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A review by wjreadsbooks
The Silence of Bones by June Hur
4.0
Although I had placed The Silence of the Bones on my TBR before [b:The Forest of Stolen Girls|51591586|The Forest of Stolen Girls|June Hur|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1603740873l/51591586._SY75_.jpg|68995212], I ended up reading the latter book first before this one. I have to say that this book is certainly the stronger one, which felt a lot more intricately plotted with a stronger backstory. As with The Forest of Stolen Girls, this is a mystery set in Korea's history which certainly felt very different from any other YA mystery that I've read before.
Seol is a slave girl known as a damo attached to the police bureau; to handle tasks that the male officers are unable to. When the book begins, Seol is tasked to assist with the investigation of a murdered young noble lady whose corpse is disturbingly found without a nose and clutching a necklace in her hand. The lead investigator is Inspector Han, a young inspector who is extremely well regarded for his intellect and his detective skills, and he quickly earns Seol's admiration.
Interspersed in the investigation, which only gets murkier as Han investigates further, is Seol's backstory. Seol is an orphan who has already once tried to escape from the police bureau to return home to her ill Older Sister and had been physically branded for her attempt. The only thing keeping Seol alive was her promise to her sister:
With each uncovered clue, the investigation becomes more focussed around Inspector Han as it appears that he was hiding something from that fateful night. While Seol was initially convinced of Han's innocence, she becomes increasingly doubtful of him and increasingly embroiled into the investigation.
I didn't expect for The Silence of Bones to be so well-plotted, especially with the historical context of the investigation. The story takes place in the mourning period of their emperor, where the Queen Regent is consolidating her power and is determined to destroy the Southern Faction and the Catholicism that they had introduced to their nation. Inspector Han has also been tasked with locating a Catholic priest, whose capture has evaded the police.
Furthermore, I also enjoyed Seol's backstory, even though I had guessed the outcome earlier.
"Let me tell you something about the capital, newcomer. The one thing everyone wants is power. To gain it or to stabilize it." He clucked his tongue and waved me away. "What use has a damo to know such things? No woman should talk as much as you."
Seol is a slave girl known as a damo attached to the police bureau; to handle tasks that the male officers are unable to. When the book begins, Seol is tasked to assist with the investigation of a murdered young noble lady whose corpse is disturbingly found without a nose and clutching a necklace in her hand. The lead investigator is Inspector Han, a young inspector who is extremely well regarded for his intellect and his detective skills, and he quickly earns Seol's admiration.
Interspersed in the investigation, which only gets murkier as Han investigates further, is Seol's backstory. Seol is an orphan who has already once tried to escape from the police bureau to return home to her ill Older Sister and had been physically branded for her attempt. The only thing keeping Seol alive was her promise to her sister:
The memory chafed at me as I followed Inspector Han, the memory of wanting to die, not knowing how to endure the humiliation. The intensity of my death wish had passed quickly, though. So long as I had a purpose - to fulfill Older Sister's request - my life still had meaning.
Stay in Hanyang, she had begged. Find your brother Inho's grave.
With each uncovered clue, the investigation becomes more focussed around Inspector Han as it appears that he was hiding something from that fateful night. While Seol was initially convinced of Han's innocence, she becomes increasingly doubtful of him and increasingly embroiled into the investigation.
I didn't expect for The Silence of Bones to be so well-plotted, especially with the historical context of the investigation. The story takes place in the mourning period of their emperor, where the Queen Regent is consolidating her power and is determined to destroy the Southern Faction and the Catholicism that they had introduced to their nation. Inspector Han has also been tasked with locating a Catholic priest, whose capture has evaded the police.
Spoiler
Initially I wasn't sure where the plot was going with this political background, but when the deceased lady turns out to a secret Catholic and it turns out that she had a secret lover, things quickly take a turn for the suspenseful. I also thought that the mystery unfolded well, as each clue led to another.Furthermore, I also enjoyed Seol's backstory, even though I had guessed the outcome earlier.