Book review: Doll Bones by Holly Black

Full disclosure: my love of reading was founded almost exclusively on R. L. Stine, Jim Davis, and Gary Larson. No literary prodigy was I; without Say Cheese and Die, I'd probably be in the ditch digging business today. Reading Doll Bones by Holly Black was a pleasant return to my scary old stomping grounds.

Zach, Poppy, and Alice are three life-long friends adjusting to the unpleasant realities of middle school. They have a fantasy based role-playing game where they revel in the epic quests of mermaids, knights and pirates. When Zach's dad forces a stop to their beloved game, their very friendship also seems doomed. Then Poppy reveals that she's been having disturbing dreams about one of the characters, a bone-china antique doll who is demanding to be returned to her empty grave in Ohio. Is this another fantastic quest invented by a convincing storyteller, or is the haunted doll using the trio to her own ends?

My takeaway: The plot is a pleasant blend of mysteries both supernatural and historic. Black's writing is direct and focused. I found the second half of the book more intriguing as the backstory came into play. Further character development, especially of Poppy and Alice, would add meaning to their story. Segments from 'the game' were exciting and delightful, a skilled salute to creative role-players everywhere.