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shelfofunread's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Set a few months after the events of The Vanished Bride, this second novel in the Brontë Mysteries series finds Charlotte, Emily, Anne, and Branwell embroiled in a Christmas mystery the offers plenty of literary inspiration – but that, if not solved swiftly, could spell tragedy and danger for their community.
When the bones of a young boy are discovered hidden within a chimney at isolated Top Withens Hall, the Brontë siblings are soon drawn into complex tale of child labour, occultism, and missing children. Brutish Clifton Bradshaw, the master of Top Withens, is their most likely suspect – but rough as his manners might be, he swears he has no knowledge of how the bones came to lie within his house. As the sisters investigate, an old evil appears to be stirring around Haworth: one that puts the whole community – and the Brontë family – in danger.
Anyone familiar with the Brontë’s literary works will immediately recognise Top Withens Hall – supposedly the inspiration for Emily’s masterpiece, Wuthering Heights – and will delight in spotting the abundant references to other Brontë works woven throughout The Diabolical Bones. Indeed, the whole novel is infused with much of the wild, Gothic energy of Emily’s work – although, as with its predecessor, each of the Brontë sisters gets equal billing within the narrative.
Alternating between the perspectives of Anne, Emily, and Charlotte, one of the most wonderful – and poignant – aspects of this novel is the sense of character that Bella Ellis has been able to convey. Reading these novels, you get a real sense of the strength of each sister’s personality, and of their determination to succeed despite the limitations placed on them by their circumstances and by societal expectation. Anne, in particular, really lives on the page; her courage and kindness both coming across in equal measure. Reading these novels feels like being part of their circle – a true delight for anyone who has ever wanted to be friends with these extraordinary women – but also comes with a sense of poignancy when you remember that all that spark and brilliance was contained within such tragically short lives.
As for the mystery itself, The Diabolical Bones has a similarly taught and well woven narrative to its predecessor, often laying bare the grim realities of life behind the façade of respectable existence. The Gothic sensibilities infuse this second novel with a hint of the supernatural – and with a chilled and dark atmosphere that flits around the edge of the narrative and provides an ever-present sense of danger. This contrasts delightfully with moments of humour and warmth, such as Emily’s resignation when forced to cross the border into Lancashire, or the small yet meaningful interactions between Charlotte and her father’s curate, Arthur Nicholls.
There is also a wonderful sense of place within the book. Reading it transported me to the snowy moors – striding across them with Emily and Keeper, or brushing the snow off my hem and fussing over my hair alongside Charlotte. Having immersed myself once again in the world of the Brontë’s, I very much want to make visiting the landscape that so inspired them – and the parsonage that was their home – a reality in the not-too-distant future.
Fans of the Brontë’s work will, undoubtedly, love The Diabolical Bones – and should definitely seek out The Vanished Bride if they have not already done so – whilst fans of historical mysteries will find a darkly brooding yet rewarding tale that’s perfect for the Christmas season. That Bella Ellis (the Brontë-inspired pen name for bestselling author Rowan Coleman) adores their work is clear from the depth of research she has clearly conducted – and from the spirit and energy she has captured on the page. Novels featuring famous novelists of yesteryear can be a daunting read for fans – having a beloved author misrepresented on the page is a frustrating experience – but reading The Diabolical Bones bought me closer to the Brontë siblings – and made me return, yet again, to their marvellous works.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, and Murder
Minor: Alcoholism, Dementia, Religious bigotry, and Alcohol