Ben Oris, an orthopedic surgery resident in Philadelphia, is looking forward to his December vacation. After the year he’s had, he could use a little R&R. But when a lawyer delivers some bizarre news, a week of rest and relaxation is the last thing he gets. A great aunt he never knew existed has willed a hotel to him.
Bewildered, Ben now heads to Western Massachusetts where the three-century-year-old Abigael Inn awaits, up on a secluded hill overlooking the Berkshires. At least Laurette will join him in a few days. He and his girlfriend will have some fun, meet with a realtor, and then put the place up for sale and get back to their lives. In, out, done.
Unfortunately for them, The Abigael Inn has other plans…
*Although a standalone novel, The Bone Elixir is the third book in the Benjamin Oris series about a man of science who faces otherworldly situations.
Semi Finalist
Assessment:
Plot: In the third book of the Benjamin Oris series, Rubin imparts upon the reader a narrative that, while perhaps familiar to genre fans, nonetheless propels forward with earnest magnetism and an engaging mystery. Readers need not have read the other books in the series, but they will certainly want to after finishing this installment.
Prose: Accessible prose married to inventive, but never disruptive descriptions work well to establish a confident voice and delivery system for The Bone Elixir.
Originality: Rubin combines several genre staples together to form an exciting and ever-evolving tapestry of fiction that is sure to enthuse even more storied readers.
Character/Execution: From the main cast to the supporting actors, the crew of The Bone Elixir exhibits a lived-in quality and mostly rounded-out - and relatable - personalities, that make them feel immediately familiar yet uniquely engaging all the same.
Date Submitted: August 05, 2021
"Carrie Rubin is a master at blending medical and personal issues into a mystery that challenges problem-solving abilities on both sides...a compelling foray into spiritual drama, struggles with faith, and the legacy of family choices."
"The author's pithy writing keeps the story popping all the way to the rousing final act. A chilling supernatural tale with indelible characters."
