About the Book
A decades-old mystery resurfaces when human remains are discovered beneath an old chapel in the woods, shaking a small community to its core. The bones belong to Annalise Jansen, a teenager who vanished nearly 50 years ago. For homicide detective Jane Munro, this case hits too close to home. She’s expecting her first child with her fiancé, Matt, who’s been missing for several months after going hiking.
For Annalise’s old friends, once dubbed the ‘Shoreview Six’ by the media, the unearthing of her remains marks the unravelling of their carefully constructed reputations as upstanding and successful members of society. Soon, their long-held alliances are threatened, and they are forced to confront each other and finally expose their dark secrets about the night Annalise died.
But when the body of the teenaged boy long blamed for Annalise’s disappearance is found, the investigation turns once again to the Shoreview Six, who will do whatever it takes to protect themselves, even from each other.
This is the second Loreth Anne White book I’ve read in 2024, having read The Maid’s Diary (which I enjoyed) earlier this year. After finishing The Unquiet Bones, I’m adding this author to my list of reliable reads; if she wrote it, I’ll read it.
What I Enjoyed
Although there were many characters to keep track of, I enjoyed getting to know each player, especially the Shoreview Six. I hated every single one of them, but it was great reading. Mary is the only redeemable friend, and she makes it by the skin of her teeth.
This mystery started slowly, but once it hit its stride, things took off, and I devoured about 75% of the book in one evening. I’m glad I pushed through because I seriously contemplated adding it to my DNF pile.
Jane Munro is a well-written, fleshed-out character. She is strong and vulnerable, intelligent and caring, firm but fair. She’s human.
One of my favourite scenes in The Unquiet Bones is when the Shoreview Six finally meet up to discuss what happened that night five decades ago. The author does a great job of creating just enough suspense among the friends. I was on tenterhooks waiting to see what happened next.
The twist at the end! I really didn’t see that coming!
What Could Have Been Better
I’d have liked more details surrounding the mystery’s resolution. We spend so much time getting to know the key players, and I’m not sure it amounts to much. We know who did it and why. What happens to everyone else? Why create such a layered mystery and not tie up those loose ends? I especially wanted to know what happened between Bob and Cara. And what about Jill and her husband? What’s Faith going to do now?
I’m not sure if there’ll be another Jane Munro novel, but I hate that her fiancé is still missing by the end. I know it’s the most realistic ending, and Jane does find some peace, but her story felt incomplete. I hope Loreth Anne White will release another Jane Munro mystery soon.
Final Thoughts
So, would I recommend The Unquiet Bones? If you like character-driven mysteries, this one is for you. Despite a few loose ends, this book kept me guessing until the end. You might want to skip this one if you’re looking for a fast-paced mystery that leaps out at you. I’ll definitely be reading another Loreth Anne White novel soon, maybe The Patient’s Secret!
Happy reading!
