Book Review: The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White

Rating: 3.5 Stars

In "The Unquiet Bones" by Loreth Anne White, a gripping tale unfolds as human bones are discovered under an old chapel, reigniting a nearly fifty-year-old cold case involving missing teen Annalise Jansen. Homicide detective Jane Munro, alongside forensic anthropologist Dr. Ella Quinn, delves into the past of a group of friends known as the Shoreview Six, unearthing long-buried secrets that threaten to unravel their lives.

From the opening pages of "The Unquiet Bones," I found myself captivated by the intricate web of secrets skillfully spun by the author. The writing flows effortlessly, propelling the reader through a fast-paced narrative filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

White expertly crafts a multi-layered plot that is rich in complexity, with secrets and lies at its core. The characters are well-developed, each harboring their own guilt and motivations that add depth to the story. The setting provides a haunting backdrop that enhances the suspenseful atmosphere of the novel.

The multiple points of view, allow readers to see the events unfold from different perspectives. This narrative technique adds an extra layer of intrigue and keeps you eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the long-buried secrets of the Shoreview Six.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed "The Unquiet Bones" for its captivating storyline, well-drawn characters, and skillful execution of a complex mystery. Fans of psychological thrillers and suspenseful novels will find themselves engrossed in this dark and twisty tale that explores the lengths people will go to protect their own truths.

In conclusion, "The Unquiet Bones" is a riveting read that delivers on its promises of suspense, intrigue, and a chilling mystery that will leave readers clamoring for more. Loreth Anne White has crafted a compelling narrative that keeps you engaged from start to finish, making this novel a must-read for fans of the genre.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

This story is very well written about a detective working on a cold case that develops into a stunning interesting unexpected solution. The detective herself is also dealing with her own unsolved case in addition to the work. Kept me interested completely.

The discovery of a body under a chapel that is being renovated reopens a decades old mystery of a missing teenage girl. Focusing mostly on Jane, the detective, we do get a few other perspectives like from the friends of the missing girl who maybe had something to do with her death.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. I don’t know that we needed all the various perspectives- it didn’t really add much for me. I also don’t think the ending was too surprising if you were paying attention to the clues. Still a good investigation, etc. The last thing that was a little weird for me was that Jane’s tragic situation was mentioned a lot at the beginning and then rarely ever again except vaguely in passing. I’m assuming there will be more in this series so that will come up again. But if not, it was just a weird detail.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Loreth Anne White knocks it out of the park again with this book. I absolutely love all of her books and this one was great. She is such a good author and always writes some great suspense novels. Don't hesitate to read this one!

The Unquiet Bones had me up way past my bedtime. This was easily a 5 ⭐️.read for me. Looking forward to more books from Loreth Anne White.

A first for me from Loreth Anne white, a well paced, Well written crime thriller. I would definitely seek out other books by this author.

Give me a book on cold cases any day day, especially when inspired by a true event. This is an unputdownable police procedural that once you get a hang of the large cast of characters, it will pull you in and not let up until the brilliant end.

Dark, creepy and full of twists, I cannot wait to read more from this author.
🙏 #montlake @amazonbooks @amazonpub @lorethanne

The multiple viewpoints and dual timeline made this an excellent read! I was invested from the beginning and found myself caught up in the story. As always, the author writes with such a chilling, atmospheric vibe. The reader feels transported to the time and place. I was disappointed that there was no conclusion for one of the storylines. But I loved the lead character and really hope that this becomes a series featuring her!

As with all of Loreth's books, I really enjoyed this one! I thought it was unique and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time

I enjoyed this read, but boy there were a lot of characters! The first part of the book reminded me a lot of the show "Bones" and I was here for it! I love the idea of bones telling a story and was super invested in the forensic anthropology part of the investigation. As the book progressed, it felt more like your typical police procedural and "past-coming-back-to-haunt-you" storyline. I enjoyed detective Jane though and wouldn't mind seeing her again in another book, especially if that means getting more information about her husband!

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another win for Loreth Anne White! Loved this story and it's ability to keep me guessing the entire time.
a Wow ending and amazing character development. Love the multi POV and great storyline.
Can't wait to dig into another one already!

3.5 stars I enjoyed parts of this book and thought the ending really made the book. This follows several different characters after a body is found buried under a chapel at a ski resort. We get chapters from the detective trying to solve the 40+ old case as well as the mom and sister of the suspected skeleton and the 6 friends who were originally questioned when she disappeared. It did take me a little time to get into it with all the characters but about half way through it kicked in and the ending surprised me. Overall this was a decent mystery

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

This book was very hard to review, because I wasn’t as invested for about the first half of the book as I had hoped, mostly because of the slow pacing - but it definitely had me in the end and I loved the depths of the story. Other than most mysteries/thriller stories where the introduced suspects often turn out to be the murderers gaffer just a few chapters, the story unfolded in a completely different way, giving all of the many characters enough time to tell their stories. The many POVs were a bit overwhelming at first, but really helped to tell the story of an unsolved murder with very dark twists.

3.25/5 ⭐️

Thank you to MB Communications, Montlake, #partner, for the copy of The Unquiet Bones in exchange for my honest review.

This is the third book I’ve read by Loreth Anne White and I am most definitely a fan! I really liked the previous two books I read by her and as soon as I heard about this one, I couldn’t request it fast enough!

Knowing this was inspired by a true crime that occurred in North Vancouver, Canada in 1976 immediately drew me in. I love cold case mysteries and the police procedural aspect of this one really was done so well. It’s told from multiple points of view and also flashes back in time to when the disappearance actually happened. I loved this structure as it really helped to build the suspense and tension in the story, while also introducing all the players involved. So many secrets are slowly revealed and everyone has a motivation.

There are a lot of characters and the use of so many points of view does take a bit to get used to, especially since the author changes how she refers to the characters. Sometimes she uses first names, and at other times, she uses nicknames and initials. But eventually you are able to put it all together and work out who is who.

This book is so cleverly plotted and it kept me fully engaged from start to finish. The twists were expertly placed, with plenty of red herrings, and led to quite a shocking conclusion…I definitely did not see any of that coming! This is a highly addictive, binge-worthy read that I definitely recommend!

Another great thriller is The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White which came out on the 5th of March. I received a copy from Montlake (Brilliance Publishing) via Netgalley.

Human bones are found beneath an old chapel and these remains could be linked to the case of missing teen Annalise Jansen. Detective Jane Munro is given the case and she is determined to bring closure for the girl’s family. However, Annalise’s old friends, are afraid to be exposed. The case takes another turn when a second body is discovered. How far will they go to keep their secret?

I really like the different characters although there were quite a lot. Sometimes it was a bit difficult to keep up with all the different characters but they were all really worked out. I especially like the character of the detective Jane Munro Ash she has quite the backstory, which I hope will be told in more detail as well in coming books about this character. The story itself was quite riveting and exciting and the pace of it was just great. I really liked the ending as well.

So, this book is an absolute recommendation although it has quite the amount of characters in it. Once you get through that and you get to know the characters it's a superb read.

4,5/5 ⭐

The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White is a cold case thriller with a shocking conclusion.

Will Jane find Annalise's killer?

The story bounces around with numerous points of view, yet I found myself drawn to Sargeant Jane Munro's story within the story so compelling. Not that Annalise or Darryl's parts are less entertaining. I enjoyed how Ms. White showed the point of view of all those involved in the happenings of that one night so long ago.

Sargeant Jane Munro
Jane is a police sergeant whose fiancee is missing; she is pregnant and has been transferred to the cold case division of one herself. She is a strong woman but is having a hard time dealing with her loss. At first, she is pushing people away; however, by the end, she realizes that community isn't terrible. I like that she is vulnerable and intelligent. Jane Munro is going to make a great mom.

The Victims
Annalise Jansen and Darryl Hendricks both go missing on the same night in 1976. Darryl was Annalise's math tutor; other than that, the connection is minimal. However, two families lost their children, and their lives were changed.

Annalise and her crowd were at a party. They were privileged and indulged in alcohol and drugs. Darryl was highly intelligent and had a good heart. Yet, he lived on the other side of town, not privileged but noble. This story tells the tale of abuse, lies, and how that can affect the lives of all around them.

Darryl's family motto is "Be the change you want to see." He lived by that. It truly touched me that he felt and lived that way, only to be done in by a lie.

Five Stars
My rating for The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White is five stars. This story had me on the edge of my seat with all of the points of view and the cause of the deaths. I know the author lies blame on a specific person (which is true) and the ripples of those actions, but there were others with their selfish gains involved, too. I know the court case will be long and drawn out. At least the families have some closure, whether it is what they want or not.

I am unsure if I would have picked this book up at the bookstore on my own. However, I am glad that Megan sent it to us. The author spins a fantastic story, and the characters are so believable. I recommend this book to all you thriller readers out there.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White.

Until the next time,
~Jen

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

EXCERPT: I need to find a way out. I don't know what to do. Part of me wants to tell Contrary about it, but I keep chickening out. It's easier to be angry at her and not say anything because I'm afraid if I tell her, it will change what she thinks of me forever. And I'm scared it will somehow get out because, after all, a secret is only a secret if you keep it exclusively to yourself. Or maybe I'm afraid that voicing it to Contrary will make it seem more horribly real than it is, and I desperately don't want it to be real. But I can't do this alone. I really need someone to help me, and I don't know who I can ask if I can't tell anyone. Not one single soul. Except . . . maybe there is one person. . .

ABOUT 'THE UNQUIET BONES': 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?

The investigation takes a sharp turn when Jane discovers a second body—that of the boy long blamed for Annalise’s disappearance. As the bones tell their story, the group learns just how far each will go to guard their own truth.

MY THOUGHTS: I certainly wasn't expecting this ending!

There is a lot of focus in this story on teenage peer pressure - the need to belong, the need for approval - and the devastating consequences it can have later in life if you don't listen to your inner voice telling you what is right.

I have read a lot of variations on this plot over the years, but there are two themes in Loreth Anne White's book that set it apart. One leads into the other, but to reveal them would be a major spoiler. It was a twist I certainly didn't see coming and, while shocking, it really was the perfect ending.

Sergeant Jane Munro is an interesting character. She has been sidelined into the cold case unit following an "episode" at work - we aren't privy to what this episode was - is pregnant and suffering PTSD following the disappearance of her fiancé. I really liked Jane. She is both vulnerable and strong. She is dogged, determined and thorough, as ex-police chief Knox Raymond finds out to his detriment. I would like to see another book featuring her character.

⭐⭐⭐.8

#TheUnquietBones #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: A recovering journalist who has worked in both South Africa and Canada, Loreth Anne White now calls Canada home. She resides in the Pacific Northwest, dividing time between Victoria on Vancouver Island, a ski resort in the Coast Mountains, and a rustic lakeside cabin in the Cariboo.

When she’s not writing or dreaming up plots, you will find her on the lakes, in the ocean, or on the trails with her dog where she tries—unsuccessfully—to avoid bears.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Unquiet Bones by Loreth Anne White for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Trust me!! 😉 You don’t want to miss this one!! 😍 Wow!! This was a wild ride! This was my first book by @lorethannewhite and I loved it!! ❤️ I will definitely be reading her backlist!! Listen to this…

Inspired by a true crime.. a murder of a 16 year old.. coming home from a party in 1976… her body was found right outside her house…😳🥺… Her murder has never been solved to this day… OH WOW… how heartbreaking… NOW that you have the background… on to THIS story…

A body is found… and it is thought to be female.. but it’s been buried for a very long time… as word gets out that a human skeleton has been found.. under the church.. 😳… the fact that she is still wearing a platform 👢 boot.. has EVERYONE talking… is it… HER?? After 47 years.. has she FINALLY be found?? 😳

My mind was all over the place… were their multiple girls missing??? Who’s POV is accurate?? Who knows what happened that night?? Everyone… and I mean everyone.. was a suspect in my mind… 🤔🤔 🕵️‍♀️

Especially fascinating was the the group of besties.. The Shoreview Six… who were thick as thieves.. and still are.. 🤨

I loved our detective Jane… she herself knows what it is like… to not have closure. I would absolutely LOVE to see Jane again!! Guys… this book was eerie… twisted… and shocking!! That ending… 😬😧😳😠🤯🤯🤯🤯

Highly recommend!!

This author is one of my favorites , she never disappoints. I loved the multiple POV and the forensic parts in the book .

Thank you Montlake and NetGalley for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review

This author is so talented. This book is like looking at a masterpiece. I loved the writing and the scene so much. I could barely stand it. I want to listen to this as an audiobook or read it again when I am alone.