The Bones of Skeleton Canyon

This book is amazingly complete for a young writer, for any writer, in fact. The narrative design is spot on. The story traverses beautifully between past and present, and the timing of the chapters is uncanny. The story is put together as if by some seasoned older writer.

It's compelling in the can't-put-it-down way that keeps your bedside lamp on far later than better judgement should allow, and the characters impress themselves forever on the psyche in the way of all good books.

What most impresses me, however, is the prose style. It almost feels like Glendon Swarthout, Charles Portis, and Cormac McCarthy baked into one dish with a little Faulkner sprinkled on top. Such prose is a rare gift.

Beyond that, however, this story is sophisticated, multi-layered, and so naturally resonates with the themes of its subject matter, almost as though—like the dwarf oak, mesquite, and manzanita—grown right out of the dirt in this rugged patch of Arizona desert.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. It's a pretty riveting story that keeps you on the edge of the seat to see how the rest unfolds. Initially, the Prologue is set in another time and feels like it's written as such which makes it a little "different" to read but then we're taken to present day and the vibe of writing changes. What seems like many run on type sentences and too many commas which don't go unnoticed doesn't make me want to give this book less than 5 stars. I'm no expert so who am I to judge. The overall story is coherent and interesting. It's helpful that certain chapters do go back far into the past to fill in gaps of the present day plot (it makes sense if you read the book). Go read it!

More Than a Treasure Hunt

"I picked up The Bones of Skeleton Canyon expecting an adventure about buried treasure, but I came away thinking about family, friendship, and the price of our choices.

What I found interesting was the connection between Billy, an outlaw desperate to reclaim his family's lost home, and Addie, facing a similar loss 140 years later. The way their stories unfold alongside each other gives the mystery real emotional weight.

I especially liked Sam. Her quiet insistence on questioning where the treasure came from adds something important to the adventure without taking away its excitement.

The canyon itself feels almost alive, with its unforgiving landscape, eerie echoes, and history that refuses to stay buried. And I appreciated how Gabe, Marcus, and Sam each brought something different to the group's survival.

By the end, I realised the book had been asking a much bigger question than whether the children would find the fortune: even when something is within our reach, does that mean it belongs to us?"

The Bones of Skeleton Canyon by L.J. Borland delivers an intriguing story filled with suspense, mystery, and an atmosphere that keeps readers curious about what lies ahead. The setting adds a haunting touch, while the unfolding discoveries create plenty of opportunities for tension and intrigue. Fans of mysteries with darker undertones will appreciate the storytelling and sense of adventure. It’s an engaging read for anyone who enjoys uncovering secrets and exploring the shadows of the past

This book was a great read with my kids. We enjoyed the story and learned some things about Skeleton Canyon, it’s real. 😱
Now every time we walk in old Bisbee we keep a look out for the stairs that could take us to the house at the top of 93 steps.
This exciting tale woven through real history in southern Arizona is now one of our favorites.

Treasure Comes in Many Forms

I don't usually read "young adult" books but as an osteoarcheologist I felt compelled to read "The Bones of Skeleton Canyon" by L.J. Borland based on the title.

The story centers around a young lady, Addie Boucher, and her friends who go in search of her ancestor's hidden treasure. They discovered a letter and the accompanying map we read about in the prologue, written by said ancestor, outlaw Billy Boucher, while helping Addie move things out of the attic. Addie's mom was watching the children and took the coin they also found to a pawn shop, as the family needed cash. During the transaction, she mentioned the name "Boucher" which caught the attention of Dell Hunter, the shop’s owner. The legend of Billy Boucher and his buried treasure was well-known in Bisbee, Arizona and now he was on the hunt for it too, as his ancestor, Zwing Hunt, was Billy's friend and co-conspirator. The kids' quest to find the treasure out in the desert was as you'd expect, very difficult. Sudden rainstorms nearly drowned them but also provided water they would desperately need later. The terrain was tough going and, of course, the sun was brutally hot. I won't spoil it by telling you if the kids or Dell Hunt found the treasure but let's just say the real treasure was made of paper, not gold.

The book is well-written and a pleasure to read. The prologue set the stage beautifully, with intrigue and sadness. I also liked how the current Boucher family losing their house was described from a teenager's point of view in chapter 1. The description of her friend's coming to say "Good-bye" was charming, also capturing appropriate young adult emotions. The story also includes the history of the area, including the Native Americans, a little paranormal/supernatural with single bell sounds and weather that saved the day and the importance of family and small communities coming together to solve a problem. The story closes a few years in the future when Addie and her friends are in high school. She summarizes the events of the book and hints at how the young adults will soon be going their own paths in life.

Skeleton Canyon Whispers To Those Who Listen

The Bones Of Skeleton Canyon is a story that follows the adventures of Addie Boucher, and her friends, Gabe, Marcus and Sam.

The books backdrop was so vividly detailed. I could almost picture the dusty trails and sun-baked beauty of Skeleton Canyon. There was lots of mystery, and a young girl very relatable for her age, who was a determined investigator. I liked how the story switched between past and present with effortlessness. Skeleton Canyon whispers to those who listen. So many secrets to reveal.

It's not always your treasure to keep.

Not a bad read. Good information and a moral in the form of an adventure for four kids. Just because it's shiny doesn't mean it's treasure.

It is a thrilling, atmospheric supernatural Western that blends classic frontier adventure with eerie spectral mystery.

Set against the rugged backdrop of the American Southwest, the story centers around a high stakes treasure hunt intertwined with lingering ghosts, outlaw history, and moral reckoning. Borland excels at capturing the harsh, sun drenched beauty of the canyon landscape while infusing every page with a quiet, creeping sense of dread and suspense.

The character development is remarkably sharp; the protagonist’s battle with their own conscience adds genuine emotional depth to what could have been a standard adventure tale. The dialogue feels authentic to the period without ever becoming overly dense, and the balance between supernatural elements and historical grit is handled with skill.

If you enjoy fast paced Westerns with a ghost story twist, rich atmosphere, and compelling character arcs, The Bones of Skeleton Canyon is an absolute must read. It’s a gripping tale of redemption, greed, and the lingering echoes of the past.

More Than a Treasure Hunt—This Story Has Real Heart

I really enjoyed this book because what starts out looking like a buried-treasure adventure becomes something much deeper. Addie Boucher is thirteen when her family is preparing to lose their longtime Bisbee home, and an old box found in the attic changes everything. Inside are letters connected to Billy Grounds, an outlaw from her own family history, along with a map pointing toward Skeleton Canyon.

I loved the group of friends at the center of the story. Gabe, Marcus, Sam, and Addie each bring something different to the adventure. Marcus is the researcher and map person, Gabe brings loyalty and humor, and Sam was probably one of my favorite characters because she keeps asking the question everyone else needs to hear: whose hands did something pass through before it reached you? That question becomes much bigger than the treasure itself.

The story also does a great job moving between the present and Billy’s life in the 1880s. Instead of making him simply a legendary outlaw, the book gradually shows the choices, loss, guilt, family love, and desperation behind his story. The repeated images of the orchard, the white gate, the bells, and the family song tie the past and present together in a way that becomes more meaningful as the story continues.

What surprised me most was how much this book has to say about ownership, greed, family inheritance, history, friendship, and the difference between finding something and having the right to keep it. The mystery and supernatural elements kept me interested, but the emotional side of the story is what stayed with me. It asks whether something gained through wrongdoing can ever really become a blessing just because enough time has passed.

This was a very good mix of historical fiction, Western adventure, mystery, supernatural suspense, and coming-of-age story. The ending also gives the journey a satisfying meaning without reducing everything to simply finding gold and getting rich. There is much more going on here than a treasure hunt, and that is what made the book memorable for me.

This book caught my attention and kept me curious about what was going to happen next I enjoyed the mystery and the way the story drew me in as I read The setting adds to the atmosphere and the story kept me wanting to learn more. I appreciated the author's storytelling and the way the pieces of the story came together. this was an interesting read that I would recommend to readers who enjoy a good mystery and a story that keeps them guessing.

I really enjoyed this one! The title alone caught my attention, and I’m always up for a good mystery with a little suspense thrown in. It sounds like the kind of story that makes you want to keep turning the pages to see how everything unfolds.

I liked the overall feel of the book, and it’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys mysteries with an intriguing setting. Definitely one to check out if you’re looking for something that grabs your attention and keeps you curious!

I like stories set in the Arizona desert, so I was drawn to this book chiefly by the setting. The storyline is split between what happened to an outlaw in 1880’s and the adventure that resulted from it 140 years later, featuring that outlaw’s distant relative and her friends, a bunch of precocious 13-year-old treasure seekers. It’s a decent adventure, with some predictable elements and others less so, and with a satisfying ending. The thing that I found frustrating was not the story itself but the writing style. It is very repetitive and drives every point home multiple times, cheapening the reading experience.

This book started out grabbing your attention and keeping your eyes glued to the page for the next paragraph, and then the next. It goes fast as it pulls you in. This book starts you an adventure that goes into history and mystery. Good for young to the old. Kind of brings back old memories with other classic 80’s movies, which this book kind of depicts an 80’s movie vibe from the start. Even pulls in some supernatural. Really cool.

I couldn't put this book down! L.J. Borland has crafted an absolute masterpiece with The Bones of Skeleton Canyon. If you are a fan of high-stakes treasure hunts, rich historical lore, and unforgettable friendships, this is a must-read.

The story hits the ground running when thirteen-year-old Addie Boucher finds a box of 1881 letters from her outlaw ancestor, leading her and her brilliant squad of friends into the dangerous Peloncillo Mountains. The pacing is absolutely flawless—it balances the thrilling danger of being hunted by the ruthless Dell Hunt with moments of genuine humor and deep camaraderie between the four main characters.

What truly earns this book its five stars, however, is its incredible depth. Borland doesn't just deliver a superficial adventure; the story dives into the real, heavy history of Cochise County and forces these kids to confront the morality of the treasure they are hunting. The character of Sam, whose Chiricahua roots bring a powerful perspective to the narrative, adds an irreplaceable layer of meaning to the journey.

Great Story

The Bones of Skeleton Canyon by L.J. Borland presents an intriguing mix of mystery, adventure, Western history, and supernatural suspense. The search for hidden treasure, combined with questions about greed, friendship, and historical justice, gives the story an interesting foundation. Addie’s journey through out the book is intriguing. I really liked the historical elements and Addie’s role so many years later.

Whose Hands Did it Pass Through?

This may be a book for young adults, but it has themes meant for adults as well. I thought I was just reading a Goonies-style "gold hunt" adventure. What I got was a story about breaking the cycle, generational trauma, wrong vs right, and curses.

I received this ARC and was very excited, as it was the first YA ARC I have received!

It makes you think about more than just some teenagers out in the Arizona desert searching for a lost treasure. It makes you think about everything around us and how it got there and the cost of it, and the weight you carry when making impossible choices.

I recommend this to young adults and older ones alike! If you like adventure stories with time jumping between the 1800s and present day, this is for you. If you like treasure hunts and found secrets, you will love this story.

Southwestern Mystery

Picture dusty trails and sun-baked bones in Skeleton Canyon...where a decades-old secret refuses to stay buried. This Southwestern mystery follows a determined investigator as long-hidden clues surface and the desert itself seems to whisper the truth. Expect steady suspense, a strong sense of place, and twists that feel like they’ve been waiting in the wind. It’s atmospheric without being heavy, perfect for readers who enjoy whodunits that make the landscape part of the story.

Stories based on real events or legends are almost always fascinating to me, and this one is no exception. I thoroughly enjoyed the historical element and Addie's role some many years later. This book was an easy answer fascinating read.

Four thirteen-year-old kids find a map left by a relative of one of the kids, leading to a buried haul of stolen gold. A man, who spent 40 years looking for the same haul and willing to get it at any cost, threatens them in the mountains as they follow their map. Built into the story is the tale of the two friends who buried the haul in the first place, the curse that seemed to touch everyone who found it and the long dead sister of one of them who put it all in perspective. An interesting story aimed at teens.

Fun Western

I received this book for free and wanted to review it.

I really liked Addie. She felt like a relatable character who actually made sense for her age, and you find yourself rooting for her the whole time.

The historical elements and the setting of Skeleton Canyon were also cool backdrops for the adventure. If you want a book with a solid mystery and a decent quick read, you will probably enjoy this one.

Great story

I know this was designated YA, but I actually really enjoyed following the journey of this story! Great read!

The Bones of Skeleton Canyon by L. J. Borland is an incredibly captivating literary fantasy that captures the eerie, sun-baked atmosphere of the southern Arizona desert in a beautifully written way. Through thirteen-year-old Addie Boucher’s discovery of historical outlaw letters, Borland masterfully weaves a rich tapestry where history and myth seamlessly collide. The prose is wonderfully atmospheric and lyrical, making the desert landscape feel like a living, breathing character. This story is an enchanting, slow-burn mystery that lingers in your mind long after the final page and is perfect for readers who love magical realism and deep folklore.

I found the premise interesting, especially the dramatic setting and the mysterious rock formations on the cover. The idea of a group exploring Skeleton Canyon gives it a strong sense of adventure and suspense. Some parts felt a little predictable, and I wanted more depth from the characters. Still, the story was easy to get into and kept me curious about what they would discover. Overall, it’s a decent choice for readers who enjoy mystery, exploration, and adventure.

I found The Bones of Skeleton Canyon to be an engaging and atmospheric adventure filled with mystery, history, and suspense. I especially enjoyed how the historical storyline connected with Addie’s modern-day search for her family’s past. The friendship between the young characters added warmth and humor to the darker moments. Some sections felt slow, and parts of the treasure mystery were predictable, but the themes of family, loyalty, and courage made the story meaningful and enjoyable overall.

I really liked the mystery and the emotional connection between Addie and the past. The ending had a strong message and made the story feel meaningful.

A moving, powerful book that guides the reader on an unforgettable journey. Very well written and brings the reader into the story. Very riveting story. Highly recommended.

The Bones of Skeleton Canyon is an engaging young adult mystery that blends adventure, friendship, family history, and a fascinating treasure hunt. I really enjoyed the way Addie’s discovery of the old letters leads her and her friends into a mystery connected to the past.
The characters were one of my favorite parts of the story, especially Addie and her friends. Their teamwork, courage, and determination made the adventure more enjoyable. The historical mystery surrounding the hidden treasure also kept me curious about what would happen next.

I especially liked the combination of an old family secret with a present-day adventure. The story has suspense, interesting discoveries, and plenty of moments that make you want to keep reading.

Overall, this is a great choice for readers who enjoy young adult mysteries, historical adventures, hidden treasures, and stories about friendship. A memorable and entertaining read that I’d recommend to anyone who enjoys an exciting mystery!

A Good Adventure...

Four kids and an adventure that spans lifetimes!

Need, Ghosts, Treasure, and whole cursed telling of it. What would you have done if you were in that situation?