Near the Bone

By: Christina Henry

Narrated by: Lisa Flanagan

A woman trapped on a mountain attempts to survive more than one kind of monster, in a dread-inducing horror novel from the national best-selling author Christina Henry.

Mattie can't remember a time before she and William lived alone on a mountain together. She must never make him upset. But when Mattie discovers the mutilated body of a fox in the woods, she realizes that they’re not alone after all.

There’s something in the woods that wasn’t there before, something that makes strange cries in the night, something with sharp teeth and claws.

When three strangers appear on the mountaintop looking for the creature in the woods, Mattie knows their presence will anger William. Terrible things happen when William is angry.

©2021 Christina Henry (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"It's full of magic and passion and courage, set against a convincing historical backdrop.... Henry's spare, muscular prose is a delight. I loved this novel." (Louisa Morgan, author of A Secret History of Witches)

"Multiple twists keep the reader guessing, and the fluid writing is enthralling.... This is a fine addition to the shelves of any fan of children's classics and their modern subversions." (Publishers Weekly)

"This wild, unrelenting tale, full to the brim with the freedom and violence of young boys who never want to grow up, will appeal to fans of dark fantasy." (Booklist)

“Near the Bone features compelling and creative characters, descriptions of snow so realistic that they'll make you reach for a blanket and a monster so terrifying that it is sure to haunt the dreams of even the most stoic reader.... Near the Bone is a terror-ridden yet poetic hike that will leave your nerves frazzled and heart.” (BookPage)

Way Overhyped

The story is good, but the middle just drags on for too long. I get the idea behind the main character, but I was super frustrated by her. The other 3 acted so stupid about everything.
This was overhyped and disappointing as a creature feature. Psychological thriller, definitely.
It was still good, but cut 2 hours out of the middle.

excellent story

this was my first audible. I loved it. excellent story!! I'd love to have a sequel to see how Maddy's life turns out.

The mind of domestic violence

It was sometimes a terrifying listen, definitely kept my attention. It was fascinating to hear the thoughts of a kidnapped and domestic violence victim, which is almost never explored. Why do they stay? Why don’t they fight back? The questions are answered here. That being said I think we understood that the protagonist was a victim and we didn’t need to constantly be reminded in every passage. Overall I would still recommend this audiobook.

Fast-Paced

Engaging novel, but not for the squeamish. Trigger Warning: kidnapping, domestic violence, sexual assault, and miscarriage

Amazing

A strong female character lead who doesn't know shows that a person no matter how big a victim has strength and power. Also comes in a horror novel which only adds to an already amazing premise.

Ending was not good

This book had me until the end. It really stunk to be so involved and then just end.

I nice surprise

I didnt know what to expect with this book. I felt angry with the pacing and with Williams horrid behavior. I couldnt stop reading though, due to curiosity and worry.

If a book makes you angry and worried, its doing something right. This is my first Christina Henry book. I will be looking into more of her work.

Just mid

The story didn’t really stand out and at most parts I just found myself rolling my eyes.

Fantastic

I literally finished this book in one day. It had me intrigued from the very beginning.

Super Tense and Heavy

I flew through this book because I couldn't stand to leave the story unfinished. It was hard to listen to such disturbing and horrific events but I felt compelled to see it through. I only wish the ending was a little longer to make it more satisfying.