I'll buy this book, as it fills a niche for folks who enjoy thrillers and authentic indigenous voices are always welcome. I do think, however, that it would have benefited from a stronger editor. The characterizations were flat and I was unable to get engrossed in the story due to this.

THE BONE THIEF was so much more than a missing persons story. It had deeper themes woven throughout about a sense of belonging that tugged at my heartstrings, making it relatable and personal on a human level. The book shone a spotlight on tribal history, past and present, particularly with the Narragansett tribe. Everything about this story lived and breathed the traditions, treasures, and continued hardships with erasure of a people. It was a gentle, but bold reminder of how easily history can be rewritten, how false that narrative can be twisted to support one's own agenda.

Yes, this is a missing persons story. It is also a missing artifacts story. There are the surprises and twists and turns that you delight in reading Vanessa's stories. It is fast-paced and a story that I gobbled up over a weekend. However, perhaps more importantly, this story is also about community. I wish I had slowed down, savored the messaging more, because it is prevalently sprinkled in amongst the action, and it is not to be missed. A true gem that is a fun, wild ride with plenty of characters (ahem suspects) to keep you guessing. So, don that detective cap and figure out a whodunit, but more importantly, is the why.

Vanessa Lillie has done it again! From the first page I was completely enraptured. I could not put the book down. I went to bed and could not stop thinking about it, got back up and continued reading. This is a book that I completely devoured. I think my husband and son spoke to me; I am not sure. I was caught up in Syd Walkers world. I mean you know I must read every book that has to do with archaeology. Add in an Indigenous BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) agent as the main character and I am there. This is the second book in the Syd Walker series. I highly recommend both of these books, and I have given them all of the stars.

Syd is back in Rhode Island and now has her old boss's job. She is called out to the Founders Society when they find a female skeleton. When Syd arrives, they want to continue digging on their own. If you do not have the tools or know how this is not an easy task. While Syd is there, she witnesses some odd behavior. Men and women coming in with full on headdresses, dressed as colonizers, and a camp for children is starting this week. What is going on with this place? When she discovers that her old boss had an active site at the society, that went on for decades and seemingly just pulled skeletons and artifacts from the soil. No notes, no cataloging, no science. The thought turns Syd's stomach. That is not all. There is a missing Narragansett woman and guess what she has ties to, the Founders Society. As Syd dives deeper into the society there is way more than what meets the eye. Rooms where members go for more than a cigar. Missing skeletons and artifacts that seem to have vanished into thin air. While all the members are able to trace their roots back to the Mayflower. Making them all the more powerful in their eyes. The Foundation has big plans for the future, and they need everything to go smoothly. They need Syd to stay quiet and not bring anything back to the local Narragansett tribe.

Syd is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. She is fiery, spunky, intelligent, and will do anything to find the missing indigenous women and girls. Who also seems to disappear into thin air. While people will search for the artifacts, the women not so much. The way in which the Natives have been treated since the Americas were "discovered" haunts me. The Trail of Tears, the stealing of their land, Indian Boarding Schools, eugenics, and now with the discussion that Natives are not citizens. I mean come on now. It is more important than ever to read Indigenous authors, and Vanessa Lillie is one of my favs. The last line of the book made me tear up, "We are still here". We are still here, no matter what you have thrown at us. Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Vanessa Lillie for having me as part of your Launch Team!

I do really enjoy this series from Vanessa Lillie, but I think that I liked the first book a tad more. I liked the storyline and the mystery a great deal, but I feel as though the ritualistic activities were a bit underdeveloped.