The Diabolical Bones

By Bella Ellis

Published by Hodder and Stoughton

What’s it about?

It’s Christmas 1845 and Haworth is in the grip of a freezing winter.

Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë are rather losing interest in detecting until they hear of a shocking discovery: the bones of a child have been found interred within the walls of a local house, Top Withens Hall, home to the scandalous and brutish Bradshaw family.

When the sisters set off to find out more, they are confronted with an increasingly complex and sinister case, which leads them into the dark world of orphanages, and onto the trail of other lost, and likely murdered children. After another local boy goes missing, Charlotte, Emily and Anne vow to find him before it’s too late.

But in order to do so, they must face their most despicable and wicked adversary yet – one that would not hesitate to cause them the gravest of harm . . .

What I think:

I love the first Bronte Mysteries book, The Vanished Bride, so was thrilled to receive a copy of The Diabolical Bones through Netgalley.

And I think this is even better than the first one.

The Bronte Sisters really come alive as the fight the bitter Yorkshire weather and try to unravel the complex and sinister story behind the bones found at Top Withins.

Their different personalities are developed in this book as the bicker and squabble, tease and support each other. They each have different strengths and bring their own skills and observations to the investigation.

The story is utterly compelling with so many layers as the darkness behind the tragedy is revealed.

Like the work of the Brontes themselves, the Yorkshire landscape is central to the story. This investigation inspires Emily and there is a very Wuthering Heightsy feeling to parts of the story. There’s lots of local folklore and traditions, witchcraft and superstitions.

This is a great read and a great series. I already can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy in return for an honest review.

Add The Diabolical Bones to your Christmas wish list at:

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