Monday, January 16, 2023

Off the Shelf -- Skeleton Key

Skeleton Key is a layered tale, part mystery, part family chronicle, part drama.  It is engrossing, intriguing, heartwarming, and sad all at once.  Told from the perspective of Nell, our narrator, we begin with the 50th anniversary celebration of The Golden Bones, an as yet unsolved treasure hunt 
book created by Nell's father.  Things go awry at the planned unveiling of the final  piece of the puzzle and down the rabbit hole we go.

Nell is still emotionally affected by being attacked by an overly enthusiastic searcher/treasure hunter as a teen and avoids the limelight, distancing herself from her family. She reluctantly appears at the celebration and is drawn into the unfolding situation unwillingly.  As she explores and attempts to understand what is happening, she learns more about her family than she ever wanted to know.

I enjoyed the story.  The mystery was layered, the emotions raw and real.  There is an emotional journey with these characters with twists and turns.  While not the ending I wanted, the ending makes sense.  If you're seeking a psychological mystery, this definitely satisfies.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hatchette for the opportunity.  All opinions are mine and freely and honestly given.

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