By These Ten Bones

Reach for this book when your teenager is feeling isolated by their own convictions or when they are struggling to navigate the pressure of a community that values conformity over truth. Set in a remote Scottish village in the nineteenth century, the story follows Maddie, a young woman who must protect a mysterious, scarred woodcarver from a superstitious mob and a literal monster. It is a haunting exploration of how fear can turn neighbors into enemies and how bravery often means standing alone. While it features intense gothic horror elements, its core is a deeply human story about empathy, justice, and the weight of keeping a secret to protect someone else. It is ideal for readers aged 12 and up who enjoy atmospheric, high-stakes historical fiction with a supernatural edge.