Good Bones

by Emma Jameson

Return to wartime Cornwall with Dr. Benjamin Bones and Lady Juliet for a British historical mystery filled with village intrigue, forbidden romance, and family secrets worth killing for.

England, 1940. Between ration books, blackout drills, and neighbors who live for gossip, Dr. Bones and Lady Juliet find keeping their romance secret challenging enough. But when a newlywed farmer falls mysteriously ill, Ben suspects poison. With the fiery Lady Juliet by his side, he fights to unmask the poisoner before his patient dies.
Meanwhile, Juliet turns her formidable detective skills on her own family. The farmer’s symptoms bring back a terrible when she was sixteen years old, her parents experienced a similar illness. Her beloved father died; her mother barely survived. Old Doc Egan called it food poisoning.

But what if it was arsenic?

Behind Belsham Manor’s respectable country-house façade lie old resentments, fiercely guarded loyalties, and secrets even Juliet has never suspected. She’s never backed down from a mystery. But uncovering the truth about her father’s death could destroy everything she believes—about the people she loves, and about herself.

Combining the atmosphere of a WWII English village mystery with sharp wit and an unforgettable sleuthing partnership, Good Bones is the fifth installment in Emma Jameson’s Dr. Benjamin Bones Mysteries.

122 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2026

About the author

Emma Jameson writes the kind of mysteries readers devour—smart, romantic, sharply funny, and impossible to put down. It’s why her books have sold over one million copies worldwide and built a fiercely loyal international readership.

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Emma is best known for her beloved Lord & Lady Hetheridge series, where sharp wit meets murder in elegant British settings. Her character-driven stories blend suspense, romance, and a touch of humor—creating mysteries that feel as immersive as they are addictive. Her novel London Blue was recently named a Gold Medal Finalist in the Crime Fiction Indie Gold Awards.

A lifelong Anglophile (though not actually British), Emma brings England vividly to life on the page. When she’s not writing, she serves three demanding cats who believe they are in charge—and are probably right.

Reviews

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all the Dr Bones books and Good Bones is terrific!!! It came completely out of left field but not really. I learned so much more about each of the characters, their inner lives, they why’s of their lives. And it made all of them much more. Hope everyone will read it !!!

[Kerrie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good addition to this series!

Good mystery. Some romance, some angst, some humor. I like these characters a great deal and enjoy how they go about solving mysteries.

[Jeannie Flynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite 1940’s Dr

And strong (but emotionally muddled this go-round) daughter of the manor.
This particular epic has our hero, Dr Bones, saving a fellow from Poisoning and Juliet discovering far more than she personally ever wanted to know about her beloved deceased parent, and her equally loved, but fragile, living one. And Mrs Locke, that dastardly former housekeeper helps-a quick but enjoyable read, highly recommend !

[Deborah A Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the Bones series and was so happy to see a new installment after a long wait. Although more of a novella than a full-fledged book, I enjoyed visiting with Ben, Julia and the other quirky characters who inhabit this WWII-era mystery. There were several revelations that were quite a surprise! I do hope I don't have to wait so long for the next book!

[Doris Brase · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bonified Mess

I have enjoyed all of the Doctor Bones books. They reveal how a war stressed country might have behaved. The characters are representative of normal people, no super heros nor extravagant titled peers. Any one who likes reading about WWII, will enjoy these stories.

[Desertlass · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series set in Cornwall in the 1940's by Emma Jameson. The location is charming and the characters jump out at you (sometimes literally). The writing is smooth, the humor is excellent. I hope this series keeps going and going. I do hope Juliet chills a little with time; she is a bit annoyingly over-the-top.

[MELISSA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine cozy mystery set in WWII England. I enjoy the setting and the relationships of that time with a murder from long ago being investigated by Juliette and Ben in their caring but oh so unprofessional way.

[Kathleen M Pangle · Rating 5 out of 5]

an engaging story

Emma Jameson continues to write stories I really enjoy. I really like how there is no getting into each book; each one catches you immediately. And then you can’t believe it’s finished.

[Jg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story. Can’t wait for the next one!!!

I love the characters and the story lines. Well written and the WWII timeline is interesting informative and a great part of the mystery.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Blue series, the bones series not so much.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short story with a rather shocking reveal.

[Tamara Rickman · Rating 5 out of 5]

cute

And a whole lot more. Good historical fiction is hard to find so I rely on Ms. Jameson for my doses of WWII Britain. Start at book one as always. You’re welcome.

[Mary Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment of the Dr. Bones series. Enjoyed all the characters and look forward to the next book!