The Bone Flute

Kristin Butcher writes novels for young adults. Her most recent works
are Cairo Kelly and the Mann, The Gamma War, The Tomorrow Tunnel, The
Trouble with Liberty, and Zee’s Way.

On the evening of her 12th birthday, Camrose Ferguson’s life suddenly
becomes spooky. She begins hearing voices and footsteps, she sees a
house that isn’t there, and she receives a birthday gift from a
great-grandmother who died a year before she was born. Even more
unnervingly, the gift is addressed to Camrose by name. It turns out to
be a letter identifying her as the new Keeper of a family heirloom—a
bone flute. The flute is coveted by two ancient rivals, Diarmid and
Gwynn, each of whom needs the flute in order to dominate the other. They
have been wandering the Earth for centuries, trying to gain its
possession. Both claim rights to the flute, but it is up to the Keeper
to return it to the rightful owner. If Camrose makes the wrong choice,
dire consequences will befall her family. But whom should she choose?

The Bone Flute is a tantalizing blend of mystery, adventure, and
fantasy that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to
finish. Though the action takes place near modern-day Ottawa,
time-shifts alter the setting, and readers find themselves with a foot
in two worlds. They are fearful for Camrose as she faces numerous
physical dangers, and they agonize with her as she wrestles with the
ill-omened decision she must make. It isn’t until Camrose finally
accepts the impossibility of her task that the path she must take
becomes clear. A story to be enjoyed by both girls and boys. Highly
recommended.