A review by fortheloveoffictionalworlds
The Silence of Bones by June Hur

5.0

Also Posted on For The Love of Fictional Worlds

Disclaimer: An eARC was provided via The Fantastic Flying Book Club and the Author as part of the Blog Tour. The Thoughts, opinions & feelings expressed in the review are therefore, my own.

I can’t even begin to articulate how beautifully and atmospheric this debut historical mystery was and how much I adored diving into the history of Korea – a topic that I have never really read about.

The Silence of Bones, set in 1800s Seoul follow the voice and the journey of a 16 year old girl, Seoul indentured with the police bureau – her main job is to assist the Officers when they interact not just female victims in lieu of male officers, and even stand in during autopsies of female victims.

The world that June Hur has put forward is a world where females are considered to be second class citizens; where a woman who runs away is branded yet a woman who born to aristocratic families are usually left alone. It is a world where wearing a cross is an instant death sentence; where the royal family is slowly cleansing its citizens, where abuse, misogyny and violence tends to run rampant.


When a high born lady is found murdered gruesomely with her nose cut off; the investigation goes to Inspector Han – a man, an aristocratic military officer with an aloof air and a hint of rebel within him. He allows Seoul a little more latitude than other officers; indulging her curiosity far better than any other officer would. This inspires a fierce loyalty within Seoul for Inspector Han – but the case they work on together will shatter any illusions Seoul might have for and about herself and the brother she has come looking for in the city!

June Hur has written a lyrical and poetic with a mysterious atmospheric historical mystery that would absolutely charm and intrigue even the most ardent fans of this genre – but it is also the perfect read for those who believe that historical fiction can become a little dry – because June Hur will definitely disabuse of this notion with this beautiful book!



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