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Bones & Bloodlines: A Jude and Audie West Mystery
Thirty years ago, the small Missouri town of Renarde held its first Halloween bonfire. No one could’ve known two families would go up in the flames.
A tiny cemetery, hidden by farm fields, was supposed to put the nail in the coffin for Jude and Audie West’s client. But finding the 1861 resting place of Elise Durand only added more questions to the family tree… along with an extra body.
Swaddled in a modern blanket, the skeleton lay exposed at the edge of the corn stalks, exhuming grief, suspicion, and pain three decades in the making.
Quarrelling siblings unable to see past their own heartache, a minister whipping his flock toward heaven—Renarde is smoldering with secrets the Wests never expected. But when cryptic messages are hammered to their camper-sweet-camper, the couple realizes they need to expose the truth or they may be next for the graveyard.
Where does that leave Elise, a two-century-old mystery spanning four husbands? Or her lost children, whose names change faster than the Missouri weather? How much grief can one woman bear? That question, Audie could answer. For the others, she and Jude must piece together the puzzle of Elise’s story—and escape Renarde—before there’s another death in the family.
A tiny cemetery, hidden by farm fields, was supposed to put the nail in the coffin for Jude and Audie West’s client. But finding the 1861 resting place of Elise Durand only added more questions to the family tree… along with an extra body.
Swaddled in a modern blanket, the skeleton lay exposed at the edge of the corn stalks, exhuming grief, suspicion, and pain three decades in the making.
Quarrelling siblings unable to see past their own heartache, a minister whipping his flock toward heaven—Renarde is smoldering with secrets the Wests never expected. But when cryptic messages are hammered to their camper-sweet-camper, the couple realizes they need to expose the truth or they may be next for the graveyard.
Where does that leave Elise, a two-century-old mystery spanning four husbands? Or her lost children, whose names change faster than the Missouri weather? How much grief can one woman bear? That question, Audie could answer. For the others, she and Jude must piece together the puzzle of Elise’s story—and escape Renarde—before there’s another death in the family.
271 pages, Paperback
Published May 12, 2023
9 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Alberswerth
4 books4 followersLaurie Alberswerth is a writer, photographer, senior edu-tainer, and degreed mechanical engineer who enjoys confusing both her left- and right-brain hemispheres. A native of St. Louis and an in-law to farm life, she brings Missouri settings to her readers through the Jude and Audie West Mystery series. Where the Wests tackle clients' genealogy roadblocks (and avoid digging their own graves), Laurie has camped with her hubby in their little blue tent. Her own family tree proves that life is lived in the dash between dates on the tombstone.
Join a band of cozy mystery lovers at https://www.LaurieAlberswerth.com, and get a FREE peek at Jude and Audie’s research as they begin BONES & BLOODLINES!
Join a band of cozy mystery lovers at https://www.LaurieAlberswerth.com, and get a FREE peek at Jude and Audie’s research as they begin BONES & BLOODLINES!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 8, 2023
I loved the setting of the book! Fall has always been my favorite time of year, so to me it definitely made the book more enjoyable. I also liked how while the story progressed we learned more about the backstory of Audie and Jude’s lives it kept me connected to the characters. I hope to learn more about them in the next book. This book followed two mysteries as well which I enjoyed, with the murder mystery but also a family tree mystery. I’d highly recommend if you’re a fan of murder mysteries!
April 25, 2024
In the vein of Agatha Christie's iconic detective, Hercule Poirot, this gripping mystery novel transports readers to the heart of small-town intrigue and buried secrets. Set against the backdrop of a quaint cemetery and sprawling farm fields, the story unravels with every turn of the page, leaving readers on the edge of their seats.
Jude and Audie West, the intrepid protagonists, find themselves embroiled in a decades-old mystery when they stumble upon the grave of Elise Durand, a figure shrouded in enigma and tragedy. But what begins as a simple discovery quickly escalates into a complex web of family secrets, betrayal, and buried grievances.
The narrative pulses with tension as the Wests navigate through a landscape of quarreling siblings, a zealous minister, and cryptic messages that hint at danger lurking just beneath the surface. As they delve deeper into Elise's past, they unearth a tale of heartache, deception, and a mother's enduring love that spans centuries.
With meticulous attention to detail and a plot that twists and turns like the Missouri weather, the author crafts a story that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Audie West emerges as a modern-day counterpart to Poirot, employing sharp wit and keen observation to untangle the knots of deception that surround Elise Durand's legacy.
Ultimately, 'Murder in Renarde' is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic mysteries, with its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting. Fans of Agatha Christie will delight in this homage to her legendary detective, while newcomers will be captivated by the tantalizing blend of suspense and intrigue. A must-read for any aficionado of the genre.
Jude and Audie West, the intrepid protagonists, find themselves embroiled in a decades-old mystery when they stumble upon the grave of Elise Durand, a figure shrouded in enigma and tragedy. But what begins as a simple discovery quickly escalates into a complex web of family secrets, betrayal, and buried grievances.
The narrative pulses with tension as the Wests navigate through a landscape of quarreling siblings, a zealous minister, and cryptic messages that hint at danger lurking just beneath the surface. As they delve deeper into Elise's past, they unearth a tale of heartache, deception, and a mother's enduring love that spans centuries.
With meticulous attention to detail and a plot that twists and turns like the Missouri weather, the author crafts a story that keeps readers guessing until the final page. Audie West emerges as a modern-day counterpart to Poirot, employing sharp wit and keen observation to untangle the knots of deception that surround Elise Durand's legacy.
Ultimately, 'Murder in Renarde' is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic mysteries, with its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and atmospheric setting. Fans of Agatha Christie will delight in this homage to her legendary detective, while newcomers will be captivated by the tantalizing blend of suspense and intrigue. A must-read for any aficionado of the genre.
December 18, 2025
I was privileged to meet the author at an author showcase in St. Charles, MO. She was so approachable, friendly and engaging. Her description of the book series was so intriguing, I purchased the first three books! As a reader, I want to be pulled into a story. Well, she did it, I was hooked! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It grabbed my interest right away. I truly had no clue as to “who done it”. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I can’t wait to learn more about Jude and Audie’s back story.
July 18, 2024
Great Story
This is my first book by this author but it won't be the last. I love genealogy and mysteries so this was a great outing. I'm still trying to figure out what happened in Audies past but I'm sure that it will come out in the next few books. Looking forward to reading the next one.
This is my first book by this author but it won't be the last. I love genealogy and mysteries so this was a great outing. I'm still trying to figure out what happened in Audies past but I'm sure that it will come out in the next few books. Looking forward to reading the next one.
September 16, 2024
Fun reading
Unusual prose in this one. Took a minute to get used to it but then I liked her style. Really made the story vivid in my mind. Fast paced dual telling of a genealogical conundrum and a modern day small town murder mystery. I enjoyed it as a first writing!
Unusual prose in this one. Took a minute to get used to it but then I liked her style. Really made the story vivid in my mind. Fast paced dual telling of a genealogical conundrum and a modern day small town murder mystery. I enjoyed it as a first writing!
May 31, 2023
Really enjoyed the book, with all the characters and surprises along the way.
Definitely recommend the book to mystery lovers!
Definitely recommend the book to mystery lovers!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews