Bones and Roses

Cypress Bay #1

by Eileen Goudge

New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge presents Bones and Roses, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series!

Welcome to the northern California seaside town of Cypress Bay, where the surf's up, the sixties live on and long-buried secrets are about to surface. From home invasions to cheating spouses, Rest Easy Property Management owner Leticia "Tish" Ballard thought she'd seen it all. Almost four years sober after flambéing her real estate career in an alcohol-fueled blowout, she's finally in a good place in her life when the discovery of skeletal human remains rocks her world and plunges her headlong into solving a decades-old crime. Now she must delve into the darkness of her own past, including the one-night stand gone horribly wrong with Spence Breedlove, who happens to be the lead detective on the case. When the truth comes out at long last, Tish finds herself pitted against an enemy who will stop at nothing in a fight for her own life.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Romance, Thriller

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 5, 2014

About the author

I began writing at the age of eight and wrote my way through the lean years before I found success as New York Times' bestselling author with my first novel GARDEN OF LIES. To date I have published 19 novels and a cookbook. Every life experience I've weathered has found its way into my novels in one form or another: bad exes, births, deaths, divorces, romances, and even true crime. My heroines are like me: tough cookies who don't crumble.

My latest novel, Book One of my Gold Creek series, ALL THEY NEED TO KNOW, is the story of a woman fleeing her abusive ex who finds refuge in a small California mountain town, where she's befriended by a group of women who call themselves The Tattooed Ladies and reinvents herself as a police sketch artist. Kyra "draws lines to stop crimes," as they say in the biz, never imagining she'll one day be forced to confront the biggest criminal of all: her ex.

I'm married to former entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon and the mother of two grown children. We live in Sacramento, California, where we remodeled a 1940's house for which I was the on-site project manager. Fortunately, multi-tasking is my superpower, so I was able to write a book and supervise a home remodel at the same time. The latter is sure to find its way into a future book. Follow me on Instagram and Facebook to see pics of my home remodel and other adventures.

Reviews

[Connie Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me thank NetGalley and Lauren Lee, Publicist for Ms. Goudge for asking me to read an ARC of this book. Second, let me say, if Eileen Goudge is spreading her skills into Mystery/Romance then she is headed in the right direction! What a fun romp this was!

I have read a few of her books, and she is an entertaining writer, that gives the reader strong characters and a good "women's story". This is a bit of a departure but none the less enjoyable.

Tish Ballard is an unmade bed...the bottom sheet is fitted but the rest looks like a restless night. She is trying to build a life "after" drinking. As an AA member she has a past that she would like to forget...and has much of it. But she is spunky, sassy, full of wit and loyal!

When the question of her Mother's disappearance years ago is suddenly answered, she doesn't quite believe it is an open and shut case and decides to do a bit of investigating on her own. She wants closure. Enter her best friend Ivy, a retired cop, Mcgee (who is a story all by himself) as well as her not quite right in the head brother and the search for answers begins. She searches for clues to put this long ago chapter to rest...along with her Mother. She is klutzy, quirky and quick to act...without always thinking things through. Goudge gives us a long buried mystery, lots of red herrings, twists and turns and a wonderful read! I highly recommend this for a rainy day, curled up in your favorite chair.

[Judy Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A special thank you to INscribe Digital and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Eileen Goudge is back, stronger than ever with BONES AND ROSES, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series. Filled with lovable characters, razor sharp humor, and tons of drama for a page-turner mystery charmer!

In Northern California and the seaside town of Cypress Bay, readers meet the vacation rental queen, Leticia “Tish” Ballard, the former real estate broker, and recovering alcoholic, presently the owner of her own company, Rest Easy Property Management. She gave up the suits, and hectic life of real estate sales for flip flops and a more laid back lifestyle, where she takes care of the owner’s homes and prepares them for the guest arrival.

Currently, Tish is dating Daniel (comfortable, not sizzling), enjoys spending time with her BFF Ivy, and taking care of her very high IQ troubled adult brother, Arthur (he is a riot). However, her head begins spinning when she is left with a storage unit with a mysterious trunk filled with skeletal remains and opens up a past, and a crime (s), never solved.

Of course, while she puts herself front and center of the investigation, she has to come face to face with her old high school sweetheart, and lead detective, Spence, plus a number of other eccentric characters as she races to find the real killer as her life is on the line—keeping you guessing until the end with a nice twist.

As usual, Goudge is a master at character development, and storytelling, with obstacles coming in every direction for an engaging and satisfying read. I was blown away by the inspiration for the book and the events taking place in the author’s own life at the time of writing.

Wow, what can I say, I fell in love with author, Eileen Goudge years ago, and have been a faithful follower since. I will never forgot the day I purchased the Woman in Red, in Florida, which was my first book by Eileen. Something about the front cover was so intriguing—it pulled me in and was hooked. Immediately afterward, started Garden of Lies and worked my way up/down the list. After reading eighteen of her books, you could say I am a fan, and was delighted to receive an ARC of Bones and Roses. I loved it!

In addition to being a talented writer, Eileen is genuine, and speaks from the heart. She uses her tragedies and turns them into something wonderful. If you have ever communicated with Eileen via email, or Goodreads, via her blog, or read her postings, you will come to know a special and unique person. I speak for all the fans and readers out there – Thank you for being you! You are an inspiration and your words come alive on the page, with stories to warm hearts, and characters to remember, long after the book ends.

I loved Tish, Bradley and Arthur, and especially the vacation rental real estate storyline, as I have managed real estate, vacation rentals, cottages, hotels, and B&B inns for years, and there is always something exciting going on, and life is never dull!

Check out the second book in the Cypress Bay Series: Swimsuit Body (5 stars) Coming June 7, 2016. Tish Ballard, is once again embroiled in solving a murder, a famous movie star found dead by the pool at one of the homes she maintains as owner of Rest Easy Property Management, in Cypress Bay, California. Let's hope she hangs out her sign her second business, a PI. Yummy!

If you are new to Eileen Goudge books, you are in for a treat! I would highly recommend all her books, and visiting her website to learn more about this extraordinary author.

JDCMustReadBooks

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years I’ve been a fan of Eileen Goudge’s writing: her whip-smart humor, pacing and character development are always top notch, and in this twisty whodunit she doesn’t miss a beat. Recovering alcoholic and protagonist, Tish Ballard, is wonderfully flawed and by turns both fragile and fierce, and the supporting characters are as diverse as they are quirky.

Goudge has successfully blended her talents as a bestselling women’s fiction writer with all the key ingredients of a cozy mystery. The end result is a fun and addictive read that kept me guessing. This is the first installment of her new Cypress Bay Mystery series and it’s a winner. I’m eager to see what’s next!

[Julie Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Make room on your bookshelves for a new mystery series by New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge.

I read Bones and Roses, the first book in Goudge’s exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series in one sitting and closed the covers ready for the next book. Now I’m tapping my fingers waiting for the next installment in a series I intend to snatch-up the moment the books are released. The best feeling a reader can have – the enjoyment of a great book and the thrill in knowing there’s more to come.

Bones and Roses brings readers to the northern California seaside town of Cypress Bay where recovering alcoholic Leticia
"Tish" Ballard has set up shop as a vacation rental specialist at Rest Easy Property Management, a company name I found quite ironic because Tish can’t rest easy after a discovery of skeletal human remains in a trunk in a storage unit stirs up all kinds of trouble in Tish’s life, including Spence Breedlove, former lover and lead detective in this decades-old crime.

Conflict and tension builds with each turn of the plot and before long, Tish is navigating through the repercussions of events from both the past and present – in moments that made me snuggle down deep in my chair as I turned the pages of the book.

There’s lots to love about this first book in a new series by Eileen Goudge. A page-turning cozy mystery with great characters (I especially like best friend, Ivy, and I adore Arthur, Tish’s brother – hope to see them both in future books), a storyline with twists and turns that are delightfully surprising, and a main character that is both flawed and vulnerable while also showing remarkable strength in the face of difficult revelations about the past. There are moments of humor and plenty of “seed-planting” for further development in both plot and character for future books in the series.

You’re in good hands with this master storyteller. Enjoy this first book and then enjoy the ride as future titles are released in the Cypress Bay Mysteries series. An enthusiastic five stars.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this on a recommendation and I should have considered the source. I wanted to like it but the story was shallow and I didn't care about the characters.

[Nan Williams · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has all the markings of having been written by a group of 8th grades girls.

About a million years ago, when I was in the eighth grade, there was a popular parlor game (I told you it was a million years ago!) in which one person started a story and then the other members of the group added to the plot in turn. It was a lot of fun. Sometimes the stories would get really humorous and silly and other times each person would try to see how scary they could make the story with a new twist or turn. Obviously there was no concern about characterization or reasonable flow of plot. It was just a fun activity and maybe a way to feel like we had some talent as creative writers.

This is the way this story read. The characterizations are total mumbo-jumbo. The plot points make no sense and the plot, itself, is just boring. There are many different tangents, having no sequelae and no rhyme nor reason. They just fill space.

Snappy dialogue? Well, if you like 8th grade girl-chatter, I suppose. And then there were the final chapters comparing our protagonist to Kim Kardashian! Oh, for heavens sake!

The best thing I can say about this book is that it’s short. It’s the 4th (and last) Eileen Goudge I’ve read. I thoroughly enjoyed the first two. I gave the 3rd 3 stars, but this one puts her on my “no more” list.

[a. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor dialogue.
Predictable relationship between the main character and law enforcement.
Predictable relationship development between the main character and the "hot guy".
At one point, the author mentions cereal and she calls the cereal "honey roasted cheerios" and for some reason that annoyed me beyond belief, which is, I know ridiculous. But, if you are going to write about a well known cereal, call it what it actually is-- or use some totally off brand name.
The characters were not well developed. I didn't like Ivy at all. I was ready for her to be out of every single scene she was in.

[Artemiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bones and Roses by Eileen Goudge is and interesting criminal mystery, with just a dash of romance. That's really all I can say about this, since it really was an interesting criminal mystery story about unexpected discovery of Tish's long lost mom's body, about her meeting her employer's son Bradley, about all the possible suspects who could have murdered her mother ... it was intriguing, enchanting and funny.

Good read.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bones And Roses, by Eileen Goudge, is the 1st book in the cypress bay series and my 1st book by this author.
A cozy mystery full of twists and turns with characters that are witty and endearing.
A compelling plot and I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Cyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very bored with this book. The premise seemed interesting and one of the 5-star reviewing sounded promising. But by the time I got to about 42% of the book I was bored and couldn’t wait to finish it.

For one, the characters do not seem to have any personality. I don’t have any idea of who these people are, what their likes and dislikes are. For example, Tish kept saying her and her boyfriend, Daniel, are incompatible. But there is nothing in the book that even remotely referenced why. Tish Ballard herself is devoid of a personality too. I am trying to figure out who she is but I can’t tell what kind of person she is. Is she a confident, sassy mid-thirties woman? Is she insecure? What does she not like about her boyfriend? I feel no connection with the characters whatsoever.

Also, I am quite annoyed with Tish. I don’t know if the author is attempting to convey she is a mess of a person or what? I don’t know. She doesn’t seem to be happy in her relationship but she also doesn’t seem to care that she is harboring lustful feelings for another man while still in said relationship. She doesn’t feel bad or good or guilty or whatever. At the same time, she never got over some weird teenage angst against another man from 20 years ago. AND a fourth man whom she was horrible with? That one net got resolved. Anyways, long story short, I can’t pinpoint who Tish is.

Finally, the book spends a lot of time describing real estate properties and what the characters are wearing. And again, not much on the personalities. And it’s just all over the place.

[Susan Becraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful old-fashioned mystery

As a longtime fan of Eileen Goudge, I was excited to read her first foray into the mystery story genre. She did not disappoint me. Bones and Roses was an intriguing story that had me guessing until its conclusion.

I loved so many of the characters, which were richly drawn. Tish Ballard, the protagonist, was a particular favorite of mine. In her mid-thirties, she was a recovering alcoholic, whose mother had abandoned her now schizophrenic brother and her when they were young children. She was the caregiver of her brother, who was also endearing and funny.

And who would not love Tish's best friend, Ivy, who created dioramas that
featured insects? I wanted one to the point at which I searched online!

I deemed Bones and Roses an old-fashioned mystery because it brought back memories of my days with Nancy Drew. It was an intriguing whodunit from almost the first page, with Tish a grown up Nancy.

The setting in Cypress Bay, an upscale beach community in California, was ideal for the story. Tish's one-woman company that cared for expensive homes let me be a voyeur into places that came to life because of their vivid descriptions.

I would be remiss if I neglected to mention Eileen Goudge's wicked sense of humor. Tish and Ivy made me laugh out loud many times, even when they were in danger.

Bones and Roses left me waiting for the next Cypress Bay story. I cannot imagine anyone who would not have fun unraveling this mystery.

[Shauna Kenyon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Firstly, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview read of the book. Slight possibility of a spoiler in this post, but I'll try to keep it under wraps.

I found with this book it was difficult to stay engaged. The plot was fairly interesting, though a bit predictable, and made for a good story. However, the characters and the writing style were a turn off for me.

The main character and her supporting cast were like stereotypes. They didn't have a feeling of authenticity to them. They were drab and boring.

The writing style was probably my least favorite part about this book. It was overly descriptive to the point of being distracting. Many times, I felt like entire paragraphs could have been edited out as they brought absolutely nothing to the character development or the plot. I even started notating that on some of the pages. It diverted me away onto tangents that took away from the story. I also felt the story could have ended at least a chapter sooner. I was groaning while reading about the attraction between Tish and Bradley because it seemed so contrived. Seeing that this is the first in a series, I understand why the last chapter or so was added, but it still felt insincere and contrary to life.

[Carol - Reading Writing and Riesling · Rating 4 out of 5]

My View:
I choose to read this book for a couple of reasons; it had been personally recommended to me and when I sought the book out I fell in love with the cover, so based on purely on these 2 reasons I picked up this book and laughed and was intrigued and enjoyed the whole reading experience.

The protagonist Tish is delightful, honest, sassy, and a down to earth recovering alcoholic, hers is such unique voice in crime fiction I can’t wait to read more about this heroine. She is sober but every day is a challenge that she acknowledges – I like this frailty and honesty it adds a wonderful depth to her character (that and she is the “responsible adult” for the care of her schizophrenic brother). I love the way that alcoholism and mental health issues are dealt with so openly in this drama; and drama it is.

There is plenty of action, conflicts, the airing of past misdemeanours, a bit of mystery, romance, and some great friendships and of course a murder to solve. This narrative is written with passion (you can tell), some laugh out loud moments and the good guys win- what more could you want in an easy read absorbing read?

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I confess that this is my first novel by Eileen Goudge, but BONES AND ROSES (read in one afternoon-evening) hooked me immediately. This is an unexpected, but fascinating, interweaving of cozy mystery with serious backdrop. Protagonist Tish Ballard is " anti-hero": a recovering (= currently non-drinking) alcoholic, former real estate broker, now owner of a property management business; dragging on in a relationship not right for either partner, grieving her mother's abandonment 25 years earlier, and caring for her schizophrenic brother.

There's so much to love about this novel, so many plot convolutions; and unlike many cozies, when the author lifts the curtain, that's not the Wizard we see, but ugly reality--past and present.

[Sonja Yoerg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first of the Cypress Bay series, Bones and Roses delivers in classic Eileen Goudge style. It's witty and well-paced, fueled by a compelling plot.

The heroine, Tish Ballard, is a feisty recovering alcoholic investigating her mother's death. When she gets a lead, she's like a bulldog with a bone, and she's not afraid to snarl. She's a winning character, and Goudge surrounds her with a varied and cleverly-drawn cast. Set in coastal California (my old stomping ground), you'll feel the mist and hear the roar from the crashing sea as Tish pursues one lead after another. The author's descriptions are that good.

When you reach the end, you'll give thanks Bones and Roses is the first in a series and you won't have to say goodbye to Tish Ballard for too long.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bone and Roses is the first book in the Cypress Bay mystery series. It is a well written and professionally edited full length novel.

Tish is a property manager, caretaker of her mentally ill brother and a recovering alcoholic. Her whole life has been overshadowed by the disappearance of her mother when Tish was a child. She always believed that her mother ran off with a lover, so when her mother's body is found Tish decides to investigate her murder.

This is an intelligent plot with believable characters that are easy to identify with. I did think that the romantic element in the story was a bit forced.

Overall, Bones and Roses was a satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of this series.

ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.

[Trena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was asked or review before book release. Enjoyable so far only read about 20%. Mystery has just been introduced. Good Character building.

I have been reading Eileen Goudge's novels for years. I have recommended every one I've read to friends and family that read.Bones and Roses is a little different in that there is more of a mystery theme. But Eileen Goudge fans, don't worry; she has woven her normal twists and the unexpected into the mysteries. Excellent book- you will not regret buying it! I am waiting for the next one!

[Deb Novack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things go well for Tish who is a real estate manager for the wealthy. She also takes care of her mentally challenged brother while trying not to fall off the wagon. All is well until she receives a ;large box and opens it only to find her mother's body who she thought just left them when they were young. She now begins to investigate and eventually finds all the answers she seeks.

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eileen Goudge has been a favorite author of mine for a long time. Bones and Roses is totally different from anything I have read by her, I haven't had a chance to get to her early books yet. Tish is a wonderful character, full of wonderful flaws, a great best friend, and a crazy brother. The story is full of mystery and action, I can't wait for the next story in the series.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had it all! Snappy dialogue, mystery and suspense, friendship, romance. Eileen Goudge is a master storyteller and her segue into the cozy mystery genre was a successful one. I adored the characters in this book - Tish, Ivy, Bradley, McGee etc and I can't wait to see what trouble they get into in the second book in the series.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new author for me. At first I thought it was going to be pretty formulaic, but was pleasantly surprised. It's a pretty light read, but the plot never lagged. The characters were complex - all of them interesting, and not really predictable. I'll try the rest of the series and will probably look into other books by this author.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Eileen's books, and this is a departure from her usual genre. This is a great beach read and a cozy little mystery! I really enjoyed the main character Tish and her friend Ivy and hope to see them again in future books. Well done Eileen!!

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn’t get into this book. I found I was spending more time editing her sentence structures then reading the book itself. It just wasn’t for me.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful and entertaining read

I’ve had this book in my TBR pile for quite a while. I was finally inspired to read it today and am super annoyed with myself that I waited so long. This was a suspenseful read that has so many unique elements. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

Tish is a recovering alcoholic who owns her own small property management business and looks after her mentally ill brother. Her already hectic life is thrown into turmoil when she is called to a storage facility and told someone has left something for her. What she finds turns her entire world upside down and e,boils her in a hunt for a killer.

The story arc is well paced and keeps the reader guessing. There is a great secondary cast that help propel the story. There is humor, suspense, tension, and moments that will have you holding your breath and cursing with anger or annoyance. In short, the book has got it all.

There are some story elements that felt like they needed more depth or else could have been omitted. I’m not quite sure what they contributed to the narrative. But overall this was an entertaining read, my first by this author but it won’t be my last.

[Nancy]

New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge presents Bones and Roses, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series!

Welcome to the northern California seaside town of Cypress Bay, where the surf's up, the sixties live on and long-buried secrets are about to surface. From home invasions to cheating spouses, Rest Easy Property Management owner Leticia "Tish" Ballard thought she'd seen it all. Almost four years sober after flambéing her real estate career in an alcohol-fueled blowout, she's finally in a good place in her life when the discovery of skeletal human remains rocks her world and plunges her headlong into solving a decades-old crime. Now she must delve into the darkness of her own past, including the one-night stand gone horribly wrong with Spence Breedlove, who happens to be the lead detective on the case. When the truth comes out at long last, Tish finds herself pitted against an enemy who will stop at nothing in a fight for her own life.

Mrs. Breedlove and her father-in-law were responsible for Tish's mother's death. Insurance policy on employees. Wish and Spence get together.

[Gwendolyn Broadmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bones and Roses, a compelling mystery, by Eileen Goudge: compact and fast moving, with an engaging plot that sucks the reader right in. Property Manager Trish Ballard is four years sober. She thinks, largely, that she's put her embarrassing and painful past where it belongs, behind her. Then a gruesome discovery plunges Trish into solving a decades old mystery. Will Trish find the murderer first, before she ends up either jailed by the man who broke her heart, or target practice for a ruthless calculating killer? Try "Bones and Roses" for a terrific diversion! Gwendolyn Broadmore, author, Life Came to a Standstill

[Amy Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I applaud the author for having a recovering Alcoholic as a heroine, this one is not particularly likable. She seems a bit neurotic, breaks laws and accuses folks around her to their faces of things they never did. The story is relatively predictable as well.

Not everyone in the world is noble and upstanding, but I far prefer a "cozy" read to have a nice, decent, law abiding main character, not one I would be happy to teach good manners, compassion and patience. I won't bother with any other books in this series.

[Linda Cooper-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun to read

this is the third book I’ve read by Elaine and they just seem to keep getting better. growing up, thinking your mother was dead was extremely difficult for Tish and Arthur . It’s got to be hard not knowing where your mother was if she’s alive. So when they find her bones in a chest at a storage facility, it just raises all kinds of red flags with the police and the media. I don’t think that’s too much of a spoiler alert. It’s all in the first couple chapters of the book anyway! Enjoy!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I won this book on Netgalley for my honest opinion*

This was my first book by Eileen Goudge and it won't be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a little slow in the beginning but I quickly became interested when Bradley was introduced. I enjoyed the mystery involved around Tish's mom's death. It was interesting to see how that played out. The dialogue was witty and was fluid. I liked it so much that I bought the second book in the series!

[Susan Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite Different

Special kudos for Ms. Goudge’s treatment of living with a loved one’s mental health issues. The moods change rapidly, and the heroine is unapologetically honest. Goudge’s mystery is intriguing and handled well. Parts of the book are extremely difficult to read, but that is because we care and can put ourselves in the characters’ shoes. Quite well written