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Sarah Booth Delaney #31
Joy to the Bones
Win a free print copy of this book!
4 days and 21:34:20
50 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
In this final installment of the series, sassy Southern private investigator Sarah Booth Delaney is up against her biggest―and most personal―mystery yet.
Still reeling from the discovery that her parents’ deaths, decades ago, might not have been an accident, Private Investigator Sarah Booth Delaney doesn’t know who to believe anymore. Her best friend and business partner, Tinkie, purposefully kept her in the dark; her lover, Coleman, intentionally lied to her; and her meddlesome ghost-turned-spiritual-guide, Jitty, kept more secrets than she can count. Now, even the people Sarah Booth once trusted more than anything are suspect.
Armed with new knowledge about her parents’ car crash, Sarah Booth sets out to solve her biggest case her parents’ murder. And she’s prepared to do it alone if she has to.
But the Mississippi Delta doesn’t pause for anyone, not even Sarah Booth. While trying to untangle the truth about her parents’ fate, Sarah Booth gets roped into investigating the DeLonge Mansion, a magnificent old house with seemingly no one left alive to claim it. With the return of her nemesis, Gertrude Stromm, looming over her head―and the pieces of her failed relationships still scattered around her―Sarah Booth has her work cut out for her this holiday season.
Still reeling from the discovery that her parents’ deaths, decades ago, might not have been an accident, Private Investigator Sarah Booth Delaney doesn’t know who to believe anymore. Her best friend and business partner, Tinkie, purposefully kept her in the dark; her lover, Coleman, intentionally lied to her; and her meddlesome ghost-turned-spiritual-guide, Jitty, kept more secrets than she can count. Now, even the people Sarah Booth once trusted more than anything are suspect.
Armed with new knowledge about her parents’ car crash, Sarah Booth sets out to solve her biggest case her parents’ murder. And she’s prepared to do it alone if she has to.
But the Mississippi Delta doesn’t pause for anyone, not even Sarah Booth. While trying to untangle the truth about her parents’ fate, Sarah Booth gets roped into investigating the DeLonge Mansion, a magnificent old house with seemingly no one left alive to claim it. With the return of her nemesis, Gertrude Stromm, looming over her head―and the pieces of her failed relationships still scattered around her―Sarah Booth has her work cut out for her this holiday season.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published October 27, 2026
About the author
Carolyn Haines
119 books1,621 followersCarolyn Haines is the USA Today bestselling author of over 70 books. In 2020, she was inducted into the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. She was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Library Association, the Harper Lee Award for Distinguished Writing, the Richard Wright Award for Literary Excellence, as well as the "Best Amateur Sleuth" award by Romantic Times. Born and raised in Mississippi, she now lives in Alabama on a farm with more dogs, cats, and horses than she can possibly keep track of.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines. Expected publication date: October 27, 2026.
I was drawn to this cozy mystery because who doesn't enjoy a sassy Southern private investigator? Joy to the Bones is the 31st installment in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. I went into it as a standalone, and while it certainly works on its own, I suspect I would have benefited from reading some of the earlier books to better appreciate the characters and their histories.
As I read, I occasionally wondered whether I had stumbled into a YA novel. Not because of the subject matter, but because of the amount of repetition. Mysteries generally trust their readers to remember details, connect the dots, and draw their own conclusions. Here, information was revisited so frequently that I often found myself thinking, Didn't I just read this a few pages ago? I appreciate an author keeping readers on track, but there's a fine line between helpful reminders and belaboring a point.
One of the more entertaining aspects of the novel is Jitty, Sarah Booth's resident "haint." For those unfamiliar with Southern and Appalachian folklore, a haint is a ghost or restless spirit, the word being a regional variation of "haunt." Jitty is a delightfully mischievous presence who materializes in various guises, sometimes as historically significant figures. Her appearance as Angela Davis, the prominent Black activist, was particularly interesting. I enjoyed these little historical detours, which added both humor and an unexpected educational element to the story. Jitty brought a welcome dose of playfulness to the proceedings.
Unfortunately, this book took me far longer to finish than it should have. For a cozy mystery, that's usually a sign that something isn't quite clicking. The story wasn't bad, nor was the writing, but I never felt that irresistible urge to pick it back up. Perhaps my unfamiliarity with Sarah Booth's long history contributed to my lack of enthusiasm. Longtime fans of the series may find far more to appreciate than I did.
I suspect I'm an outlier here, so I encourage readers to explore other reviews, particularly those from devoted fans of the series. There's certainly charm to be found in these pages, especially in Jitty, but the repetitive storytelling kept me from becoming fully invested.
A pleasant enough cozy mystery, but for me, not quite a four-star read.
I was drawn to this cozy mystery because who doesn't enjoy a sassy Southern private investigator? Joy to the Bones is the 31st installment in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. I went into it as a standalone, and while it certainly works on its own, I suspect I would have benefited from reading some of the earlier books to better appreciate the characters and their histories.
As I read, I occasionally wondered whether I had stumbled into a YA novel. Not because of the subject matter, but because of the amount of repetition. Mysteries generally trust their readers to remember details, connect the dots, and draw their own conclusions. Here, information was revisited so frequently that I often found myself thinking, Didn't I just read this a few pages ago? I appreciate an author keeping readers on track, but there's a fine line between helpful reminders and belaboring a point.
One of the more entertaining aspects of the novel is Jitty, Sarah Booth's resident "haint." For those unfamiliar with Southern and Appalachian folklore, a haint is a ghost or restless spirit, the word being a regional variation of "haunt." Jitty is a delightfully mischievous presence who materializes in various guises, sometimes as historically significant figures. Her appearance as Angela Davis, the prominent Black activist, was particularly interesting. I enjoyed these little historical detours, which added both humor and an unexpected educational element to the story. Jitty brought a welcome dose of playfulness to the proceedings.
Unfortunately, this book took me far longer to finish than it should have. For a cozy mystery, that's usually a sign that something isn't quite clicking. The story wasn't bad, nor was the writing, but I never felt that irresistible urge to pick it back up. Perhaps my unfamiliarity with Sarah Booth's long history contributed to my lack of enthusiasm. Longtime fans of the series may find far more to appreciate than I did.
I suspect I'm an outlier here, so I encourage readers to explore other reviews, particularly those from devoted fans of the series. There's certainly charm to be found in these pages, especially in Jitty, but the repetitive storytelling kept me from becoming fully invested.
A pleasant enough cozy mystery, but for me, not quite a four-star read.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Sarah Booth is angry. She's been told her whole life that her parents died in a car accident when she was a child, but now she learns that it was murder. She thought her friends all knew, but she realizes that they are eager to help her find closure. With the help of her great friends and all of her animals, she is determined to solve the mystery. This is the final book of a series which I have read from the beginning. I was torn, because it was a page turner which made me read faster, but then I needed to slow down because I didn't want it to end. I was glad to read such an enjoyable book after a few recent disappointing ones. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me to review this advance copy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received a free copy of, Joy to the Bones, by Carolyn Haines, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book thirty-one in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. Sarah Booth Delaney does not know who she can trust, it feels like everyone she loves in her inner circle has lied or kept information from her. This was a good, but sad read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've been both anxious and reluctant to read this one since getting it to review way back in early August. Although I haven't been with this series since the beginning, I've come to look forward to seeing what sort of scraps Sarah Booth and Tinkie would get themselves in each book. Now it's the end. While it works amazingly well still as a standalone, you might want to read at least the previous book to have a better feel for what you are about to jump into. To summarize, Sarah Booth has discovered that her parents' deaths so many years ago (when she was 12) wasn't the accident everyone claimed. Even worse, she discovers that her best friends and even boyfriend, who happens to currently be the sheriff, have had their suspicions but kept them from Sarah Booth to protect her. She cut them all out of her life, including not only boyfriend Coleman but her resident ghost, Jitty. Four months have passed. And that is more or less where this final episode picks up.
Her long time nemesis Gertrude Stromm is still lurking and Sarah Booth is determined to finally find out the truth, a truth she assumes centers about Gertrude and the long history of her trying to destroy not just Sarah Booth but those nearest and dearest to her. She also needs and, yes, realizes she's missed her friends. While there is still humor in the story, this one to have less as Sarah Booth deals with many unknowns. Needless to say, there are more than a few close calls but as her once rejected friends rally around her, Sarah Booth remains determined. I don't think long time readers will be disappointed with this final act which, let's see, besides Sarah Booth's initial meltdown and rejection and then apologies to everyone she once cared about, we've got crazy Gertrude, of course, drug runners, an abandoned mansion that seems to be harboring shady activity, shell corporations, corruption in high places, and lots of twists and turns before we reach the end. Heck, there's even a new client, so Tinky and Sarah Booth are back in sync.
Bottom line, while there is a great deal going on, the characters remain true to themselves and each other. It's these relationships that have made this series so special to me, even when I rolled my eyes at their actions. There's rarely a down moment in Sarah Booth's story but it's that connection that kept drawing me back over and over. Kudos to Carolyn Haines doing such a masterful job tying together so many different story lines and giving us a satisfying, hopeful ending. You get the impression that life may never be dull where Sarah Booth is involved but there are obviously several doors opening up for her future in a wonderful way, especially where Coleman is involved. Make sure you read the author's closing comments, too. Okay, no more hints. Read the book. You won't regret it and may find yourself revisiting or going way back to the very beginning of the story.
Her long time nemesis Gertrude Stromm is still lurking and Sarah Booth is determined to finally find out the truth, a truth she assumes centers about Gertrude and the long history of her trying to destroy not just Sarah Booth but those nearest and dearest to her. She also needs and, yes, realizes she's missed her friends. While there is still humor in the story, this one to have less as Sarah Booth deals with many unknowns. Needless to say, there are more than a few close calls but as her once rejected friends rally around her, Sarah Booth remains determined. I don't think long time readers will be disappointed with this final act which, let's see, besides Sarah Booth's initial meltdown and rejection and then apologies to everyone she once cared about, we've got crazy Gertrude, of course, drug runners, an abandoned mansion that seems to be harboring shady activity, shell corporations, corruption in high places, and lots of twists and turns before we reach the end. Heck, there's even a new client, so Tinky and Sarah Booth are back in sync.
Bottom line, while there is a great deal going on, the characters remain true to themselves and each other. It's these relationships that have made this series so special to me, even when I rolled my eyes at their actions. There's rarely a down moment in Sarah Booth's story but it's that connection that kept drawing me back over and over. Kudos to Carolyn Haines doing such a masterful job tying together so many different story lines and giving us a satisfying, hopeful ending. You get the impression that life may never be dull where Sarah Booth is involved but there are obviously several doors opening up for her future in a wonderful way, especially where Coleman is involved. Make sure you read the author's closing comments, too. Okay, no more hints. Read the book. You won't regret it and may find yourself revisiting or going way back to the very beginning of the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah Booth comes to the realization that her parents' deaths were not an accident, as she had always been told. Determined to uncover the truth, she sets out to find answers no matter the cost.
This is the thirty-first book in the Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery series. That alone tells you how well-written and engaging the story is. As the final installment in the series, there was much to wrap up, and the story delivers a satisfying ending that leaves readers with a sense of peace and closure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the thirty-first book in the Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery series. That alone tells you how well-written and engaging the story is. As the final installment in the series, there was much to wrap up, and the story delivers a satisfying ending that leaves readers with a sense of peace and closure.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah Booth Delaney discovers that the car accident that killed her parents when she was twelve was actually murder, AND that Tinkie, Coleman, and even her resident ghost Jitty knew or suspected things they never told her. Her response is to throw every single one of them out of her life and spend four months alone being furious. Four. Months. I have never respected a grudge more while simultaneously wanting to drive to Mississippi, climb through a window, and confiscate this woman’s ability to make decisions.
Eventually Sarah Booth realizes that perhaps cutting off her fiancé, best friend, business partner, ghost, and basically the entire emotional infrastructure of her life was not her finest afternoon. And this is where Joy to the Bones got me, because watching her crawl back toward these people is painful in that very specific way where you know everyone involved loves each other and also know that love does not magically make betrayal hurt less. Tinkie and Coleman were trying to protect her. Sarah Booth still had every right to be furious. Everybody made choices. Everybody has feelings. Nobody communicated properly. Congratulations, we have a family.
But reconciliation apparently isn't enough activity for one woman, because Sarah Booth also decides she is going to solve her parents' murder. A decades-old murder involving the most personal loss of her life. Naturally she approaches this with the calm self-preservation instincts of a woman who has apparently learned absolutely nothing from thirty previous books. Crooked judges and drug runners start surfacing in the history, Gertrude Stromm is still lurking around like the Delta's least welcome recurring calendar event, and people are actively trying to hurt Sarah Booth.
And because Sarah Booth apparently had an opening on Tuesday, there is ALSO the DeLonge Mansion. A client wants to buy this abandoned old property, except nobody can figure out who owns it because the trail leads through shell companies and fake directors. Which would already make me say, "You know what? Zillow has other houses." Sarah Booth instead hears "mysterious property ownership involving a creepy old mansion" and gets Tinkie involved. Of course she does. These two could find a conspiracy in a church bake sale, and frankly that's why we're here.
The best part for me was getting Sarah Booth and Tinkie back together, because their friendship is the actual love story of this whole ridiculous enterprise. Tinkie could have reasonably responded to four months of exile by changing the locks and sending Sarah Booth an invoice for emotional damages. Instead, once they finally start repairing things, she's right there helping investigate. Coleman is there. The friends are there. The animals are there. Jitty is there because apparently even death does not excuse you from participating in Sarah Booth's problems. This woman has accidentally built herself the most loyal, nosy, heavily populated support system in Mississippi, and she needed to lose sight of it for a minute to understand what she actually had.
And that part landed harder than the mystery for me. Sarah Booth has spent so much of her life carrying the fact that she was orphaned young, and now she has to reopen the wound and learn that the story she built around that loss wasn't even true. That's awful. There isn't a funny version of it. But somewhere along the way, she built another family around herself. Not a replacement. Just people who stayed. Even when she made staying extremely inconvenient.
The actual hunt for answers gets wonderfully messy because the two cases start brushing up against the same dangerous territory, Gertrude refuses to stop Gertruding, and Sarah Booth once again treats threats against her life less like warning signs and more like confirmation that she's headed in the correct direction. There are close calls, old secrets, money, powerful people, and enough buried Delta history that I kept thinking, ma'am, perhaps for ONE DAY we could stay home with the dogs. No. Absolutely not. Sarah Booth did not survive thirty-one books by developing reasonable instincts at the last minute.
I will say the final confrontation over her parents came together faster than I wanted. After everything Sarah Booth has carried, I wanted a little more room to sit inside that reckoning before we started saying goodbye. But the answers themselves worked for me, and more importantly, this actually feels like a goodbye. Things come full circle. Justice shows up. Relationships get somewhere they have been trying to get for years. Sarah Booth finally gets to look toward a future that isn't being held hostage by what happened when she was twelve.
Which is especially wild coming from me because, yes, I started this series with book THIRTY. I basically walked into the Delaney family reunion while everyone was clearing dessert and said, "Hi, who died?" And somehow Carolyn Haines still got me invested enough that Joy to the Bones being the thirty-first and final Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery feels bittersweet. Four stars. I came ridiculously late, stayed for the ghosts, animals, murder, Tinkie, and one woman's absolute refusal to avoid danger, and somehow still got emotional when everybody started turning off the lights. The Christmas title is also doing some generous marketing work because most of this is very much not jingling merrily through December, but the holiday does matter when it finally arrives.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Spending Four Months Ghosting Your Entire Support System When One of Them Is Literally Already a Ghost
Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Joy to the Bones, and for letting me arrive at book thirty, immediately get emotionally adopted by these people, and then discover one book later that everybody was packing up and leaving. Extremely rude timing on my part. Excellent exit strategy on theirs.
Eventually Sarah Booth realizes that perhaps cutting off her fiancé, best friend, business partner, ghost, and basically the entire emotional infrastructure of her life was not her finest afternoon. And this is where Joy to the Bones got me, because watching her crawl back toward these people is painful in that very specific way where you know everyone involved loves each other and also know that love does not magically make betrayal hurt less. Tinkie and Coleman were trying to protect her. Sarah Booth still had every right to be furious. Everybody made choices. Everybody has feelings. Nobody communicated properly. Congratulations, we have a family.
But reconciliation apparently isn't enough activity for one woman, because Sarah Booth also decides she is going to solve her parents' murder. A decades-old murder involving the most personal loss of her life. Naturally she approaches this with the calm self-preservation instincts of a woman who has apparently learned absolutely nothing from thirty previous books. Crooked judges and drug runners start surfacing in the history, Gertrude Stromm is still lurking around like the Delta's least welcome recurring calendar event, and people are actively trying to hurt Sarah Booth.
And because Sarah Booth apparently had an opening on Tuesday, there is ALSO the DeLonge Mansion. A client wants to buy this abandoned old property, except nobody can figure out who owns it because the trail leads through shell companies and fake directors. Which would already make me say, "You know what? Zillow has other houses." Sarah Booth instead hears "mysterious property ownership involving a creepy old mansion" and gets Tinkie involved. Of course she does. These two could find a conspiracy in a church bake sale, and frankly that's why we're here.
The best part for me was getting Sarah Booth and Tinkie back together, because their friendship is the actual love story of this whole ridiculous enterprise. Tinkie could have reasonably responded to four months of exile by changing the locks and sending Sarah Booth an invoice for emotional damages. Instead, once they finally start repairing things, she's right there helping investigate. Coleman is there. The friends are there. The animals are there. Jitty is there because apparently even death does not excuse you from participating in Sarah Booth's problems. This woman has accidentally built herself the most loyal, nosy, heavily populated support system in Mississippi, and she needed to lose sight of it for a minute to understand what she actually had.
And that part landed harder than the mystery for me. Sarah Booth has spent so much of her life carrying the fact that she was orphaned young, and now she has to reopen the wound and learn that the story she built around that loss wasn't even true. That's awful. There isn't a funny version of it. But somewhere along the way, she built another family around herself. Not a replacement. Just people who stayed. Even when she made staying extremely inconvenient.
The actual hunt for answers gets wonderfully messy because the two cases start brushing up against the same dangerous territory, Gertrude refuses to stop Gertruding, and Sarah Booth once again treats threats against her life less like warning signs and more like confirmation that she's headed in the correct direction. There are close calls, old secrets, money, powerful people, and enough buried Delta history that I kept thinking, ma'am, perhaps for ONE DAY we could stay home with the dogs. No. Absolutely not. Sarah Booth did not survive thirty-one books by developing reasonable instincts at the last minute.
I will say the final confrontation over her parents came together faster than I wanted. After everything Sarah Booth has carried, I wanted a little more room to sit inside that reckoning before we started saying goodbye. But the answers themselves worked for me, and more importantly, this actually feels like a goodbye. Things come full circle. Justice shows up. Relationships get somewhere they have been trying to get for years. Sarah Booth finally gets to look toward a future that isn't being held hostage by what happened when she was twelve.
Which is especially wild coming from me because, yes, I started this series with book THIRTY. I basically walked into the Delaney family reunion while everyone was clearing dessert and said, "Hi, who died?" And somehow Carolyn Haines still got me invested enough that Joy to the Bones being the thirty-first and final Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery feels bittersweet. Four stars. I came ridiculously late, stayed for the ghosts, animals, murder, Tinkie, and one woman's absolute refusal to avoid danger, and somehow still got emotional when everybody started turning off the lights. The Christmas title is also doing some generous marketing work because most of this is very much not jingling merrily through December, but the holiday does matter when it finally arrives.
Merry Mayhem Prize: For Spending Four Months Ghosting Your Entire Support System When One of Them Is Literally Already a Ghost
Huge thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC of Joy to the Bones, and for letting me arrive at book thirty, immediately get emotionally adopted by these people, and then discover one book later that everybody was packing up and leaving. Extremely rude timing on my part. Excellent exit strategy on theirs.
October 29, 2026
Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines is a Sarah Booth Delaney novel and brings everything to a head as she discovers that her parents were murdered, did not simply die in a tragic accident. They all knew. They all had lied to protect her. Coleman, Jitty, Tinkie. All out of her life. It took four months for her to realized what an error she had made. And, not amazingly, they all forgave her and let her immediately back into their lives. She had other bridges to rebuild, but she will do it. Meanwhile she had a new case and a murderer to find. Coleman and Tinkie knew she would not be stopped to they supported her. The men Coleman worked with were happy to have their non-grumpy boss back. Everything seemed to be in order, until they went to visit the long-abandoned mansion that her client is interested in purchasing. Dangerous does not begin to describe the place, between the rotting floorboards and armed men. What in the world?
Sarah Booth is like a dog with a bone. Now that she knows about this murder, nothing will stop her from discovering the perpetrator and seeing justice done. She threatens that she will kill them herself, but all know that is false bravado. She is a terrific character. She garners loyalty in those around her and even in new acquaintances. This is a murder from years earlier and much of the evidence is gone; some because of time, some deliberately by corrupt local justice system. The investigation was thorough, new leads followed, new friends made. It is an exciting novel with new wonders promised for the next book. The story starts off in misery, but as everyone gets back to work, that misery dissipates. The plot is good. The characters exceptional. The tone, overall, positive. Terrific series.
I was invited to read Joy to the Bones by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #CarolynHaines #JoyToTheBones
Sarah Booth is like a dog with a bone. Now that she knows about this murder, nothing will stop her from discovering the perpetrator and seeing justice done. She threatens that she will kill them herself, but all know that is false bravado. She is a terrific character. She garners loyalty in those around her and even in new acquaintances. This is a murder from years earlier and much of the evidence is gone; some because of time, some deliberately by corrupt local justice system. The investigation was thorough, new leads followed, new friends made. It is an exciting novel with new wonders promised for the next book. The story starts off in misery, but as everyone gets back to work, that misery dissipates. The plot is good. The characters exceptional. The tone, overall, positive. Terrific series.
I was invited to read Joy to the Bones by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #CarolynHaines #JoyToTheBones
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The final episode in the Sarah Booth Delany mysteries finally solves the mystery that has been in the background for the whole series. Sarah Booth has learned that her parents' car accident when she was only twelve was not an accident at all. They were murdered. She is determined to find out what happened.
The case she and her partner Tinky are investigating doesn't seem to have any relation to her parents' deaths at first. They are hired by a land developer to find out who own the old DeLonge Mansion so that he can buy it for his development.
The DeLonge Mansion has been falling apart for years and has been the site for teenage parties filled with ghost stories. The family has been gone since the Civil War and good riddance to them since they had a reputation for abusing their slaves and their horses too. Sarah Booth and Tinky run into roadblock after roadblock in their investigation since the records are buried in a bunch of LLCs.
Exploring on the grounds doesn't help either as they find themselves chased by masked men with assault weapons and they discover a previously unknown air strip that is likely being used for illegal things.
And Sarah Booth's illusive enemy Gertrude has her fingers all over the case. She's determined to kill Sarah Booth, her animals and her friends. Law enforcement including her boyfriend have been unable to find Gertrude.
This was an excellent conclusion to a long-running series that brings answers and closure while indicating a happy future.
The case she and her partner Tinky are investigating doesn't seem to have any relation to her parents' deaths at first. They are hired by a land developer to find out who own the old DeLonge Mansion so that he can buy it for his development.
The DeLonge Mansion has been falling apart for years and has been the site for teenage parties filled with ghost stories. The family has been gone since the Civil War and good riddance to them since they had a reputation for abusing their slaves and their horses too. Sarah Booth and Tinky run into roadblock after roadblock in their investigation since the records are buried in a bunch of LLCs.
Exploring on the grounds doesn't help either as they find themselves chased by masked men with assault weapons and they discover a previously unknown air strip that is likely being used for illegal things.
And Sarah Booth's illusive enemy Gertrude has her fingers all over the case. She's determined to kill Sarah Booth, her animals and her friends. Law enforcement including her boyfriend have been unable to find Gertrude.
This was an excellent conclusion to a long-running series that brings answers and closure while indicating a happy future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When there is a series that you truly love, you never want it to end. But after 31 books, Carolyn Haines has decided to wrap up the story of Sarah Booth and all her human and animal friends. At the end of the previous book, she learned her parents had not died in a car accident. The accident was murder and that had been kept from her by those who cared the most. She went ballistic and severed ties with her loved ones including her fiancé Coleman and her best friend Tinkie. It has taken her four months to come to her senses.
After apologizing profusely to them all, she and Tinkie take on a client who wants to know who owns the land around a dilapidated mansion. The ownership is clouded by shell companies and subterfuge and it has put Sarah Booth in the cross-hairs, quite literally. She knows her nemesis Gertrude is in there somewhere and after repeated attempts to harm her, she is ready to put it all on the line to capture Gertrude and find out who was behind the murder and why. There are more than a few close calls that lead to some suspenseful moments. There are also some big surprises in store. But by the time, the final chapter is finished, the loyal reader will know that Sarah Booth will be ready to move forward into a happier future. What more could we ask.
Five purrs and two paws up.
After apologizing profusely to them all, she and Tinkie take on a client who wants to know who owns the land around a dilapidated mansion. The ownership is clouded by shell companies and subterfuge and it has put Sarah Booth in the cross-hairs, quite literally. She knows her nemesis Gertrude is in there somewhere and after repeated attempts to harm her, she is ready to put it all on the line to capture Gertrude and find out who was behind the murder and why. There are more than a few close calls that lead to some suspenseful moments. There are also some big surprises in store. But by the time, the final chapter is finished, the loyal reader will know that Sarah Booth will be ready to move forward into a happier future. What more could we ask.
Five purrs and two paws up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joy to the Bones, the last book in Carolyn Haines's long-running series featuring P.I. Sarah Booth Delaney, feels like a continuation of its immediate predecessor, Ode to the Bones, which felt unfinished to me. At the end of Ode to the Bones, Sarah Booth breaks up with her fiancé, disowns her friends, and even banishes Jinty, the family ghost, because she believes everyone was keeping a secret from her. Apparently, the car accident that killed her parents when Sarah was twelve was actually murder—and everyone either knew or suspected.
Joy to the Bones begins just after she kicks everyone out of her life, and then stews in isolation for four months. After doing some soul-searching, she decides to investigate her parents' murder and bring the killer(s) to justice. And she needs the help of Coleman and her friends. Maybe she should also give them a chance to explain why they kept this information from her and find out exactly what they knew.
She also gets a new client, a man interested in buying the abandoned, possibly haunted DeLonge Mansion. Because the evil owners died in the last century, supposedly without heirs, it's quite a quest to learn who actually owns the property. Someone has been paying the taxes, but it turns out to be a shell corporation with fictitious directors. Sarah Booth reaches out to Tinkie, her old partner and best friend, to make amends and agree to work together on the new case. Tinkie vows to also help find out who killed Sarah Booth's parents.
Gertrude Stromm, a crazy woman who hated Sarah Booth's mother, and by extension, Sarah Booth, is back in the picture, and she's connected to both mysteries.
Sarah Booth gains a new appreciation for her friends as everyone works together, bringing this story and the entire series to a satisfying ending.
Joy to the Bones begins just after she kicks everyone out of her life, and then stews in isolation for four months. After doing some soul-searching, she decides to investigate her parents' murder and bring the killer(s) to justice. And she needs the help of Coleman and her friends. Maybe she should also give them a chance to explain why they kept this information from her and find out exactly what they knew.
She also gets a new client, a man interested in buying the abandoned, possibly haunted DeLonge Mansion. Because the evil owners died in the last century, supposedly without heirs, it's quite a quest to learn who actually owns the property. Someone has been paying the taxes, but it turns out to be a shell corporation with fictitious directors. Sarah Booth reaches out to Tinkie, her old partner and best friend, to make amends and agree to work together on the new case. Tinkie vows to also help find out who killed Sarah Booth's parents.
Gertrude Stromm, a crazy woman who hated Sarah Booth's mother, and by extension, Sarah Booth, is back in the picture, and she's connected to both mysteries.
Sarah Booth gains a new appreciation for her friends as everyone works together, bringing this story and the entire series to a satisfying ending.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joy to the Bones provides a fitting ending to Carolyn Haines long running A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery series. The 40th book, representing 30 years of real-life storytelling is as engrossing as the other 39 although it does not have as much humor. The prologue is a distraction that does not befit this series, but once we get past the 4-month-meltdown the book brings the action and emotion that we have come to expect and love, providing us with the special people and strong plot that we expect from Ms. Haines. Learning that her parents' death was probably not an accident puts Sarah Booth into a tailspin that takes a bit to recover from, but once she gets her head clear, she is determined to find out what really happened. She has no doubt that their car wreck was engineered. With unwavering support from her friends, who greatly fear for her life from the evil but powerful people who killer her parents, she challenges the old order, many of whom are still around and are richer than ever.
As with the other Christmas titled books in this series, the holiday does not play a big part in the novel, but it sure does play an important part in Sarah Booth's life!
Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and review a copy of this farewell novel. Sarah Booth has been a part of my must-read history for a long time and will remain with me forever.
#Netgalley #MinotaurBooks #CarolynHaines #ASarahBoothDelaneyMystery #JoytotheBones
As with the other Christmas titled books in this series, the holiday does not play a big part in the novel, but it sure does play an important part in Sarah Booth's life!
Thanks to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for allowing me to read and review a copy of this farewell novel. Sarah Booth has been a part of my must-read history for a long time and will remain with me forever.
#Netgalley #MinotaurBooks #CarolynHaines #ASarahBoothDelaneyMystery #JoytotheBones
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
THOUGHTS: This is the last of a 31-Book series but you don’t *have* to have read all the others to come up to speed with the characters and the story arc. Sarah Booth Delaney lives on her Mississippi Delta family farm with dogs, horses, a black cat, a crow who spouts “Nevermore” on occasion, and a sassy ghost named Jitty. She’s a PI who is partnered with her best friend Tinkie and has a heart throb in the local sheriff, Coleman.
In this book, Sarah Booth (and yes, she goes by both names), is trying to find out who killed her parents 20+ years ago. Her search leads to crooked judges, drug runners, and an obsessed woman who wants her dead. It is an interesting story with a lot going on. What’s nice is that everything is tied up nicely by the end giving you not only a satisfying ending to the story, but to the entire series.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
In this book, Sarah Booth (and yes, she goes by both names), is trying to find out who killed her parents 20+ years ago. Her search leads to crooked judges, drug runners, and an obsessed woman who wants her dead. It is an interesting story with a lot going on. What’s nice is that everything is tied up nicely by the end giving you not only a satisfying ending to the story, but to the entire series.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
October 29, 2026
I was excited to read this book especially since it’s the last Sarah Booth book. Being the author’s age I understand all her reasons for wanting this series to end her way.
Sarah Booth was raised by her aunt as her parents died in a car crash. She has recently discovered this was not an accident but more likely a murder. She has cut herself off from her friends believing they have hidden this information from them. She has finally made the decision to talk with her friends and try to discover who is responsible for the murder.
I enjoyed the mystery and the secret that she now shares with Tinkie. Unfortunately I will miss the future with Sarah Booth. #Netgalley
Sarah Booth was raised by her aunt as her parents died in a car crash. She has recently discovered this was not an accident but more likely a murder. She has cut herself off from her friends believing they have hidden this information from them. She has finally made the decision to talk with her friends and try to discover who is responsible for the murder.
I enjoyed the mystery and the secret that she now shares with Tinkie. Unfortunately I will miss the future with Sarah Booth. #Netgalley
November 9, 2026
It's hard to take Sarah seriously when she doesn't take the dangers to her and her animals seriously. i.e. Instead of guarding her fur babies after a real threat, she decides she really needs to get out, so she goes to a bar. Tinkie dives headfirst into danger, with total disregard to her family, because she's led by ego. It felt like they rushed emotionally and illogically into danger just to forward the plot. I took off an additional star because of the simplistic yet incessant virtue signaling that ultimately pushed a political agenda rather than supporting the plot.
October 27, 2026
Knowing this was the last book pretty far in advance had kinda helped take the edge off and did help with the enjoyment a lot more too. Although everything in this book was enjoyable especially the outcome of Sarah Booth finally learning the truth about her mom and dad’s deaths.
It was definitely bittersweet especially at the end, but the perp that was taken down and what happened afterward was sweet satisfaction. And the Christmasy ending was too much fun! Definitely read the author’s note at the end and her thoughts on ending this series. It might just make your eyes leak like mine did!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
It was definitely bittersweet especially at the end, but the perp that was taken down and what happened afterward was sweet satisfaction. And the Christmasy ending was too much fun! Definitely read the author’s note at the end and her thoughts on ending this series. It might just make your eyes leak like mine did!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
October 29, 2026
Such a bitter sweet read, such an excellent mystery and well plotted story. Loved it.
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Highly recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
October 30, 2026
What a wonderful addition to the Sarah Booth Delaney mysteries! Carolyn Haines continues to remind me why I enjoy her storytelling so much!
Joy to the Bones contains memorable characters, Southern charm, humor, and plenty of intrigue. This was a thoroughly enjoyable 5 star read for me. I will miss these characters and am looking forward to reading other books by Haines.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a digital copy to read for review. Thank you to the author for the ARC. Highly recommended!
Joy to the Bones contains memorable characters, Southern charm, humor, and plenty of intrigue. This was a thoroughly enjoyable 5 star read for me. I will miss these characters and am looking forward to reading other books by Haines.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me a digital copy to read for review. Thank you to the author for the ARC. Highly recommended!
September 23, 2026
Joy to the Bones will be available for purchase October 2026. I want to thank Goodreads Giveaways, Minotaur Books and Carolyn Haines for the ARC.
I know you aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover… I thought I had won a whimsical and fun Christmas themed mystery. Boy! Was I wrong!! Christmas was not any part of the theme, other than an afterthought. It was not a light, entertaining read that I hoped it to be. I had a hard time keeping the characters straight. I guess you needed to read the prior 30 books for that. I didn’t realize it was a series when I threw my name in the hat. This is the last book of the Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries. I am sure that those who have read previous Carolyn Haines’ books will have a much more positive experience. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
I know you aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover… I thought I had won a whimsical and fun Christmas themed mystery. Boy! Was I wrong!! Christmas was not any part of the theme, other than an afterthought. It was not a light, entertaining read that I hoped it to be. I had a hard time keeping the characters straight. I guess you needed to read the prior 30 books for that. I didn’t realize it was a series when I threw my name in the hat. This is the last book of the Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries. I am sure that those who have read previous Carolyn Haines’ books will have a much more positive experience. Unfortunately, it missed the mark for me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Vibe: Southern secrets, a decades-old mystery, loyal friendships, and a ghost with an impressive wardrobe.
My thoughts:
Imagine picking up the 31st and final book in a series without having read a single one of the previous 30. That’s exactly what I did with Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines, and I’m happy to report that I had no trouble jumping right into Sarah Booth Delaney’s world! Of course, I probably missed some of the emotional significance of certain relationships, but the story works surprisingly well as a standalone mystery.
Sarah Booth is just as determined as anyone else to find out the truth regarding the deaths of her parents all those years ago, even if that means risking her own safety. The problem is that there seems to be someone just as determined to prevent her from doing so. Throw in a mystery connected with an old mansion, some badly damaged relationships, and a number of people who have secrets they prefer to keep hidden, and Sarah Booth is going to be busier than ever.
I really liked the Southern setting, particularly the link with the Gulf Coast. There's a certain appeal to a mystery rooted in Southern history, old houses, and long-forgotten family secrets which I find difficult to resist. Haines includes a large number of historical details in the story and this has made the mystery even more interesting. I enjoyed finding out about the past just as much as I enjoyed trying to work out what was going on in the present.
My absolute favourite bit is Jitty! The ghostly companion of Sarah Booth is a character completely unlike any other I have come across. She is able to appear as herself or to take the form of almost anyone, whether real or fictional, from any period in history. What a fun idea that is! I never really knew who was going to turn up next, and I really enjoyed the humour and personality that she added to the story. In fact, it is just Jitty that makes me want to go back and read some of the earlier books.
I also liked the friendships; although Sarah Booth has some reasonable trust problems given all that she's found out about the people nearest to her, she does have a nice group of friends who care for her and would like to protect her. I enjoyed the fact that these relationships weren't perfect, since there were hurt feelings, broken trust, and complicated emotions to deal with, which gave the friendships a greater sense of meaning. The animals were another nice touch!
And, above all, I was interested in the mystery, especially because of the personal interest at issue. Although there are many elements involved, I liked the way the different lines of the story contributed to the intrigue without leaving me entirely confused as a newcomer.
The greatest disappointment was the absence of any Christmas spirit throughout most of the book. Given the title and the fact that the story is set at a holiday time, I had hoped for a bit more of a seasonal atmosphere. The celebrations only really come in the last chapter and the epilogue. On the other hand, I can see how it's hard to decorate the Christmas tree when someone is trying to kill you. After all, that does make sense.
Joy to the Bones turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable Southern cozy mystery, featuring an interesting history, memorable characters, and a wonderful focus on friendship. I'm a bit saddened that I found out about Sarah Booth just as she's saying goodbye, but I'm pleased that I got the opportunity to meet her—and particularly Jitty!
🌹 Floral Verdict: A Rose — An intriguing, character-filled mystery that I’d happily recommend to fans of Southern cozies, family secrets, and a touch of the paranormal.
My thoughts:
Imagine picking up the 31st and final book in a series without having read a single one of the previous 30. That’s exactly what I did with Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines, and I’m happy to report that I had no trouble jumping right into Sarah Booth Delaney’s world! Of course, I probably missed some of the emotional significance of certain relationships, but the story works surprisingly well as a standalone mystery.
Sarah Booth is just as determined as anyone else to find out the truth regarding the deaths of her parents all those years ago, even if that means risking her own safety. The problem is that there seems to be someone just as determined to prevent her from doing so. Throw in a mystery connected with an old mansion, some badly damaged relationships, and a number of people who have secrets they prefer to keep hidden, and Sarah Booth is going to be busier than ever.
I really liked the Southern setting, particularly the link with the Gulf Coast. There's a certain appeal to a mystery rooted in Southern history, old houses, and long-forgotten family secrets which I find difficult to resist. Haines includes a large number of historical details in the story and this has made the mystery even more interesting. I enjoyed finding out about the past just as much as I enjoyed trying to work out what was going on in the present.
My absolute favourite bit is Jitty! The ghostly companion of Sarah Booth is a character completely unlike any other I have come across. She is able to appear as herself or to take the form of almost anyone, whether real or fictional, from any period in history. What a fun idea that is! I never really knew who was going to turn up next, and I really enjoyed the humour and personality that she added to the story. In fact, it is just Jitty that makes me want to go back and read some of the earlier books.
I also liked the friendships; although Sarah Booth has some reasonable trust problems given all that she's found out about the people nearest to her, she does have a nice group of friends who care for her and would like to protect her. I enjoyed the fact that these relationships weren't perfect, since there were hurt feelings, broken trust, and complicated emotions to deal with, which gave the friendships a greater sense of meaning. The animals were another nice touch!
And, above all, I was interested in the mystery, especially because of the personal interest at issue. Although there are many elements involved, I liked the way the different lines of the story contributed to the intrigue without leaving me entirely confused as a newcomer.
The greatest disappointment was the absence of any Christmas spirit throughout most of the book. Given the title and the fact that the story is set at a holiday time, I had hoped for a bit more of a seasonal atmosphere. The celebrations only really come in the last chapter and the epilogue. On the other hand, I can see how it's hard to decorate the Christmas tree when someone is trying to kill you. After all, that does make sense.
Joy to the Bones turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable Southern cozy mystery, featuring an interesting history, memorable characters, and a wonderful focus on friendship. I'm a bit saddened that I found out about Sarah Booth just as she's saying goodbye, but I'm pleased that I got the opportunity to meet her—and particularly Jitty!
🌹 Floral Verdict: A Rose — An intriguing, character-filled mystery that I’d happily recommend to fans of Southern cozies, family secrets, and a touch of the paranormal.
November 1, 2026
Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines
Carolyn Haines, say it ain't so!!! I'm so incredibly bummed that this is the last of the prolific Bones cozy mystery series starring Sarah Booth Delaney, my favorite Southern (yet politically progressive) sleuth! Y'all!! I have been reading this series since I was a teenager, and now it's over? This is a terrible point in American history to end something that brings me so much joy. Oh well, another added bummer to the year of our lord 2026
Big thanks to Minotaur for the ARC! I'm loving all the sneak previews y'all have been doling out as of late. Here is my five-diamond review!
The gist: In another rip-roaring whodunnit adventure, Sarah Boothe and her Scooby Doo team of co-detectives are off on another case when she gets hired by a hotel developer to figure out who the heck owns the legendary Delonge Mansion, a derelict house on the outskirts of town with a haunted past! She soon discovers the house has ties to a cold case involving her parents' alleged fatal car crash. Are we finally going to get answers to this age-old mystery?!
What I liked: Where to begin? I love that the author takes time to wax poetic about the beautiful Mississippi Delta landscape, Sarah Boothe's historic homestead, horseback riding through the fields, etcetera, etcetera. These lyrical descriptions had me hooked on this series, and they only got better with time. I also really love all the characters in Sarah Boothe's circle, who all have interesting backstories that don't seem gimmicky. The mysteries are always tightly woven, and the surprises just keep on coming. Man, I'm going to miss this!
What irked me: Perhaps, my only gripe is the cover, which gives the impression that this is a Christmas mystery, which it really isn't. If anything, it's more spooky season-themed with the haunted mansion's lore, which was perfect for October reading!
The mystery: This mystery was impossible to figure out until the very end, at least for me! I had no idea who or what was behind the shady activity happening at the haunted mansion, and I was quite impressed when all the pieces were puzzled together, taking us full-circle to Sarah Boothe's first mystery: the cause of her parents' car accident
Thoughts on the side characters: I love them all! Tinkie is a ride-or-die, through and through. Millie and Ceecee are fabulous, highly resourceful co-detectives, and Coleman is a Southern gentleman who treats Sarah Boothe like an equal, which is not typical for male lawmen south of the Mason-Dixon line. This cast feels larger than life, and I wish I could meet them in person to thank them for a job well done. And, of course, I'd be remiss not to mention the most important co-detectives of all: the pets, especially Poe and Pluto, because they really came through in a pinch!
Overall thoughts: This is a truly beloved mystery series that ended in the most perfect way possible. It's sad to say goodbye, but I can always return to my favorite books in the series when I start missing all my old friends. Joy to the Bones indeed!
Carolyn Haines, say it ain't so!!! I'm so incredibly bummed that this is the last of the prolific Bones cozy mystery series starring Sarah Booth Delaney, my favorite Southern (yet politically progressive) sleuth! Y'all!! I have been reading this series since I was a teenager, and now it's over? This is a terrible point in American history to end something that brings me so much joy. Oh well, another added bummer to the year of our lord 2026
Big thanks to Minotaur for the ARC! I'm loving all the sneak previews y'all have been doling out as of late. Here is my five-diamond review!
The gist: In another rip-roaring whodunnit adventure, Sarah Boothe and her Scooby Doo team of co-detectives are off on another case when she gets hired by a hotel developer to figure out who the heck owns the legendary Delonge Mansion, a derelict house on the outskirts of town with a haunted past! She soon discovers the house has ties to a cold case involving her parents' alleged fatal car crash. Are we finally going to get answers to this age-old mystery?!
What I liked: Where to begin? I love that the author takes time to wax poetic about the beautiful Mississippi Delta landscape, Sarah Boothe's historic homestead, horseback riding through the fields, etcetera, etcetera. These lyrical descriptions had me hooked on this series, and they only got better with time. I also really love all the characters in Sarah Boothe's circle, who all have interesting backstories that don't seem gimmicky. The mysteries are always tightly woven, and the surprises just keep on coming. Man, I'm going to miss this!
What irked me: Perhaps, my only gripe is the cover, which gives the impression that this is a Christmas mystery, which it really isn't. If anything, it's more spooky season-themed with the haunted mansion's lore, which was perfect for October reading!
The mystery: This mystery was impossible to figure out until the very end, at least for me! I had no idea who or what was behind the shady activity happening at the haunted mansion, and I was quite impressed when all the pieces were puzzled together, taking us full-circle to Sarah Boothe's first mystery: the cause of her parents' car accident
Thoughts on the side characters: I love them all! Tinkie is a ride-or-die, through and through. Millie and Ceecee are fabulous, highly resourceful co-detectives, and Coleman is a Southern gentleman who treats Sarah Boothe like an equal, which is not typical for male lawmen south of the Mason-Dixon line. This cast feels larger than life, and I wish I could meet them in person to thank them for a job well done. And, of course, I'd be remiss not to mention the most important co-detectives of all: the pets, especially Poe and Pluto, because they really came through in a pinch!
Overall thoughts: This is a truly beloved mystery series that ended in the most perfect way possible. It's sad to say goodbye, but I can always return to my favorite books in the series when I start missing all my old friends. Joy to the Bones indeed!
November 5, 2026
**Goodreads Review: Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines**
*Joy to the Bones* brings Sarah Booth Delaney face-to-face with a mystery that is far more personal than any case she has handled before. In this final installment of the series, Carolyn Haines raises the emotional stakes by challenging the very relationships and memories that have shaped Sarah Booth's life.
The revelation that her parents' deaths may not have been an accident creates an intriguing foundation for the story. Even more compelling is the betrayal Sarah Booth experiences when she discovers that the people closest to her have withheld important truths. With Tinkie, Coleman, and even Jitty keeping secrets, Sarah Booth must reconsider whom she can trust. Her determination to investigate her parents' possible murder, even if it means working alone, gives the story a strong emotional center.
The additional mystery surrounding the DeLonge Mansion adds another layer of intrigue. An impressive old house with seemingly no surviving claimant is an irresistible setting for a cozy mystery, especially with the return of Sarah Booth's longtime nemesis, Gertrude Stromm, threatening to make an already complicated holiday season even more difficult.
What makes this premise particularly appealing is the balance between personal drama, Southern atmosphere, and traditional mystery elements. Sarah Booth's independent spirit and sassy personality promise an engaging lead, while the tangled relationships and overlapping investigations provide plenty of opportunities for surprises.
As the final installment, *Joy to the Bones* also carries the weight of bringing a beloved series to its conclusion. Longtime readers will have a chance to revisit familiar characters and confront unresolved questions, while the personal nature of the central mystery gives this story an especially meaningful sense of urgency.
For fans of Southern cozy mysteries, spirited private investigators, holiday mysteries, and stories filled with secrets and complicated loyalties, this looks like a memorable conclusion to Sarah Booth Delaney's adventures.
November 2, 2026
I settled in with my morning latte and Carolyn Haines’s Joy to the Bones, expecting Southern secrets with my seasonal reading. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the gifted copy. Nothing complicates a cozy morning quite like a fictional town where everyone knows something they should have mentioned twenty years ago.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sarah Booth Delaney has learned that her parents’ deaths may not have been an accident, and the people closest to her have kept things from her. Tinkie, Coleman, even Jitty. When you can’t trust your resident ghost to be forthcoming, we have a problem.
What drew me in was the hurt underneath Sarah Booth’s anger. She isn’t simply chasing a suspect; she’s questioning the story she has lived with since childhood. I could understand wanting answers and wanting everyone to leave her alone. I also wanted her to let someone help before stubbornness became another emergency.
Her friendship with Tinkie is the part I kept coming back to. There’s something comforting about people working their way through hurt feelings instead of pretending one apology makes everything disappear. Loving someone and agreeing with their decisions are very different activities.
Meanwhile, the DeLonge Mansion adds old-house intrigue, suspicious ownership, and plenty of reasons to keep your distance. Naturally, Sarah Booth investigates. I would be admiring the architecture from somewhere with coffee and reliable cell service.
Jitty brings welcome mischief, and the animals add warmth to a story carrying some heavy emotions. Despite the festive cover, Christmas mostly waits until the end. Come for the secrets; the tinsel can wait.
As the thirty-first and final installment, this is a bittersweet goodbye. I appreciated the answers, but seeing Sarah Booth have room to imagine a happier future mattered just as much.
Which mystery series would be hardest for you to say goodbye to?
#JoyToTheBones #CarolynHaines #SarahBoothDelaney #CozyMystery #MinotaurBooks #BookReview #BooksCoffeeBrews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sarah Booth Delaney has learned that her parents’ deaths may not have been an accident, and the people closest to her have kept things from her. Tinkie, Coleman, even Jitty. When you can’t trust your resident ghost to be forthcoming, we have a problem.
What drew me in was the hurt underneath Sarah Booth’s anger. She isn’t simply chasing a suspect; she’s questioning the story she has lived with since childhood. I could understand wanting answers and wanting everyone to leave her alone. I also wanted her to let someone help before stubbornness became another emergency.
Her friendship with Tinkie is the part I kept coming back to. There’s something comforting about people working their way through hurt feelings instead of pretending one apology makes everything disappear. Loving someone and agreeing with their decisions are very different activities.
Meanwhile, the DeLonge Mansion adds old-house intrigue, suspicious ownership, and plenty of reasons to keep your distance. Naturally, Sarah Booth investigates. I would be admiring the architecture from somewhere with coffee and reliable cell service.
Jitty brings welcome mischief, and the animals add warmth to a story carrying some heavy emotions. Despite the festive cover, Christmas mostly waits until the end. Come for the secrets; the tinsel can wait.
As the thirty-first and final installment, this is a bittersweet goodbye. I appreciated the answers, but seeing Sarah Booth have room to imagine a happier future mattered just as much.
Which mystery series would be hardest for you to say goodbye to?
#JoyToTheBones #CarolynHaines #SarahBoothDelaney #CozyMystery #MinotaurBooks #BookReview #BooksCoffeeBrews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sarah Booth Delaney is an iconic character and I will miss her, but her author, Carolyn Haines did a wonderful job of bringing her story home! Sarah Booth is a Mississippi Delta girl to the core and as this story begins she is angry and feeling betrayed by the people she trusted most in life, her business partner and dear friend, Tinkie, her great love, Sheriff Coleman Peters, and her personal haint (ghost), Jitty. She drives them all away, only to realize some months later just how much she misses and needs them. Abject apologies follow and they get to work trying to find the people responsible for the murder, not accidental death, of her parents so many years ago. Their death has been the defining factor in her life since she was 12 years old and as a private investigator, she is determined those responsible will be brought to justice.
One of the things I love most about this series are the friendships and other relationships among the characters, deep friendships and equally deep enemies, yes, Gertrude I am talking about you here!
All of the over-arching story lines that have run throughout the series come to a head in Sarah Booth's finale and in a most satisfying way. Much as I will miss Sarah Booth and her community, my thanks go to Ms. Haines for ending her story in such a perfect way!
Much appreciation to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this. All thoughts expressed are entirely my own.
One of the things I love most about this series are the friendships and other relationships among the characters, deep friendships and equally deep enemies, yes, Gertrude I am talking about you here!
All of the over-arching story lines that have run throughout the series come to a head in Sarah Booth's finale and in a most satisfying way. Much as I will miss Sarah Booth and her community, my thanks go to Ms. Haines for ending her story in such a perfect way!
Much appreciation to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this. All thoughts expressed are entirely my own.
October 19, 2026
Joy to the Bones is a spectacular and heartfelt finale to Carolyn Haines’ long-running Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series. After years of following Sarah Booth and her adventures, this final installment delivers exactly what longtime fans hoped for: a satisfying, emotional, and joyful conclusion.
The central mystery—surrounding the long-unsolved death of Sarah Booth’s parents—is finally resolved, bringing the series full circle in a way that feels both surprising and deeply rewarding. Haines masterfully ties together the threads of past and present, giving readers the closure they’ve been waiting for.
As always, the charming town of Zinnia comes alive on the page, a place that has delighted imaginations for years. The colorful cast of human and animal characters shine, each bringing warmth, humor, and heart to the story. For those of us who have followed Sarah Booth’s journey, these characters feel like old friends, and their moments in the spotlight are as engaging as ever.
Haines balances the suspense of the mystery with a heartfelt sense of community and belonging, crafting an ending that is as happy as it is satisfying. Joy to the Bones is proof of why this series has captured the love of so many readers—an outstanding conclusion that leaves you smiling, grateful, and maybe a little misty-eyed.
A perfect 5-star sendoff to a beloved series!
The central mystery—surrounding the long-unsolved death of Sarah Booth’s parents—is finally resolved, bringing the series full circle in a way that feels both surprising and deeply rewarding. Haines masterfully ties together the threads of past and present, giving readers the closure they’ve been waiting for.
As always, the charming town of Zinnia comes alive on the page, a place that has delighted imaginations for years. The colorful cast of human and animal characters shine, each bringing warmth, humor, and heart to the story. For those of us who have followed Sarah Booth’s journey, these characters feel like old friends, and their moments in the spotlight are as engaging as ever.
Haines balances the suspense of the mystery with a heartfelt sense of community and belonging, crafting an ending that is as happy as it is satisfying. Joy to the Bones is proof of why this series has captured the love of so many readers—an outstanding conclusion that leaves you smiling, grateful, and maybe a little misty-eyed.
A perfect 5-star sendoff to a beloved series!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joy to the Bones is the last of the amazing Sarah Booth Delaney series. I was excited to read this book and also very sad. This was one of the first mystery series I ever read almost 20 years ago (although it started much earlier than that). I binged the first books of the series and was always anxious to read another one. It soon became a yearly or if we were lucky a twice yearly event to get to read a new book about Sarah Booth, Jitty, Tinkie and all their friends. I have grown so fond of these wonderful quirky characters and I am so glad Ms. Haines was able to end the series on her own terms. This last book wrapped up mysteries and events that have gone on throughout the books and it was a very satisfying conclusion. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but there is a lot of justice in this book and by the end we get the happy ending that Sarah Booth and her friends and family deserve. A special thank you to Carolyn Haines - thank you for writing these wonderful books. It’s been a joy to read them all!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines is a wonderful and melancholy end to a brilliant series.
Will Sarah Booth find her parents' killers and find happiness for herself?
This is the final installment of the Sarah Booth Delaney series. As much as I hate to see it end, Ms. Haines does a wonderful job wrapping up the lives of our friends in Sunflower County.
Sarah Booth
The story starts out a few months after the last book, with Sarah Booth still estranged from her friends. She has to eat some crow and apologize to those dearest to her. Before she does this, though, she has to figure out what she wants in life. Sarah Booth really grows into the person she always thought she would be, or at least whom her parents hoped she would be.
It was wonderful to see the whole gang stand with her and help Sarah Booth find the answers she needed. Including Jitty with her riddle-like appearances and the final save for Sarah Booth and Tinkie.
Mystery
This mystery had two parts: first, figuring out who was behind her parents' "accident." Second, a case brought to her from outside of Sunflower County. A gentleman approaches Sarah Booth to find the true owners of a property that has sat vacant for years. The family is supposedly deceased, and a shell limited liability corporation owns the property, but Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and even Harold struggle to track the LLC's actual owners.
As our investigators look into the property, it seems Sarah Booth's nemesis, Gertrude, is back in the county and out for Sarah Booth again. It's not clear how she's involved in everything, but Sarah Booth knows Gertrude knows more than she ever tells. I loved how Sarah Booth uses all her resources, and everyone involved steps up to help clean up the mess.
Five Stars
My rating for Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines is five stars. In fact, the whole series is five stars. I highly recommend it. If you haven't read any of these, you can experience the magic for yourself. Thank you, Ms. Haines, for bringing us all to Sunflower County and introducing us to the fabulous characters. I will miss them.
Goodbye, Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Cece, Millie, Coleman, Harold, Oscar, Tammy, and the crazy and brave pets.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines.
Until the next time,
~Jen
Will Sarah Booth find her parents' killers and find happiness for herself?
This is the final installment of the Sarah Booth Delaney series. As much as I hate to see it end, Ms. Haines does a wonderful job wrapping up the lives of our friends in Sunflower County.
Sarah Booth
The story starts out a few months after the last book, with Sarah Booth still estranged from her friends. She has to eat some crow and apologize to those dearest to her. Before she does this, though, she has to figure out what she wants in life. Sarah Booth really grows into the person she always thought she would be, or at least whom her parents hoped she would be.
It was wonderful to see the whole gang stand with her and help Sarah Booth find the answers she needed. Including Jitty with her riddle-like appearances and the final save for Sarah Booth and Tinkie.
Mystery
This mystery had two parts: first, figuring out who was behind her parents' "accident." Second, a case brought to her from outside of Sunflower County. A gentleman approaches Sarah Booth to find the true owners of a property that has sat vacant for years. The family is supposedly deceased, and a shell limited liability corporation owns the property, but Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and even Harold struggle to track the LLC's actual owners.
As our investigators look into the property, it seems Sarah Booth's nemesis, Gertrude, is back in the county and out for Sarah Booth again. It's not clear how she's involved in everything, but Sarah Booth knows Gertrude knows more than she ever tells. I loved how Sarah Booth uses all her resources, and everyone involved steps up to help clean up the mess.
Five Stars
My rating for Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines is five stars. In fact, the whole series is five stars. I highly recommend it. If you haven't read any of these, you can experience the magic for yourself. Thank you, Ms. Haines, for bringing us all to Sunflower County and introducing us to the fabulous characters. I will miss them.
Goodbye, Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Cece, Millie, Coleman, Harold, Oscar, Tammy, and the crazy and brave pets.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines.
Until the next time,
~Jen
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Minotaur Books for the ARC!
📖 Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines - Book 31 in the Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries
🗓 October 27, 2026
📚 Mystery/Thriller
🌎 Setting: Mississippi Gulf Coast
~~
Wow! I enjoyed this book so much and I loved every single character. I can't believe this is the first book I've read in this series, and that it's also the final book in the series. That means I have 30 more of these that I can add to my list! 😱
This was a great mystery and I love that it was set along the Gulf Coast. Sarah is trying to solve the mystery of what happened to her parents, while dealing with someone who seemingly wants her dead. But, she has so many friends who help her and work to keep her safe.
I enjoyed all of the friendship, mystery, history, animals, and Sarah's ghost friend, Jitty. Jitty was a spectacular character because she could just be herself or she could turn into any real or fictional character from any time period. There's so much history in this book.
There isn't "much Christmas" until the last chapter and epilogue. I guess you've got to get rid of the bad guys before you can celebrate. 🎄
📖 Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines - Book 31 in the Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries
🗓 October 27, 2026
📚 Mystery/Thriller
🌎 Setting: Mississippi Gulf Coast
~~
Wow! I enjoyed this book so much and I loved every single character. I can't believe this is the first book I've read in this series, and that it's also the final book in the series. That means I have 30 more of these that I can add to my list! 😱
This was a great mystery and I love that it was set along the Gulf Coast. Sarah is trying to solve the mystery of what happened to her parents, while dealing with someone who seemingly wants her dead. But, she has so many friends who help her and work to keep her safe.
I enjoyed all of the friendship, mystery, history, animals, and Sarah's ghost friend, Jitty. Jitty was a spectacular character because she could just be herself or she could turn into any real or fictional character from any time period. There's so much history in this book.
There isn't "much Christmas" until the last chapter and epilogue. I guess you've got to get rid of the bad guys before you can celebrate. 🎄
October 31, 2026
Joy to the Bones is the 31st and last book in the Sarah Booth Delaney cozy mystery series. And this time it’s personal.
Sarah Booth’s parents died in a solo car crash when she was young. Twenty years later she discovers that everyone was suspicious but did nothing to look for her parents’ murderers. Sarah Booth, her boyfriend Sheriff Coleman, and a slew of friends investigate. But has it been too long to solve the mystery much less punish the guilty?
Despite solving the mystery underlying the other 30 books in the series, Joy to the Bones is my least favorite book in the series. It seemed schmaltzy and overly sentimental. I can understand why the author would feel that way after literally decades of writing about these characters. But it permeated the usual fun of this series. And not in a good way. However, I did love the way the conclusion wrapped up all the series’ loose ends. RIP Sarah Booth et al.
4 stars for series fans. But read at least some of the other books in the series before reading this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.
Sarah Booth’s parents died in a solo car crash when she was young. Twenty years later she discovers that everyone was suspicious but did nothing to look for her parents’ murderers. Sarah Booth, her boyfriend Sheriff Coleman, and a slew of friends investigate. But has it been too long to solve the mystery much less punish the guilty?
Despite solving the mystery underlying the other 30 books in the series, Joy to the Bones is my least favorite book in the series. It seemed schmaltzy and overly sentimental. I can understand why the author would feel that way after literally decades of writing about these characters. But it permeated the usual fun of this series. And not in a good way. However, I did love the way the conclusion wrapped up all the series’ loose ends. RIP Sarah Booth et al.
4 stars for series fans. But read at least some of the other books in the series before reading this one.
Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.
November 2, 2026
🦴Joy to the Bones 🦴
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- Joy to the Bones
Author- Carolyn Haines
Genre- Cozy Mystery
Series- Sarah Booth Delaney
Format- EPUB
Page Count- 304 Pages
Published by- Minotaur Books
PR Company- Harelquin Shameless Romantics
Pub Date- 10/27/26
Trope City-
🦴 Crooked Judge
🦴 Parent Loss
🦴 Tragic Accident
🦴 Investigator FMC
🦴 Seeking Closure
🦴 Found Family
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for sending me this arc! 🫶🏻
Sarah Booth Delaney tragically lost her parents in a car accident. It was quickly ruled just that- an accident. After years of grieving and working to put bad people in jail. She’s finally connecting that the loss of her parents was no accident. Sarah Booth’s dad was a well respected man in law enforcement. After all these years, could they solve this mystery? Should Sarah Booth be involved in investigating? Is she a target in some larger, connected scheme? This series is filled with so much southern charm! Their friends and family in their small town, the add of horses and their love of animals and the sweet side romance. I love each little charming detail woven in to the mystery itself.
XOXO,
The Calm Chapter
((Spoiler-Free ARC Review))
Title- Joy to the Bones
Author- Carolyn Haines
Genre- Cozy Mystery
Series- Sarah Booth Delaney
Format- EPUB
Page Count- 304 Pages
Published by- Minotaur Books
PR Company- Harelquin Shameless Romantics
Pub Date- 10/27/26
Trope City-
🦴 Crooked Judge
🦴 Parent Loss
🦴 Tragic Accident
🦴 Investigator FMC
🦴 Seeking Closure
🦴 Found Family
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for sending me this arc! 🫶🏻
Sarah Booth Delaney tragically lost her parents in a car accident. It was quickly ruled just that- an accident. After years of grieving and working to put bad people in jail. She’s finally connecting that the loss of her parents was no accident. Sarah Booth’s dad was a well respected man in law enforcement. After all these years, could they solve this mystery? Should Sarah Booth be involved in investigating? Is she a target in some larger, connected scheme? This series is filled with so much southern charm! Their friends and family in their small town, the add of horses and their love of animals and the sweet side romance. I love each little charming detail woven in to the mystery itself.
XOXO,
The Calm Chapter
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Joy to the Bones" by Carolyn Haines the 31st and last instalment in the "A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery" series which releases on October 27th. I absolutely love this series and am so sad it’s over! Sassy Southern private investigator Sarah Booth Delaney is up against her biggest—and most personal—mystery yet.
I always enjoy visiting with Sarah and Tinkie it’s like coming home to old friends. I always learn something, this time Sarah Booth and Tinkie are investigating the DeLonge Mansion, a magnificent old house with seemingly no one left alive to claim it. Along with investigating what happened to her parents and who exactly murdered them.
There were plenty of twists and turns and lots to keep you intrigued. I found this book to be a real page-turner, and reading in one day. Carolyn did an amazing job of wrapping up the series.
I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy mystery friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from St. Martins Press and NetGalley . All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I always enjoy visiting with Sarah and Tinkie it’s like coming home to old friends. I always learn something, this time Sarah Booth and Tinkie are investigating the DeLonge Mansion, a magnificent old house with seemingly no one left alive to claim it. Along with investigating what happened to her parents and who exactly murdered them.
There were plenty of twists and turns and lots to keep you intrigued. I found this book to be a real page-turner, and reading in one day. Carolyn did an amazing job of wrapping up the series.
I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy mystery friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from St. Martins Press and NetGalley . All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
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