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.
1800, Joseon (Korea). Homesick and orphaned sixteen-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.
Praise for The Silence of Bones:
ABA Indies Introduce Selection
Junior Library Guild Selection
A 2021 Edgar Allan Poe Award Nominee
A 2021 ALA Rise Selection
2020 Freeman Award Honorable Mention

"At once haunting and evocative, June Hur's The Silence of Bones is a gorgeous, tightly-woven debut. Prepare to delve deep into the lush and dangerous world of Korea in the 1800's for a page-turner you won't soon forget." -- Hafsah Faizal, New York Times-bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame
"This gripping drama is definitely one you're not going to want to miss." -- Buzzfeed

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• Teen & Young AdultLiterature & FictionSocial & Family IssuesFamilyOrphans & Foster Homes
• Teen & Young AdultHistorical FictionAsia
• Teen & Young AdultLiterature & FictionSocial & Family IssuesDiversity & Multicultural

• Publication Date: October 16, 2025
• Text-to-Speech: Disabled
• Lending: Disabled
• Print Length: 343 Pages
• File Size: 34 KB