Near the Bone

Christina Henry, a national bestselling author, presents a dread-inducing horror novel in Near the Bone. The narrative follows Mattie, who has lived alone with William on a mountain for as long as she can remember. She must avoid making him upset at all costs. When Mattie finds the mutilated body of a fox in the woods, she realizes they are not alone. A creature with sharp teeth and claws now lurks nearby, making strange cries at night. Three strangers arrive on the mountaintop seeking this new threat. Their presence threatens to anger William, which leads to terrible consequences. Mattie must manage the danger from both the intruders and the beast in the woods. The story draws on gothic traditions of isolation and supernatural terror. It focuses on survival against multiple kinds of monsters in a confined setting. This book suits readers who enjoy psychological horror and tales of domestic dread. It may not appeal to those seeking lighthearted fiction or complex world-building. Henry uses the mountain setting to create tension between human fragility and unseen evil. The plot relies on the threat of William’s temper and the unknown creature’s hunger. Readers will find a tight narrative focused on immediate survival rather than expansive lore. The isolation of the characters amplifies the fear of the unknown. This is a story about enduring threats that are both visible and hidden.