Riddle of Spirit and Bone
About
In this dual timeline novel, the discovery of a skeleton buried beneath a city sidewalk leads a group of student archaeologists on a quest to discover its identity. In 1951, three newly homeless women seek the aid of a cunning spiritualist, who leads them on a perilous journey from one séance to the next. As the past collides with the present, layers of time peel back to reveal long-buried secrets of loss, love, and murder.
Praise for this book
"Ghosts, mediums, and skeletons: oh my! . . . Korsmeyer's propulsive mystery is perfect for fans of Lisa Wingate."
An intriguing mix of historical fiction and murder mystery, Riddle of Spirit and Bone . . . is a mystery that compels readers to ask: What is observable? What is knowable? And what can be trusted? . . . The 1851 timeline takes readers on a journey through the past . . . . the layers of the past are rooted in our daily lives. Riddle of Spirit and Bone brings them to life.
The 19th-century timeline is intriguing, especially the art of Jane and Jed and the “camera obscura” that they use in developing their sketches. The grief-crazed and betrayed Madeleine is the perfect example of the type of person a charlatan might have targeted. The romance of Jane and Jed is believable and moves at a perfect pace for the era. . . . this time period is used well to peel back layers of the unsolved mystery. Recommended.
Original, exceptional, deftly crafted, and a simply riveting read from start to finish, "Riddle of Spirit and Bone" by Carolyn Korsmeyer leaves the reader pondering what's been described as "what can be observed, what can be known, and what can be trusted".
The gothic story is grounded in reality, turning the past into a crime scene to be solved rather than just haunting the present. . . .In the end, Riddle of Spirit and Bone is regarded as a memorable mystery that lingers with you. By telling the story of an unknown skeleton, the book explores themes of memory, justice, and the ways forgotten people can finally be heard.