The X-Files meets Dan Brown in this suspenseful tale of dark magic, ancient curses, and modern murder, as two agents with unusual talents investigate a series of sensational crimes in the historic city of St. Augustine, Florida.
The case is sensational. Whistle-blower investigative journalist George Maynard has been killed in his St. Augustine home, his body so badly burned the morgue is needed to verify his identity. Paranormal investigator Shelly Mahoney has been transferred to a special unit to help law enforcement. Off the books, the unit is called the Krewe of Hunters and deals with “strange” cases.
At the murder scene with federal agent Grant Markham, Shelly makes an odd discovery: a stone etched with what appears to be a curse that invokes flames. If Shelly can use her ability to summon the dead—providing they have remained behind—she may unearth what happened.
Grant, too, has an unique ability. By holding the hand of the recently deceased, he can see what has happened to them. Yet in this case, neither of their gifts is of any help. As they set out to question those who might have had a motive, they also study ancient “curse tablets”—often used in the Greco-Roman world to cause death or warfare.
What ensues is a shocking discovery by the medical examiner and a search that takes the team to Italy where a similar murder may reveal the creators of the mystical tablets—made deadly with a little human assistance. But soon, the danger is closer than ever—because the target is Shelly . . .
Beware: These Ancient Bones may lure you into the shadowy streets of St. Augustine and keep you happily haunted until the final page. Heather Graham delivers a wonderfully atmospheric mystery filled with ancient curses, creepy old cities, helpful ghosts, and a twisty murder investigation. The setting comes vividly to life through rich descriptions, city history, and recognizable landmarks, giving history-loving readers plenty to savor while adding depth and texture for anyone who enjoys an immersive backdrop.
A murdered journalist, a
mysterious stone etched with an ancient curse, and two investigators with special
abilities make for an irresistible setup. The investigation moves along with
steady momentum, offering twists, turns, and multiple suspects that kept me
guessing. The supernatural elements add an extra shiver of charm, while the
quick-blooming romance brings a lively spark to the suspense. As the second
book in The Crows series, These Ancient Bones still works well as a
standalone, making it easy for new readers to jump right in. Fans of atmospheric
history, ghostly chills, and twist-filled mysteries will find plenty to love
here. Step carefully—once this ghostly mystery has you in its grip, you may not
want to escape.
Ready to curl up with These Ancient Bones and maybe keep one light on? You can find it on Amazon and at
other major booksellers. If you’re new to The Crows series, the first book, The Witching Hours, is available to read
for free with Kindle Unlimited—perfect for a little spooky binge-reading. And
if your book stack could use a cozy, crafty detour with plenty of seaside
charm, be sure to check out Danger Looms
by Betty Hechtman. I’ll be back on Tuesday, September 1, with Sarah Addison Allen’s
Paper Ghosts. Until then, grab a cozy
blanket, guard your bookmarks, and may your next read rattle the teacups in all
the best ways!
The Avid Reader
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
