and was later found passed out in the parking lot of a gas station; a gas station whose attendant is missing; a gas station whose counter is full of blood.
Mitchell is convicted of the crime and sentenced to death. His lawyer asks for Ruby's help to pull off a last minute miracle and prove Mitchell's innocence before it's too late. As Ruby races against time, she uncovers errors and deceit in the previous investigation.
Rene Denfeld has written a rollercoaster of a novel, part mystery, part drama, part suspense, and a little whimsical, and completely unputdownable.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to the publisher for an Advanced Copy of this book!
It was a very digestible thriller read with a great twist at the end.
The moody atmosphere pairs really well with the dark character development that takes place.
Also addresses some common disheartening themes among police investigations; like, the willingness to assume guilt based on race or status of wealth.
Themes:
◇ short chapters
◇ unhealed trauma
◇ fight for justice for those that have been unfairly treated
◇ search for identity
It was a very digestible thriller read with a great twist at the end.
The moody atmosphere pairs really well with the dark character development that takes place.
Also addresses some common disheartening themes among police investigations; like, the willingness to assume guilt based on race or status of wealth.
Themes:
◇ short chapters
◇ unhealed trauma
◇ fight for justice for those that have been unfairly treated
◇ search for identity
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.5 stars
I'm not one for reading "heavy books" especially while on vacation but this one was so good! It was a page turner! Ruby is known as “the exonerator.” I had no clue this was even a thing, but she had the almost impossible task of saving innocents inmates from death row. She is definitely a heroine to root for! This kept me reading and engaged because I had to find out if she could set Mitchell free. And I have to admit I never guessed the true murderer!! Thank you to Harper books for sending me the arc to read & review.
I'm not one for reading "heavy books" especially while on vacation but this one was so good! It was a page turner! Ruby is known as “the exonerator.” I had no clue this was even a thing, but she had the almost impossible task of saving innocents inmates from death row. She is definitely a heroine to root for! This kept me reading and engaged because I had to find out if she could set Mitchell free. And I have to admit I never guessed the true murderer!! Thank you to Harper books for sending me the arc to read & review.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Ruby Spencer is a young woman whose life has been spent finding missing women and trying to exonerate men on death row. When she is hired with only two weeks to try to exonerate a man named Mitchell the search quickly becomes personal as his story is hauntingly close to hers. Will she be able to find ample proof of his innocence before he faces execution? Fast paced, beautifully written, Denfeld never disappoints in her studies of the ugliness of human existence and the real beauty that exists alongside it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruby Spencer finds missing women and tries to exonerate people on death row. This time she only has two weeks to find information that might free Mitchell – but even though she feels sure he is innocent, she has doubts as to her success. The information she uncovers leads to many other questions – what happened to Ruby’s mother, what happened to Mitchell’s mother, how was the woman Mitchell is accused of killing related to all of this? Talk about having your heart in your throat. Haven’t felt like that for many books that I have listened to, but this one definitely made me feel that way.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This is not among Denfeld’s strongest novels. There’s nothing really wrong with the book but I found the talking bone to be irksome and the very end was a disappointment. This work of fiction does cast a light on the very real and frequent occurrences of missing women whose families never receive closure. Similarly, the plight of the incarcerated innocent and those facing capital punishment is explored. All in all, it’s a book with strengths and weaknesses.
April 21, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book - I flew through it on a flight, and I wish there was more. This was the perfect mix of atmospheric settings, interesting plot, and good character development. I did not expect the twist at the end, but I did like how things (mostly) wrapped up.
I really enjoyed this book - I flew through it on a flight, and I wish there was more. This was the perfect mix of atmospheric settings, interesting plot, and good character development. I did not expect the twist at the end, but I did like how things (mostly) wrapped up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was an engaging read from beginning to end. It features remarkable character development, a fast-paced narrative, and an excellent plot. The story revolves around Ruby, an Exonerator dedicated to freeing innocent individuals from death row. As she assists with the case of a man facing imminent execution, she discovers that the truth is intricately connected to her own past.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Once again, a female protagonist I can relate to. The narrative is filled with real-life knowledge and informational tidbits from the perspective of a criminal investigator. Empathy and justice are primary themes in this thriller, and there is nothing formulaic about it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
But why does the bone talk?
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Hot damn! So fast and twisted! Didn’t see that end coming! A definite must read!
April 21, 2026
This is the type of book that I found myself carving out time in the day to sit down or stand and read. The story and writing style is so engaging. I kept wanting to go back for more to see how things would play out. I enjoyed this read so much I immediately looked up the author to find more.
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for advance copy.
Thanks to Goodreads giveaways for advance copy.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews