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The Witches of Bone Hill
Cordelia Bone's meticulously crafted life and career in Dallas are crashing down around her thanks to a philandering husband with criminal debts.
When her older, carefree sister, Eustace—a cannabis grower in Boulder, calls to inform her the great aunt they never met has died and they must travel to a small town in Connecticut to deal with the estate, she sees an opportunity to unload the house and save herself.
But once there, the sisters learn they are getting much more than they bargained for. The Victorian mansion they stand to inherit is bound in a dynasty trust controlled by their late aunt's aging attorney who insists they inhabit the house and retain it but keeps them in the dark about the peculiar rituals of their ancestors. Not to mention a sexy, tattooed groundskeeper with a shrouded past who refuses to leave the carriage house and a crypt full of dead relatives looming at the property line.
As both women grapple with their current predicament, they come face to face with a haunting family secret, the truth of what happened to their mother, and the enemy that's been stalking them from the shadows for generations. In a twisting torrent of terror and blood, the sisters must uncover the power within them to heal their fractured relationship, reverse their mysteriously declining health, and claim the lineage they wanted to escape but now must embrace if they are to survive at Bone Hill.
When her older, carefree sister, Eustace—a cannabis grower in Boulder, calls to inform her the great aunt they never met has died and they must travel to a small town in Connecticut to deal with the estate, she sees an opportunity to unload the house and save herself.
But once there, the sisters learn they are getting much more than they bargained for. The Victorian mansion they stand to inherit is bound in a dynasty trust controlled by their late aunt's aging attorney who insists they inhabit the house and retain it but keeps them in the dark about the peculiar rituals of their ancestors. Not to mention a sexy, tattooed groundskeeper with a shrouded past who refuses to leave the carriage house and a crypt full of dead relatives looming at the property line.
As both women grapple with their current predicament, they come face to face with a haunting family secret, the truth of what happened to their mother, and the enemy that's been stalking them from the shadows for generations. In a twisting torrent of terror and blood, the sisters must uncover the power within them to heal their fractured relationship, reverse their mysteriously declining health, and claim the lineage they wanted to escape but now must embrace if they are to survive at Bone Hill.
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2023
About the author
Ava Morgyn
4 books322 followersAva Morgyn grew up falling in love with all the wrong characters in all the wrong stories, then studied English Writing & Rhetoric at St. Edward’s University. She is a lover of witchcraft, tarot, and powerful women with bad reputations, and she currently resides in Houston, surrounded by antiques and dog hair. When not at her laptop spinning darkly hypnotic tales, she writes for her blog on child loss (forloveofevelyn.com), hunts for vintage treasures, and reads the darkest books she can find.
She is the author of YA novels Resurrection Girls and The Salt in Our Blood, and paranormal women's fiction The Witches of Bone Hill, from St. Martin's Griffin.
She is the author of YA novels Resurrection Girls and The Salt in Our Blood, and paranormal women's fiction The Witches of Bone Hill, from St. Martin's Griffin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 521 reviews
September 28, 2023
3 Stars
One Liner: Great atmosphere but gets burdened by unwanted elements
Cordelia Bone’s life is now a mess. Her husband’s affair and debts push her to the brink of ruin. With loan sharks threatening dire consequences, she doesn’t know what to do. A sudden call from her sister, Eustace, gives a ray of hope. Aunt Augusta may be estranged, but since she named them in her will, the sisters can sell her house and make money.
They fly to a remote town in Connecticut to realize that the house is in proper Victorian Gothic style. Cordelia knows her experience as a real estate agent will come in handy. However, the lawyer informs them about the additional stipulations. Also, Cordelia’s extra-sensory talents are back in action.
The house has too many secrets to unearth (including the dark past of the sexy tattooed groundskeeper). Digging into it may offer some answers about their dead mother and Cordelia’s skills. However, there’s danger everywhere.
The story comes in Cordelia’s third-person POV.
What I Like:
Aunt Augusta’s estate and the setting is wow. The house is a character of its own (though this gets diluted due to extra elements) and is quite creepy. I love every bit of the description of the estate. It’s dark, brooding, sinister, and tangible.
Cordelia’s initial struggle in using vs. suppressing her talents is well done. Her desire to lead a ‘normal’ life and the consequences of her decisions align with the creepiness of the house.
Eustace is my favorite character in the book. It’s too bad she doesn’t get her own POV and still manages to shine bright. She is the one who keeps things going when Cordelia sulks around.
The ghosts are great, though. I like that each has a definite personality and is easy to track. They have unfinished business but are also protective of their family.
The concepts of runes, coded writing (recipe books), secret rituals, etc., are interesting to read. There are some eww moments, which cannot be helped when you get into a dark basement with weird tools and scattered bones.
The pacing gets better in the last quarter where things move faster. But this means the atmosphere doesn’t hold steady. Still, I’m glad I could sit for a few minutes extra and finish the book instead of slogging through the second half.
The last chapter serves as an epilogue. It fills the gaps and provides a satisfactory ending.
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
The entire story comes in Cordelia’s POV (thank god for the third-person narration). However, she is hard to connect with. Though initially I empathized with her, as the story progressed, I found her voice uneven and erratic. She also sounds whiny and immature in some places.
Moreover, Eustace is a great character despite not getting an in-depth arc. I like her a lot more and couldn’t help but wish at least half the chapters come in her POV. It would have balanced the narrative. Though Cordelia is the MC and gets to save the day, I wouldn’t mind if it was otherwise.
The pacing is super slow. While this is necessary in the beginning to establish the setting and atmosphere, the story gets bogged down by too many elements. There’s a mysterious stalker, a creepy lawyer, Gordon (the love interest with a romantic track we could do without), a mafia lender (he wasn’t necessary since Cordelia had enough troubles to handle), a useless ex (who gets a full chapter), and Cordelia going back and forth. Yep, it’s quite exhaustive and distracting from the central plot.
It’s a good thing this book is not marketed as a mystery (or is it?) since the clues are way too obvious and in the face. I’m sure everyone except the main characters figured out the danger and attacker.
I knew there would be a love track with Gordon in the picture. I wish it was believable or at least a real slow burn. This one doesn’t feel organic, and the third-act breakup is so stupid. It may seem like a way to advance the plot, but man, it’s horribly done. I can’t sugarcoat this.
To summarize, The Witches of Bone Hill has terrific potential but manages to deliver in bits and pieces. It would have worked better if the focus was limited to the house, family history, and the sisters instead of trying to force-fit too many threads.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Griffin), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***
TW: Animal harm and death.
One Liner: Great atmosphere but gets burdened by unwanted elements
Cordelia Bone’s life is now a mess. Her husband’s affair and debts push her to the brink of ruin. With loan sharks threatening dire consequences, she doesn’t know what to do. A sudden call from her sister, Eustace, gives a ray of hope. Aunt Augusta may be estranged, but since she named them in her will, the sisters can sell her house and make money.
They fly to a remote town in Connecticut to realize that the house is in proper Victorian Gothic style. Cordelia knows her experience as a real estate agent will come in handy. However, the lawyer informs them about the additional stipulations. Also, Cordelia’s extra-sensory talents are back in action.
The house has too many secrets to unearth (including the dark past of the sexy tattooed groundskeeper). Digging into it may offer some answers about their dead mother and Cordelia’s skills. However, there’s danger everywhere.
The story comes in Cordelia’s third-person POV.
What I Like:
Aunt Augusta’s estate and the setting is wow. The house is a character of its own (though this gets diluted due to extra elements) and is quite creepy. I love every bit of the description of the estate. It’s dark, brooding, sinister, and tangible.
Cordelia’s initial struggle in using vs. suppressing her talents is well done. Her desire to lead a ‘normal’ life and the consequences of her decisions align with the creepiness of the house.
Eustace is my favorite character in the book. It’s too bad she doesn’t get her own POV and still manages to shine bright. She is the one who keeps things going when Cordelia sulks around.
The ghosts are great, though. I like that each has a definite personality and is easy to track. They have unfinished business but are also protective of their family.
The concepts of runes, coded writing (recipe books), secret rituals, etc., are interesting to read. There are some eww moments, which cannot be helped when you get into a dark basement with weird tools and scattered bones.
The pacing gets better in the last quarter where things move faster. But this means the atmosphere doesn’t hold steady. Still, I’m glad I could sit for a few minutes extra and finish the book instead of slogging through the second half.
The last chapter serves as an epilogue. It fills the gaps and provides a satisfactory ending.
What Could Have Been Better for Me:
The entire story comes in Cordelia’s POV (thank god for the third-person narration). However, she is hard to connect with. Though initially I empathized with her, as the story progressed, I found her voice uneven and erratic. She also sounds whiny and immature in some places.
Moreover, Eustace is a great character despite not getting an in-depth arc. I like her a lot more and couldn’t help but wish at least half the chapters come in her POV. It would have balanced the narrative. Though Cordelia is the MC and gets to save the day, I wouldn’t mind if it was otherwise.
The pacing is super slow. While this is necessary in the beginning to establish the setting and atmosphere, the story gets bogged down by too many elements. There’s a mysterious stalker, a creepy lawyer, Gordon (the love interest with a romantic track we could do without), a mafia lender (he wasn’t necessary since Cordelia had enough troubles to handle), a useless ex (who gets a full chapter), and Cordelia going back and forth. Yep, it’s quite exhaustive and distracting from the central plot.
It’s a good thing this book is not marketed as a mystery (or is it?) since the clues are way too obvious and in the face. I’m sure everyone except the main characters figured out the danger and attacker.
I knew there would be a love track with Gordon in the picture. I wish it was believable or at least a real slow burn. This one doesn’t feel organic, and the third-act breakup is so stupid. It may seem like a way to advance the plot, but man, it’s horribly done. I can’t sugarcoat this.
To summarize, The Witches of Bone Hill has terrific potential but manages to deliver in bits and pieces. It would have worked better if the focus was limited to the house, family history, and the sisters instead of trying to force-fit too many threads.
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Griffin), for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***
TW: Animal harm and death.
August 26, 2023
Practical Magic
meets The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina. The Witches of Bone Hill is a magical novel about starting over, the strength of family and the ties that bind, and, of course, witches. The Bone sisters have returned to their ancestral home to claim their inheritance after the death of their estranged great aunt, but will they survive long enough to receive it?
This book gives off heavy Alice Hoffman vibes from the very beginning. There's witches and sisters and romance and a spooky house and a strong focus on the meaning of family. It's a slow burn right up until the very end, when everything seems to happen all at once, but it managed kept me engaged and reading through the wee hours of the night.
The things I loved about this book: The humor, the relationship between the two sisters, Eustace (she's really a fantastic character), the Nordic mythology, and the witchy ancestors who provide assistance from beyond the grave. It's atmospheric and creepy without actually venturing into (what I would consider to be) horror. The conclusion is satisfying and the story is wrapped up without any loose ends.
The things I didn't love quite as much: Animal cruelty (not by the main characters but definitely present) and the unnecessary romance (why does there always have to be a romance with a sexy “bad boy” in these type of books?!). There were also times when the story dragged a little and I felt like the sisters were just rehashing the same subjects over and over.
Overall, though, I found The Witches of Bone Hill to be an entertaining and enjoyable read. The subtle humor is what really made the book for me, and the scene with Cordelia and her ex-husband in the kitchen was really top-notch.
Final rating: 3.85 stars, rounded up. If you liked Practical Magic or novels of a similar vein, you'll probably really enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
This book gives off heavy Alice Hoffman vibes from the very beginning. There's witches and sisters and romance and a spooky house and a strong focus on the meaning of family. It's a slow burn right up until the very end, when everything seems to happen all at once, but it managed kept me engaged and reading through the wee hours of the night.
The things I loved about this book: The humor, the relationship between the two sisters, Eustace (she's really a fantastic character), the Nordic mythology, and the witchy ancestors who provide assistance from beyond the grave. It's atmospheric and creepy without actually venturing into (what I would consider to be) horror. The conclusion is satisfying and the story is wrapped up without any loose ends.
The things I didn't love quite as much: Animal cruelty (not by the main characters but definitely present) and the unnecessary romance (why does there always have to be a romance with a sexy “bad boy” in these type of books?!). There were also times when the story dragged a little and I felt like the sisters were just rehashing the same subjects over and over.
Overall, though, I found The Witches of Bone Hill to be an entertaining and enjoyable read. The subtle humor is what really made the book for me, and the scene with Cordelia and her ex-husband in the kitchen was really top-notch.
Final rating: 3.85 stars, rounded up. If you liked Practical Magic or novels of a similar vein, you'll probably really enjoy this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
December 7, 2023
The Witches of Bone Hill by Ava Morgyn
Paranormal, fantasy, horror.
Sisters Cordelia and Eustace inherit a house from a great aunt in Connecicutt they must live in. The house comes with a dynasty trust, a carriage house with a groundskeeper, and a crypt full of dead relatives. They will need to learn the family secrets, face off an enemy and reverse their mysteriously declining health issues.
The flowery language and over-abundance of descriptions of the first few chapters had me stalled for a long time. Plus adversarial relations are difficult for me.
I skipped a lot of the long descriptions in the first few chapters to try to move forward but found eventually that I was missing pieces. Lots of secondary characters, death, ghosts and bones.
Overall, it was a depth of history of the family the sisters needed. I did enjoy the grow room at the end, with all the micro greens and vegetables and the way the sisters had grown to accept and even appreciate each other.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
Paranormal, fantasy, horror.
Sisters Cordelia and Eustace inherit a house from a great aunt in Connecicutt they must live in. The house comes with a dynasty trust, a carriage house with a groundskeeper, and a crypt full of dead relatives. They will need to learn the family secrets, face off an enemy and reverse their mysteriously declining health issues.
The flowery language and over-abundance of descriptions of the first few chapters had me stalled for a long time. Plus adversarial relations are difficult for me.
I skipped a lot of the long descriptions in the first few chapters to try to move forward but found eventually that I was missing pieces. Lots of secondary characters, death, ghosts and bones.
Overall, it was a depth of history of the family the sisters needed. I did enjoy the grow room at the end, with all the micro greens and vegetables and the way the sisters had grown to accept and even appreciate each other.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
May 17, 2023
Cordelia Bone and her sister Eustace Bone inherit a house. Not just any house but an entire estate, legacy and trust. The Bone girls don't know anything about their family because their mother left her family. Cordelia is in the midst of a messy divorce and Eustace is having health concerns. The estate falls to them at just the right time. The women move to the house and soon having haunting experiences . They learn their family is known to be witches. They also realize quickly that somebody doesn't want them to inherit. This book has all the things...ghosts, witches, blood magic, romance, mystery,murder...the house is its own character. I absolutely loved this book. It just had everything intriguing that I love about a good witch book!
May 20, 2023
Creepy with parts edging on horror due to gore. Continual twists.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are a few things in books that I tend to stay away from and this particular one edges on one of the genres I don’t do. Horror.
While I don’t mind reading about supernatural content, I tend to stay more in the suspense, thriller genre than in the demonic, anti-Christian genres. This one is right on the border and I was uncomfortable many times! Most definitely because the author has the descriptive narrative down pat! Whew~
This book is an addicting read. There are so many different pieces that are coming together in the story. There’s a mystery. There are definitely suspense and thriller parts that get your heart beating. Sprinkled humor and lightheartedness for some levity. The author even blends in romance with a delicious hunk but adds twists you do not see coming.
I have to tell you there are some freaky parts! There is plenty of gore and highly detailed scenes that may make you nervous. With all of that, surprisingly, it was tough to put the book down because you just wanted to see where it was going. Even the name of the book gives you pause.
The writing was top-notch and the story is like non-other I have read that deals with magic, witches, and edges on the dark side. The author definitely nailed it on the creep factor and had me racing to finish it before dark. But what an ending! So worth it!
The Witches of Bone Hill is a read you will not forget!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-witches-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are a few things in books that I tend to stay away from and this particular one edges on one of the genres I don’t do. Horror.
While I don’t mind reading about supernatural content, I tend to stay more in the suspense, thriller genre than in the demonic, anti-Christian genres. This one is right on the border and I was uncomfortable many times! Most definitely because the author has the descriptive narrative down pat! Whew~
This book is an addicting read. There are so many different pieces that are coming together in the story. There’s a mystery. There are definitely suspense and thriller parts that get your heart beating. Sprinkled humor and lightheartedness for some levity. The author even blends in romance with a delicious hunk but adds twists you do not see coming.
I have to tell you there are some freaky parts! There is plenty of gore and highly detailed scenes that may make you nervous. With all of that, surprisingly, it was tough to put the book down because you just wanted to see where it was going. Even the name of the book gives you pause.
The writing was top-notch and the story is like non-other I have read that deals with magic, witches, and edges on the dark side. The author definitely nailed it on the creep factor and had me racing to finish it before dark. But what an ending! So worth it!
The Witches of Bone Hill is a read you will not forget!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/the-witches-...
July 26, 2023
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: October 3, 2023
Fans of Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” will eagerly devour Ava Morgyn’s newest novel, “The Witches of Bone Hill”.
Cordelia Bone’s life is in pieces after her divorce left her penniless and more alone than ever. When her estranged sister, Eustace, a cannabis grower in Colorado, reaches out, stating that both herself and Cordelia are now the sole heirs to an estate in Connecticut, Cordelia wonders if her luck may be changing. When Cordelia arrives, she sees the aging, but significant, estate as the end of her money troubles. But Eustace doesn’t want to sell. In fact, the entire house seems to be resistant to the idea. Their neighbours shun them, and the legal representative who presides over the case is reticent to reveal any details about the house or their departed unknown Aunt, who left the house to them in an ironclad will. Through their investigation through the house and its property, the sisters soon learn the family secrets their deceased mother kept from them, secrets that connect them to each other, their ancestors, and the very house itself. As they begin to uncover more about their family, the Bone sisters soon discover their own power and are forced to use it when their inheritance- and their lives- are threatened.
“Bone Hill” is Morgyn’s third novel and, like her previous works, this one also focuses on the supernatural. The Bone sisters are witches (this is not a spoiler, as it’s pretty evident from the title), with varying talents, who come from a long line of witches, who have lived a relatively normal life due to the fact that their mother ran away from her past and her talents. Cordelia was a real estate agent in Dallas, and the story is told from her perspective, in one flowing timeline and consistent plot arc. Although Eustace doesn’t narrate, she definitely shares the protagonist role, and her free-thinking, pot-growing personality is nothing like Cordelia’s, but she is just as likable, if not more so.
The Bone Hill House is terrifying, with ghosts literally in every corner, complete with dusty pictures of ancestors on the walls and deadly herbs growing in the garden. Morgyn can paint a heck of a picture, and she created the ultimate spooky setting for the sisters to concoct their magical plans.
The ending had two components to it; one, I completely guessed from the beginning. The other component is one I dislike for its lack of creativity and soap-opera predictability (I won’t give it away but if you are familiar with my reviews, you may recognize what it is). However, Morgyn did manage to tie up all loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion to the plot. Two witchy sisters, living in their deceased Aunt’s house (that is now their house), within a community who is curious and terrified of them in equal measure? Alice Hoffman fans, you’ve found a new author to enjoy.
Expected publication date: October 3, 2023
Fans of Alice Hoffman’s “Practical Magic” will eagerly devour Ava Morgyn’s newest novel, “The Witches of Bone Hill”.
Cordelia Bone’s life is in pieces after her divorce left her penniless and more alone than ever. When her estranged sister, Eustace, a cannabis grower in Colorado, reaches out, stating that both herself and Cordelia are now the sole heirs to an estate in Connecticut, Cordelia wonders if her luck may be changing. When Cordelia arrives, she sees the aging, but significant, estate as the end of her money troubles. But Eustace doesn’t want to sell. In fact, the entire house seems to be resistant to the idea. Their neighbours shun them, and the legal representative who presides over the case is reticent to reveal any details about the house or their departed unknown Aunt, who left the house to them in an ironclad will. Through their investigation through the house and its property, the sisters soon learn the family secrets their deceased mother kept from them, secrets that connect them to each other, their ancestors, and the very house itself. As they begin to uncover more about their family, the Bone sisters soon discover their own power and are forced to use it when their inheritance- and their lives- are threatened.
“Bone Hill” is Morgyn’s third novel and, like her previous works, this one also focuses on the supernatural. The Bone sisters are witches (this is not a spoiler, as it’s pretty evident from the title), with varying talents, who come from a long line of witches, who have lived a relatively normal life due to the fact that their mother ran away from her past and her talents. Cordelia was a real estate agent in Dallas, and the story is told from her perspective, in one flowing timeline and consistent plot arc. Although Eustace doesn’t narrate, she definitely shares the protagonist role, and her free-thinking, pot-growing personality is nothing like Cordelia’s, but she is just as likable, if not more so.
The Bone Hill House is terrifying, with ghosts literally in every corner, complete with dusty pictures of ancestors on the walls and deadly herbs growing in the garden. Morgyn can paint a heck of a picture, and she created the ultimate spooky setting for the sisters to concoct their magical plans.
The ending had two components to it; one, I completely guessed from the beginning. The other component is one I dislike for its lack of creativity and soap-opera predictability (I won’t give it away but if you are familiar with my reviews, you may recognize what it is). However, Morgyn did manage to tie up all loose ends and provide a satisfying conclusion to the plot. Two witchy sisters, living in their deceased Aunt’s house (that is now their house), within a community who is curious and terrified of them in equal measure? Alice Hoffman fans, you’ve found a new author to enjoy.
August 23, 2023
I believe I picked this up as a "Read Now" thinking that it would be a novel that I would enjoy. The description seemed to tout it as a terrifying read. It didn't even come close to being spooky.
The novel was pretty boring for me. I probably expected to be terrified enough to keep me up at night. But that didn't happen. And I didn't quite understand the Mafia angle of the story. Really? It just took away from the handful of paranormal discoveries.
I didn't care for any of the characters, except for maybe Gordon, the property caretaker. He was one of the few that had a "normal" name, unlike the main characters Cordelia and Eustace. Those names didn't bother me at first, but as the story progressed, I just started to get annoyed at them.
By 42%, I was just about over and done. So I skipped to the last few chapters to see if there were any redeeming qualities that could compel me to carry one. Sadly, those last few chapters are what sealed the novel's fate as I was dismayed at the outcome. An unfortunate one star DNF.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The novel was pretty boring for me. I probably expected to be terrified enough to keep me up at night. But that didn't happen. And I didn't quite understand the Mafia angle of the story. Really? It just took away from the handful of paranormal discoveries.
I didn't care for any of the characters, except for maybe Gordon, the property caretaker. He was one of the few that had a "normal" name, unlike the main characters Cordelia and Eustace. Those names didn't bother me at first, but as the story progressed, I just started to get annoyed at them.
By 42%, I was just about over and done. So I skipped to the last few chapters to see if there were any redeeming qualities that could compel me to carry one. Sadly, those last few chapters are what sealed the novel's fate as I was dismayed at the outcome. An unfortunate one star DNF.
I received a DRC from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 21, 2023
Wow! If you're looking for a "Fall vibes" book, this one takes the cake! It's got the spooky vibes with ghosts and scary things around every corner. This was almost horror due to the amount of gore that happened. I enjoyed it and was biting my nails in so many different parts of it! It also has great amounts of family vibes to show you the importance of family. Some romance as well! It truly just keeps you reeled in and wanting to read more! I loved it!
I won this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I won this ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
October 13, 2023
The Witches of Bone Hill is a truly unique read. The magical setting and plot immediately caught my interest. As a fan of horror, I also loved the darker moments of this book. I didn't love the romance subplot, as it felt a little unnecessary, but regardless I had a great time reading it. I definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a spooky read this fall.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
September 25, 2023
I picked this book up because I like stories about witches. This was an intriguing tale of two sisters who inherit not only a house from a great aunt they didn't know, but a family history mired in secret rituals and magic.
Description:
Cordelia Bone's meticulously crafted life and career in Dallas are crashing down around her thanks to a philandering husband with criminal debts.
When her older, carefree sister, Eustace—a cannabis grower in Boulder, calls to inform her the great aunt they never met has died and they must travel to a small town in Connecticut to deal with the estate, she sees an opportunity to unload the house and save herself.
But once there, the sisters learn they are getting much more than they bargained for. The Victorian mansion they stand to inherit is bound in a dynasty trust controlled by their late aunt's aging attorney who insists they inhabit the house and retain it but keeps them in the dark about the peculiar rituals of their ancestors. Not to mention a sexy, tattooed groundskeeper with a shrouded past who refuses to leave the carriage house and a crypt full of dead relatives looming at the property line.
As both women grapple with their current predicament, they come face to face with a haunting family secret, the truth of what happened to their mother, and the enemy that's been stalking them from the shadows for generations. In a twisting torrent of terror and blood, the sisters must uncover the power within them to heal their fractured relationship, reverse their mysteriously declining health, and claim the lineage they wanted to escape but now must embrace if they are to survive at Bone Hill.
My Thoughts:
What began as an inheritance and hopes for a new beginning descended into a fight for survival as Cordelia and Eustace unravel the family secrets and try to overcome the malevolence that come with their inheritance. The story became very tense at times as the sisters faced threats. The house was full of dark secrets. The bone rituals were interesting and kind of creepy. There was some humor in the book though. I liked the characters and their desire to become part of the community (if they could ever leave the grounds of Bone Hill). I would recommend to anyone who likes witchy stories.
Thanks to St Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Cordelia Bone's meticulously crafted life and career in Dallas are crashing down around her thanks to a philandering husband with criminal debts.
When her older, carefree sister, Eustace—a cannabis grower in Boulder, calls to inform her the great aunt they never met has died and they must travel to a small town in Connecticut to deal with the estate, she sees an opportunity to unload the house and save herself.
But once there, the sisters learn they are getting much more than they bargained for. The Victorian mansion they stand to inherit is bound in a dynasty trust controlled by their late aunt's aging attorney who insists they inhabit the house and retain it but keeps them in the dark about the peculiar rituals of their ancestors. Not to mention a sexy, tattooed groundskeeper with a shrouded past who refuses to leave the carriage house and a crypt full of dead relatives looming at the property line.
As both women grapple with their current predicament, they come face to face with a haunting family secret, the truth of what happened to their mother, and the enemy that's been stalking them from the shadows for generations. In a twisting torrent of terror and blood, the sisters must uncover the power within them to heal their fractured relationship, reverse their mysteriously declining health, and claim the lineage they wanted to escape but now must embrace if they are to survive at Bone Hill.
My Thoughts:
What began as an inheritance and hopes for a new beginning descended into a fight for survival as Cordelia and Eustace unravel the family secrets and try to overcome the malevolence that come with their inheritance. The story became very tense at times as the sisters faced threats. The house was full of dark secrets. The bone rituals were interesting and kind of creepy. There was some humor in the book though. I liked the characters and their desire to become part of the community (if they could ever leave the grounds of Bone Hill). I would recommend to anyone who likes witchy stories.
Thanks to St Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy.
October 7, 2023
Review originally posted at https://smexybooks.com/2023/09/review...
This is the third book I’ve read this year with the word witches in the title. The first was a lighter paranormal romance, the second a little darker- more magical realism than fantasy, and lastly, The Witches of Bone Hill, a much darker fantasy, almost straddling the horror line.
Cordelia Bone’s life is spinning out of control. Her cheating husband left her nothing but debt, ruined credit, a house covered in black mold she needs to sell to pay her bills and a career off track. Oh, and a mobster threatening her life over a bad loan. Then she gets a call from her estranged sister informing her that their great aunt has died and left them her estate. This just may be the thing that saves her.
Cordelia and her sister Eustice are strangers to their heritage and the Bone legacy. Their late mother left home as a young woman and refused to discuss her family with her daughters. But Cordelia hears whispers, sees ghosts, and experiences the same debilitating headaches her mother had. When arriving at the Victorian mansion left to them, and seeing the creepy and weird contents, both sisters quickly realize that there is something quite different about their Bone ancestors.
This is a mix of mystery, suspense, and supernatural coming of age. Cordelia and Eustace have to decode the legacy of their family all while fighting many of their own personal battles, and a sinister intruder on their property that is threatening both their lives and their sanities. This was gorier than I expected- blood runes, dissected animals, and patches of skin removed from dead bodies- but, I like the horror genre so I kept turning pages. The mystery aspect was well done, but I will say the villain is one I suspected early on. I enjoyed Cordelia and Eustace’s coming into their powers very much. The history of the Bone witches was an interesting one.
There is a romantic element between Cordelia and the tattooed, ex-musician groundskeeper. Gordan helps the sisters as they acclimate to their new normal, and keeps them safe when all the BAD THINGS happen. The romance is subtle and closed-door, but it worked for this story.
The Witches of Bone Hill is an atmospheric, eerie read just in time for the Halloween season.
Content notes- Animal abuse, past death of a parent, blood, gore, mentions of cancer and cancer treatment
Grade- B
This is the third book I’ve read this year with the word witches in the title. The first was a lighter paranormal romance, the second a little darker- more magical realism than fantasy, and lastly, The Witches of Bone Hill, a much darker fantasy, almost straddling the horror line.
Cordelia Bone’s life is spinning out of control. Her cheating husband left her nothing but debt, ruined credit, a house covered in black mold she needs to sell to pay her bills and a career off track. Oh, and a mobster threatening her life over a bad loan. Then she gets a call from her estranged sister informing her that their great aunt has died and left them her estate. This just may be the thing that saves her.
Cordelia and her sister Eustice are strangers to their heritage and the Bone legacy. Their late mother left home as a young woman and refused to discuss her family with her daughters. But Cordelia hears whispers, sees ghosts, and experiences the same debilitating headaches her mother had. When arriving at the Victorian mansion left to them, and seeing the creepy and weird contents, both sisters quickly realize that there is something quite different about their Bone ancestors.
This is a mix of mystery, suspense, and supernatural coming of age. Cordelia and Eustace have to decode the legacy of their family all while fighting many of their own personal battles, and a sinister intruder on their property that is threatening both their lives and their sanities. This was gorier than I expected- blood runes, dissected animals, and patches of skin removed from dead bodies- but, I like the horror genre so I kept turning pages. The mystery aspect was well done, but I will say the villain is one I suspected early on. I enjoyed Cordelia and Eustace’s coming into their powers very much. The history of the Bone witches was an interesting one.
There is a romantic element between Cordelia and the tattooed, ex-musician groundskeeper. Gordan helps the sisters as they acclimate to their new normal, and keeps them safe when all the BAD THINGS happen. The romance is subtle and closed-door, but it worked for this story.
The Witches of Bone Hill is an atmospheric, eerie read just in time for the Halloween season.
Content notes- Animal abuse, past death of a parent, blood, gore, mentions of cancer and cancer treatment
Grade- B
May 6, 2024
I love the story here but the pacing seemed awkward to me. Some parts seemed flat while other parts jumped off the pages for me. All and all I am pleased that I stuck with it and I did enjoy it. I don’t want to give away spoilers but I can say the speed in the second half picks up and you start getting all the answers you want.
# The Witches of Bone Hill
# 3/15/2024 ~ 5/6/2024
# 3.0 / 5.0
# The Witches of Bone Hill
# 3/15/2024 ~ 5/6/2024
# 3.0 / 5.0
May 22, 2023
I was excited to start this book. The plot sounded intriguing and right up my alley. Sadly, this was a disappointment for me. I really struggled to finish it completely and found myself getting bored throughout.
This is the story of Cordelia Bone. The book starts with her life in Texas falling apart- her husband has left her for her assistant, stolen her identity in the process leaving her in debt, and in the midst of selling her home, mold is found. As if on cue, she gets a call that her estranged aunt has passed away and that she is required to come to her home to determine her inheritance. We come to find out that she has a sister, Eustance, who she has not spoken to in 5 years. We learn that the sisters can only receive their inheritance if they stay and live in the house. We also learn that they are witches and by coming back to the house, they are starting to come into their powers. Lastly, we learn that almost all of the women in their bloodine have died in either a tragic or mysterious way.
I can't really put my finger on it, but I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters in this book. The story was also very discombobulating- just all over the place I don't think there was a lot of depth, and it seemed like something major would happen and then be brushed over. I found myself flipping back through pages to see if I missed something. Cordelia and her sister haven't spoken in 5 years but all of a sudden, they are good and relying on each other. Cordelia has a thing for the groundskeeper, Gordon, and then within a few weeks, she can't live without him, but the way the story is told once again it is as if I missed something.
I will say I probably would have dropped a star if it had not been for the end. The crescendo of the book slightly made up for its shortcomings.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Cordelia Bone. The book starts with her life in Texas falling apart- her husband has left her for her assistant, stolen her identity in the process leaving her in debt, and in the midst of selling her home, mold is found. As if on cue, she gets a call that her estranged aunt has passed away and that she is required to come to her home to determine her inheritance. We come to find out that she has a sister, Eustance, who she has not spoken to in 5 years. We learn that the sisters can only receive their inheritance if they stay and live in the house. We also learn that they are witches and by coming back to the house, they are starting to come into their powers. Lastly, we learn that almost all of the women in their bloodine have died in either a tragic or mysterious way.
I can't really put my finger on it, but I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters in this book. The story was also very discombobulating- just all over the place I don't think there was a lot of depth, and it seemed like something major would happen and then be brushed over. I found myself flipping back through pages to see if I missed something. Cordelia and her sister haven't spoken in 5 years but all of a sudden, they are good and relying on each other. Cordelia has a thing for the groundskeeper, Gordon, and then within a few weeks, she can't live without him, but the way the story is told once again it is as if I missed something.
I will say I probably would have dropped a star if it had not been for the end. The crescendo of the book slightly made up for its shortcomings.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2023
First comment- the house. I’m in love with the description and character of the gothic, dark victorian house. I loved everything about this book. Literally everything. I love the relationship between the sisters, the magic, the gloomy darkness, the secrets. You name it, it had it. I would love to hear more in a possible second book from Eustace’s point of view.
I received this ARC via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC via NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2023
Review to come.
November 2, 2023
2.5 rounded up
Man was this a chore to read. Why was there a mafia subplot in a paranormal, mystery/horror? It did nothing for the story that I could see. I hated the main character Cordelia. She wanted open communication from her Sister and those around her, but could not do it herself and then had the audacity to get furious when people weren't open or honest with her. Also she would make decisions knowing the risks and then wonder why disaster followed. It was infuriating. I was also able to guess the twists and normally that wouldn't bother me but, I was already so frustrated with the book that this was the last straw. What I enjoyed the most was the house and its ghosts. I loved the descriptions and the atmosphere. I am bummed because I had high hopes for this book but, unfortunately it was not for me.
Man was this a chore to read. Why was there a mafia subplot in a paranormal, mystery/horror? It did nothing for the story that I could see. I hated the main character Cordelia. She wanted open communication from her Sister and those around her, but could not do it herself and then had the audacity to get furious when people weren't open or honest with her. Also she would make decisions knowing the risks and then wonder why disaster followed. It was infuriating. I was also able to guess the twists and normally that wouldn't bother me but, I was already so frustrated with the book that this was the last straw. What I enjoyed the most was the house and its ghosts. I loved the descriptions and the atmosphere. I am bummed because I had high hopes for this book but, unfortunately it was not for me.
July 17, 2023
Thriller/horror/witches are not genres I would typically gravitate toward, but holy cow, I’m so glad I did this time! The Witches of Bone Hill is dark and creepy, disturbing and uncomfortable; at the same time it’s uplifting and full of love (both familial and romantic). At its core, it’s a story of two sisters learning to accept themselves for who they are, and becoming who they hope to be. Also, Gordon is hot and amazing.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Griffin.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Griffin.
October 8, 2023
Enjoyable, but tried too hard.
September 14, 2023
I really wanted to love this book and the premise seemed like the perfect fall book with witchy vibes. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book as much as I hoped to.
Cordelia Bone’s marriage has fallen apart and her husband has left her with a mountain of debt. Just as her financial problems reach what seems to be an unsurpassable amount, she receives a call from her estranged sister who she has not spoken with in five years letting her know that they have inherited their long lost aunt’s estate in Connecticut. Cordelia thinks this might be the solution to her financial problems and travels to Connecticut to reunite with her sister and settle the estate, but it is quickly clear that things are not as they seem with the old mansion.
I really struggled to connect with any of the characters or their relationships. When Cordelia and her sister Eustace meet at the airport after five years of estrangement, I expected tension and struggles to reconnect leading into character development and growth. Instead, it is almost as if no time has passed, and they are just instantly reconnected. I did not find it genuine or believable. I also struggled to connect to Cordelia’s romantic interest in Gordon; she seemed to go from criticizing and instantly disliking him to being deeply attracted to him with no real explanation or relationship growth.
There was also a mob tie in with Cordelia’s ex-husband’s financial problems that did seem to fit and came off almost as an excessive attempt to emphasize the stress Cordelia was under. It felt like it detracted from the story and the intent of that story line could have been achieved in a more realistic way.
The ending was ok, not great. I did enjoy the ending more than the rest of the book. Overall this was just not the book for me and I gave it 2.5 stars, rounded to 3 for the 5 star rating system.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
Cordelia Bone’s marriage has fallen apart and her husband has left her with a mountain of debt. Just as her financial problems reach what seems to be an unsurpassable amount, she receives a call from her estranged sister who she has not spoken with in five years letting her know that they have inherited their long lost aunt’s estate in Connecticut. Cordelia thinks this might be the solution to her financial problems and travels to Connecticut to reunite with her sister and settle the estate, but it is quickly clear that things are not as they seem with the old mansion.
I really struggled to connect with any of the characters or their relationships. When Cordelia and her sister Eustace meet at the airport after five years of estrangement, I expected tension and struggles to reconnect leading into character development and growth. Instead, it is almost as if no time has passed, and they are just instantly reconnected. I did not find it genuine or believable. I also struggled to connect to Cordelia’s romantic interest in Gordon; she seemed to go from criticizing and instantly disliking him to being deeply attracted to him with no real explanation or relationship growth.
There was also a mob tie in with Cordelia’s ex-husband’s financial problems that did seem to fit and came off almost as an excessive attempt to emphasize the stress Cordelia was under. It felt like it detracted from the story and the intent of that story line could have been achieved in a more realistic way.
The ending was ok, not great. I did enjoy the ending more than the rest of the book. Overall this was just not the book for me and I gave it 2.5 stars, rounded to 3 for the 5 star rating system.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.
October 9, 2023
The plot of this book sounded fantastic, and I was so excited to finally start on it. Unfortunately, it ended up being a letdown. I had to really push myself to finish it.
I'm not exactly sure where it went wrong. In theory, it has so many elements I love in a book. Magic, ghosts, a spooky old house, and estranged sisters trying to find their way back to each other. Sadly, it just didn't click for me. I had a very hard time connecting with the characters, and the story felt all over the place.
Despite all of that, I did feel like it had a strong ending, and that made up for its deficits in other areas.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I'm not exactly sure where it went wrong. In theory, it has so many elements I love in a book. Magic, ghosts, a spooky old house, and estranged sisters trying to find their way back to each other. Sadly, it just didn't click for me. I had a very hard time connecting with the characters, and the story felt all over the place.
Despite all of that, I did feel like it had a strong ending, and that made up for its deficits in other areas.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
October 31, 2023
A perfect combination of gothic, mystery, and a little horror, all wrapped in legacy and magic. I adore this book. The Witches of Bone Hill is about a family shrouded in mystery and two sisters coming in to their birthright. I loved learning about the dark origins of this gothic family and each history we get is so detailed, as if we are being haunted by them too. And that magic! Ava Morgyn did her research and puts so much attention into the lore surrounding it. I seriously cannot recommend this enough, especially if you’re an ambiance reader, put it on your list for next Halloween!
May 2, 2024
This book needed less editing, but it also needed more editing. The romance was almost unneeded and at times felt random. I enjoyed how the dots connected towards the end but it was lack luster over all.
July 20, 2023
The perfect read to kick off the spooky season. Eustace and Cordelia’s lives are pretty much in shambles when notice arrives that they’ll receive an inheritance from a distant aunt. The women were kept from contact with other family while raised by their mom. When the sisters arrive at Bone Hill, they begin to unearth the many family secrets.
This was a delightfully creepy story that I couldn’t put down. I’d love to see more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was a delightfully creepy story that I couldn’t put down. I’d love to see more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this complimentary ARC. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 1, 2023
The title and that gorgeous cover caught my eye when I was considering fall books for Spooky Reading Season. Ava Morgyn is a new to me author and I didn’t pay close attention to the synopsis or the buzz about The Witches of Bone Hill when I took it up and started reading. What a bewitching and somewhat dark magical read.
I don’t generally run to book comparisons, but as a recent fan of Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic series, I was tickled to find a story that would compare well. Two very opposite sisters who drifted apart as adults, come from a long line of female witches with a creepy family legacy and old home in New England with a picturesque bittersweet writing style as well. Check!
But, The Witches of Bone Hill is its own tale. For one, the two sisters didn’t know they were witches or much about the family legacy that brought them home. Oh sure, the pair of them were aware they had certain uncomfortable gifts and their mother was always oddly silent about some things, quirky in her own way, and adamantly full of very eccentric rules they must live by, but it only starts to make sense when their great aunt dies and they must return to the sentient house on Bone Hill in Connecticut and learn their power before it’s too late.
There is an ominous tone that grows stronger so that I was getting the heebie jeebies and could only read in broad daylight once the story got rolling (take that with a grain of salt since I’m a wuss about horror and others might see this as mild). Eustace with her free spirit ways accepts the situation better than skeptical, world-weary Cordelia who just went through a divorce with her cheating con artist ex who took her to the cleaners and his debts have the mob sicced on her. Cordelia is the narrator and the story unfolds from her perspective. I liked that there were surrounding characters that had the sisters unsure as to their intensions good or malevolent and the mysterious caretaker. There is romance, but it was properly secondary to the harrowing magic and mystery the sisters’ face.
All in all, this was a grisly, murky and truly satisfying spooky read that I can recommend to those looking for something to thrill at the witching hour.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Sept 27th.
I don’t generally run to book comparisons, but as a recent fan of Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic series, I was tickled to find a story that would compare well. Two very opposite sisters who drifted apart as adults, come from a long line of female witches with a creepy family legacy and old home in New England with a picturesque bittersweet writing style as well. Check!
But, The Witches of Bone Hill is its own tale. For one, the two sisters didn’t know they were witches or much about the family legacy that brought them home. Oh sure, the pair of them were aware they had certain uncomfortable gifts and their mother was always oddly silent about some things, quirky in her own way, and adamantly full of very eccentric rules they must live by, but it only starts to make sense when their great aunt dies and they must return to the sentient house on Bone Hill in Connecticut and learn their power before it’s too late.
There is an ominous tone that grows stronger so that I was getting the heebie jeebies and could only read in broad daylight once the story got rolling (take that with a grain of salt since I’m a wuss about horror and others might see this as mild). Eustace with her free spirit ways accepts the situation better than skeptical, world-weary Cordelia who just went through a divorce with her cheating con artist ex who took her to the cleaners and his debts have the mob sicced on her. Cordelia is the narrator and the story unfolds from her perspective. I liked that there were surrounding characters that had the sisters unsure as to their intensions good or malevolent and the mysterious caretaker. There is romance, but it was properly secondary to the harrowing magic and mystery the sisters’ face.
All in all, this was a grisly, murky and truly satisfying spooky read that I can recommend to those looking for something to thrill at the witching hour.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Sept 27th.
October 3, 2023
BOOK REPORT
Yawn.
Although, to be fair, it might have hit me differently were I 27 and not 57.
Yawn.
Although, to be fair, it might have hit me differently were I 27 and not 57.
September 26, 2023
The Witches of Bone Hill brings all the dark, creepy, and paranormal good stuff everyone looks for during spooky season. Then, throw in a healthy dash of a shady family history shrouded in mystery for a story that keeps you turning the pages.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
The chilly and macabre atmosphere in this story sucked me right into Cordelia and Eustace’s lives, and the eerie haunted mansion they inherited with malevolent ghosts really made the story.
I also really enjoyed the way Morgyn was able to weave together a multi-layered family mystery shrouded in suspicion, murder and possible darkness as the sisters worked to learn as much as they could about their own magic and limitations, while coming to terms with a possible dynasty that was forged in darkness. The whole time I was cheering for the sisters as they worked through their troubled past to bring a joyful light to their new magical inheritance even as darkness descends on them.
How was the pace?
This was a slow burn, but it reads quickly since you don’t want to put it down!
Do you recommend this book?
I know y’all are looking for books to add to your spooky reading stack, and this dark story about sisterhood, magic, and the supernatural is one you are going to want to check out!
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
What appealed to you the most in this story?
The chilly and macabre atmosphere in this story sucked me right into Cordelia and Eustace’s lives, and the eerie haunted mansion they inherited with malevolent ghosts really made the story.
I also really enjoyed the way Morgyn was able to weave together a multi-layered family mystery shrouded in suspicion, murder and possible darkness as the sisters worked to learn as much as they could about their own magic and limitations, while coming to terms with a possible dynasty that was forged in darkness. The whole time I was cheering for the sisters as they worked through their troubled past to bring a joyful light to their new magical inheritance even as darkness descends on them.
How was the pace?
This was a slow burn, but it reads quickly since you don’t want to put it down!
Do you recommend this book?
I know y’all are looking for books to add to your spooky reading stack, and this dark story about sisterhood, magic, and the supernatural is one you are going to want to check out!
Thank you, St. Martin's Press, for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
May 31, 2023
Thank you NetGalley & St Martin’s Press for the ARC of The Witches of Bone Hill!
I really enjoyed this. It was so atmospheric & descriptive - there were plenty of parts during the book where I was spooked out! I loved the descriptions of the magic, this eerie mansion home, & the relationship between the two sisters.
Cordelia & Eustace Bone are reunited after 5 years when their estranged Great Aunt passes away. They learn they’re about to inherit a huge Victorian mansion - but it turns out they may be getting more than they bargained for. I loved the romance subplot between Cordelia & their sexy tattooed groundskeeper, Gordon!
Overall, this was slow paced, but it really worked as it all came to a head towards the end of the book - which was exciting & intense! Great book & I highly recommend to all who love atmospheric, mysterious settings with witches, magic, & the love between two siblings.
*There aren’t any published trigger warnings, but please make note there are graphic scenes of animal abuse.*
I really enjoyed this. It was so atmospheric & descriptive - there were plenty of parts during the book where I was spooked out! I loved the descriptions of the magic, this eerie mansion home, & the relationship between the two sisters.
Cordelia & Eustace Bone are reunited after 5 years when their estranged Great Aunt passes away. They learn they’re about to inherit a huge Victorian mansion - but it turns out they may be getting more than they bargained for. I loved the romance subplot between Cordelia & their sexy tattooed groundskeeper, Gordon!
Overall, this was slow paced, but it really worked as it all came to a head towards the end of the book - which was exciting & intense! Great book & I highly recommend to all who love atmospheric, mysterious settings with witches, magic, & the love between two siblings.
*There aren’t any published trigger warnings, but please make note there are graphic scenes of animal abuse.*
November 28, 2023
The perfect creepy witchy book with strong emphasis on family and a splash of romance!
Cordelia Bones and her sister Eustace reunite when their estranged Aunt passes away and leaves them the old family house. Little do they know that the creepy manor will soon reveal family secrets they couldn’t even begin to imagine. The handsome groundskeeper, Gordon, will also prove intriguing with secrets of his own. With someone out to get them to keep them from taking on their family legacy, they need to unravel their family history before it’s too late.
I thought this book was beautifully written and kept me guessing throughout. There are lots of different pieces to this book with everything coming together with an amazing ending. It was creepy, scary, and at times gory, but very addicting.
Arc copy received from Netgalley for an honest review.
Cordelia Bones and her sister Eustace reunite when their estranged Aunt passes away and leaves them the old family house. Little do they know that the creepy manor will soon reveal family secrets they couldn’t even begin to imagine. The handsome groundskeeper, Gordon, will also prove intriguing with secrets of his own. With someone out to get them to keep them from taking on their family legacy, they need to unravel their family history before it’s too late.
I thought this book was beautifully written and kept me guessing throughout. There are lots of different pieces to this book with everything coming together with an amazing ending. It was creepy, scary, and at times gory, but very addicting.
Arc copy received from Netgalley for an honest review.
September 26, 2023
The Witches of Bone Hill is about two estranged sisters coming together after the passing of their great aunt who they have never met and getting more than they bargained for. Now they sisters must dig up the past and discover their lineage. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I didn’t want to put it down. As soon as I read the synopsis I was hooked. This book is released September 26,2023 which in my opinion will be a great read for fall/Halloween. Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Publishing, Ava Morgyn and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 10, 2023
I have just finished The witches of bone hill by Ava Morgyn and here are my thoughts.
The Bone sisters had no idea they had an aunt or that she was leaving them the anchestrial home upon her death.
Cordelia needs money after her cheating husband leaves her with his criminal debts. Her sister Eustace needs to get away from her life so they both head off to see what the will contains.
Trouble is, the will is very clear. They can't sell the house. It has to stay in the bone family or they forfeit. The only person who has any kind of clue as to what their aunt was like is the groundskeeper. A sexy broody man who lives in the carriage house.
It soon becomes clear that their family history is full of death and their lineage is much more than they ever knew. When bad things begin to happen in the house, the sisters must unravel the cryptic clues their aunt has left behind.
This book started off a little slow for me. It was probably a ¼ of the way through before I really got hooked. The whole book got very exciting the more we learned about the dark past of the house and all about the family curse did I get so invested that I read until my eyes ached.
It was really well written. The storyline was clever and detailed and the descriptive parts about the house had me tingling with anticipation. I loved how the sisters suddenly came into themselves when they arrived at the house. It was like being away from it had stripped their talents away and being back bought them to life. Loved all the Norse stuff too. So clever and very well done.
Thought the supporting characters could have had a bit more to them but honestly the book was quite brilliant and that's my only gripe.
Book was well paved and thoroughly enjoyable. Great read for the spooky season for sure
4.5 stars thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.
Out now
The Bone sisters had no idea they had an aunt or that she was leaving them the anchestrial home upon her death.
Cordelia needs money after her cheating husband leaves her with his criminal debts. Her sister Eustace needs to get away from her life so they both head off to see what the will contains.
Trouble is, the will is very clear. They can't sell the house. It has to stay in the bone family or they forfeit. The only person who has any kind of clue as to what their aunt was like is the groundskeeper. A sexy broody man who lives in the carriage house.
It soon becomes clear that their family history is full of death and their lineage is much more than they ever knew. When bad things begin to happen in the house, the sisters must unravel the cryptic clues their aunt has left behind.
This book started off a little slow for me. It was probably a ¼ of the way through before I really got hooked. The whole book got very exciting the more we learned about the dark past of the house and all about the family curse did I get so invested that I read until my eyes ached.
It was really well written. The storyline was clever and detailed and the descriptive parts about the house had me tingling with anticipation. I loved how the sisters suddenly came into themselves when they arrived at the house. It was like being away from it had stripped their talents away and being back bought them to life. Loved all the Norse stuff too. So clever and very well done.
Thought the supporting characters could have had a bit more to them but honestly the book was quite brilliant and that's my only gripe.
Book was well paved and thoroughly enjoyable. Great read for the spooky season for sure
4.5 stars thank you @netgalley and @stmartinspress for my gifted copy.
Out now
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