"Bone is at the age when people in her mother's family often show signs of a gift, and lately strange things have been happening. When she touches certain objects, images wash over her. Pain is hidden in a rock at the bottom of New River. Whole stories are buried in the world around Bone. Is this her Gift? If so, Bone doesn't want it. And her Daddy is no help; he refuses to tolerate any discussion of the Gifts. The Bone finds an anonymous note: THE GIFT KILLED YOUR MOTHER. Could it be true? And if it is, could Bone's Gift kill her too? Bone is scared of the answers, but she also needs them. And bit by bit, question by question, object by object, Bone begins to unravel the mysteries in her family, and ultimately, the story of herself."--Jacket flap.