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Family Skeleton Mystery #3
The Skeleton Haunts a House
Sid the Skeleton bones up on clues to solve a Haunted House homicide in this mystery from the author of The Skeleton Takes a Bow…
What holiday could bring more warmth to a skeleton’s chest cavity than Halloween? And when you’re a living skeleton who’s not supposed to be seen outside the house, it’s a welcome chance to get some fresh air and rub bony elbows with people. That’s why Sid doesn’t mind wearing a full-body dog suit and going as Scooby-Doo along with Georgia Thackery’s Velma to the Halloween Howl.
Sid can’t wait to go through the Haunted House—but he gets rattled for real when a genuine dead body is discovered. Trapped inside as the police quickly seal off the crime scene, Sid makes no bones about dropping the dog suit and posing as an actual skeleton. This murder is a skull-scratcher, but as long as Sid is on the inside, he might as well case the joint to figure out who used the cover of darkness to commit the perfect crime…
What holiday could bring more warmth to a skeleton’s chest cavity than Halloween? And when you’re a living skeleton who’s not supposed to be seen outside the house, it’s a welcome chance to get some fresh air and rub bony elbows with people. That’s why Sid doesn’t mind wearing a full-body dog suit and going as Scooby-Doo along with Georgia Thackery’s Velma to the Halloween Howl.
Sid can’t wait to go through the Haunted House—but he gets rattled for real when a genuine dead body is discovered. Trapped inside as the police quickly seal off the crime scene, Sid makes no bones about dropping the dog suit and posing as an actual skeleton. This murder is a skull-scratcher, but as long as Sid is on the inside, he might as well case the joint to figure out who used the cover of darkness to commit the perfect crime…
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
44 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
March 15, 2020
4 stars to Leigh Perry's The Skeleton Haunts a House, her third release in the Family Skeleton Mystery series. Fans of the author and this cozy mystery series will not be disappointed with the expansion of the cast of characters, college setting and multiple sub-plots.
Story
It's Halloween on the McQuaid College campus in this small Massachusetts town and the Thackeray family is managing this year's Haunted House. Unfortunately, someone is murdered during one of the exhibitions and at first look, there are very few obvious clues. As Georgia and Sid, the not-so-dead skeleton that's been a member of her family for the last 30 years, investigate, they stumble upon a McQuaid family secret that could return ownership of a large piece of the college's campus back to the McQuaid family. When a missing heir is discovered, Georgia and Sid suddenly find too many plausible suspects but soon realize nothing is what it seems. Georgia's parents return early from their sabbatical and assume responsibility for a wayward student whose been trying to close on her dissertaton to earn a PhD. Then Georgia begins dating a fellow adjunct who turns out to be part of a carnie family who has been losing business due to the college's Haunted House. Her life just gets more and more confusing but in the end, Georgia trusts her instincts, includes her entire family in the sleuthing and determines the killer narrowly missing being murdered herself.
Strengths
1. Family is at the core of this novel. We meet Georgia's parents, see the bond developing between sisters and learn what happens when they're all forced to live under one roof. But it doesn't end there as a new carnie family is introduced showing a completely different style of life but one where the love and trust among members is strong. It's a big theme in this novel and really holds the story together.
2. This was a true mystery. There were tons of suspects and just when you narrowed it down to the 2 or 3 top suspects, a new logical one emerges. Right from the beginning, you think you know where it's going but you're quickly re-routed to several other complex potential options. When the story finally comes out in the last two chapters, you want to kick yourself for not realizing it.
Weaknesses
I honestly found very little to want to change or that I didn't fully enjoy in this one. Humor and writing are in good shape. Characters are well defined. Multiple plots and sub-plots. Perhaps there wasn't enough Sid given the addition of several new characters who will likely appear in future books. I think it's time Sid had an online love affair as he needs his own story too.
Final Thoughts
Each book in this series has gotten better along the way. After three, the author has really found her groove. As she's changing publishers due to the shifts in the industry, I'm sad it may take a bit longer for the fourth to be released, but when it does, I'll grab it once it hits the shelf rather than throw it on my online "To Read" shelf and get to it in the future. Great series!
Story
It's Halloween on the McQuaid College campus in this small Massachusetts town and the Thackeray family is managing this year's Haunted House. Unfortunately, someone is murdered during one of the exhibitions and at first look, there are very few obvious clues. As Georgia and Sid, the not-so-dead skeleton that's been a member of her family for the last 30 years, investigate, they stumble upon a McQuaid family secret that could return ownership of a large piece of the college's campus back to the McQuaid family. When a missing heir is discovered, Georgia and Sid suddenly find too many plausible suspects but soon realize nothing is what it seems. Georgia's parents return early from their sabbatical and assume responsibility for a wayward student whose been trying to close on her dissertaton to earn a PhD. Then Georgia begins dating a fellow adjunct who turns out to be part of a carnie family who has been losing business due to the college's Haunted House. Her life just gets more and more confusing but in the end, Georgia trusts her instincts, includes her entire family in the sleuthing and determines the killer narrowly missing being murdered herself.
Strengths
1. Family is at the core of this novel. We meet Georgia's parents, see the bond developing between sisters and learn what happens when they're all forced to live under one roof. But it doesn't end there as a new carnie family is introduced showing a completely different style of life but one where the love and trust among members is strong. It's a big theme in this novel and really holds the story together.
2. This was a true mystery. There were tons of suspects and just when you narrowed it down to the 2 or 3 top suspects, a new logical one emerges. Right from the beginning, you think you know where it's going but you're quickly re-routed to several other complex potential options. When the story finally comes out in the last two chapters, you want to kick yourself for not realizing it.
Weaknesses
I honestly found very little to want to change or that I didn't fully enjoy in this one. Humor and writing are in good shape. Characters are well defined. Multiple plots and sub-plots. Perhaps there wasn't enough Sid given the addition of several new characters who will likely appear in future books. I think it's time Sid had an online love affair as he needs his own story too.
Final Thoughts
Each book in this series has gotten better along the way. After three, the author has really found her groove. As she's changing publishers due to the shifts in the industry, I'm sad it may take a bit longer for the fourth to be released, but when it does, I'll grab it once it hits the shelf rather than throw it on my online "To Read" shelf and get to it in the future. Great series!
October 19, 2016
Halloween is a perfect time for Sid, the skeleton best friend of Dr. Georgia Thackery, to leave the house since everyone is wearing costumes. He’s especially enjoying the haunted house put on by the local college – that is until a real body is discovered in the house. Now Sid and Georgia need to team up and figure out what happened to the young female victim.
The team of Sid and Georgia are always a delight, and this book is no exception. The mystery is filled with suspects and motives, and keeps us guessing until the end. Meanwhile, we get to see some growth in the characters and meet Georgia’s parents, which is a lot of fun. The humor throughout the book adds a nice touch as the pages fly by.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The team of Sid and Georgia are always a delight, and this book is no exception. The mystery is filled with suspects and motives, and keeps us guessing until the end. Meanwhile, we get to see some growth in the characters and meet Georgia’s parents, which is a lot of fun. The humor throughout the book adds a nice touch as the pages fly by.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 30, 2022
I love this series so much and this third book may be my favorite of the first three yet…by a hair lol! I’ve had so much fun. The reads have been spaced out but it’s a cozy series that when I do pick the next book up, I just fall right back in step with the characters.
September 24, 2015
Yup I was right, just not for the same reason I thought it happened. Full review coming.
August 31, 2022
The best part of this novel is the cover. It's an intriguing cover. It's unfortunate that I didn't enjoy reading the book as much as looking at the cover.
It's Halloween on the McQuaid College campus in a small Massachusetts town. Deborah Thackery (locksmith - not that it matters) is managing this year's Haunted House. Unfortunately, someone is murdered in that Haunted House. Of course, Dr Georgia Thackery (Deborah's sister, English Literature college teacher) and Sid (the ambulatory, talking skeleton) need to solve the murder (in a very haphazard manner), because the police simply can't do it on their own (apparently skeletons are better at internet searches and hacking facebook than the police too?!). Deborah employs her niece as one of the Haunted House actors and the parents (both English Literature professors that work at the same college as their daughter) show up "unexpectedly" (and very conveniently) to provide a helping hand. So this ends up being something of a family affair.
I started skimming from the 53% mark because I found the book to be tedious, but I did want to know who the murderer was. There is more page space given to the POV character's teaching schedule and family dinners than there is to the murder investigation or to the ambulatory skeleton (which was one reason I chose this book). I also didn't find any of the plot or the characters (including the skeleton) particularly engaging. I'm rather disappointed that Byron (the dog) hadn't managed to chew on Sid (the skeleton) at some point - not even a little bit. It would have added some excitement.
The writing itself wasn't bad, but I didn't particularly enjoy the book that much (obviously!) since I skimmed it. Other people might have a more favorable opinion of the novel, since cozy mysteries are usually a hit or miss for me.
It's Halloween on the McQuaid College campus in a small Massachusetts town. Deborah Thackery (locksmith - not that it matters) is managing this year's Haunted House. Unfortunately, someone is murdered in that Haunted House. Of course, Dr Georgia Thackery (Deborah's sister, English Literature college teacher) and Sid (the ambulatory, talking skeleton) need to solve the murder (in a very haphazard manner), because the police simply can't do it on their own (apparently skeletons are better at internet searches and hacking facebook than the police too?!). Deborah employs her niece as one of the Haunted House actors and the parents (both English Literature professors that work at the same college as their daughter) show up "unexpectedly" (and very conveniently) to provide a helping hand. So this ends up being something of a family affair.
I started skimming from the 53% mark because I found the book to be tedious, but I did want to know who the murderer was. There is more page space given to the POV character's teaching schedule and family dinners than there is to the murder investigation or to the ambulatory skeleton (which was one reason I chose this book). I also didn't find any of the plot or the characters (including the skeleton) particularly engaging. I'm rather disappointed that Byron (the dog) hadn't managed to chew on Sid (the skeleton) at some point - not even a little bit. It would have added some excitement.
The writing itself wasn't bad, but I didn't particularly enjoy the book that much (obviously!) since I skimmed it. Other people might have a more favorable opinion of the novel, since cozy mysteries are usually a hit or miss for me.
October 7, 2017
This is the perfect Halloween read, smart, funny and set in a Halloween scare house. Georgia and Sid get better at mystery solving with each book. The characters are evoling and that makes the stories more interesting. I did guess the murderer a little while before it was revealed, but I had the motive wrong, as it was based on information not yet supplied to the reader. If you are looking for a fun Halloween read you can't go wrong with this mystery.
September 27, 2015
The Skeleton Haunts A House
Leigh Perry
Penguin Group
# 3 in series
5 Stars
The Skeleton Haunts A House is the third book in the series by the clever and witty author, Leigh Perry.
Georgia Thackery is an adjunct professor who lives with her tween daughter, Madison. The life of an adjunct professor is irregular and Georgia tries her best to keep things as calm and normal as possible. That isn’t always an easy task when you have a good-natured family skeleton, known as Sid, living in your family home. Georgia is thrilled to be working as an adjunct professor at McQuaid University, located in Pennycross. Living in the family home while her parents are on sabbatical should make things easier for Georgia, but keeping a larger than life skeleton a secret from her daughter isn’t an easy feat.
Halloween is fast approaching and Sid is ready to take advantage of the time he can spend outside the family home. It’s time for the Halloween Howl, a spooktacular celebration of all things haunted and scary. Georgia’s sister Deborah is in charge of McHades Hall, a bone chilling haunted house which takes place in McQuaid Hall. Madison is participating as well, and of course, Sid is happy to attend!
When a horrible turn of events threatens to shut down McHades Hall, Deborah turns to Georgia and Sid for help. Their investigation reveals secrets that leaves the reader squirming with excitement!
Leigh Perry has outdone herself in this spectacular Halloween story. Her descriptions of the midway and of the carnival itself brought back many memories from my own childhood adventures.
If you haven’t read the first two books, A Skeleton in the Family & The Skeleton Takes a Bow, you should, especially to get the history on how Sid became a part of Georgia’s family.
Make no bones about it, this is a fantastic story that will leave you begging for more.
Leigh Perry
Penguin Group
# 3 in series
5 Stars
The Skeleton Haunts A House is the third book in the series by the clever and witty author, Leigh Perry.
Georgia Thackery is an adjunct professor who lives with her tween daughter, Madison. The life of an adjunct professor is irregular and Georgia tries her best to keep things as calm and normal as possible. That isn’t always an easy task when you have a good-natured family skeleton, known as Sid, living in your family home. Georgia is thrilled to be working as an adjunct professor at McQuaid University, located in Pennycross. Living in the family home while her parents are on sabbatical should make things easier for Georgia, but keeping a larger than life skeleton a secret from her daughter isn’t an easy feat.
Halloween is fast approaching and Sid is ready to take advantage of the time he can spend outside the family home. It’s time for the Halloween Howl, a spooktacular celebration of all things haunted and scary. Georgia’s sister Deborah is in charge of McHades Hall, a bone chilling haunted house which takes place in McQuaid Hall. Madison is participating as well, and of course, Sid is happy to attend!
When a horrible turn of events threatens to shut down McHades Hall, Deborah turns to Georgia and Sid for help. Their investigation reveals secrets that leaves the reader squirming with excitement!
Leigh Perry has outdone herself in this spectacular Halloween story. Her descriptions of the midway and of the carnival itself brought back many memories from my own childhood adventures.
If you haven’t read the first two books, A Skeleton in the Family & The Skeleton Takes a Bow, you should, especially to get the history on how Sid became a part of Georgia’s family.
Make no bones about it, this is a fantastic story that will leave you begging for more.
March 6, 2017
This is a brilliant series, and this was an excellent cozy mystery! This is a paranormal cozy that reads like a traditional cozy, and it is brilliant. I found myself holding my breath, saying "oh no" out loud and putting the book down in anger with one of the characters when I was in disbelief of the story lines epic and well thought out tangents! I loved this story, mystery and result. I was guessing until the end and I was very relieved that my suspicions for who was the murderer was wrong.
August 8, 2019
I am finding this series to be highly entertaining. Sid is one of the most enjoyable and unique characters that I have come across in this genre. At first glance, you would think that a living skeleton would be so unbelievable that the story wouldn't work. However, that is not the case. As you read this series you forget that Sid is a skeleton and what I find as a reader, is that I focus more on the friendship he has with Georgia and his relationships with the rest of the family members. I really enjoyed meeting Georgia's parents in this book. It was nice to add them to the cast of secondary characters. The mystery is well done and I was surprised by the identity of the killer. It was not a person I would have guessed and they were nowhere on my radar. I even find that I enjoy Georgia moving around in terms of jobs. I think it allows for a bit of a revolving cast of secondary characters that will complement the more permanent cast of secondary characters. Georgia has a budding new romance, and it will interesting to see where the author takes that given that Georgia is on the move, job-wise.
I am enjoying this series so much that I am off to request the next book in the series from my library.
I am enjoying this series so much that I am off to request the next book in the series from my library.
February 2, 2018
These skeleton mysteries are fun, breezy reads. In this one, adjunct professor Georgia gets swept up into a murder at an on-campus haunted house. Of course her whole family, including talking skeleton best friend (just go with it) are involved. The mystery is surprisingly intricate and involves a lost heir and online bullying. The book has a few humorous moments, like when Georgia reveals that her sister's fears are "Dancing in public. The feel of rubber bands. Inflatable arm-flailing tube men." Also, Sid concocts a ridiculous hilarious plot to out their murder suspect that just went on forever, but it was very entertaining. The book does one thing that annoys me in cozy mysteries -- when the first person narrator knows who the killer is, but doesn't reveal it to the reader. However, in this book, the reveal takes place fairly quickly, but it makes me wonder why do the silly, "I had a name in mind!" thing at all, instead of just naming the name.
I just found out there is another book in the series. Cozy mysteries aren't my thing lately, but maybe I'll get it for when I'm next snowed in.
I just found out there is another book in the series. Cozy mysteries aren't my thing lately, but maybe I'll get it for when I'm next snowed in.
June 28, 2021
Can' get enough of Sid and the rest of the Thackery family and their unique way of solving murders. Love the setting as it's suppose to be a town near where I live, Westfield Mass. Cannot wait to sink myself into the next book in this series.
October 1, 2015
I have been in love with skeleton Sid ever since reading the first book in the Family Skeleton series. THE SKELETON HAUNTS A HOUSE has only served to make me adore him even more!
I’ve mentioned in other reviews that para-cozies are not my go to choice for reading. However, series like this one have me pulling me into the sub-genre. Of course, in fairness, that has a lot to with the fact that Leigh Perry is a wonderful author. Not only does she pen an awesome mystery, but she makes you forget that one of the lead characters is dead and a skeleton, even though it’s of course mentioned in the story many times. She has given a personality and a soul to a walking stack of bones and it works!
I was hooked to this story like the leg bone is connected to the foot bone. ;-) THE SKELETON HAUNTS A HOUSE was a gripping, exciting and oh so fun a mystery. From the very first page with Sid putting on a Scooby-Doo costume, to a body being found in a Halloween horror attraction and Sid and Georgia finding themselves in the middle of another murder investigation, I read, entranced, eagerly turning each page until the surprising conclusion.
This installment of the Family Skeleton mystery series has certainly secured a place for more fun adventures with Sid. Get to writing Ms. Perry!
Grab yourself a copy of this THE SKELETON HAUNTS A HOUSE and be ready to be in for a real treat!
I’ve mentioned in other reviews that para-cozies are not my go to choice for reading. However, series like this one have me pulling me into the sub-genre. Of course, in fairness, that has a lot to with the fact that Leigh Perry is a wonderful author. Not only does she pen an awesome mystery, but she makes you forget that one of the lead characters is dead and a skeleton, even though it’s of course mentioned in the story many times. She has given a personality and a soul to a walking stack of bones and it works!
I was hooked to this story like the leg bone is connected to the foot bone. ;-) THE SKELETON HAUNTS A HOUSE was a gripping, exciting and oh so fun a mystery. From the very first page with Sid putting on a Scooby-Doo costume, to a body being found in a Halloween horror attraction and Sid and Georgia finding themselves in the middle of another murder investigation, I read, entranced, eagerly turning each page until the surprising conclusion.
This installment of the Family Skeleton mystery series has certainly secured a place for more fun adventures with Sid. Get to writing Ms. Perry!
Grab yourself a copy of this THE SKELETON HAUNTS A HOUSE and be ready to be in for a real treat!
November 9, 2016
Sid is such a loveable character.... who cares if he's dead!
Halloween was the perfect time to get lost in a Sid story. Loved it!
Halloween was the perfect time to get lost in a Sid story. Loved it!
March 27, 2018
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November 11, 2022
This is the perfect Halloween book. The setting and ambiance are perfect and the reader is easily transported into the book. I enjoyed and appreciated the details description of the haunted house and I could easily picture the entire thing. I also enjoyed the details about the carnival and seeing some returning characters. My favorite part was easily that Georgia's parents have returned and the whole family constantly pitches in to help investigate and carry out any schemes she comes up with, no questions asked. Lots of intrigue and lots of laughs.
October 20, 2025
My first foray into dumb books for stupid people (thank you Leah for introducing me to this new genre) - the scariest thing about Halloween is the potential to become an adjunct English professor
October 28, 2019
This is such a fun series and this book doses not disappoint in anyway.
October 5, 2015
The Skeleton Haunts A House is the third book in the A Family Skeleton Mystery series
Another humorous mystery from Leigh Perry. No bones about it, but Sid the Skeleton continues to get some great lines.
It's late October and everyone is getting ready to celebrate Halloween. On the McQuaid campus the old McQuaid mansion has once again been turned into McHades for the annual haunted house. To abide by the terms dictated by the McQuaid family, the mansion remains part of the campus as long as it is in use. Georgia's sister, Deborah, is in charge of this years haunted house and Madison, Georgia's daughter is one of many local students who are staffing the haunted house. Sid finally talks Georgia into getting costumes for them so that Sid can see what it is all about. He is going as Scooby -Doo and Georgia as Velma. But the fun times are interrupted when someone trips over the dead body of Kendall Fizroy, who was there with three of her former high school friends. Before Sid can leave the mansion, the police arrive and no one is allowed to leave. Sid has to abandon his costume, as there is no way Georgia will be able to explain Sid the Skeleton, but the police find the empty costume and are set to ask her where the person that was wearing it is, her father, Phil, who's been on sabbatical with his wife, give the police a far-fetched story that he had worn it.
Sid loves a good mystery to solve, and since Deborah was in charge of the event, Sid and Georgia want to find the murderer and restore Deborah good name.
Most all the characters from the previous two books are back once again. There are a couple new characters, too. Georgia's parents are back from their sabbatical. Also new to the series is Dr, Brownlow Mannix, another adjunct professor of English and the son of the owner of the carnival where Sid came from.
Just maybe, there might be a romantic interest for Georgia, too.
I had my doubts about the premise of this series when it began, but it didn't take me long to love this series. Wonderful characters and Sid is so funny.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series.
Another humorous mystery from Leigh Perry. No bones about it, but Sid the Skeleton continues to get some great lines.
It's late October and everyone is getting ready to celebrate Halloween. On the McQuaid campus the old McQuaid mansion has once again been turned into McHades for the annual haunted house. To abide by the terms dictated by the McQuaid family, the mansion remains part of the campus as long as it is in use. Georgia's sister, Deborah, is in charge of this years haunted house and Madison, Georgia's daughter is one of many local students who are staffing the haunted house. Sid finally talks Georgia into getting costumes for them so that Sid can see what it is all about. He is going as Scooby -Doo and Georgia as Velma. But the fun times are interrupted when someone trips over the dead body of Kendall Fizroy, who was there with three of her former high school friends. Before Sid can leave the mansion, the police arrive and no one is allowed to leave. Sid has to abandon his costume, as there is no way Georgia will be able to explain Sid the Skeleton, but the police find the empty costume and are set to ask her where the person that was wearing it is, her father, Phil, who's been on sabbatical with his wife, give the police a far-fetched story that he had worn it.
Sid loves a good mystery to solve, and since Deborah was in charge of the event, Sid and Georgia want to find the murderer and restore Deborah good name.
Most all the characters from the previous two books are back once again. There are a couple new characters, too. Georgia's parents are back from their sabbatical. Also new to the series is Dr, Brownlow Mannix, another adjunct professor of English and the son of the owner of the carnival where Sid came from.
Just maybe, there might be a romantic interest for Georgia, too.
I had my doubts about the premise of this series when it began, but it didn't take me long to love this series. Wonderful characters and Sid is so funny.
Definitely will be watching for the next book in the series.
September 29, 2015
Wow, I haven't read a book in a while that I have laughed so hard while reading.i couldn't put it down! The author has done an incredible job with the one liners between Sid and Georgia. Even Deborah gets in on the action. This book is the first in the series that I have read. I will be reading the rest because this one was suburb. Between the plot, characters, and humor this author can do no wrong in my opinion.
Georgia is an Adjunct Professor at McQuaid University who's best friend is Sid who just happens to be a 20 year old skeleton. Yes, I did say skeleton. They have been on a few adventures together solving murder mysteries. But this Halloween Georgia was hoping to just get dressed up and be an ordinary holiday. That did not happen, she and Sid went to her sisters haunted house dressed as Scooby and Velma to have fun and it became a nightmare. Georgia and Sid end up smack dab in another murder mystery. And this time it just so happens it is on the campus that she and her parents who are back from sabbatical work on. Will they be able to figure out this mystery before someone else gets hurt? Will Deborah's haunted house be shut down before it even gets off the ground? And will they get the right person?
There are so many twists and turns, ups and downs during this book you will not want to put it down till the last page is read.
If you want a fun mystery filled with adventure and a little romance sprinkled in you need to read The Skeleton Haunts a House.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
Georgia is an Adjunct Professor at McQuaid University who's best friend is Sid who just happens to be a 20 year old skeleton. Yes, I did say skeleton. They have been on a few adventures together solving murder mysteries. But this Halloween Georgia was hoping to just get dressed up and be an ordinary holiday. That did not happen, she and Sid went to her sisters haunted house dressed as Scooby and Velma to have fun and it became a nightmare. Georgia and Sid end up smack dab in another murder mystery. And this time it just so happens it is on the campus that she and her parents who are back from sabbatical work on. Will they be able to figure out this mystery before someone else gets hurt? Will Deborah's haunted house be shut down before it even gets off the ground? And will they get the right person?
There are so many twists and turns, ups and downs during this book you will not want to put it down till the last page is read.
If you want a fun mystery filled with adventure and a little romance sprinkled in you need to read The Skeleton Haunts a House.
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.
October 27, 2015
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
The Skeleton Haunts a House by Leigh Perry is the third book in A Family Skeleton Mystery series, and my first book by this author. I loved this book and Sid the skeleton makes the story not only unique, but he also adds humor.
Dr. Georgia Thackery is a professor who lives with her daughter, Madison. Madison is helping at Halloween Howl at McQuaid University in Pennycross, Massachusetts. When someone is murdered in the haunted house, Georgia and Sid set out to solve the murder. The whole family is involved with this case, Georgia's sister who is in charge of the Howl, and her parents, both professors at the university.
I love all the twists and turns in this book, and it kept me reading page after page. What a perfect Halloween book to get you in the mood. I plan on going back and reading all the books in this series, but don't feel I missed anything because I read this book first. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who likes a fun cozy mystery.
The Skeleton Haunts a House by Leigh Perry is the third book in A Family Skeleton Mystery series, and my first book by this author. I loved this book and Sid the skeleton makes the story not only unique, but he also adds humor.
Dr. Georgia Thackery is a professor who lives with her daughter, Madison. Madison is helping at Halloween Howl at McQuaid University in Pennycross, Massachusetts. When someone is murdered in the haunted house, Georgia and Sid set out to solve the murder. The whole family is involved with this case, Georgia's sister who is in charge of the Howl, and her parents, both professors at the university.
I love all the twists and turns in this book, and it kept me reading page after page. What a perfect Halloween book to get you in the mood. I plan on going back and reading all the books in this series, but don't feel I missed anything because I read this book first. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who likes a fun cozy mystery.
October 14, 2015
Oh, this was a wonderful book! Perfect for Octobers here, which tend to be dark and dismal. This story was the opposite. I loved the description of the haunted house!
I really enjoyed "meeting" Georgias parents, and found that they added a lot to the story, as did all the normal characters. It was a pleasure going through the mystery with them! Especially Sid. And Sid is the reason that I feel that Leigh Perry is an exceptionally talented author. I accepted everything that the author wrote about him. Without question.
I am definitely looking forward to the next myster in this series, and hoping that I do not have to wait too long...! And I hope that I will see more of Brownie...
I really enjoyed "meeting" Georgias parents, and found that they added a lot to the story, as did all the normal characters. It was a pleasure going through the mystery with them! Especially Sid. And Sid is the reason that I feel that Leigh Perry is an exceptionally talented author. I accepted everything that the author wrote about him. Without question.
I am definitely looking forward to the next myster in this series, and hoping that I do not have to wait too long...! And I hope that I will see more of Brownie...
February 22, 2020
3 1/2 stars--I'd give the book 3, but I really like the character of Sid, so he gets an extra star ;-)
October 24, 2022
The Skeleton Haunts a House is perhaps the most provocative cozy mystery I've read. There's more detail to the violence, more willingness to engage with unsavory topics, and even a criticism of the tendency of cozy readers (myself very much included!) to gloss over the murders because the victims are usually unpleasant people who are easily dehumanized and deemed as deserving of murder. I can see this being a polarizing book for a lot of cozy readers, but it worked for me.
Although Perry doesn't include queer characters on the page, she does make it clear that her characters casually accept queer people, which I loved. I think this is the first cozy I've read that even mentions trans people existing. That made me so happy, because although I think this is changing and will continue to change, there is a tacit implication that queer people are inherently uncozy. Both Leigh Perry here and Jenn McKinlay in her Library Lover's series are (as far as I know) straight writers challenging that notion, and that definitely contributes to my loyalty to them.
Other pros are the inclusion of more of Georgia's family, the fun Halloween festival/haunted house setting, and a twisty mystery that I thought I had figured out multiple times but eluded me in the end.
Although Perry doesn't include queer characters on the page, she does make it clear that her characters casually accept queer people, which I loved. I think this is the first cozy I've read that even mentions trans people existing. That made me so happy, because although I think this is changing and will continue to change, there is a tacit implication that queer people are inherently uncozy. Both Leigh Perry here and Jenn McKinlay in her Library Lover's series are (as far as I know) straight writers challenging that notion, and that definitely contributes to my loyalty to them.
Other pros are the inclusion of more of Georgia's family, the fun Halloween festival/haunted house setting, and a twisty mystery that I thought I had figured out multiple times but eluded me in the end.
November 11, 2017
My favorite sleuthing duo does it again. Dr. Georgia Thackery, an adjunct English professor, and her sidekick skeleton, Sid, have earned a well-deserved reputation for solving murders in the 3rd book of the Family Skeleton Mystery series.
It's definitely not easy when half of your crime-solving duo cannot be seen in public but it is handy that he doesn't sleep and can work endless hours investigating leads. This time around, the whole Thackery family gets involved when a murder happens on campus at McQuaid University and the suspects are seemingly endless. With Sid's savvy computer skills and Georgia's connections and ability to get people to open up, the two are unstoppable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this haunted house-themed mystery and reconnecting with my favorite skeleton a/k/a Sherlock Bones.
It's definitely not easy when half of your crime-solving duo cannot be seen in public but it is handy that he doesn't sleep and can work endless hours investigating leads. This time around, the whole Thackery family gets involved when a murder happens on campus at McQuaid University and the suspects are seemingly endless. With Sid's savvy computer skills and Georgia's connections and ability to get people to open up, the two are unstoppable.
I thoroughly enjoyed this haunted house-themed mystery and reconnecting with my favorite skeleton a/k/a Sherlock Bones.
September 29, 2025
I found out about this series somehow, and it’s been one of my go-to things to read when I need a palate cleanser or something to read on my Kindle at bed. This is one of the latter, which is why it took me ten days to read. I think that was a mistake on my part; this isn’t a particularly fast-paced book, so taking so long to read it makes it sort of a slog (but this is definitely a me problem).
Of course, one has to suspend disbelief that Georgia and Sid are going to be the ones to solve a murder instead of the police, but then that’s why we have “Murder, She Wrote” as well.
I quite enjoyed meeting Georgia’s parents as well. I love that she calls her dad Phil, although we realize later that it’s a plot point. Still, it’s cute. Sid is always a delight, but I will say that the Facebook hacking thing reads a bit dated now, especially since few college students have Facebook (that particular app is only for the olds, like me, apparently).
I will continue on with this series, but I will also endeavor not to drag out the reading of these books anymore.
Of course, one has to suspend disbelief that Georgia and Sid are going to be the ones to solve a murder instead of the police, but then that’s why we have “Murder, She Wrote” as well.
I quite enjoyed meeting Georgia’s parents as well. I love that she calls her dad Phil, although we realize later that it’s a plot point. Still, it’s cute. Sid is always a delight, but I will say that the Facebook hacking thing reads a bit dated now, especially since few college students have Facebook (that particular app is only for the olds, like me, apparently).
I will continue on with this series, but I will also endeavor not to drag out the reading of these books anymore.
October 19, 2018
1. 10/10 for halloween. the story is all about a haunted house (a fake one, at a festival) and there are repeated descriptions of the halloween goings on.
2. there is really a skeleton as a main character in this series. no explanation is offered, which is reasonable, because there is no possible explanation. he's a fun character and allows for all kinds of bizarre situations, plus he's a handy computer expert getting stuff done off-stage.
3. I enjoyed the character development and writing.
4. there are some twists and turns, but not to an extent where it gets maudlin. the real killer makes sense and the conclusion was satisfying.
2. there is really a skeleton as a main character in this series. no explanation is offered, which is reasonable, because there is no possible explanation. he's a fun character and allows for all kinds of bizarre situations, plus he's a handy computer expert getting stuff done off-stage.
3. I enjoyed the character development and writing.
4. there are some twists and turns, but not to an extent where it gets maudlin. the real killer makes sense and the conclusion was satisfying.
April 13, 2017
4 1/2 Stars
Well. I never saw THAT coming. I had a couple things guessed, but certainly NOT the killer . The best of the series in my opinion. I am really glad there are going to be more of these because they are quickly becoming one of my favorite series.
Well. I never saw THAT coming. I had a couple things guessed, but certainly NOT the killer . The best of the series in my opinion. I am really glad there are going to be more of these because they are quickly becoming one of my favorite series.
August 5, 2018
I love Sid!
February 7, 2022
The moral message was a little heavy handed, but overall, a fun read & Sid, as always, is such a fun character :)
September 28, 2025
The story is set around a haunted house on the campus of a college that the main character and her parents teach at. The living? skeleton is such a great character. The book was an easy read.
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