Bared Bones

by M. E. Lia

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 30, 2026

About the author

M. E. Lia grew up with her nose in a book where it is still firmly lodged. She lives in the United States, guarding her reading time fiercely, and considers a hot cup of milk tea one of life's great necessities. She reads widely, but stories with a mystery to solve have the most worn spines on her shelves. Bared Bones is her debut and the first in the Bone Reader Mysteries.

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I want to say that the start of the book to me was a bit slow. I felt that the book could have started off with maybe the discovery of the bones. I think this would have helped a bit. Anyhow, Six is a unique character with a unique talent for reading bones. That being said the book did not focus solely on this fact. The characters are interesting and give me "Where the Crawdads Sing" vibes. Six is Kya, Sheriff and Ms Tidly are Jumpin' and Mabel. Six is not highly educated and lives off the land with her dog Cane, and is afraid of people and buildings.

The story centers around an unsolved mystery that the FBI is involved in solving. This book is a steady paced read with a lot of broken English in it to show the education that Six is missing. At times it could be difficult to understand her wording. The book has a lot of triggers for those who need trigger warnings. Some of these include talks of rape, physical and emotional abuse, gun violence, extremist religious settings, child abuse, trafficking, and death.

I enjoyed the story it was an interesting concept, but I felt we were left with alot of questions in the end. Like what happens next? Which this is book one in the series, so maybe there will be more into Six's family and the mayor with there dirty deeds. I also felt some deep diving into the Mill would have really shed some light on why Six is how she is with the FBI. There are a lot of hints, but it would have been interesting to have a better picture of that place.

There is no romance in this book. It is straight mystery and thriller. I could imagine though that John and Six's relationship develops more throughout the series as they are slowly becoming friends. I could also see Mr White Mustache showing some of that evil she suspects he has deep down in future stories, or he may just prove her wrong and their relationship becomes more professional and easy going. Guess we will have to find out.

Overall I would say this book was a good thriller. It has a great suspense that follows through the whole book and really gives off the paranormal vibes with the bone reading. I am interested to see where this series heads as it has a lot of potential and a great character lineup. The author did a wonderful job setting the scene for the future books.

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I should say that I didn't love the beginning. Six reminds me a bit too much of the main character of "Where the Crawdads Sing," which didn't love. Luckily, Six grows on you as you continue to read the book. It also starts out a bit slowly, but if you keep reading, the story picks up. I nearly gave this book 4 stars, but I really did enjoy the later part of the book.

I love that this book kept me guessing. I wasn't sure where things were going to go. Some things were predictable or I at least wondered about. Other things were not as easy to guess, and I was surprised. I like that little details of Six's childhood are revealed throughout the story.

While the bones are the reason that Six is involved in the murder investigation, they didn't feel like a huge part of the actual plot. It was easy to forget that's why she was involved.

This book does have some swearing. It's not a lot, but there are a few swear words. As a warning to readers, there is quite a bit of abuse in this book. That includes children being beaten severely. It includes both physical and sexual abuse of children, including talk of the rape of a very small child. The violence is especially disturbing because of the age of the victims, but the author toys that line between disturbing enough to make us sympathetic to the victims and disturbing enough that it feels too graphic. I think she's sensitive and handles it in a respectful way.

SKIP THIS PARAGRAPH IF YOU WANT TO AVOID A POTENTIAL SPOILER. I am someone who really does not like books where the animal gets hurt. When an animal, especially a dog, gets injured in a book, I will skip ahead to see if the animal survives because if the dog dies, I don't want to read on. Six has a dog named Cade. While the dog does get seriously injured, she survives.

I got a free ARC from BookSirens, and I provided a voluntary review.

[Lora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bared Bones by M.E. Lia is a mystery with an interesting premise. The MFC, Cherish ("Six") is able to "read" the bones of deceased people by touching the bone, and going into a "trance-like" state where she can see moments of the victim's life through their eyes. This aspect of the novel sets it apart from other mysteries. Six's character is revealed through present and past situations slowly unfurling during the story. She is asked to help the FBI solve a murder, and this request leads to several scary situations that Six must navigate.

The author used some effective language in flushing out Six's character. She peppered her speech with "twang" such "ain't" and "outta" to reflect her lack of formal education. As well, Lia used phrases that reflected her background. For example, in chapter 2, Lia wrote "The sun is coming up like a lady of the night shimmering in her finest clothes". However, Six was very clever and seemed to show aspects of being on the autism spectrum. It was entertaining to see how Six interacted with the other characters and watch how these interactions developed into relationships and found family. There were several characters in the story but they were not overwhelming as Lia portrayed them in enough detail, that the reader could keep track of each one individually. My only comment regarding areas the author might consider doing differently would involve the ending. The ending felt a bit "flat" to me, and like the author wanted to tie up the loose ends with all the main characters quickly in one chapter. I wonder if Lia could have the characters' interactions span over a bit more time rather than having them all meet up in Mo's. Otherwise, I enjoyed the book and found it to be a quick and enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[pages in pyjamas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Unique Paranormal Mystery with a Memorable Heroine

📚 Tropes
🦴 Paranormal Mystery
🔎 FBI Investigation
🌲 Small-Town Appalachia
🐕 Loyal Animal Companion
🩻 Cold Case Investigation
👩 Female Sleuth

📖 Synopsis

Six lives alone in the Appalachian woods with her loyal Rottweiler, Cade. Gifted with the ability to experience the memories held within bones, she's drawn into an FBI investigation when human remains reopen a long-forgotten mystery.

As Six reluctantly works alongside Agent John More, buried secrets begin to surface, and every bone reveals another piece of a devastating puzzle.

💭 My Feels

This was my very first BookSirens ARC, and I genuinely enjoyed it.

Six is a memorable protagonist who immediately stands apart from the typical mystery heroine. The thoughtful character writing allows her personality and past to unfold naturally rather than relying on heavy exposition, making her feel authentic and easy to connect with.

The paranormal element felt fresh and gave the investigation a unique twist without taking away from the mystery itself. I also loved Cade, who quickly became one of my favourite characters.

The mystery kept me engaged, and although the case reaches a satisfying conclusion, it's clear there's still plenty more story to tell. I finished the book hoping this wouldn't be the last time we see Six.

If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a paranormal edge, an engaging investigation, and a heroine you'll remember long after you've finished the last page, Bared Bones is well worth picking up.

I received a free ARC through BookSirens, and this is my honest, voluntary review.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six was able to see what happened to a Preston by ‘touching’ bones. While in theory, this seems like it would be a good thing, Six had difficulty dealing with the visions she was given by the bones therefore the ability to find out the history of the bones would be very costly to the interpreter of the bones. Six was a brave individual for trying to help the FBI so that the bones could be put to rest. The problem was that as Six discovered more about the person that was the bones, she became a target to those who were involved with the death of the person. The visions Six received were very disturbing which only further made her want to disappear. Finally she was forced to decide which was more important: her feelings or the need to bring the information to the grieving family. I absolutely despised the man who had taken a young life. I found it terrifying to be able to do what Six was able to do. I found her to be so brave as well as angry for what occurred in her childhood. This novel was both heart wrenching as well as maddening. When I read about Six’s father not receiving any consequences for his treatment of Six, I was appalled at the lack of justice given to Six. He could not have been able to do what he did in the book had he been arrested for his crimes. He also would not have been able to continue his reign of terror on Six. For a debut novel, this book was incredible and I look forward to more books in this series.

[Author · Rating 4 out of 5]

The debut novel, Bared Bones by M. E. Lia is a slow-burn thriller that focuses on case-solving through the abilities of an unusual FMC who has the innate talent of speaking for the dead by reading their unearthed bones.

The author creates an unsettling atmosphere from the outset, with a slowly unfolding mystery that reveals just enough to maintain the tension without giving too much away.

The range of characters, many of whom answer to numbers rather than names have a way of life that is decidedly different and highly challenging, offering a different perspective on living in West Virginia through the eyes of the FMC, Six.

Her friend and surrogate caretaker, Sheriff Lee, Miss Tildy, and FBI Agent John More are more relatable, with believable flaws, making their decisions and relationships feel authentic.

The writing is creative and clearly reflects the setting and its dialect. The themes are handled with confidence, creating an unsettling atmosphere in places.

There were a few moments where I would have liked a little more depth or a faster pace, but overall, the underlying plot and satisfying conclusion made up for it. I am certain that fans of dark crime fiction and rustic, simmering suspense will appreciate this novel immensely.

I am grateful to the author and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this eARC and leave this review voluntarily

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This debut slow-burn crime thriller is fantastic! The premise is unique, and the main character is truly unforgettable. Her perspective is rich and detailed while also feeling juvenile and broken in a way that felt intentional and deeply connected to her experiences.

One of my favorite aspects was watching her slowly allow herself to become close to other people despite the ways she has been hurt. I loved seeing her learn to trust herself and open up to others. Her character development, and the richness of her world, was what really stood out to me and kept me invested in the story.

My main reason for giving this four stars was the pacing. The middle felt a little repetitive and dragged more than necessary. It felt like we circled the same theories and repeated similar investigative procedures several times before finally solving the crime. I think the story could have been shorter without losing any of the impact of the mystery or the character development.

Overall, I really enjoyed this as a debut crime thriller, and the heart beneath the mystery. I’ll definitely be interested to see what M.E. Lia writes next.

Content warnings: child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, and animal harm.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure what to think of this book. It is told in the first person, and seems to assume that the reader has knowledge that has not been shared. I wanted to know more, to understand, and the information just wasn't there. I actually went back and reread the beginning to see if my speed reading had caused me to miss something...or several somethings. It was disconcerting.

However the story was gripping from the very beginning. The main character, Six, is so damaged that just surviving is difficult for her, yet she perseveres bravely in the search for the truth about another damaged young woman, known only by her bones.

As the story unfolds, the information needed to understand Six's life and that of the owner of the bones is slowly shared, often producing an "aha" moment and deepening the storyline immeasurably. By the time I was a few chapters in I could not put the book...or more accurately my phone, where I was reading it...down. I stayed up several hours past my bedtime to finish it and found that the ending satisfied me, yet made me eager to read any upcoming sequels.

Six is brave, if damaged, other characters are endearing, even if flawed, and evil is displayed in all its darkness with great skill.

Would recommend gladly.

[Sarah Manning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you BookSirens & M. E. Lia for allowing me to read this ARC and provide a review.

When I first started reading this, I wasn’t sure if it was for me. I was expecting to read about a former FBI agent and was a little confused when that wasn’t the case. I wasn’t sure if I liked the FMC for probably the first 20-30 pages.

As the book went on, and we learned more about who she was and her past, I found myself rooting for her and hoping that she would solve the case even with the set backs that happened.

Certain characters that are introduced make you question what their motives are, I was surprised when we learned who they were and their involvement in the case was, it wasn’t what I expected it be. I could say a lot more but I don’t want to spoil the story for someone else.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend to other readers. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of the ARC process

[paperbackpal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy by the author and this is my honest review:

I finished this book in less than 48 hours—it was impossible to put down. The story was gripping, layered, and carried far more depth than I expected. The characters felt raw and authentic, making it easy to connect with them. I also appreciated how the author delivered a fresh take on the paranormal fiction without making the supernatural elements feel overdone. My only complaint is that I wanted to know more about the Mill, but I’m hoping that’s something the next book explores.

[PAR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dramatic and deftly penned piece of fiction. Thoughtful and unpredictable. The story line is strong and as you read on you truly feel the complexity of all the characters. The novel is both thrilling and haunting. This isn't your typical fantasy tale. Six Collier is a complex character. M.E. Lia delivers a gripping and thought-provoking ride from the first page to the last. This is Lia's debut novel, and I cannot wait to read the next. I received this novel as an Advanced Review Copy. This review is strictly my own opinion.

[Mai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book! Parts of it were hard to read due to issues of abuse, but they were handled well and were important to the book. Six was a fascinating character and I hope the author writes more mysteries about her because I absolutely want to know more about her. The mystery was compelling, the writing was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed the book - reading it all in one sitting. Highly recommend.


I was given an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion freely given.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A backwater family, numbers used in place of names, jealousy, abuse, tragedy. This story is a sad abuse of power and a girl with an amazing ability to see what the dead went through before they died. I couldn’t put the book down. Six had so much resilience and strength. People thought her stupid or off in the head, but she was smarter than most of those around her. This author has a way of bringing the story to life; you can visualize all the events as they unfold.

I read and reviewed a copy of this book.

[Theresa Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC read and was intrigued by the premise. Six’s speech pattern took me a little bit of time to warm up to, but once I found the groove for it, I really enjoyed this novel. The story and intrigue were great. Six has been through a lot, but she grows quite a bit in this book too. As the start of a series, it is really promising.

Cade was a highlight of the book for me too. Such a great companion.

I would definitely recommend this and look forward to more books in the

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has hidden away from everything she was from the FBI and the rest of it all. It is all going to change again when the bones of a missing woman are found. You will be pulled into the murder mystery as she try to solve it. You will see her becoming the killer next target and you will be hoping she solve it all. See if she can beat the killer
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a brilliant murder mystery tale

[Janel Crowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bared Bones is a gripping debut in the Bone Reader Mysteries series, set in the eerie Appalachian woods of West Virginia. It follows Six, who lives a solitary life with her Rottweiler, Cade. When Sheriff Lee asks for her help on a cold case involving a young woman’s recently discovered remains, she teams up with Agent John More. As they dig deeper, danger escalates, culminating in an attack on John that puts Six in the killer's sights.

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bared Bones was an engaging and enjoyable read that kept me interested from beginning to end. I liked the way the story unfolded with interesting characters that kept the story flowing well. I appreciate how the author revealed the pieces of the mystery gradually without giving too much away.

Thank you, M.E.Lia, for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Joseph Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt a surge of emotions when reading this book. I felt frustrated, angry, annoyed, emotional, irritated. Then I realize that is what makes a great book. Bared Bones is a drama filled book, you never know what to expect. I love the way the author was able to infuse humor even though it was a thrilled filled book. The only downside to this book was how the author dragged some unnecessary part which makes it tiring to read at one point. Overall this was a great book

[Soscha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read. I’m assuming this will end up being a series with Six (and Cade! 🐾) the main character.

I want it.
I will read it.

There’s much in the story that will shock, make you sad, want justice that is yet denied.

But maybe next time.

Bring me the sequel, Ms Lia!

[Kandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but will definitely not be the last. I love the characters and the storyline and writing made this a real page turner. I loved it.