The Bone Shelter

By: Sue Alcon O'Connor

Narrated by: Aaron Howell

Murder can make you sad and cranky.

Small town life gets hilariously complicated for Sam and his family when an unexpected windfall leads to murder, mystery, and irritable ghosts.

Patton Colorado: home to a snarky bunch of seventh-graders, a decades-old secret, and murderous deception.

When 12-year-old Sam accidentally stumbles into the thick of things with the help of his friends, his mom who drinks a little too much and writes cliché mommy porn (“Oh Javier, I lust for your girthy sexcaliber!!”), a ragtag group of ex-Army guys, and a baby brother who can’t stay off the roof, a 60-year-old whodunit comes to light. Before long, unexpected plot twists and bungling ghost hunters lead to a startling and satisfying conclusion.

©2022 Roxanna Sue OConnor (P)2023 Roxanna Sue OConnor

Critic reviews

“The Bone Shelter by debut novelist Sue Alcon O’Connor is a delightfully wicked book, overflowing with keen insights on the human condition, the mischievousness of a pack of preteens, and a worldview that is as delicious and deadly as a Molotov cocktail. This book reads like a shaken bottle of champagne, and let me tell you—the hangover is so worth it. O’Connor announces her arrival upon the literary scene with a roaring bash.” (William R. Hincy, award-winning author of A Fire for Christmas)

"Sue Alcon O'Connor has hit a home run. Her debut novel--part mystery, part action-adventure, part ghost story, and part comedy--is a fun read for people of all ages. I really enjoyed this book." (Gabi Lorino, author of A Magical Time Called Later)

The Bone Shelter is a breath of fresh air in the mystery segment—funny, fiery, and unapologetically weird.

Sue Alcon O’Connor bursts onto the literary scene with humor that’s both sharp and self-aware, a cast of lovable oddballs, and a twist-laden plot that rewards late-night reading sessions.

Bottom line:
If you like your mysteries with a big dose of humor, quirky characters, and some good old-fashioned ghost trouble, this is a really fun read. It’s the kind of book that’ll make you laugh out loud one minute and then stay up way too late trying to see what happens next.

what a fun and refreshing surprise

I loved this book! It has everything you could want. Mystery, murder, humor, great twists, and fun surprises. I love how it all came together. Highly recommend.

Wonderful story!

I am very thankful to the person who recommended this book. It is entertaining, funny, heartfelt and well-written!

PASS-Writing style for YA, didn't enjoy

this writing style would appeal to 11 yr olds (minus the profanity and sexual terms used by MC's mother in her erotic novel musings). It's very transparent with superficial scenerios that seem better suited for young readers. DNF about half way through (and I paid full price)