Bone Hollow

by Kim Ventrella

Skeleton Tree  author Kim Ventrella returns with the wisest, FUNNIEST, and most profound middle-grade adventure you'll read in this life--or any other.

Gabe knows it was foolish to save that chicken. On the roof. In the middle of a storm. Yet Gabe also knows that his guardian, Ms. Cleo, loves the chicken more than him. After falling off the roof, Gabe wakes up to find his neighbors staring at him tearfully. To his confusion, none of them seem to hear Gabe speak. It's almost as if they think he's dead. But Gabe's NOT dead. He feels fine! So why does everyone scream in terror when he shows up to his own funeral?

Gabe flees with his dog, Ollie, the only creature who doesn't tremble at the sight of him. So when a mysterious girl named Wynne offers to let Gabe stay at her cozy house in a misty clearing, he gratefully accepts. Yet Wynne disappears from Bone Hollow for long stretches of time, and when a suspicious Gabe follows her, he makes a mind-blowing discovery. Wynne is Death and has been for over a century. Even more shocking . . . she's convinced that Gabe is destined to replace her.

Skeleton Tree author Kim Ventrella returns with the wisest, funniest, and most profound middle grade adventure you'll read in this lifetime...or the next.

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Fiction, Supernatural, Paranormal, Friendship, Childrens

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 29, 2019

About the author

KIM VENTRELLA loves infusing everyday settings with a touch of magic. Her works explore difficult topics with big doses of humor, whimsy and hope. Her most recent middle grade novel, THE SECRET LIFE OF SAM, was named one of Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2020. BONE HOLLOW was chosen as a Best Book for Kids 2019 by New York Public Library, and SKELETON TREE was nominated for the 2019 Carnegie Medal in the UK. She is also a contributor to the middle grade horror anthology, DON'T TURN OUT THE LIGHTS. She is a former librarian, Peace Corps Volunteer and a lover of all things strange and creepy. When she's not writing, she spends her days ruling over a seaside garbage dump and her nights helping vampires remove all that excess glitter.

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

"'Why didn't you take me into the light, like you did with the old man?"' As soon as the words were out, Gabe's throat stung, like he'd swallowed a bottle of Gramps's Christmas Day fire whiskey. He needed to know the answer, but he was afraid, too. Sure, Wynne had wanted him to be Death, just like her, but what if it was more than that? What if he wasn't good enough to go into the light, and that's why he kept going? Why he couldn't cross over to see Mama and Daddy and Gramps?" (PAGE197)

This is Gabe confused with his life in Limbo. He's dead but why isn't he fully dead? He never had a memorable life when he was alive and why is Death so complicated now? Such a sweet, kind of scary, story. Not scary as in horror, scary as in there are so many unanswered questions about Death. It gave me a new perspective on Death itself. She was there to help people crossover peacefully, not the devil in hell kind of death. She takes away their pain and the person happily let their soul go to a better place.

The story the author weaves is pretty sad and complicated but it all comes together in the end. It was enjoyable to see what part Gabe played in the story. It was a happy ending for a confused and scared 12 yr old boy (with a cute addition to his sidekick, Ollie the dog.) I mention the happy ending for people that don't want to read a somber melancholy novel. This was not that but also not cheeerful.

This is a YA but I think a great one for adults. Fast read. I did like her debut novel more 'Skeleton Key'. The author attempts quirky themes fit for good story telling. I would read anything else she does. It's interesting.

[K.E. Woodruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I delved into Bone Hollow, my expectations were…low. It is middle grade fiction after all. I was expecting humor and silly characters, and in many ways, there were.

But Bone Hollow is so much more than that.

Bone Hollow is a charming tale about love, friendship, and loss. The plot focuses on Gabe and his untimely death thanks to a chicken rescue mission gone wrong. With his new place in life, he gets a fresh perspective on the people and world around him.

Having lost his parents and “Gramps” at a young age, his experiences with Death are difficult as a result, and readers catch a glimpse of his internal battles. We also see his loneliness–but thanks to his faithful dog, Ollie, he hasn’t been completely alone.

This story had my emotions spiking up and down, watching Gabe struggle in one chapter only to laugh at his current misfortune in the next. This is MG fiction so there are plenty of absurd characters and funny moments to remind you to smile. The writing style is a little old-school and folksy, giving Bone Hollow its own unique flavor...

Read my full review here: https://sevendaysaweek.co/bone-hollow...

[Roxy Moreno · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book “Bone Hollow” by Kim Ventrella is about a boy named Gabe. Gabe goes to save Ms. Cleo’s chicken, Princess Carmella, who is on the roof while a tornado is passing by. He gets blown away by the tornado and blacks out. When he wakes up, everyone is acting weird, except his dog, and they can’t seem to hear him. He finds out that he is dead, but still alive. His neighbor see him and think he is the devil and the town tries to kill him. He meets a girl named Wynne, who is also dead. Gabe now needs to find out why he isn’t fully dead. I recommend this book to people who enjoy dark stories and some emotional endings. Something I found unnecessary was some romance in the end of the book, so that is why I gave it 4 stars. Other than that this is a very good book.

[grace_green · Rating 5 out of 5]

love love LOVE!! i thought it would be scary but there is only one part that is, but some parts are creepy. ✨💃🏻❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[Rena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. Too sad and morbid for my taste. Doesn’t really seem suitable for young readers with its focus on death.

[Ellie Terry]

Excellent writing and a unique, riveting story!!!!

[Elizhtia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabe and his dog Ollie lives with his Aunt, Miss Cleo when his parents died. His Aunt makes him get her prize possession, Princess Carmela which is a chicken, up the roof. When the storm hits and the wind is stronger he falls of the roof making him die, but not really.

I really like it when he dies. I haven't read a book where the protagonist dies and continues as a ghost and I think its very creative.
I didn't really like how his neighbours react when hes a 'zombie'. They try to kill him again and hurt him and his dog. But the more I think about it, I probably done the same but I still don't like it.

I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy and ghosts, this book talks a lot about ghosts. I would also recommend this book to 6-7 graders, I think children would be interested in the story.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Find my full review here: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfic...

BONE HOLLOW follows Gabe, a young boy who lives with Miss Cleo, a woman who cares for him exactly as much as she has to since his parents and grandfather died. Gabe is happy enough to try to make it work, and that is why he is on a roof trying to rescue one of her chickens when a tornado arrives. Gabe soon wakes up to find odd scenes, including his dog Ollie being allowed in Miss Cleo’s house with him- and that no one seems to understand him. When he shows up at his wake, neither alive nor fully dead, people immediately try to attack him assuming he is a zombie-type evil creature.

Luckily, a girl about his age who looks like one of his good friends, Niko, takes him to safety in Bone Hollow, a semi-mystical place with delicious food and lots of quilts. He soon learns more about this girl, who is named Wynne. Soon, he learns that Wynne is Death, and he has been chosen to replace her if he agrees. Gabe must understand what Death is and why Death matters before he can make a decision.

What I loved: This is a fast-paced, page-turner that will keep you guessing. Gabe is a likable and understandable character who readers will want to find purpose and happiness. There are also some interesting points about racism from Wynne’s past, as she was a black child in the late 1800s/early 1900s and died for lack of a doctor willing to treat black people. The book also transcends a particular religion, knowing only that most people must move on but not what happens after or who/what chooses who will become Death. There are also important themes about kindness and its value, even for people whom one feels may not deserve it.

What left me wanting more: Very little! As some small points, Gabe has had a really tough life with so much death and then the abuse/neglect with Miss Cleo. Adding onto that, there is some violence when he is not as dead as everyone suspected. However, these are somewhat addressed by the adults later in the book. A large portion of the book happens while discovering that he is not dead, and I would have liked more on the afterlife and the job that Death performs here, as this was really fascinating.

Final verdict: This book is an interesting story about what kindness, Death, and the choices we make. With some thought-provoking secondary themes, this book is an engaging read all around. I would recommend for middle grade readers who enjoy lightly dark fantasy and magical reads.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks Kidlit Exchange and Scholastic for the ARC of Kim Ventrella’s compassionate and brilliant Middle Grade fantasy / folklore novel BONE HOLLOW!

Even Death needs an understudy, and eleven-year-old Gabe is It. When he climbs up on his odious guardian/foster mother Miss Cleo’s roof to rescue her prize-winning hen Princess Carmella, he’s impaled on a weathervane and…

Well, Gabe doesn’t remember dying, but he has a giant hole through his abdomen and people seem pretty upset to see him. He flees into the woods where he meets the mysterious Wynne. She starts off looking just like his BFF Niko from elementary school but with bones for limbs, but later changes form into a preteen Black girl who died in the 1920s of the flu.

But after 80 years as death, Wynne is beat and the universe (there are components of death even we don’t understand) has chosen Gabe as her successor. Wynne and Gabe form a complicated but tight bond as Gabe struggles to say goodbye-for-now to his new friend/mentor and accept his new role.

Ventrella captures little-discussed human quirks, like the love we develop from the familiarity of seeing even the more loathsome people. Gabe’s grief at the loss of his mortal life and relationships is “dealt with” sensitively, but a reader will appreciate the wonder and peace he deals with in the fairyland of Bone Hollow and in the magic he brings to the people he helps cross over.

Ventrella doesn’t shy from difficult themes: a Christian Pastor is a notable figure in a lynch mob against a undead-Gabe; BONE HOLLOW calls out the past and very present racism in the American South (Wynne died for lack of a doctor willing to treat Black people, Gabe stood out in life for being open to an interracial friendship).

Caveat: Sensitive readers may be bothered by a few scenes where adult and child bullies come after Gabe (to beat up a dead guy I guess?) They get his dog Ollie, who is later killed by a car to join Gabe as Death’s apprentice. To note, the latter is hinted.

BONE HOLLOW deals with death as a universal, mysterious, and spiritual phenomenon, outside the confines of religious dogma. We see that Wynne, and Gabe’s parents, and even Miss Cleo (who expresses regret in her final moments at not treating Gabe better) go on to an unspecified peace and reunification with their loved ones.

It cannot be overstated: mainstream American culture often fails miserably at delivering this message, and we all need more books like BONE HOLLOW.

[Valerie McEnroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a mixed bag. The beginning hooked me. The ending came too soon. But the stuff in the middle needed something more solid holding it together.

When the book opens Gabe is up on a roof trying to rescue a chicken in the middle of a tornado for his less-than-likable guardian Miss Cleo. Darn interesting way to start a book. Things go black and when he wakes up, everyone is talking about him like he's not there. That's because he is, in fact, dead. Only he's kind of half dead. When he walks into the churchyard, everyone freaks out and thinks he's a demon. So he takes off into the woods with his dog Ollie who still likes him just fine.

A girl named Wynne shows up and takes him and his dog to a place with hanging flutes and candles and quilts. It's quite peaceful for a place called Bone Hollow. She cooks for them and leaves. Cooks for them and leaves. Gabe is happier than he's been in a long time. Then the plot starts to get mushy. Pointless characters show up once or twice adding no value to the story. There's some harmless monsters serving no purpose. There's a ghost tunnel with a couple of old guys who could be snapped into oblivion without affecting the story.

Then there's Wynne. Gage eventually figures out that the reason she leaves all the time is to go help people cross over when they die. She's a nice Grim Reaper, but she's getting old, and needs a replacement. Enter Gabe and his dog. This is the main line of the plot and it's good. The author just got carried away, maybe lost some focus, and added some stuff that didn't need to be there.

There's a lot of potential in this story. The ending is sad, but sweet. The dog plays a big role, even in death. I like the idea of a nice entity coming for people when they die rather than the foreboding hooded creature that's always portrayed. Just needed some tightening up in the middle.

[Jo-ann Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner
Thank you @kidlitexchange and @scholasticinc for the review copy of Bone Hollow. All opinions are my own. Bone Hollow was released in January of 2019.
Well, Kim Ventrella did not disappoint, with another book which tackles the difficult subject of death, yet makes kids see the peace, calm and beauty it can bring.
When a tornado sweeps Gabe off the roof of Miss Cleo’s house, he later wakes up in her bed. He is confused as to why people are coming to visit, but no one can hear him speak. Why are people having a funeral when he can’t be dead… The only one who can see Gabe, is his trusty dog, Ollie.
Gabe begins to get into some trouble trying to hide from everyone, until he is rescued by Wynne, who brings him to Bone Hollow. While in Bone Hollow, Gabe begins to learn about Death, Wynne’s story, and how he may be meant to help people.
I have to admit that when I started reading this story, I wasn’t sure if I would like it. I then became so attached to Gabe and Ollie, and was worried for their safety. I just adored the character of Wynne, and the love and peace she brought to all around her. I think that Bone Hollow can help kids have a better perspective on death, and perhaps ease some fears about it. I loved the character development of Gabe, and how much he grew and learned along his journey. I definitely recommend this book for upper elementary and middle school kids!

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book description and some other readers seemed to regard this book as containing plenty of humor, I didn't find that to be the case. Maybe I was just in a more somber mood while reading it than others were, but most of it struck me as poignant and serious. My heart broke for poor Gabe, who dies while trying to rescue a chicken from the roof during a tornado. The chicken belongs to Miss Cleo, his caretaker, and seems to mean more to her than the boy. When Gabe wakes up after the wind blows him from the roof, he's surrounded by neighbors. Although he's certain that he is just fine, he quickly learns that he is, indeed, dead, is expected to take the place of Wynne, a friendly girl who takes Gabe and his beloved dog, Ollie, in and teaches Gabe about his new home in Bone Hollow. Naturally, Gabe resists at every point, but eventually he comes to see the beauty in helping ease the worries of those who are about to depart the Earth. The use of flickering flames to represent souls worked very well here, and a sense of comfort came over me as I read about how these dying individuals didn't die alone and had someone there to comfort them and lead them on to whatever might come next. Gabe's attempts to eat human food provided some amusement, and his love for his canine companion touched my heart. Many of us wonder what happens after we die as well as when we die, and this book provides some possible answers. Readers in fifth grade and up may find it worth a read.

[Shana OkieCozyReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 4.5 stars but I rounded up because I’m so happy and excited about this book!! 🌟🌟🌟

A young boy dies fairly early in this middle grade story. He becomes a living ghost - people can see him - and is befriended by Death herself. This is an unusual look at death, with the idea that there is a person who helps some people move from life to death. Death is compassionate and loving. I think it will touch kids who haven’t ever found a home they feel loved in; and comforting as they develop thoughts about dying or have loved ones who die.

Students these ages are developing thoughts on death and I think it will be interesting to hear what they think about it. I just put four books in my library today and they were gone before I left. I know my students CAN’T WAIT to read this book! My 11 year old son has loved it. He especially loved Gabe’s relationship with his dog Ollie.

I read a pre-release copy from the publisher so it was an in-edited copy. The only thing that bugged me a little was Gabe’s repeated use of dang. Not that the word bothers me, but I didn’t think it was necessary. I read the book out loud with my son, so maybe it bothered me more - I think things read different out loud... but I enjoyed this book so much and loved getting to know Gabe and Death.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bone Hollow by Kim Ventrella, 240 pages. Scholastic, 2019. $18.

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

After trying to rescue a chicken off the roof during a hurricane, Gabe wakes up in the bed of his less-than-likable guardian Miss Cleo. He has a hole straight through his torso and everyone is talking about him like he’s dead. He’s sure there’s been a mistake, but no, he is in fact deader than a doornail. He runs into the woods with his dog and is found by a mysterious girl named Wynne. She takes him to her cabin in Bone Hollow and treats him like an honored guest. Gabe loves Bone Hollow, but it soon becomes obvious that Wynne’s days are numbered. She needs Gabe for something important, and he doesn’t think he’s up to the challenge.

Although this book is shrouded in death, it isn’t scary. In fact, it’s a sad, sweet book. Wynne has a “grave” job, but it’s essential, and she’s very good at it. Gabe’s had a rough life, but he’s a thinker and it hasn’t tarnished him. Easily likeable characters and there’s a dog. Need I say more?

Valerie McEnroe, Media Specialist
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Merrilyn Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabe dies within the first few pages of this book, but his story continues. He is a wandering spirit still seen by his neighbors and with violent attacks, they run him out of town. Not alone, though, because he is accompanied by his best friend, his dog, Ollie. When he escapes the town, Gabe can find no peace. He is hungry, but cannot keep food down. He and Ollie find no shelter in the woods and they are desperate for a place to lay their heads. At last, a girl approaches him and invites him to her cottage in Bone Hollow. This is a magic place of light and food that both dog and boy can eat. Wynne looks like a girl that Gabe knew in his former life before his mother, father, and grandfather all died. Could she be the same girl? Why is she here? Gabe loses faith in Wynne after she appears to lead a man to his death, and he runs away again. Only danger, hunger, and loneliness face Gabe as he tries to find a home for himself and Ollie. Then, Wynne appears again and Gabe's fate is revealed. This is a spooky book about the afterlife. If the reader can stomach the death and sadness that permeate the story, it is worth the read.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe surely didn’t die because of a chicken...he doesn’t remember everything that happened on the roof, but he can’t be dead! He can walk, talk, and feel Ollie’s dog kisses, yet some peculiar happenings begin to occur that makes him think otherwise. Could he really be a ghost? With nowhere left to turn, Gabe runs for the woods where he meets mysterious Wynne who promises protection if he follows her. Bone Hollow is an imaginative and magical story—and place—written by Kim Ventrella and I loved it! Yes, it’s about death and loss (Gabe experiences plenty in his eleven years alive and beyond), but it was written with tenderness. It pulled me in from the very beginning—that darn chicken—and the descriptive whimsy of the afterlife kept me captivated. I was touched by Gabe and Wynne’s friendship and while heart-wrenching at times, it was also comforting to read the progression of his attitude towards death and the loss of his loved ones.

[Elaine Fultz, Teacher Librarian, MLS · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gabe is killed in a freak accident involving a fierce storm and a weather vane. He wakes up, sort of, and observes people mourning him. At first they don’t see him, but then they do and are terrified. Gabe runs away and eventually lands in Bone Hollow with Wynne, who he slowly realizes is Death, an escort who takes dying people to the light. Similar to the author’s Skeleton Tree, this is light darkness -- touches of whimsy and horror. Both of them push willing suspension of disbelief, but this one more so since zombie Gabe is described as “out of breath,” and “... he heard a sound that turned his blood cold.” He has blood? Wasn’t he embalmed? The entire premise is difficult to swallow. I would say it’s a junior version of Christopher Moore’s Dirty Job or Neal Shusterman’s Scythe, but that is only due to its Grim Reaper theme, not its overall success as a story.

[DARBIE TSE SUM YUET · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book talks about an interesting adventure of Gabe and his dog after he dies in a storm. Although he is technically dead, he can still act like a normal human. This story focuses on a lot on friendship and family, dealing with his lost after his own death. He then discovers a strange girl who then tells Gabe about a series of things that blows his mind. This story is very addicting to read and made me treasure my family and friends even more, as a lot of children do not have parents at a very young age. This story also portraits common problems we don't notice that are happening everyday, such as people not knowing how to deal with their family or friend's death. Overall, this story is very interesting and have a lot of deep meanings hidden in the storyline. I do recommend this book.

[Ariel Kusby · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful and delightfully odd allegory about friendship, bravery, and not fearing death, Bone Hollow is nice spin on a typical zombie story for middle graders. Gabe and Wynne subvert the typically ghoulish take on the undead because they are loving, kind, and just people. I loved the graceful personification of death, and the mix of unexpected ghostly sci-fi elements, Wynne’s lyrical mysticism, and light small-town details about chickens and stinky homemade toe-gel. The relationship between Gabe and his dog is key to this story, and so this book will appeal to fans of books like Because of Winn-Dixie, and also canine fantasy like the Survivors series.

[Nita Creekmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

@kidlitexchange #partner
I give this book ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Bone Hollow is a wonderful book full of mystery and suspense! Although Gabe falls off the roof after trying to save a chicken, he feels fine and wonders why everyone who comes in contact with him seems to ignore him. Weird. He flees from where he’s familiar after an incident occurs leaving him confused. Through his wandering, he meets Wynne. Things become even more strange after that! This book is perfect for children ages 9-12 who love mysteries and suspense.

[Book Reviews By Sophie McC]

DNF - I have left this book sitting here on my 'Currently Reading' list for quite some time now. I always thought I would get back to it but I just could not get into the book. I am so grateful for winning a PDF version for a giveway by Kim Ventrella, so thank you, but sadly I could not engage with this book. Perhaps it is targeted for a younger audience. But, I will say, if I was reading this at a younger age then I would have enjoyed this book more. :)

I must say however, the synopsis and the beginning did intrigue me, although I found the book slow paced. (From where I read up to).

[Sarah Overvaag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bone Hollow is a refreshingly unique view of Death, and how it is indiscriminate, even of the young. Gabe’s death at a young age is softened only by his dog’s refusal to leave his side. Despite the confusion and terror of Gabe’s one-time friends upon discovering his “undeath”, Gabe is found by a true friend, Wynne, and discovers that his life and death have a grander purpose than he ever imagined. Readers of all ages will be moved by this touching story of life, death, friendship and love.

[Elizabeth Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that really explores dying, how it feels to be left behind, people being fickle, and taking on responsibility. The writing style is neat because the protaganist's voice is a small-town, country dialect that makes you feel like you are right there with him. The writing is consistent and moves along well. There might have been one or two places where it dragged or felt like too much description but overall it was a great read. Maggie really liked it as well.

[Eileen Winfrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting story about a boy who dies...but doesn’t. Obviously his dead body wandering around scares the heck out of the people who knew him, and scares him as well; his subsequent wandering and discovery of what’s next after life but before the afterlife was fascinating. Were I on the reading team I’d recommend this book for the Sequoyah book award (the author is an Oklahoman too, extra exciting!)

[Lisa Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bone Hollow started with a bang, and never let go. I knew that Gabe was dead but had no idea where the story was going. The suspense kept me turning the page well past midnight. Gabe was such a likable character. As a mom, I wanted to comfort him; as a reader, I was rooting for him. The ending was not what I suspected; it was even better! I loved this book on so many levels. I thought about it for days.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5

Really enjoyed the book, but I thought the main characters reaction to things were a little off.

when he finds out that Wynne is Death he acusses her of killing people and run away from her. And it doesn't make any sense to me, it is obvious that she is just leading the soul to the afterlife. Also I found that in the end he went through not accepting being Death to being ok with it really quickly

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful story about seeing the good in people when there doesn’t seem like much good to see. I received an ARC from the publishing company. I enjoyed the story very much. The characters were very well written. Even Ollie, the dog, comes to life off the page. Just like in life, there were some difficult parts of the plot to swallow, but overall, this is a wonderful story.

[Chris Coolman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant. In the vein of The Graveyard Book, Bone Hollow draws you in and gives you a glimpse of a magical world beyond our understanding. Kim Ventrella has crafted a classic and if it wasn't for the last few chapters I'd have made it through without sobbing like a small child. Now I need to find a copy of Skeleton Tree, after I recover and restock my tissues. I absolutely loved this book.

[Elissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't crazy about this book--the first part dragged for me and it was a chore to read. It's always so hard for me to read about animals getting hurt, too, even though there are cruel people out there.

I thought this book took its time to make a point even though we all knew it was driving towards it. It got me in the feels when Ollie ended up being Death for other animals.

[Wendy Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were definitely challenges to reading this book and I almost stopped because of a tough scene with violence against a dog. There was also violence against a child and some other pretty bleak stuff. BUT there was also a lot of love in it and I really appreciated the exploration of death. It was definitely suspenseful and the fast pace kept me riveted.