All the Murmuring Bones by A. G. Slatter

The O'Malley's have long made their fortune from the sea. A secret deal and nameless children bound them and the Mer. Now it has been a long time since the deal has been fulfilled. With the last of the O'Malley's will the deal be continued or will she choose a different way?

This was our book club pick for August an I was pretty impressed. It's a fantasy horror with fantastical creatures and a few doses of murder sprinkled here and there.

Alternatingly told between first person and stories from the O'Malley's past. They work together to make the story incredibly atmospheric and it really draws you in.

The story follows Miern the last of the O'Malley's in her family's crumbling home. After the death of her grandparents she leaves in the dead of night to seek out her parents, and escaping a not so ideal betrothal.

She meets all sorts of interesting people, both kind and helpful, and some that aren't so much. I also really enjoyed the inclusion of the Celtic mythology with the Mer, the Kelpie and some of the hedge magic. All of the creatures and stories made the world feel alive.

I highly recommend this book, it's fast paced and will keep you guessing.