Book Review: The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White

When human bones are found beneath an old chapel in the woods, evidence suggests the remains could be linked to the decades-old case of missing teen Annalise Jansen.

Homicide detective Jane Munro – pregnant and acutely attuned to the preciousness of life – hopes the grim discovery will finally bring closure to the girl’s family. But for a group of Annalise’s old friends, once dubbed the Shoreview Six by the media, it threatens to expose a terrible pledge made on an autumn night forty-seven years ago.

The friends are now highly respected, affluent members of their communities, and none of them ever expected the dark chapter in their past to resurface. But as Jane and forensic anthropologist Dr. Ella Quinn peel back the layers of secrets, the group begins to fracture. Will one cave? Will they turn on each other?

Before I delve into the review, I must express that this being my first experience with a Loreth Anne White novel, it assuredly won’t be my last. The narrative immediately captured my attention, whisking me away into its world from the very first chapter. White’s storytelling prowess is undeniable, keeping me hooked until the final page.

The mystery of the unearthed remains beneath the chapel unfolds like peeling layers from an onion, heightening suspense with each revelation. Initially believed to be a young woman lost to an avalanche, forensic analysis reveals the skeletal structure to be that of a much younger individual, aged between 12 and 16, altering the course of the investigation.

The Shoreview Six, childhood friends, are shocked by news of skeletal remains found beneath the chapel. Annalise’s disappearance after a party sparked rumors of elopement, then darker suspicions about foul play involving an older boy. But her fate remained a mystery until the recent discovery of her remains, unearthing buried secrets.

The narrative unfolds through multiple viewpoints: Jane’s determined investigation, the revelation of the Shoreview Six’s hidden secrets nearly five decades later, and the poignant perspective of Annalise’s younger sister, recounting how her life was forever altered by her sister’s disappearance.

From the moment the Shoreview Six are introduced, it becomes evident that they hold crucial ties to the mystery surrounding Annalise’s disappearance. Even Annalise’s friend Mary, though not part of the group, finds herself ensnared in the web of gossip and blame that followed Annalise’s vanishing act.

The narrative delves into the profound impact of grief, particularly on the families of missing persons, highlighting how their lives stagnate while the world moves forward. It poignantly illustrates this with the metaphor of a captured moment, frozen like a picture frame on a fireplace.

Furthermore, Jane’s personal history is explored, marked by the disappearance of her fiancé and the subsequent discovery of her pregnancy, which deeply affected her professional life. Transferred to the cold case unit, she embarks on her first case with Annalise’s disappearance. The dynamics of her relationships with colleagues are briefly touched upon, adding depth to her character.

Additionally, a journalist craving fame plays a pivotal role, showcasing the lengths they will go to for a breaking story. Their relentless pursuit of sensationalism is depicted, underscoring the ethical dilemmas faced in the media industry.

Despite this minor issue, I have no further complaints. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end, and the narrative held me captivated throughout. Overall, it was an engrossing and riveting read that I highly recommend.

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I received an ARC from MBC and Netgalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.