Unnamed Bones

Desire to gain closure about a prior loss and save face with her peers leads a self-effacing teen on a quest in this frightening paranormal novel from Senf (Pennies). In the Pacific Northwest town of Seeker’s Rest, the unexplained is part of everyday life, including the mysterious drowning of teen Harrow’s father in the nearby lake years earlier. After classmate Shane asks about Harrow’s weekend plans in front of Harrow’s former best friend Olive, Harrow announces that she’s going to explore the strange new island that has appeared in the middle of the lake. The plan escalates as Shane invites himself along, followed by Olive and her boyfriend Ethan. Before Harrow can reconsider, family friend Mike is ferrying the white-cued teens across the lake despite his unease about the island’s sudden appearance. As soon as they arrive, their phones lose service, and the world around them begins to physically shift, the landscape warping into distorted imagery. Harrow’s attempt to escape is foiled when Mike and his boat inexplicably sink into the lake. Now stranded, the group soon discovers a disturbing “kill kit” in Ethan’s bag, forcing them to question whether the island itself is dangerous—or if the threat is one of their own. Atmospheric and unsettling, it’s a thriller that grounds its supernatural premise in emotional clarity, charting a journey that is both surreal and deeply human. Ages 14–up. Agent: Ali Herring, Spencerhill Assoc. (July)