Zero at the Bone

by Michael Cadnum

His sister’s disappearance threatens to tear a boy’s family apart Cray is the first to smell smoke. It’s his 1st week on the job, working alongside his father at the family plant, and he’s afraid of making a fool of himself. So he waits on the factory floor, the machines screaming and wood chips flying. But he’s finally The roof is on fire, and if the blaze isn’t put out, the factory could explode.   Cray calls the fire department and races through the building telling the workers to flee. He’s amazed by how calm they are. The fire is extinguished, and life slowly returns to normal. But the true crisis is just around the corner. When Cray’s sister disappears and the police search reveals no trace of her, he discovers fear affects everyone differently—and it’s not always smart to stay calm.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery

189 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Michael Cadnum has had a number of jobs over the course of his life, including pick-and-shoveler for the York Archaeological Trust, in York, England, and substitute teacher in Oakland, California, but his true calling is writing. He is the author of thirty-five books, including the National Book Award finalist The Book of the Lion. His Calling Home and Breaking the Fall were both nominated for the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Award. He is a former Creative Writing Fellow of the National Endowment for the Arts. Also a poet, he has received several awards, including Poetry Northwest's Helen Bullis Prize and the Owl Creek Book Award. Michael lives in Albany, California, with his wife Sherina.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cray's older sister, Anita, doesn't come home from work one night. Now Cray and his family find themselves involved in a haunting search which probes not only her last movements, but any secrets which she might have hidden from them.

[Elizabeth Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frighteningly horrific story of Cray (a teenage boy) and his family as they cope with the disappearance of his sister Anita. Hauntingly real and unimaginable. By the end you wish you had never read to that page because there can only be one of two solutions that make sense. [Do not read if depressed!]

[Pat Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

An upper middle-class family struggles with the disappearance of their teenage daughter. What makes this young adult is the point of view -- the teenage son tells the story. Won the Macavity Award in 1992 - older title, but I thought the family members were well drawn and the story told simply and truthfully.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Missing teen, sibling relationships