Genre: Low Fantasy, Magic Realism, Cozy
Age Demographic: 13+
Page Count: 224
Year Publish: 2005
Summary: Fourteen-year-old Susan Backstrom seems to have a charmed life, she’s smart and beautiful, the only child of wealthy, attentive parents. But there are secrets inside her expensive house that Susan would never tell. One day, at the library, she overhears their housekeeper’s son talking with some friends about sneaking into a nearby abandoned house. Much to her own surprise, Susan very much wants to join them and soon, she’s part of the best secret of all.
Review
A Stir of Bones is a lose prequal to A Red Heart of Memories. All those this book can just be a stand alone and its not necessary to read the other books.
I like how Stir of Bones start out spooky. When the kids walk in to the house, it stirs and becomes alive. The idea of a house being aware of it inhabitants is a unique concept. Something I have not seen anywhere else, say for the animated movie Monster House (has anyone seen that movie).
The story reminds me of the books by Mary Downing Hahn only with a must mature tone. I been told the best haunted house stories are not about the house but, about a person. There is something sinister going on in Susan’s life. At the beginning there are some hints of what could be going on. Slowly as the story moves forward are there more hints given of what going on.
While the characters are kids there is talk of suicide. Which is handle with care and not taken lightly.
I like the friendship between Susan, Edmund, Julio, Dierdre, and Nathan. Their bond grows stronger by the end. Even those at first it seem hopeless for Susan. Having friends gives her a place to retreat to from the abuse at home.
The book has a satisfying ending however, I wanted to read more about these characters. There some thing that are mention but, are never fully explain. Perhaps its best to leave it that way. Adding mystery and magic to the world.
A Stir of Bones falls in to magic realism and well I don’t like using the word cozy. It is the best word to describe this book. Everything about A Stir of Bones is cozy and heartwarming mix in with some dark moments.
So if your in the mood for cozy and like the books by Mary Downing Hahn then give this book a try.
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