June Hur's elegant and haunting debut The Silence of Bones is a bloody YA historical mystery tale perfect for fans of Kerri Maniscalco and Renée Ahdieh.
I have a mouth but I mustn't speak;
Ears but I mustn't hear;
Eyes but I mustn't see.
It's 1800 Joseon (Korea). Homesick and orphaned 16-year-old Seol is living out the ancient curse: 'May you live in interesting times.' Indentured to the police bureau she's been tasked with assisting a well-respected young inspector with the investigation into the politically charged murder of a noblewoman.
As they delve deeper into the dead woman's secrets Seol forms an unlikely bond of friendship with the inspector. But her loyalty is tested when he becomes the prime suspect and Seol may be the only one capable of discovering what truly happened on the night of the murder.
But in a land where silence and obedience are valued above all else curiosity can be deadly.
