Bloody Bones

It’s obvious from page 1 that Garrett Boatman’s Bloody Bones is not going to be the sanitized (if still scary) version of folk tales you heard on your mamaw’s porch.  And that’s (mostly) a good thing - just be ready for the darkness. 

Boatman exponentially dials up the fear by telling the story through three perspectives: the children’s - through whose eyes we are reminded of our own childhood fears, bullies, parents fighting, and the thing in the dark; the adults - easily relatable as adult readers, fear for your family’s safety, the day to day of providing for them, grief of those lost over the years; and - perhaps most chillingly of all - through the eyes of Bloody Bones himself, insatiable and powered by hoodoo. 

Perfect for anyone who enjoys telling scary stories around the campfire or reading under your blanket with a flashlight on - though I’d suggest turning all the lights in the house on for this one.

Shout out to my friend Lynne Hansen for the amazing cover art, and thank you to Cemetery Dance for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Pub date: 7/29/25