Vanessa Lillie Discusses 'The Bone Thief' and Recommends Fall Reads

About 'The Bone Thief'

• 💡 Vanessa Lillie discusses her novel, 'The Bone Thief', described as one of the best thrillers of the year.
• 📌 The book intertwines the story of a missing indigenous woman with the disappearance of native remains.
• 🎯 The protagonist, Sid Walker, is an archaeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, dedicated to supporting indigenous communities.
• ✍️ Lillie infuses her Cherokee heritage into Sid's character, with the last name 'Walker' honoring her ancestors from the Trail of Tears.

Research and Historical Context

• 📚 Lillie emphasizes the blend of truth and fiction in her writing, using real history to drive the narrative.
• 🔍 The novel begins with the Great Swamp Massacre, a real historical event where remains were found.
• 💬 The book contributes to current conversations about museum artifacts and who should share their history.

Recommended Indigenous Authors

• 💖 Lillie recommends 'Love is a War Song' by Chickasaw author Danak Nava, a popular cowboy romance.
• 🚀 She also highlights 'To the Moon and Back' by a debut Cherokee author, about an ambitious young woman aspiring to be the first Cherokee astronaut, which was a Reese's Witherspoon book club pick.

Author's Background and Future Work

• 🏆 'The Bone Thief' is a sequel to Lillie's bestseller, 'Blood Sisters'.
• 🛍️ Signed copies of 'The Bone Thief' are available locally, and excerpts from all three recommended books can be read.
• ✍️ Lillie is currently working on her next book.