The second in Bella Ellis (aka Rowan Coleman)'s "Brontë mysteries" was another fantastic read. When a child's long hidden bones are found at Top Withens, Charlotte, Emily and Anne (and occasionally Branwell in a semi-detached sort of way) become "detectors" once again, determined to identify the child and uncover the truth. It feels like a rather darker story than the first in the series, The Vanished Bride, and is a gripping read. (I did guess the culprit early on - but that didn't spoil my enjoyment in any way.)

The characterisation and interactions between the sisters (and Branwell, and Tabby) are a delight throughout and it's great to see Anne - possibly my favourite sister - get the attention she deserves.

There are character names here which would later become familiar through the novels (Earnshaw, Catherine, Grace Poole) and others which sound like they easily could belong there (Clifton and Liston Bradshaw).

The author clearly knows her Brontës and although there's no evidence that they did in fact investigate mysteries in their spare time, their lives are otherwise accurately represented (with a few minor tweaks which the author acknowledges).

(Very near the end, Emily remarks that she is "thinking of a novel... a novel of such barbarity and infamy that the world will tremble at its pages: a novel that shows what evil and depravity men - and women - are capable of" - a remarkably accurate description of the book she went on to write, even if it's nowadays - frustratingly - mainly characterised as a love story by people who haven't read it.)

Loved it and can't wait for more!

The second book in the Brontë Mysteries series is just as fantastic as the first. The sisters are written really vividly and their exchanges are so witty that I'd happily read about them just pottering around the house. That there's a great detective story too is a bonus. Like the first book, the inequalities of nineteenth century England are explored.

This is the second book to use the Bronte sisters as detectors, but can easily be read as a stand alone. Bella Ellis cleverly weaves her fictional tale of detection together with real aspects of the Brontes’ lives. This is very well done. Having visited the vicarage where they lived, and knowing the surrounding wild moors, I appreciated the accurate descriptions. A brilliant read. I hope there will be a third volume!

"Chilling" and "addictive" sum it up perfectly. This second entry in the Bronte Mysteries series is one thrill after another. Bella Ellis deftly weaves biographical details and larger than life personalities in the midst of a truly spine-tingling plot.
There's so much to enjoy here, from the thoughtful portrayal of all three Bronte sisters (and their brother), to the well crafted atmosphere of secrecy and tension on the Yorkshire moors. Although many readers may quickly pick up on which character they shouldn't trust, the speedy pace and well written sense of peril ensure they'll be glued all the way to the last page.
The characterizations were delightful, and I found myself highlighting passages again and again. Emily is my favorite, with her staunch outsider status and utter disregard for subtlety. I find myself laughing out loud at some of the things she says, and wondering whether she means to be funny or not. At times like those it was easy to forget that an author is putting words in her mouth.
There's something about the Brontes' lives that lends itself to this type of book, that makes it not ridiculous. Their short, difficult lives somehow combine believably with the dire situations that the author gives them to unravel, and the fact that the reader knows where their lives are headed adds gravitas to the story.
Future books in the series will be most welcome!

3.5 stars

As enjoyable as the first book,if a little darker.
I enjoyed the references to some of the Bronte books in this one.
Some excellent detecting ,and a mystery I didn't solve until the last minute (the who,not the why)
Great characters.

I adore this series of books and believe they are brilliantly written. We couldn’t purchase them as we are a primary school but I will be recommending these widely.
The Brontë sisters are back to detecting with some assistance from Branwell, though he is still nursing a broken heart. The girls are entirely capable of solving the mystery of the bones found in a home not far from the parsonage.
The bones were found behind a fireplace and the mystery develops as a gold medallion and strange symbols were found around the bones. The sisters work tirelessly to determine the age and name of the child, the reasons it might have been in the fireplace and the greater mystery that evolves over time.
With plenty of twists and turns, I tried to pay close attention to who I thought may have been the murderer, but still found myself surprised with the ending. That, to me, is the sign of an excellent book.
I love the historical references and use of the incredible Brontë family, who I find fascinating. They were no stranger to grief and heartache but I believe they were all highly intelligent and capable of offering more than what women were allowed to do in those times.

An incredible book!