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Bone Park
The Crime Novel that will have you cheering for the underdogs, who surprise the world with a few new tricks.
"Read it!"
"A MUST read!!
"Couldn't put the book down!"
The Godfather meets the Golden Girls in this love, laugh and revenge filled drama.
It's 1991, and Cicada Hollow, Florida, is a sleepy retirement paradise... or so it seems. Enter the four sassy seniors whose idea of a knitting circle involves plotting the most audacious crime spree in U.S. history.
Imagine "The Godfather" with a twist of "Golden Girls", and you've got this scandalous tale centered around four retirees that prove love, sex, dreams, and revenge have no age limit. Navigating their twilight years with a dash of daring and a pinch of payback, this Grand-Mafia confirms that friendship, like a fine wine, only gets better with age.
Faced with no other option, these four fearless women will draw a line in the Florida sand only a fool would cross.
Watch out, retirement has never been this riotous!
"These ladies are amazing! Sandy Robson's attention to detail and the way he gets you hooked with his writing style is an absolute treat. A must read!" -5 star review.
"I loved this book! It did not disappoint! Bone Park is funny, clever and unexpected. There were moments that made me smile, others that made me laugh out loud and even ones that made me want to reach into the pages to try to help the characters. I can’t wait to read everything else Sandy Robson writes. 10/10 recommend." - Jessica 5 star review
"Once again author, Sandy Robson has outdone himself! Fabulous story, fabulous characters! Sandy's writing lifts the characters off the page and draws you into their story. The ending of the story had me wishing for more and thankfully there will be a sequel coming out soon!" - D.F. 5 star review
Read the GRIPPING CRIME DRAMA about Four Retired Women who refused to Roll Over and Die!
"Read it!"
"A MUST read!!
"Couldn't put the book down!"
The Godfather meets the Golden Girls in this love, laugh and revenge filled drama.
It's 1991, and Cicada Hollow, Florida, is a sleepy retirement paradise... or so it seems. Enter the four sassy seniors whose idea of a knitting circle involves plotting the most audacious crime spree in U.S. history.
Imagine "The Godfather" with a twist of "Golden Girls", and you've got this scandalous tale centered around four retirees that prove love, sex, dreams, and revenge have no age limit. Navigating their twilight years with a dash of daring and a pinch of payback, this Grand-Mafia confirms that friendship, like a fine wine, only gets better with age.
Faced with no other option, these four fearless women will draw a line in the Florida sand only a fool would cross.
Watch out, retirement has never been this riotous!
"These ladies are amazing! Sandy Robson's attention to detail and the way he gets you hooked with his writing style is an absolute treat. A must read!" -5 star review.
"I loved this book! It did not disappoint! Bone Park is funny, clever and unexpected. There were moments that made me smile, others that made me laugh out loud and even ones that made me want to reach into the pages to try to help the characters. I can’t wait to read everything else Sandy Robson writes. 10/10 recommend." - Jessica 5 star review
"Once again author, Sandy Robson has outdone himself! Fabulous story, fabulous characters! Sandy's writing lifts the characters off the page and draws you into their story. The ending of the story had me wishing for more and thankfully there will be a sequel coming out soon!" - D.F. 5 star review
Read the GRIPPING CRIME DRAMA about Four Retired Women who refused to Roll Over and Die!
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 21, 2024
What a fabulous read!
This is the first book in a new series called “The Grand-mafia Series”. It’s billed as “the Godfather meets the Golden Girls” which is fairly accurate, although I would add Carl Hiaasen with a feminist twist also somewhere in there.
I just loved the main characters - badass Bernie, ex-Union mobster, and her sister Ruby, the famous ex-porn star. Both are in their late fifties, on the run from trouble, heading for new trouble in Florida as they lay low in a Senior’s trailer park, the “Bone Park”. At the start of the book, Bernie, desperately needing money after the FBI has frozen all her assets, decides to go back into business with a former mobster associate and friend, making unspecified “deliveries”. Since she can’t do this without even a car to make the deliveries with, and with a gruelling schedule for the deliveries, she recruits her sister, who is glad to give up sleazy waitressing and the occasional trick for money (especially now that she has a wonderful twenty year old boyfriend), and religious neighbour Opal, who needs money for a gambling husband and also happens to have a car. But this turns out to be just the beginning of a messy gang war with many twists and turns and hinted-at mysteries, which we’re not even close to deciphering until the novel ends with a cliff-hanger. All I can say is, I hope the next book in the series is released soon because I need some answers!
Besides from being a mafia adventure, there is sweet romance, many well-drawn quirky characters, discussions of what it means to grow old, and a very strong “sisters are doing it for themselves”-vibe.
Great fun and highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in a new series called “The Grand-mafia Series”. It’s billed as “the Godfather meets the Golden Girls” which is fairly accurate, although I would add Carl Hiaasen with a feminist twist also somewhere in there.
I just loved the main characters - badass Bernie, ex-Union mobster, and her sister Ruby, the famous ex-porn star. Both are in their late fifties, on the run from trouble, heading for new trouble in Florida as they lay low in a Senior’s trailer park, the “Bone Park”. At the start of the book, Bernie, desperately needing money after the FBI has frozen all her assets, decides to go back into business with a former mobster associate and friend, making unspecified “deliveries”. Since she can’t do this without even a car to make the deliveries with, and with a gruelling schedule for the deliveries, she recruits her sister, who is glad to give up sleazy waitressing and the occasional trick for money (especially now that she has a wonderful twenty year old boyfriend), and religious neighbour Opal, who needs money for a gambling husband and also happens to have a car. But this turns out to be just the beginning of a messy gang war with many twists and turns and hinted-at mysteries, which we’re not even close to deciphering until the novel ends with a cliff-hanger. All I can say is, I hope the next book in the series is released soon because I need some answers!
Besides from being a mafia adventure, there is sweet romance, many well-drawn quirky characters, discussions of what it means to grow old, and a very strong “sisters are doing it for themselves”-vibe.
Great fun and highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2024
Princess Fuzzypants here: The blurb for this book made me think it was going to be a wicked satire but while it did not match my humour expectation, it more than that in creating quirky characters for whom the reader can root. What makes that even more amazing is the two protagonists, sisters who have lived outside the law for most of their lives, are compelling creations.. One sister is a porn legend and the other, unbeknownst to her sister, has a pretty shady and violent history. They both head to the trailer Bernie owns in Florida. The idea is they can live quietly, incognito, so their past can stay in the past.
The fates have other plans. Money that Bernie had planned to fund her retirement has been confiscated. Ruby, in spite of her age, still has whatever it was that made her a star. She is never one to live out of the spotlight. Between them, they find ways to use the skills they had honed while young to find the means to flourish. It does not go according to Hoyle and there are some very serious repercussions both for the sisters and those in their orbit.
In fact, as the book ends, there is some major senior girl power going on and I suspect future adventures for the Grand Mafia. I was disappointed that it was left in such a cliffhanger. It means I am going to have to wait to find out what happens next. Five purrs and two paws up.
The fates have other plans. Money that Bernie had planned to fund her retirement has been confiscated. Ruby, in spite of her age, still has whatever it was that made her a star. She is never one to live out of the spotlight. Between them, they find ways to use the skills they had honed while young to find the means to flourish. It does not go according to Hoyle and there are some very serious repercussions both for the sisters and those in their orbit.
In fact, as the book ends, there is some major senior girl power going on and I suspect future adventures for the Grand Mafia. I was disappointed that it was left in such a cliffhanger. It means I am going to have to wait to find out what happens next. Five purrs and two paws up.
January 23, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Brief synopsis:
Bernie and Ruby are sisters that have reconnected after 30 years of no contact. Their lives took them in different directions yet maybe not so different after all?
Due to their recent circumstances these sisters are now living in a 55+ community called Cicada Hollow, trying to make ends meet under the watchful eyes of their snoopy neighbours.
What worked well:
I really loved the premise of this book, the setting and the characters.
What didn't:
I just couldn't get invested until close to the end. The chapters were very long and the ending did not answer any questions which is a bit frustrating because the last 15% of the book got me really interested and then left me hanging with barely explanation.
As much as I wanted to like this book, it didnt hit the mark for me.
Perhaps more suited to an older reader?
Brief synopsis:
Bernie and Ruby are sisters that have reconnected after 30 years of no contact. Their lives took them in different directions yet maybe not so different after all?
Due to their recent circumstances these sisters are now living in a 55+ community called Cicada Hollow, trying to make ends meet under the watchful eyes of their snoopy neighbours.
What worked well:
I really loved the premise of this book, the setting and the characters.
What didn't:
I just couldn't get invested until close to the end. The chapters were very long and the ending did not answer any questions which is a bit frustrating because the last 15% of the book got me really interested and then left me hanging with barely explanation.
As much as I wanted to like this book, it didnt hit the mark for me.
Perhaps more suited to an older reader?
April 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! I seriously spent the entire book wondering what these two elderly ladies had been up to their whole lives that they were making suspicious deliveries all over Florida, centered around their trailer park and recruiting other old ladies to whatever they were doing.
I loved the characters, and love that this is definitely set up for a sequel or two. A very fun read!
I loved the characters, and love that this is definitely set up for a sequel or two. A very fun read!
January 25, 2024
Four elderly people join the sleepy retirement village and they are not what they seem. They are planing a crime spree and they think they will be overlooked when the police investigate. How will they get on? Will they succeed? Will they get caught? See how it will all go
September 8, 2024
Review of Bone Park
This book is Golden Girls meet the Mafia. The oldest sister Bernie was a Union boss in Ohio. The youngest sister Ruby was a stripper and porn star. They enlist the help from other retired women with their smuggling.
This book is Golden Girls meet the Mafia. The oldest sister Bernie was a Union boss in Ohio. The youngest sister Ruby was a stripper and porn star. They enlist the help from other retired women with their smuggling.
April 7, 2025
Entertaining with a capital E! Four women who were expected to sit quietly as they wait to die, decide that's not how they want to be remembered. A great start to a new series that is bound to find it's own fan club soon. Underestimate them at your own risk!
October 11, 2024
Lots of typos
I really wanted to like this book. Some of it was ok. Most of it bored me. Also there was an unusual amount of typos.
I really wanted to like this book. Some of it was ok. Most of it bored me. Also there was an unusual amount of typos.
September 25, 2024
“Bone Park” is the first book in a two book series by Sandy W. Robson called the Grand-Mafia Series. It took me a while to get into the reading of this book, but eventually I got hooked on the zany characters and improbable circumstances in which they find themselves. Despite being less than savory or sympathetic characters, I began to empathize with some of them. Many are simply two-dimensional caricatures.
The author uses much colorful, evocative language, which adds to the book’s enjoyability. For example, he refers to a woman’s gynecological infection as suffering from the “cranberry curse,” and he describes the residents of a Florida mobile home community for people 55 and older as “Pepsident People“ & “Ben Gay buddies.” He compares convertibles driving down the highways, with their tops down and occupants baking in the sun as “rolling chafing dishes” putting their roasted occupants on display! He describes the accurate and swift pursuit of the book’s protagonist from upstate New York to the Florida mobile home park by former, unsavory associates as having ridden down the highway like a “hatchback” full of “horny spring breakers on a mission.”
The improbability and absurdity of the story also lends to enjoyment. I found myself chuckling and shaking my head at several of the unlikely, incredible circumstances. After reaching the second half of the novel and sympathizing and rooting for some of the characters, I was compelled to finish the book without stopping to see how it ended. The question posed in the first chapter of the book, which describes a gruesome scene, was not the what, why or when the event occurred, but the how. How it happened — what led up to the present situation. The ensuing chapters detail the “how,” the myriad, convoluted events leading to the present moment. But, there’s an exception; the novel ends with another mystery, leading to the inevitability of a second novel. Mr. Robson did an excellent job at making me want to read the second book in this series, which I will do.
Although I was given an advanced reader’s copy of “Bone Park” for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author uses much colorful, evocative language, which adds to the book’s enjoyability. For example, he refers to a woman’s gynecological infection as suffering from the “cranberry curse,” and he describes the residents of a Florida mobile home community for people 55 and older as “Pepsident People“ & “Ben Gay buddies.” He compares convertibles driving down the highways, with their tops down and occupants baking in the sun as “rolling chafing dishes” putting their roasted occupants on display! He describes the accurate and swift pursuit of the book’s protagonist from upstate New York to the Florida mobile home park by former, unsavory associates as having ridden down the highway like a “hatchback” full of “horny spring breakers on a mission.”
The improbability and absurdity of the story also lends to enjoyment. I found myself chuckling and shaking my head at several of the unlikely, incredible circumstances. After reaching the second half of the novel and sympathizing and rooting for some of the characters, I was compelled to finish the book without stopping to see how it ended. The question posed in the first chapter of the book, which describes a gruesome scene, was not the what, why or when the event occurred, but the how. How it happened — what led up to the present situation. The ensuing chapters detail the “how,” the myriad, convoluted events leading to the present moment. But, there’s an exception; the novel ends with another mystery, leading to the inevitability of a second novel. Mr. Robson did an excellent job at making me want to read the second book in this series, which I will do.
Although I was given an advanced reader’s copy of “Bone Park” for free, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 3, 2024
Bone Park by Sandy W Robson is sort of a comedy but what I read is the loneliness of aging and the lengths one has to go to, sometimes, to keep money coming it. Granted, we are talking about an ex-mobster and an ex-exotic dancer, neither profession having protected retirement plans. South Florida is a place for retirement, hence older folks, which is why the locals call the many trailer parks, bone parks. The only way to take up residence in one of these parks is for the previous resident to die or get carted off to a nursing home. They are not hopeful places; one might go so far as to call them boring. Such is the conundrum for Bernie, and her sister, Ruby. Ruby is a has-been exotic dancer and porn queen who hasn’t quite accepted the fact she is over the hill. She has a job in a bar, at first, where she waits on tables for the slow shifts, as her body doesn’t compare to the current ones on stage, no matter how pitiful they may seem. She works the slow shifts because she is a lousy waitress. She supplements her income by servicing men in their cars behind the bar. She doesn’t tell her sister. The sister contacts an old mob friend and starts doing pickups and deliveries, which is complicated by the fact that she had to sell her car, so she borrows or rents or something.
The characters are well-developed and sad. The only lift they get is from their misdeeds and even they know that’s sad. The other people in the park have distinct personalities, and ones the reader will recognizeif they have ever spent time in such an atmosphere. While well done, I found it extremely sad, although superficially quirky and funny.
I was invited to read Bone Park by Book Whisperer. All thoughts an opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #SandyWRobson #BonePark
The characters are well-developed and sad. The only lift they get is from their misdeeds and even they know that’s sad. The other people in the park have distinct personalities, and ones the reader will recognizeif they have ever spent time in such an atmosphere. While well done, I found it extremely sad, although superficially quirky and funny.
I was invited to read Bone Park by Book Whisperer. All thoughts an opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BookWhisperer #SandyWRobson #BonePark
May 9, 2024
What a fabulous read!
This is the first book in a new series called “The Grand-mafia Series”. It’s billed as “the Godfather meets the Golden Girls” which is fairly accurate, although I would add Carl Hiaasen with a feminist twist also somewhere in there.
I just loved the main characters - badass Bernie, ex-Union mobster, and her sister Ruby, the famous ex-porn star. Both are in their late fifties, on the run from trouble, heading for new trouble in Florida as they lay low in a Senior’s trailer park, the “Bone Park”. At the start of the book, Bernie, desperately needing money after the FBI has frozen all her assets, decides to go back into business with a former mobster associate and friend, making unspecified “deliveries”. Since she can’t do this without even a car to make the deliveries with, and with a gruelling schedule for the deliveries, she recruits her sister, who is glad to give up sleazy waitressing and the occasional trick for money (especially now that she has a wonderful twenty year old boyfriend), and religious neighbour Opal, who needs money for a gambling husband and also happens to have a car. But this turns out to be just the beginning of a messy gang war with many twists and turns and hinted-at mysteries, which we’re not even close to deciphering until the novel ends with a cliff-hanger. All I can say is, I hope the next book in the series is released soon because I need some answers!
Besides from being a mafia adventure, there is sweet romance, many well-drawn quirky characters, discussions of what it means to grow old, and a very strong “sisters are doing it for themselves”-vibe.
Great fun and highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book in a new series called “The Grand-mafia Series”. It’s billed as “the Godfather meets the Golden Girls” which is fairly accurate, although I would add Carl Hiaasen with a feminist twist also somewhere in there.
I just loved the main characters - badass Bernie, ex-Union mobster, and her sister Ruby, the famous ex-porn star. Both are in their late fifties, on the run from trouble, heading for new trouble in Florida as they lay low in a Senior’s trailer park, the “Bone Park”. At the start of the book, Bernie, desperately needing money after the FBI has frozen all her assets, decides to go back into business with a former mobster associate and friend, making unspecified “deliveries”. Since she can’t do this without even a car to make the deliveries with, and with a gruelling schedule for the deliveries, she recruits her sister, who is glad to give up sleazy waitressing and the occasional trick for money (especially now that she has a wonderful twenty year old boyfriend), and religious neighbour Opal, who needs money for a gambling husband and also happens to have a car. But this turns out to be just the beginning of a messy gang war with many twists and turns and hinted-at mysteries, which we’re not even close to deciphering until the novel ends with a cliff-hanger. All I can say is, I hope the next book in the series is released soon because I need some answers!
Besides from being a mafia adventure, there is sweet romance, many well-drawn quirky characters, discussions of what it means to grow old, and a very strong “sisters are doing it for themselves”-vibe.
Great fun and highly recommended.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2024
Thank you Net Gallery for this ARC and the opportunity to read and give an honest review of this book.
Well, I was expecting humour but what this book lacked in humour it made up for in action.
Sisters Bernie and Ruby hadn't spoken in 30 years but they decided that it was time for them to shelve their differences and settle down to a genteel retirement in Cicada Hollows, a 55+ retirement trailer settlement. Bernie and Rose couldn't be more different, Rose was a faded porn star legend and Bernie had a nefarious past but a past that left her with money to support their new lifestyle.......until it didn't, the money wasn't there.
Bernie comes up with a plan, they will set up a business. Bernie approaches a shady character from her equally shady past and there the riot begins. Bernie ropes in Ruby and witless Opal, another resident roped in only because she had access to a car,and the business was up and running, with precise instructions from Bernie they each knew how to stay clear of the law until..........
The author has painted a good picture of these zany characters, the trailer park with it's snooty residents, the curtain twitching, the binoculars at midnight, the battle to keep their husbands in check when the flirty, glamourous ex porn star was parading her wares. All in all a good read, a little drawn out at times but it does have my pet hate, a cliffhanger finis that I wasn't warned about.
Well, I was expecting humour but what this book lacked in humour it made up for in action.
Sisters Bernie and Ruby hadn't spoken in 30 years but they decided that it was time for them to shelve their differences and settle down to a genteel retirement in Cicada Hollows, a 55+ retirement trailer settlement. Bernie and Rose couldn't be more different, Rose was a faded porn star legend and Bernie had a nefarious past but a past that left her with money to support their new lifestyle.......until it didn't, the money wasn't there.
Bernie comes up with a plan, they will set up a business. Bernie approaches a shady character from her equally shady past and there the riot begins. Bernie ropes in Ruby and witless Opal, another resident roped in only because she had access to a car,and the business was up and running, with precise instructions from Bernie they each knew how to stay clear of the law until..........
The author has painted a good picture of these zany characters, the trailer park with it's snooty residents, the curtain twitching, the binoculars at midnight, the battle to keep their husbands in check when the flirty, glamourous ex porn star was parading her wares. All in all a good read, a little drawn out at times but it does have my pet hate, a cliffhanger finis that I wasn't warned about.
January 23, 2024
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
The Publisher Says: In 1991, the quiet Florida retirement community of Cicada Hollow was the perfect place for seniors to relax and enjoy their golden years. It also was the place where four retired women joined together out of necessity, to become the biggest crime syndicate in American history.
Love, sex, dreams, revenge and regrets have no age limit. Friendship and loyalty get stronger with time and these four bad-ass broads are about to draw a line in the Florida sand that no one will ever cross.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Decently entertaining, and while I *abominate* the use of long, promotional subtitles that read like advertising copy written by an overeager intern, I can't fault this one for accuracy.
Approached with the expectation of having some good-spirited chuckles with your revenge fantasy fulfillment, this is a very successful read. The hole in ones heart left by The Golden Girls and the yawning gap of Jessica Fletcher's, (of Murder, She Wrote fame) endless supply of keen observation and devotion to justice are herein plugged. My very favorite thing about the read was the series title: Grand-Mafia Series! Apt, appropriate, and very much on brief. Book 1 will not, and should not, be book only, I predict.
The Publisher Says: In 1991, the quiet Florida retirement community of Cicada Hollow was the perfect place for seniors to relax and enjoy their golden years. It also was the place where four retired women joined together out of necessity, to become the biggest crime syndicate in American history.
Love, sex, dreams, revenge and regrets have no age limit. Friendship and loyalty get stronger with time and these four bad-ass broads are about to draw a line in the Florida sand that no one will ever cross.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: Decently entertaining, and while I *abominate* the use of long, promotional subtitles that read like advertising copy written by an overeager intern, I can't fault this one for accuracy.
Approached with the expectation of having some good-spirited chuckles with your revenge fantasy fulfillment, this is a very successful read. The hole in ones heart left by The Golden Girls and the yawning gap of Jessica Fletcher's, (of Murder, She Wrote fame) endless supply of keen observation and devotion to justice are herein plugged. My very favorite thing about the read was the series title: Grand-Mafia Series! Apt, appropriate, and very much on brief. Book 1 will not, and should not, be book only, I predict.
January 11, 2024
📖: Bone Park
✍️: Sally W Robson
⭐️: 2 of 5
Troupes & Themes:
- Senior Citizens (55+)
Trigger/Content Warnings:
- Language
My Thoughts:
These chapters were soooo long. I hate long chapters. It doesn't matter how good the book is, long chapters make it drag on forever. During chapter 2, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this, and before the chapter was over, I decided to call it quits. By the cover blurb "Godfather meets Golden Girls", I thought this would be funny. It wasn't. The longer I read, the more distasteful it became. It was already more about sex (although the act hadn't happened) than mystery. Not for me.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
✍️: Sally W Robson
⭐️: 2 of 5
Troupes & Themes:
- Senior Citizens (55+)
Trigger/Content Warnings:
- Language
My Thoughts:
These chapters were soooo long. I hate long chapters. It doesn't matter how good the book is, long chapters make it drag on forever. During chapter 2, I wasn't sure if I was going to like this, and before the chapter was over, I decided to call it quits. By the cover blurb "Godfather meets Golden Girls", I thought this would be funny. It wasn't. The longer I read, the more distasteful it became. It was already more about sex (although the act hadn't happened) than mystery. Not for me.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Book Whisperer for the opportunity to read and review this advanced copy.
January 20, 2024
“It is a miracle that every woman on earth is not completely and utterly insane and those who are, have every right to be. Men crumble under the pressures of war, but very few men serve. Every woman is born into the warzone and their tour ends at the tombstone.“
This was a freaking riot. I feel like it was not predictable at all and it felt like jaw drop after jaw drop just kept coming and coming. The accuracy in which the author describes the environment is truly an art. You feel emerged in the Day In The Life of a Retiree Florida environment. I am excited to read the next book because seriously… it’s like Golden Girls meets The Godfather 😉
4.5 rounded down⭐️ for the relationship between FMC Ruby and MMC Ben and what happens to him by the end of the book.
This was a freaking riot. I feel like it was not predictable at all and it felt like jaw drop after jaw drop just kept coming and coming. The accuracy in which the author describes the environment is truly an art. You feel emerged in the Day In The Life of a Retiree Florida environment. I am excited to read the next book because seriously… it’s like Golden Girls meets The Godfather 😉
4.5 rounded down⭐️ for the relationship between FMC Ruby and MMC Ben and what happens to him by the end of the book.
January 22, 2024
Sadly, I could not get into the characters in this book or the whole plot really.
I'm usually pretty open minded but I feel like the author left out a lot of details and I had moments where I just couldn't follow along. I also hated the many disses towards cops throughout the book. The chapters were extremely long and drawn out so it really dragged.
The parts of the book I enjoyed a bit are when Ruby meets Benny and their story and Opal Rose!
I think it had potential but unfortunately did not meet my low expectations. I finished the book only because it was an ARC from NetGalley and wanted to leave an honest review without spoilers.
Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced reading copy (ARC) of Bone Park.
I'm usually pretty open minded but I feel like the author left out a lot of details and I had moments where I just couldn't follow along. I also hated the many disses towards cops throughout the book. The chapters were extremely long and drawn out so it really dragged.
The parts of the book I enjoyed a bit are when Ruby meets Benny and their story and Opal Rose!
I think it had potential but unfortunately did not meet my low expectations. I finished the book only because it was an ARC from NetGalley and wanted to leave an honest review without spoilers.
Thank You to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advanced reading copy (ARC) of Bone Park.
June 23, 2024
*Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for providing this book, with my honest review below*
This was a fun read with characters I can only wish to encounter in real life and a plot that delivers for the characters.
Bernie and Ruby have traits I can only wish for when I reach their age! They run into some stumbling blocks but are nothing if not resilient and they drive this plot forward like none other. Excited to learn this is a series because I need to see what happens next!
Thank you again for the ARC, Book Whisperer. It is much appreciated and I enjoyed the read and the opportunity to share my feedback.
This was a fun read with characters I can only wish to encounter in real life and a plot that delivers for the characters.
Bernie and Ruby have traits I can only wish for when I reach their age! They run into some stumbling blocks but are nothing if not resilient and they drive this plot forward like none other. Excited to learn this is a series because I need to see what happens next!
Thank you again for the ARC, Book Whisperer. It is much appreciated and I enjoyed the read and the opportunity to share my feedback.
January 26, 2024
Bone Park is a new crime novel by fictional author Sandy W Robson that provides an intimate look at life and death in a Florida retirement community. Set in 1991, the story follows four women who want to live their golden years in blissful relaxation but instead it turns into a wild ride.
Bone Park is a page-turning action story that brings the realities of aging to the forefront in an engaging, insightful way. I highly recommend it to those looking for a compelling armchair trip to 1990s Florida.
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Bone Park is a page-turning action story that brings the realities of aging to the forefront in an engaging, insightful way. I highly recommend it to those looking for a compelling armchair trip to 1990s Florida.
Many thanks to the author and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
February 6, 2024
I received the ARC of Bone Park by Sandy Robson courtesy of The Book Whisperer and Netgalley. This novel is quirky, witty, and entertaining. I am not sure if it is a crime "drama" or mystery, but the characters were compelling. Set in a 1991 Florida retirement trailer park, two sisters attempt to redevelop their friendship, meet the neighbors, and settle in, but not settle down. Financial difficulties lead them to former crime associates as a way to become solvent, while involving neighbors and old friends. The dialogue rang true, the scenes were sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad. There is a bittersweet romance, and this book is a cliffhanger to the next in the series.
February 6, 2024
received the ARC of Bone Park by Sandy Robson courtesy of The Book Whisperer and Netgalley. This novel is quirky, witty, and entertaining. I am not sure if it is a crime "drama" or mystery, but the characters were compelling. Set in a 1991 Florida retirement trailer park, two sisters attempt to redevelop their friendship, meet the neighbors, and settle in, but not settle down. Financial difficulties lead them to former crime associates as a way to become solvent, while involving neighbors and old friends. The dialogue rang true, the scenes were sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad. There is a bittersweet romance, and this book is a cliffhanger to the next in the series.
January 19, 2024
𝙄 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖𝙣 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙧𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
⟡
2.5☆
This was okay, from the description I got the impression it would be a fast paced comedy but I didn't really get that while reading.
The characters are quirky and fun and it's interesting to read about older main characters, I find that's pretty rare in books and as a lover of Grace and Frankie that is what grabbed me the most.
The chapters were very long and the writing is not very fast paced so it really dragged.
Overall it had potential but just wasn't what I was expecting and fell flat for me.
⟡
2.5☆
This was okay, from the description I got the impression it would be a fast paced comedy but I didn't really get that while reading.
The characters are quirky and fun and it's interesting to read about older main characters, I find that's pretty rare in books and as a lover of Grace and Frankie that is what grabbed me the most.
The chapters were very long and the writing is not very fast paced so it really dragged.
Overall it had potential but just wasn't what I was expecting and fell flat for me.
January 19, 2024
Between the cover, the synopsis, and cover blurb "Godfather meets Golden Girls", I thought this would be funny. The humor did not match my expectations. The first few chapters had some satire and then it became eye-rolling with extremely long chapters, making the story drag. The narrator was unnecessary and confusing. Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum may like it, as it along the same vein of quirky characters with a 55+ senior living community as back drop. Author should rethink the pacing for book two.
December 21, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.
A delightful romp of a crime story about a few senior citizens who live in a 55 years+ community, who have as much energy and passion as their younger counterparts (and a whole lot more imagination when it comes to making money).
Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, this was a very entertaining and well-written engaging read.
A delightful romp of a crime story about a few senior citizens who live in a 55 years+ community, who have as much energy and passion as their younger counterparts (and a whole lot more imagination when it comes to making money).
Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, this was a very entertaining and well-written engaging read.
January 30, 2024
This is not the type of book I would usually read. I received it as an ARC so felt like I had to. This book was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters really came alive in this book and I am planning on starting the second book right away. My only minor complaint is there were a few times the perspective would randomly switch to another character for a couple sentences and I found that confusing
February 8, 2024
This was the first book I have read by Sandy W Robson and it won't be the last. This was a fun read with some great characters. You will definitely be entertained through out this book. I found it to be a really quick and easy read. Warning you will be left with a cliffhanger so be prepared. I can't wait for the next book. I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion
Thank you NetGalley and Book Whisperer for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion
January 16, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this for my honest review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I tried to like this book but it was just too far-fetched and dragged along. The first few chapters had some humor and then it became eye-rolling moments with really long chapters.
I tried to like this book but it was just too far-fetched and dragged along. The first few chapters had some humor and then it became eye-rolling moments with really long chapters.
January 17, 2024
Read through NetGalley. The overall story was pretty interesting. But I found it to be confusing trying to figure out what the main characters backstory was that created the situations they got themselves into. And I didn't even realize there was a narrator until the end and then it was hard to figure out why.
January 23, 2024
DNF @ 10%
I’m giving 1* only because I DNF’d it at 10%. That’s so much earlier than I usually stop but I started this book on 2 separate occasions and I just couldn’t get into it.
There was nothing I found offensive about what I was reading; I just found it told me a lot about nothing and I wasn’t enjoying it
** I received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review **
I’m giving 1* only because I DNF’d it at 10%. That’s so much earlier than I usually stop but I started this book on 2 separate occasions and I just couldn’t get into it.
There was nothing I found offensive about what I was reading; I just found it told me a lot about nothing and I wasn’t enjoying it
** I received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review **
January 28, 2024
Bone Park is a quite easy read. The characters are funny, and quirky at the beginning, but I found the story to drag along and is the reason for my low score.Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 30, 2024
This is book 1 of the Grand-Mafia series. It's 1991, and Cicada Hollow, Florida, is a sleepy retirement paradise... or so it seems. Enter 4 female friends who think that retirement is boring and plot the biggest crime spree in the US. No one expects 4 older ladies to be able to do this, so they fly under the radar or do they?
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