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Digging Up Bones #3
Down to the Bone: Digging Up Bones - Book Three
Deputy Cloister Witte has a dark past, a cute dog, and an FBI agent. It turns out that all of them are going to cause him problems.
When Cloister Witte disclosed that he was dating FBI Agent Javi Merlo he’d expected it to cause some complications. Dating in the workplace always did. He’d just expected it to be red tape, conflicts of interest, and the occasional asshole who thought his sex life gave them a remit to be funny. A concerted campaign by SSO Everett Larkin, the new head of the LA office of the FBI, to get Cloister fired hadn’t made the list.
Yet here he is, with his case history and his childhood trauma both under review.
The problem is that Cloister is good at his job, and his K9 Bourneville is even better. So when an employee from the Plenty sub-office of the FBI goes missing, Larkin can’t afford to sideline them anymore. As they get to work Cloister starts to suspect that Larkin’s conviction his organized crime task force is the real target is as off-target as his suspicions about Cloister.
Meanwhile, for Javi Merlo the case is an opportunity to redeem himself. All he has to do is turn a blind eye to how Larkin bends the rules. If he goes along with it he could bring down a major criminal organization, and restart his stalled career…or he destroy his relationship with Cloister and the legacy of his dead mentor.
As rumors of corruption spread, Javi must choose between ambition and the man he loves.
When Cloister Witte disclosed that he was dating FBI Agent Javi Merlo he’d expected it to cause some complications. Dating in the workplace always did. He’d just expected it to be red tape, conflicts of interest, and the occasional asshole who thought his sex life gave them a remit to be funny. A concerted campaign by SSO Everett Larkin, the new head of the LA office of the FBI, to get Cloister fired hadn’t made the list.
Yet here he is, with his case history and his childhood trauma both under review.
The problem is that Cloister is good at his job, and his K9 Bourneville is even better. So when an employee from the Plenty sub-office of the FBI goes missing, Larkin can’t afford to sideline them anymore. As they get to work Cloister starts to suspect that Larkin’s conviction his organized crime task force is the real target is as off-target as his suspicions about Cloister.
Meanwhile, for Javi Merlo the case is an opportunity to redeem himself. All he has to do is turn a blind eye to how Larkin bends the rules. If he goes along with it he could bring down a major criminal organization, and restart his stalled career…or he destroy his relationship with Cloister and the legacy of his dead mentor.
As rumors of corruption spread, Javi must choose between ambition and the man he loves.
281 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2026
About the author
T.A. Moore
53 books403 followersTA Moore is a Northern Irish writer of romantic suspense, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance novels. A childhood in a rural, seaside town fostered in her a suspicious nature, a love of mystery, and a streak of black humour a mile wide. As her grandmother always said, ‘she’d laugh at a bad thing that one’, mind you, that was the pot calling the kettle black. TA Moore studied History, Irish mythology, English at University, mostly because she has always loved a good story. She has worked as a journalist, a finance manager, and in the arts sectors before she finally gave in to a lifelong desire to write.
Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.
Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore
Coffee, Doc Marten boots, and good friends are the essential things in life. Spiders, mayo, and heels are to be avoided.
Website: www.nevertobetold.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TA.Moores
Twitter: @tammy_moore
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 23, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
That was excellent. A perfect blend of relationship and plot—a new uncertain bone-deep relationship and a twisty layered plot.
I'd gone back to glom books 1 & 2 of this series in preparation for book 3. Not a bad call, in the event. (a) Cloister & Javi's laconic oblique relationship development is a joy and (b) plot elements here get set up in earlier books. You could read this as a stand-alone—Moore gives sparse but clear indications of the background—but the earlier books are so good too.
The plot is well-thought-out (though needs careful following), but I'm here mainly for Cloister and Javi letting themselves slowly feel (and show) vulnerability, trust and love.
T.A. Moore, if you're reading this, I'll take book 4 at your earliest convenience. Montana, Bournville and (probably) the mystery of Cloister's brother? Where do I sign?
Cover Art by Tammy Moore; no editor credited.
That was excellent. A perfect blend of relationship and plot—a new uncertain bone-deep relationship and a twisty layered plot.
I'd gone back to glom books 1 & 2 of this series in preparation for book 3. Not a bad call, in the event. (a) Cloister & Javi's laconic oblique relationship development is a joy and (b) plot elements here get set up in earlier books. You could read this as a stand-alone—Moore gives sparse but clear indications of the background—but the earlier books are so good too.
The plot is well-thought-out (though needs careful following), but I'm here mainly for Cloister and Javi letting themselves slowly feel (and show) vulnerability, trust and love.
T.A. Moore, if you're reading this, I'll take book 4 at your earliest convenience. Montana, Bournville and (probably) the mystery of Cloister's brother? Where do I sign?
Cover Art by Tammy Moore; no editor credited.
June 28, 2026
I do not have the words to explain how much I adore this series. This third book is finally here, YEARS after the last one was released and I couldn't be happier. I am not joking when I say it's been one of my most expected book ever. I have been YEARNING FOR IT, I thought about it all the time, if not daily then definitely weekly.
We jump back in the lives of K9 handler Cloister and his now boyfriend FBI agent Javi Merlo, in a case that explores Javi's painful past.
The case itself was a little messy as always, with a confusing timeline and a bunch of typos but I still had a great time. I just love Cloister and Javi and Bourneville to bits, and I swear I could read anything with them. Cloister and Javi's relationship is everything to me and seeing them find their ground as boyfriends... I HAVE WAITED YEARS FOR THIS!!!!! I AM BEING FED IN THE MOST WONDERFUL OF WAYS!!!
Sorry this isn't really a review, more like me raving about my faves, but I can't help it my brain isn't working anymore especially since the epilogue is hinting at another sequel that might explore Cloister's past... this feels like Christmas and while I hope I won't have to wait for years again, I can't WAIT!!!, I will be happy with any scraps of my babies that Ill get. My devotion knows no bounds. I am SEATED.
We jump back in the lives of K9 handler Cloister and his now boyfriend FBI agent Javi Merlo, in a case that explores Javi's painful past.
The case itself was a little messy as always, with a confusing timeline and a bunch of typos but I still had a great time. I just love Cloister and Javi and Bourneville to bits, and I swear I could read anything with them. Cloister and Javi's relationship is everything to me and seeing them find their ground as boyfriends... I HAVE WAITED YEARS FOR THIS!!!!! I AM BEING FED IN THE MOST WONDERFUL OF WAYS!!!
Sorry this isn't really a review, more like me raving about my faves, but I can't help it my brain isn't working anymore especially since the epilogue is hinting at another sequel that might explore Cloister's past... this feels like Christmas and while I hope I won't have to wait for years again, I can't WAIT!!!, I will be happy with any scraps of my babies that Ill get. My devotion knows no bounds. I am SEATED.
Want to Read
February 15, 2026I AM SAT AND WAITING FOR THE RELEASE! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS FOR 7 YEARS!!! NO I'M NOT EMOTIONAL, YOU'RE EMOTIONAL!
Read
April 13, 2026Finally we got a date!!!🤯
I am so happy right now👏🥳🎉
I am so happy right now👏🥳🎉
July 4, 2026
Imagine the worst case of office politics ever, with FBI agents standing in for the Borgias, and you get "Down to the Bone", the newest installment of Moore's "Digging up Bones" series.
Javi Merlo and Cloister Witte have made it official with their boyfriend status, even filing the needed office paperwork, but are still working through their communication skills. I enjoyed this aspect of the story as the two men had to work through their relationship and their respective doubts as it wouldn't have been realistic for them to have turned into perfect partners overnight.
The book hooked me early with its demolition derby office politics, especially the appearance of Kincaid, Javi's former mentor and the main antagonist of this novel. And he makes for a thoroughly satisfying villain, attempting to ruin the careers of both Javi and Cloister. The overall plot begins a little slowly, with the disappearance of Javi's boss, but accelerates quickly into another satisfying mystery that had a fair number of twists and turns. The plot was also illuminating in regards to the character of Javi in some positive ways, taking a character who is quite unsympathetic at times and explaining him somewhat.
I felt that the plot lost its way a little bit toward the end once again, as these books tend to be a little convoluted at times but still an immense amount of fun. And Bourneville is a great character in and of herself, once again proving to be a pivotal member of their team. The ending was intriguing as it set up some interesting changes and possibilities for the future for the characters. I'll be sticking around to see where Moore takes us next on this entertaining journey. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Javi Merlo and Cloister Witte have made it official with their boyfriend status, even filing the needed office paperwork, but are still working through their communication skills. I enjoyed this aspect of the story as the two men had to work through their relationship and their respective doubts as it wouldn't have been realistic for them to have turned into perfect partners overnight.
The book hooked me early with its demolition derby office politics, especially the appearance of Kincaid, Javi's former mentor and the main antagonist of this novel. And he makes for a thoroughly satisfying villain, attempting to ruin the careers of both Javi and Cloister. The overall plot begins a little slowly, with the disappearance of Javi's boss, but accelerates quickly into another satisfying mystery that had a fair number of twists and turns. The plot was also illuminating in regards to the character of Javi in some positive ways, taking a character who is quite unsympathetic at times and explaining him somewhat.
I felt that the plot lost its way a little bit toward the end once again, as these books tend to be a little convoluted at times but still an immense amount of fun. And Bourneville is a great character in and of herself, once again proving to be a pivotal member of their team. The ending was intriguing as it set up some interesting changes and possibilities for the future for the characters. I'll be sticking around to see where Moore takes us next on this entertaining journey. 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Review of advance copy
Javi and Cloister “know” their time together has an end date but both men are hoping it’s a long way off. They just won’t admit it to themselves. Their jobs keep crossing and crisscrossing, bringing them together. Javi’s dealing with an immediate boss who dislikes him, and his big boss, Kincaid, just wants to see Javi destroyed. Cloister also has issues with Kincaid that only seem to be getting worse the deeper into the current cases they get.
Convoluted! Both mens pasts have shaped them into strong characters. But it’s also made them vulnerable and unsure. Their insecurities seemed to hinder their investigation but at the same time their pasts fuel their present. Back to convoluted. The story has several branches, some almost feel like they don’t belong but there again they make the story a whole. Maybe I’m making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Anyway…I liked their relationship. Really disliked Kincaid and his seeming minions. Cloister and Bon held the story together. Her being hurt felt real.
Bon’s human attributes make her the most likable character in the book and I loved that she had a cat.
I hope this isn’t the last we see of these characters.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Convoluted! Both mens pasts have shaped them into strong characters. But it’s also made them vulnerable and unsure. Their insecurities seemed to hinder their investigation but at the same time their pasts fuel their present. Back to convoluted. The story has several branches, some almost feel like they don’t belong but there again they make the story a whole. Maybe I’m making it more complicated than it needs to be.
Anyway…I liked their relationship. Really disliked Kincaid and his seeming minions. Cloister and Bon held the story together. Her being hurt felt real.
Bon’s human attributes make her the most likable character in the book and I loved that she had a cat.
I hope this isn’t the last we see of these characters.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Review of advance copy
Third in series (Digging Up Bones), must be read in order. Established couple. Dual POV.
Cloister and Javi are just beginning to feel out their committed status when Javi’s old flame and manipulative boss comes to town as Javi’s immediate supervisor goes missing. Overlapping with another disappearance, Cloister and Bon are on their own investigation while trying to avoid political traps that surround them.
A long awaited continuation of Cloister and Javi’s story and it doesn’t disappoint. Surprisingly, Javi has finally seemed to embrace being in a relationship so I appreciated his character's growth, even though he still doesn’t manage to communicate it well. The investigation side was entertaining if a bit convoluted, it was difficult at times to keep track of who’s who and how everything was interconnected. Overall, I was happy to be back into this world as this couple works together and builds something important with each other. I really look forward to more from them if the author continues this series. 4.5 rounded up
Cloister and Javi are just beginning to feel out their committed status when Javi’s old flame and manipulative boss comes to town as Javi’s immediate supervisor goes missing. Overlapping with another disappearance, Cloister and Bon are on their own investigation while trying to avoid political traps that surround them.
A long awaited continuation of Cloister and Javi’s story and it doesn’t disappoint. Surprisingly, Javi has finally seemed to embrace being in a relationship so I appreciated his character's growth, even though he still doesn’t manage to communicate it well. The investigation side was entertaining if a bit convoluted, it was difficult at times to keep track of who’s who and how everything was interconnected. Overall, I was happy to be back into this world as this couple works together and builds something important with each other. I really look forward to more from them if the author continues this series. 4.5 rounded up
August 8, 2026
Loved this book. It's my favorite book of the series. It was great, seeing Cloister and Javi in a committed relationship. They even filed the required paperwork with their perspective HR departments. Javi isn't constantly trying to convince himself that he doesn't have feelings for Cloister in this book as he did in the other two, but he does it have thoughts that he'll screw something up between the two of them.
The plot of the book just sucked me right in. People are missing and Cloister and Bon are trying to find them along with Javi. People from Javi's past are there actively working against them, which complicates things. I love how Cloister can read one particular person from Javi's past so well. We also learn more about Cloister's past.
The book leaves the two of them in a different situation, which I loved, and the hint it might not be the last in the series. *fingers crossed* I know I would welcome any and all stories about these three. (And yes, I'm including Bon the Dog.)
The plot of the book just sucked me right in. People are missing and Cloister and Bon are trying to find them along with Javi. People from Javi's past are there actively working against them, which complicates things. I love how Cloister can read one particular person from Javi's past so well. We also learn more about Cloister's past.
The book leaves the two of them in a different situation, which I loved, and the hint it might not be the last in the series. *fingers crossed* I know I would welcome any and all stories about these three. (And yes, I'm including Bon the Dog.)
Review of advance copy
There’s a lot to like about this installment in Cloister and Javi’s story. Anyone curious about Javi’s past will have their questions answered here, and that’s definitely satisfying. Looking too closely at the threads of that past and its current consequences does reveal one or two loose ends, but if you go with it, it’s a heck of a ride. As far as this book’s villain goes, we get motiveless malevolence on an almost Shakespearean level. Logical? No. Appropriately sinister and capable of causing harm? Heck yes. Also, Bon the amazing continues to be amazing and I am always going to be in Cloister’s corner. Cloister, as ever, is a rock, and mostly better than Javi deserves, but it works for them. I love that this book gives readers an epilogue that matches the vibe of the series too: it feels like a satisfying resting place, but I do hope to see these characters again. 4.5 stars.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
June 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this, and I felt like it wrapped up the series nicely, so I don't even mind if there aren't more books to follow.
It was different from the previous books, though - no real surprise given the long gap. It focused more on the extremely complicated mystery-plot rather than the main characters' interactions, so it was perhaps more interesting but less enjoyable.
And the name issues... oops. I mean, the Kincaid/Larkin one was fixed (well, there's still one Larkin in the book blurb and it's still completely wrong on Goodreads), but there were a whole bunch of characters with the same names as characters in book 2 - Tommy, Jessie, Alice, I think there was an Ellie... I know they're all common names, but really??
It was different from the previous books, though - no real surprise given the long gap. It focused more on the extremely complicated mystery-plot rather than the main characters' interactions, so it was perhaps more interesting but less enjoyable.
And the name issues... oops. I mean, the Kincaid/Larkin one was fixed (well, there's still one Larkin in the book blurb and it's still completely wrong on Goodreads), but there were a whole bunch of characters with the same names as characters in book 2 - Tommy, Jessie, Alice, I think there was an Ellie... I know they're all common names, but really??
July 3, 2026
So glad to be back with Cloister, Bournville, and even Javi😉, lol! Both MCs still think that their relationship is nebulous - I'd love to see them in 10 years trying to figure out how they ended up together forever, lol.
Talk about a tangled web - Javi's got a boss that has it out for him, another colleague that's missing; Cloister and Bon are dealing with another missing person's case and trying to avoid being dragged into local politics.
I enjoyed getting to know more about both MCs past and how it's shaped them in this installment.
Great continuation, worth the wait!
Talk about a tangled web - Javi's got a boss that has it out for him, another colleague that's missing; Cloister and Bon are dealing with another missing person's case and trying to avoid being dragged into local politics.
I enjoyed getting to know more about both MCs past and how it's shaped them in this installment.
Great continuation, worth the wait!
June 28, 2026
Best One Yet
This was definitely the best story of the series so far. I appreciated that we get to know more about Javi and this helped me to like him a bit more. There's a lot going on in this one involving both Cloister and Javi's past and present. Along with another good mystery, it didn't take long for me to read through this one.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This was definitely the best story of the series so far. I appreciated that we get to know more about Javi and this helped me to like him a bit more. There's a lot going on in this one involving both Cloister and Javi's past and present. Along with another good mystery, it didn't take long for me to read through this one.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
July 13, 2026
Cloister & Javi have come so far, I loved to see them continue to evolve, even if they weren't quite sure how to navigate their work/life balance. As always, Bourneville deserves her own recognition as the most highly functional of them. I can't get enough of this series, I hope TA Moore has plans to revisit it again soon.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow, what a case. So many twists and turns. So many players. But who can you trust? Javi and Cloister are a good team, both professionally and personally. I really liked the ending. Can't wait for the next book.
June 27, 2026
Cloister and Javi continue to be wonderful characters, and Bon is always the bestest girl. Javi's moral quandary made for a highly enjoyable read alongside his and Cloister's developing relationship. This is another great addition to the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
July 5, 2026
Finally we get the next book! Loved these guys from the start and they finally got their act together. Now we’ll just wait and see how long until the next one since this of course ends with a set up for the next book
July 1, 2026
My only gripe right now is Montana being called a Midwestern state. As a lifelong Midwesterner, it most certainly is not.
I hope we get another book.
I hope we get another book.
July 2, 2026
storyline: ****
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ***
editing: ****
main characters: ****
side characters: ****
world building: ***
editing: ****
July 26, 2026
A great finish
June 24, 2026
I have some answers about Javi but more questions about Cloister. This did not feel like a series end!
Am looking forward to more. Love that Bon has a cat.
Am looking forward to more. Love that Bon has a cat.
June 27, 2026
It had been some time since the first two books in the series, they are worth rereading if necessary to get back into Cloister, Javi and the star of the series K9 Bourneville. I still like Cloister far more than Javi, although the latter is improving - although still not in communicating. There were some really unpleasant law enforcement politics, Everett Larkin in particular. The mysteries were good if occasionally a bit too confusing with keeping track of the number of people mentioned.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews