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“Because according to the way Whittles told the story, what he saw in that cave as a kid haunted him the rest of his life.��

This historical fiction story is told from two timelines, 1909 and 1990, based on true historical events.

Valerie is beginning her job as a Park Law Enforcement Ranger in Oklahoma. On her first day at the Ranger Station one of the tribal officers says to her��

“They tell you about the bones yet?��

“B�DzԱ��?��

“Figures,�� he grumbles, and then he’s gone.

We soon learn that bones are buried in the caves and there is a story here. But there is also someone trying to keep the Rangers out. Why? Does it have to do with the past? Or is there something going on now in the forest that needs protecting?

What is the story of the bones? What happened?

This is a complex story. Painful at times because it involved the rights and lives of children. And the corruption. Especially to the Natives, their land and their children. And…what the people of the past did and why.

Readers will want to unravel the mystery along with Valerie. To bring peace to the bones. To those who were left behind.

But there is also a mystery happening now �� what is it and why?

So, Valerie working alongside Curtis, head of the Chocktaw Tribal Police, also have a job to protect and bring justice to the land from those who would want to take from it.

This story took me a while to get in to it. Especially with the dual timelines. I am not always a fan of dual timelines. Part of the reason is just as I am getting in to what is happening in one period, the author ends the chapter and takes us to a different timeline with the next chapter, breaking the momentum…for me.

Still, there was much to appreciate with this story.

When reading a heart-wrenching story of this nature, readers are reminded of a time not learned in our history books. But one that must now, not be forgotten.

I want to thank the publisher, Penguin Random House for this complimentary book for our Little Free Library Shed. I have provided an honest review.

Please note: This is an Advanced Readers Edition. The book will be released on June 4, 2024!