Bag of Bones

A successful novelist plagued by writer's block after his wife Jo's sudden death. Four years later, he returns to Sara Laughs to confront his nightmares and reclaim his creativity. He becomes entangled in a custody battle for Kyra and is drawn into the town's dark past through both living and ghostly guides. He exhibits a protective, introspective drive to end the curse even at great personal risk.

A Blues singer whose murder decades earlier Haunts Sara Laughs and the surrounding lake. Her spirit participates in the curse that condemns the town and its children connected to the 'K' line. She embodies vengeance and sorrow, driving Mike to uncover the truth behind the town's tragedies. Her presence fuels the supernatural pressure at the heart of the story.

Max Devore's granddaughter, a child whose safety and custody become central to the plot. She experiences haunting phenomena and is caught in the crossfire of the town's dark history. Mike's aim to protect Kyra evolves into a paternal bond as he fights to secure her future. Her well-being motivates much of the story's action and choices.

Kyra's mother, who has endured social judgment and a fraught past in the custody battle. Her relationship with Kyra is pivotal to the motive for seeking guardianship and stability. Mattie's fate becomes a turning point in the confrontation with Max Devore's influence and the town's malign history.

A wealthy, influential patriarch who uses money and power to fight for custody of Kyra. His control over the town's institutions fuels tension and danger for Mike and Mattie. His desperation and later actions intensify the confrontation with the town's dark legacy, culminating in a dramatic turning point.

Max's assistant who becomes entangled in the custody plot and Kyra's disappearance. Her actions contribute to the escalating danger, culminating in a lethal confrontation. She serves as an antagonist whose schemes intersect with the living and supernatural threats.

Max's son, whose troubled history threads through the Devore family saga. His legacy and the town's secrets contribute to the complex web that Mike must navigate. His memory and the past actions shape some of the story's tensions and motivations.

Mike's wife, who died years earlier but returns as a ghost to aid him. Her presence helps reveal Sara Tidwell's history and provides guidance to counter the curse. She acts as both a catalyst for Mike's investigation and a protective force opposing the town's malevolent forces.

The caretaker for Max Devore's estate who provides crucial information about Mattie and Kyra's situation. He becomes part of the network of witnesses and allies Mike navigates during the custody fight. His role helps reveal the social dynamics that underpin the town's conflicts.

A character tied into the genealogical threads of Sara Tidwell's history, highlighting the lineage connections central to the curse. Her presence underscores the impact of family histories on the present-day conflict. She contributes to the broader mystery surrounding the 'K' names and their fate.