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Widow's Island #1
Close to the Bone
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back home on a remote Pacific Northwest island when she gets the call: a teenager’s skeletal remains have been found on a nearby island.
Together with Tessa Black, a childhood friend turned local deputy, Cate confronts dreary weather and bleak leads to make sense of the death. The complications pile up as Cate is distracted by the coroner on the case—and by nagging memories that draw her twenty years into the past. The remains suggest eerie similarities between this victim, and Cate and Tessa’s friend Samantha, who disappeared when she was fourteen.
Cate finds herself up against closemouthed locals, buried town secrets, and even her own heart. As the case unravels, will she be able to cut through the fog and find justice for the missing and the dead
Together with Tessa Black, a childhood friend turned local deputy, Cate confronts dreary weather and bleak leads to make sense of the death. The complications pile up as Cate is distracted by the coroner on the case—and by nagging memories that draw her twenty years into the past. The remains suggest eerie similarities between this victim, and Cate and Tessa’s friend Samantha, who disappeared when she was fourteen.
Cate finds herself up against closemouthed locals, buried town secrets, and even her own heart. As the case unravels, will she be able to cut through the fog and find justice for the missing and the dead
109 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2018
13185 people are currently reading
18734 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Elliot
39 books6,352 followersAn Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,193 reviews
November 26, 2018
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is summoned back home to a remote island in the Pacific Northwest (Widow's Island) because a teenager's skeletal remains have been found on an island nearby (Ruby's Island). Also on the case is Cate's old friend, county deputy Tessa Black. While they try to solve the case they are reminded of their good friend (Samantha) who vanished twenty years ago and who was never found, and the similarities in this case to that case.
This was a very captivating story/novella. It was the first in the "Widow's Island" series. I liked the atmospheric setting of the island and I found the people who lived there interesting. Some islanders even believed Ruby's Island had a ghost. I also liked the friendship between Cate and Tessa. There was a slight romance between Cate and the local doctor Henry, who I liked, but the main focus was on the mystery.
This was my first read by Kendra Elliot and I really enjoyed it. I liked the brief paranormal elements concerning the ghost Ruby and the backstory to how the islands got their names. I look forward to reading the next "Widow's Island" novella.
This was a very captivating story/novella. It was the first in the "Widow's Island" series. I liked the atmospheric setting of the island and I found the people who lived there interesting. Some islanders even believed Ruby's Island had a ghost. I also liked the friendship between Cate and Tessa. There was a slight romance between Cate and the local doctor Henry, who I liked, but the main focus was on the mystery.
This was my first read by Kendra Elliot and I really enjoyed it. I liked the brief paranormal elements concerning the ghost Ruby and the backstory to how the islands got their names. I look forward to reading the next "Widow's Island" novella.
October 19, 2018
Close to the Bone by Kendra Elliot is the first book in the new romantic suspense Widow’s Island series. This series is all at novella length and penned by Kendra Elliot along with Melinda Leigh by alternating the books. This pair of authors have teamed up in the past for the romantic suspense Rogue River series of which a couple of the characters have moved over to this series but the books can be read and enjoyed separate from the Rogue River series.
This first book introduces FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde who has returned to the island after an injury to rest and recuperate. However Cate gets a call when a skeleton is found nearby and she is the only FBI close enough to cover the case quickly.
Cate teams up with her old friend now turned local deputy, Tessa Black. Cate and Tessa know that a local girl went missing recently and the remains could belong to her but they also know that twenty years ago a friend of theirs had also gone missing that was never found and this new case may be the break to knowing what happened all those years ago.
Close to the Bone was a great start to this romantic suspense series that even at the shorter length still contains all the elements of a good mystery to be solved. The characters and plot are fleshed out enough that one doesn’t feel the shorter length as you may with some novellas and gives just enough to get a reader hooked and ready to read the next in the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
This first book introduces FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde who has returned to the island after an injury to rest and recuperate. However Cate gets a call when a skeleton is found nearby and she is the only FBI close enough to cover the case quickly.
Cate teams up with her old friend now turned local deputy, Tessa Black. Cate and Tessa know that a local girl went missing recently and the remains could belong to her but they also know that twenty years ago a friend of theirs had also gone missing that was never found and this new case may be the break to knowing what happened all those years ago.
Close to the Bone was a great start to this romantic suspense series that even at the shorter length still contains all the elements of a good mystery to be solved. The characters and plot are fleshed out enough that one doesn’t feel the shorter length as you may with some novellas and gives just enough to get a reader hooked and ready to read the next in the series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
September 14, 2020
"Close to the bone is zeker een goede keuze als je wilt starten met Engels stap per stap op te bouwen en bij te leren!"
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2020...
https://elinevandm.wordpress.com/2020...
December 6, 2021
3.5, rounded up.
I’ve needed lighter reads lately and this book fits that bill! I loved it and was left wanting more.
FBI agent Cate Wilde has come home to the island in which she grew up, Widows island, off the Puget Sound in Washington. She has been injured and returns to the island to heal. However during her recuperation, bones are found on neighboring Ruby’s island.
The island itself has quite the personality and folklore, not to mention a sordid past. I love books about atmospheric islands, where everyone knows each other and it’s a plus when bodies and bones are discovered.
The mystery was enjoyable as were the characters. Add in some of the lore of Widow’s island, surrounded by Camilia’s island (named for the wife of the founder), Elias island (the husband) and Ruby’s Island (the mistress) and I’m a happy camper on a rowboat! How can I put down a book with Harlot’s bay and … and … Cheaters bookstore?! 🤗 Oh, and the island either likes you or it doesn’t (insert dramatic music here).
I’m off to read book 2 because I’m just not ready to leave the island yet.
I’ve needed lighter reads lately and this book fits that bill! I loved it and was left wanting more.
FBI agent Cate Wilde has come home to the island in which she grew up, Widows island, off the Puget Sound in Washington. She has been injured and returns to the island to heal. However during her recuperation, bones are found on neighboring Ruby’s island.
The island itself has quite the personality and folklore, not to mention a sordid past. I love books about atmospheric islands, where everyone knows each other and it’s a plus when bodies and bones are discovered.
The mystery was enjoyable as were the characters. Add in some of the lore of Widow’s island, surrounded by Camilia’s island (named for the wife of the founder), Elias island (the husband) and Ruby’s Island (the mistress) and I’m a happy camper on a rowboat! How can I put down a book with Harlot’s bay and … and … Cheaters bookstore?! 🤗 Oh, and the island either likes you or it doesn’t (insert dramatic music here).
I’m off to read book 2 because I’m just not ready to leave the island yet.
July 27, 2019
This is sitting somewhere between a three or four stars for me. I was pleasantly surprised.
Cate has returned to the island she calls home following medical leave from her job as an FBI agent. However, the discovery of human bones in her hometown brings her back into the fray, as well as dredging up childhood memories from the past she’d rather forget.
I’m not the biggest fan of thrillers or mysteries. I find the protagonist normally has some kind of ‘deep, dark secret’ that becomes imbedded in the ongoing investigations, and it irritates me. I don’t mind the usual tropes in YA or fantasy, but I want something more from a thriller. As a novella, this doesn’t really have time to dwell on a dark backstory for the characters (although the character development is good), preferring to get straight to the point with a few key flashbacks or comments about past events. This certainly works in its favour. It’s direct, moving rapidly through the story with enough mystery to keep me intrigued without getting bogged down in side stories. And as a bonus, I didn’t guess the ending.
The atmosphere is good too. Four islands, named after the original founder, his wife and his lover (and one called Widow), the scene is set from the get go. It’s full of shady, xenophobic Islanders, ghosts, gossip and everything you could want from a good story. I think the only thing that let it down was the romantic aspects. It felt unnecessary to the story, and a little rushed. I would have preferred more time between Tessa and Cate and their friendship, as well as the investigation into their missing childhood friend.
Good solid murder mystery with a good dose of atmosphere and enjoyable characters. I’m excited to see where this goes with future novellas.
Cate has returned to the island she calls home following medical leave from her job as an FBI agent. However, the discovery of human bones in her hometown brings her back into the fray, as well as dredging up childhood memories from the past she’d rather forget.
I’m not the biggest fan of thrillers or mysteries. I find the protagonist normally has some kind of ‘deep, dark secret’ that becomes imbedded in the ongoing investigations, and it irritates me. I don’t mind the usual tropes in YA or fantasy, but I want something more from a thriller. As a novella, this doesn’t really have time to dwell on a dark backstory for the characters (although the character development is good), preferring to get straight to the point with a few key flashbacks or comments about past events. This certainly works in its favour. It’s direct, moving rapidly through the story with enough mystery to keep me intrigued without getting bogged down in side stories. And as a bonus, I didn’t guess the ending.
The atmosphere is good too. Four islands, named after the original founder, his wife and his lover (and one called Widow), the scene is set from the get go. It’s full of shady, xenophobic Islanders, ghosts, gossip and everything you could want from a good story. I think the only thing that let it down was the romantic aspects. It felt unnecessary to the story, and a little rushed. I would have preferred more time between Tessa and Cate and their friendship, as well as the investigation into their missing childhood friend.
Good solid murder mystery with a good dose of atmosphere and enjoyable characters. I’m excited to see where this goes with future novellas.
January 7, 2023
What a great crime / mystery novella. I quite enjoyed this one.
This is number one in the series and I will absolutely be moving on to the next one to see how it goes. I definitely did NOT peg the killer and the ghost element was a fun touch to round out the mystery.
There is a hint of romance, lots of possible suspects and plausible scenarios for the bones that were found…I really liked that even THAT kept you guessing who they belonged to.
I do feel the descriptors could have been a little more rich, sometimes that was lacking, so that’s the reason for the one star deduction.
Overall, if your looking for a one-sit read, I got through this in an hour and a half.
This is number one in the series and I will absolutely be moving on to the next one to see how it goes. I definitely did NOT peg the killer and the ghost element was a fun touch to round out the mystery.
There is a hint of romance, lots of possible suspects and plausible scenarios for the bones that were found…I really liked that even THAT kept you guessing who they belonged to.
I do feel the descriptors could have been a little more rich, sometimes that was lacking, so that’s the reason for the one star deduction.
Overall, if your looking for a one-sit read, I got through this in an hour and a half.
September 21, 2025
Close to the Bone was a fun, quick read with an interesting mystery plotline and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back home on remote Widow’s Island while she recovers from an injury sustained on the job. In the middle of the night she gets a call that bones have been found on a nearby island and with the ferry from the mainland down, Cate is the only agent close enough to work the case. Cate quickly begins to see similarities between this victim and her best friend who has been missing for nearly twenty years. As Cate begins working the case, it becomes clear someone will do anything to keep this secret buried.
Cate was injured three weeks prior to the start of the book and is still recovering when the story starts. Cate does experience some physical difficulties because of her injury and I liked that she wasn’t superwoman who didn’t feel any pain. In addition to Cate working the case there is also Tessa Black, Cate’s childhood friend who became a local deputy. Cate and Tessa are both forced to relive what happened to Samantha due to the similarities to the case they’re working. There’s also the hint of a romance for Cate with the local doctor/coroner, Henry Powers, and I’m excited to see where that goes.
The investigation into the bones found on Ruby’s Island was an interesting one and I was curious who the culprit behind the death would be. I have to say I was quite surprised by who it was as I had a different suspect in mind. I like that there will be a common thread running through these novellas as Cate and Tessa look into the disappearance of their friend Samantha. I’m quite interested to find out what happened to her as they didn’t go too much into detail in this first novella.
Close to the Bone was a great introduction to the Widow’s Island series and I’m excited to see where future books take the story.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back home on remote Widow’s Island while she recovers from an injury sustained on the job. In the middle of the night she gets a call that bones have been found on a nearby island and with the ferry from the mainland down, Cate is the only agent close enough to work the case. Cate quickly begins to see similarities between this victim and her best friend who has been missing for nearly twenty years. As Cate begins working the case, it becomes clear someone will do anything to keep this secret buried.
Cate was injured three weeks prior to the start of the book and is still recovering when the story starts. Cate does experience some physical difficulties because of her injury and I liked that she wasn’t superwoman who didn’t feel any pain. In addition to Cate working the case there is also Tessa Black, Cate’s childhood friend who became a local deputy. Cate and Tessa are both forced to relive what happened to Samantha due to the similarities to the case they’re working. There’s also the hint of a romance for Cate with the local doctor/coroner, Henry Powers, and I’m excited to see where that goes.
The investigation into the bones found on Ruby’s Island was an interesting one and I was curious who the culprit behind the death would be. I have to say I was quite surprised by who it was as I had a different suspect in mind. I like that there will be a common thread running through these novellas as Cate and Tessa look into the disappearance of their friend Samantha. I’m quite interested to find out what happened to her as they didn’t go too much into detail in this first novella.
Close to the Bone was a great introduction to the Widow’s Island series and I’m excited to see where future books take the story.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
October 22, 2018
I've been enjoying Elliot's FBI series, Mercy Kilpatrick and was curious about her Rogue River series of novellas written with author Melinda Leigh. So when I got the chance to review this new series by them I jumped in. I am so thrilled that I did. Right now there are four books slated; Close to the Bone, A Bone to Pick, Whisper of Bones, and Bred in the Bone. They are all available in KU, Kindle, and it looks like Audible.
In Close to the Bone, FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde has returned to her childhood home to heal from a gunshot wound. With the ferry put of commission, they call Cate in to be the FBI liaison on a case. The locals have found the skeletal remains of a teenager on a nearby island. The FBI believes it might be the bones of a young girl who went missing two years ago. Cate cannot help but wonder if it might be the bones of her childhood friend who went missing. On the island she meets up with a childhood friend, Tessa Black. Tessa is now a local deputy.
I love small-town island settings. At the crime scene we meet the local doctor, Dr. Henry Powers. Powers is new to the island and imagine his surprise when he learns he is also the county coroner. I quickly slipped into the story. While this is a novella, it didn’t feel rushed because there are overall series arcs and we get to know key town players. We even get hints at a romance.
What I appreciated was that they solved the current case. It wrapped up quickly but felt realistic. I loved the stories surrounding the island’s name and the surrounding islands. Cate herself, or her family is part of that history. I loved the setting, but I don’t think I will take my husband there to live anytime soon. You will understand when you read the book.
A great start to a promising new series, Close to the Bone is the perfect romantic suspense, mystery-thriller to dive into this fall. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In Close to the Bone, FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde has returned to her childhood home to heal from a gunshot wound. With the ferry put of commission, they call Cate in to be the FBI liaison on a case. The locals have found the skeletal remains of a teenager on a nearby island. The FBI believes it might be the bones of a young girl who went missing two years ago. Cate cannot help but wonder if it might be the bones of her childhood friend who went missing. On the island she meets up with a childhood friend, Tessa Black. Tessa is now a local deputy.
I love small-town island settings. At the crime scene we meet the local doctor, Dr. Henry Powers. Powers is new to the island and imagine his surprise when he learns he is also the county coroner. I quickly slipped into the story. While this is a novella, it didn’t feel rushed because there are overall series arcs and we get to know key town players. We even get hints at a romance.
What I appreciated was that they solved the current case. It wrapped up quickly but felt realistic. I loved the stories surrounding the island’s name and the surrounding islands. Cate herself, or her family is part of that history. I loved the setting, but I don’t think I will take my husband there to live anytime soon. You will understand when you read the book.
A great start to a promising new series, Close to the Bone is the perfect romantic suspense, mystery-thriller to dive into this fall. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
October 16, 2019
I love craft beer and real ale. If is often a real delight to sample a drink that comes about through the combined efforts of two separate breweries.
Switching to my joy of reading. When I learned that two established and talented writers were working together on a new novella series I wanted to read them early and was grateful to receive advanced reader’s copies of the first two books.
This is number one, with the additional need to set up the series and establish a sense of place and its inhabitants. I found the location extremely interesting and fun. The closed community especially outside of the tourist season was penned with detail and a little mischief.
The concept of widows and the spirit of feeling you belong was a good aspect of laying down the magic and the mystery of the place.
The story was carefully revealed with a number of issues unresolved going forward. Already the sense of a closed and potentially isolated community stuck on a Island has been added to the mix.
I liked the idea of things from the past changing you as a person both for the worse, as much as placing new determination in your attitudes and desires.
The seeds of romance have been sown; future investigations opened up and unused characters introduced.
In book 2 the other partner in this project takes up the story. I can’t wait to read on and contrast their writing style.
For now I am hooked and have a greater appreciation for a new author to me. Not sure if I am sold on the use of italics to reveal what some characters are thinking in addition to their spoken words.
Short enough to finish in one session and a story in its own right. Satisfying read and of a high standard that you want to pick up the lives of Widow’s Island again.
Will be devoured by fans of these fine authors but should also introduce their talents to a new group of readers as well. I for one have been won over.
Switching to my joy of reading. When I learned that two established and talented writers were working together on a new novella series I wanted to read them early and was grateful to receive advanced reader’s copies of the first two books.
This is number one, with the additional need to set up the series and establish a sense of place and its inhabitants. I found the location extremely interesting and fun. The closed community especially outside of the tourist season was penned with detail and a little mischief.
The concept of widows and the spirit of feeling you belong was a good aspect of laying down the magic and the mystery of the place.
The story was carefully revealed with a number of issues unresolved going forward. Already the sense of a closed and potentially isolated community stuck on a Island has been added to the mix.
I liked the idea of things from the past changing you as a person both for the worse, as much as placing new determination in your attitudes and desires.
The seeds of romance have been sown; future investigations opened up and unused characters introduced.
In book 2 the other partner in this project takes up the story. I can’t wait to read on and contrast their writing style.
For now I am hooked and have a greater appreciation for a new author to me. Not sure if I am sold on the use of italics to reveal what some characters are thinking in addition to their spoken words.
Short enough to finish in one session and a story in its own right. Satisfying read and of a high standard that you want to pick up the lives of Widow’s Island again.
Will be devoured by fans of these fine authors but should also introduce their talents to a new group of readers as well. I for one have been won over.
November 15, 2018
This was a good start to the series! Interesting characters and good suspense! I would have loved for it to be longer!
November 26, 2018
Initial Thoughts
This was a nice short listen. I found that I liked the characters from the very start and the mystery kept me guessing. This was my first time listening to Christine Williams narration and I thought that she did a good job with the story.
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited
Full review to be posted soon.
This was a nice short listen. I found that I liked the characters from the very start and the mystery kept me guessing. This was my first time listening to Christine Williams narration and I thought that she did a good job with the story.
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited
Full review to be posted soon.
October 17, 2019
Considering it was novella the story pretty much managed to wrap itself up pretty nicely. Although it had a romance tag in Netgalley the story itself had no romance. Only a hint of it here and there and considering the series has 6 books I'm really looking forward for the rest of it. I managed to get my hands on book number 3 and 4 thus I can see the rest of the story too.
October 22, 2018
Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh are regular collaborators.
There must be a dozen books in the Rogue ... series. Most of them are around 100 pages so they're a long way from weighty tomes.
They've put that series to bed and have returned with the Widow's Island series. Set on an island loosely based on San Juan and the surrounding islands in Washington State it follows an FBI agent on the island to recover from a gun shot wound and a police officer. While the authors do share characters, Kendra Elliot's central character is Cate Wilde, the FBI Agent while Melinda Leigh is writing the story of Sheriffs Deputy Tessa Black.
It's pretty good.
Obviously with novellas you're not going to get a lot of plot development. You could read any of these comfortably in a few hours. But the characters and the writing is good and I love the idea. I rarely rate novellas higher than 3 Stars but I really enjoy Kendra Elliot's writing and this is no exception so 4 Stars.
Many thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for providing me with this review copy
There must be a dozen books in the Rogue ... series. Most of them are around 100 pages so they're a long way from weighty tomes.
They've put that series to bed and have returned with the Widow's Island series. Set on an island loosely based on San Juan and the surrounding islands in Washington State it follows an FBI agent on the island to recover from a gun shot wound and a police officer. While the authors do share characters, Kendra Elliot's central character is Cate Wilde, the FBI Agent while Melinda Leigh is writing the story of Sheriffs Deputy Tessa Black.
It's pretty good.
Obviously with novellas you're not going to get a lot of plot development. You could read any of these comfortably in a few hours. But the characters and the writing is good and I love the idea. I rarely rate novellas higher than 3 Stars but I really enjoy Kendra Elliot's writing and this is no exception so 4 Stars.
Many thanks to Montlake Romance and Netgalley for providing me with this review copy
January 1, 2019
This story fails in its various genre attempts, but it's paced well-enough and the characters are interesting enough that it's enjoyable. Enough. I can't say it's a success as a mystery because the main characters solves literally nothing. I can't say it's a success as a romance because it ends before anything interesting has time to start.
What it delivers is an interesting locale populated by characters that were fun to get to know and just a little bit of the mystical for spice. Fortunately, it's also short so I didn't have time to wear myself out on the small-town/island thing. So I'm going to tag it with three stars and call it good, but not one I'll be eager to follow-up on.
A note about my romance tags: There's no romance, really, so no chaste or steam.
What it delivers is an interesting locale populated by characters that were fun to get to know and just a little bit of the mystical for spice. Fortunately, it's also short so I didn't have time to wear myself out on the small-town/island thing. So I'm going to tag it with three stars and call it good, but not one I'll be eager to follow-up on.
A note about my romance tags: There's no romance, really, so no chaste or steam.
December 20, 2021
This was a great novella in the "Widow's Island" series. I loved the idea of two authors taking the reigns when writing for different characters too.
"Close to the Bone" follows FBI Agent, Cate Wilde as she recovers at the home of her grandmother on Widow's Island. Cate hasn't been home in a bit and is doing her best to hide out from the rest of the island population. However, when skeletal remains are found, Cate goes to help out the local deputy who happens to be her childhood best friend, Tessa Black. Both Cate and Tessa wonder if the remains could be their childhood best friend Samantha, who has been missing for over 20 years.
I liked Cate and Tessa in this one. It lays down the foundation of the series very well. We get a little love interest with the local doctor (also coroner) but it didn't overwhelm the main mystery.
"Close to the Bone" follows FBI Agent, Cate Wilde as she recovers at the home of her grandmother on Widow's Island. Cate hasn't been home in a bit and is doing her best to hide out from the rest of the island population. However, when skeletal remains are found, Cate goes to help out the local deputy who happens to be her childhood best friend, Tessa Black. Both Cate and Tessa wonder if the remains could be their childhood best friend Samantha, who has been missing for over 20 years.
I liked Cate and Tessa in this one. It lays down the foundation of the series very well. We get a little love interest with the local doctor (also coroner) but it didn't overwhelm the main mystery.
November 17, 2018
Close to the Bone by Kendra Elliot is the first book in the new romantic suspense Widow’s Island series. This is a series written by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, with them alternating books. They are all novellas, yet read like a full length story.
This book introduces the reader to FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde. She was suffering from a gun shot injury and came home to Widow Island to recuperate. Her recuperation is cut short when a skeleton is found on a nearby island and she is the only agent close enough to respond. Cate teams up with her old friend Tessa Black, who is a deputy. When Cate and Tessa were 15, a friend disappeared, so they are wondering if this skeleton could be her, or is the local girl who went missing two years earlier. We also meet Henry, the new doctor to the island, who did not know that meant he was also the coroner. There are some sparks between Henry and Cate that I hope will come to fruition in future books.
Close to the Bone was a great start to this series. It is surprising that even with the short novella length story, the plot is well done with all the elements of a good mystery. The characters were fleshed out enough that I got to know them well enough to be looking forward to what will come next in their lives. Well done Kendra Elliot. I listened to this book from Kindle Unlimited and enjoy the narration for this quick read and I hope to continue listening to this series.
This book introduces the reader to FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde. She was suffering from a gun shot injury and came home to Widow Island to recuperate. Her recuperation is cut short when a skeleton is found on a nearby island and she is the only agent close enough to respond. Cate teams up with her old friend Tessa Black, who is a deputy. When Cate and Tessa were 15, a friend disappeared, so they are wondering if this skeleton could be her, or is the local girl who went missing two years earlier. We also meet Henry, the new doctor to the island, who did not know that meant he was also the coroner. There are some sparks between Henry and Cate that I hope will come to fruition in future books.
Close to the Bone was a great start to this series. It is surprising that even with the short novella length story, the plot is well done with all the elements of a good mystery. The characters were fleshed out enough that I got to know them well enough to be looking forward to what will come next in their lives. Well done Kendra Elliot. I listened to this book from Kindle Unlimited and enjoy the narration for this quick read and I hope to continue listening to this series.
October 23, 2018
Not the best of the co-author novella series, but it’s the starter. There is world building to add in a short book. The wrap up of the mystery happened too fast, and I didn’t feel the explanation was enough though it was. I don’t know. Hard to explain. It felt as though it came out of left field.
I didn’t really feel the romance connection. Like there wasn’t that spark for the slow burn to come. We were told, but I didn’t feel it.
I think it was because the author wasn’t given enough word count to accomplish this. Another chapter or two and maybe this could have been really good.
I didn’t really feel the romance connection. Like there wasn’t that spark for the slow burn to come. We were told, but I didn’t feel it.
I think it was because the author wasn’t given enough word count to accomplish this. Another chapter or two and maybe this could have been really good.
July 9, 2020
3 stars
This one is ok. I didn't connect with it maybe because previous books have had more action, etc. The investigation was nil and the culprit gave himself away in a very obvious way. This book felt more like a facilitation of a relationship between Cate and Henry than a mystery, crime, procedural, etc. I may read the next one and see if the investigation of the Cate's missing childhood friend is ever solved.
This one is ok. I didn't connect with it maybe because previous books have had more action, etc. The investigation was nil and the culprit gave himself away in a very obvious way. This book felt more like a facilitation of a relationship between Cate and Henry than a mystery, crime, procedural, etc. I may read the next one and see if the investigation of the Cate's missing childhood friend is ever solved.
July 22, 2024
4 Stars!!
This is the first book in another series of novellas by these two authors, I do love their writing and I am hoping this series has a little more substance. I think it will if this book is anything to go by, I am already hooked on the mystery.
I will write a full review at the end of the series as each book is so short.
This is the first book in another series of novellas by these two authors, I do love their writing and I am hoping this series has a little more substance. I think it will if this book is anything to go by, I am already hooked on the mystery.
I will write a full review at the end of the series as each book is so short.
October 26, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
Book #1 in the Widow's Island Novella Series is a wonderful look at the life of an island off to the Washington State coast. It is also a great little cozy mystery that, while short, packs a lot into its' pages. I loved the previous collaborations of these two authors, Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, and all their standalone, individual books. This short novella has a mystery, a budding romance and suspense. A lot to pack into a novella.
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde has returned home to Widows Island in the Pacific Northwest to recover from a gunshot wound and the PTSD that accompanied the shooting. She has been laying low at her grandmother's home when she is called to investigate human remains found on a nearby private island.
Nearly twenty years ago Cate's friend, fourteen year-old Samantha Bishop went missing. Two years ago another fourteen year-old, Becca Conan, disappeared without a trace. Could the remains be one of these missing girls? Cate and her best friend, Deputy Tessa Black, must uncover who the remains belong to and, possibly, solve a twenty year old murder. With the help of the new, hot doctor/coroner, Henry Powers, Cate must battle, remote location, weather and her own demons to being justice to one of these girls.
Book #1 in the Widow's Island Novella Series is a wonderful look at the life of an island off to the Washington State coast. It is also a great little cozy mystery that, while short, packs a lot into its' pages. I loved the previous collaborations of these two authors, Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh, and all their standalone, individual books. This short novella has a mystery, a budding romance and suspense. A lot to pack into a novella.
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde has returned home to Widows Island in the Pacific Northwest to recover from a gunshot wound and the PTSD that accompanied the shooting. She has been laying low at her grandmother's home when she is called to investigate human remains found on a nearby private island.
Nearly twenty years ago Cate's friend, fourteen year-old Samantha Bishop went missing. Two years ago another fourteen year-old, Becca Conan, disappeared without a trace. Could the remains be one of these missing girls? Cate and her best friend, Deputy Tessa Black, must uncover who the remains belong to and, possibly, solve a twenty year old murder. With the help of the new, hot doctor/coroner, Henry Powers, Cate must battle, remote location, weather and her own demons to being justice to one of these girls.
October 30, 2018
This wasn't Kendra Elliot's best novella, but it wasn't bad either. There was decent character and setting development and I'm interested in reading more about this place. The romance was barely there, and that's ok, too, since I know there are future installments to enjoy. Overall, a decent beginning to a novella series.
June 11, 2020
I really liked (and appreciated) how packed full this little, quick read was. It was full of everything I like in mysteries and the added paranormal element was a bonus. Will definitely be checking out the next book! These are perfect for sitting in the sun and reading for an hour or two.
July 18, 2020
↠3+
This was pretty enjoyable, too bad it’s so short. Since it’s a novella there was no time or space to get to know the characters or the main mystery, but if I decide to continue it I assume those “problems” will be solved.
This was pretty enjoyable, too bad it’s so short. Since it’s a novella there was no time or space to get to know the characters or the main mystery, but if I decide to continue it I assume those “problems” will be solved.
November 16, 2021
I loved the Pacific Northwest setting of this novella, the well-developed characters and the story. I will definitely continue with the series.
August 19, 2022
Audiobook: Narrator - Christine Williams
While I enjoyed the story, I was not a fan of the narration. All the characters pretty much sounded the same with the exception of the main female character. And they all spoke with a cadence that drove me absolutely crazy. It was as though everyone was shouting, their speech pattern going up at the end of every single sentence they spoke. Very hard to follow the story when the narrator's performance was grating on my nerves.
This was an interesting story that laid the groundwork for what I assume the rest of the series will touch on. I am totally taken with the mystery of Cate and Tessa’s friend. The discovery of the bones and finding who it was kept me engaged and I was left guessing throughout the story. I usually have some idea who the villain is but I didn’t have the slightest hint with this story.
Romance is not the main focus but there was just enough of a hint to make me happy. I loved the secondary characters that added to the story and can’t wait to get to know them better as the series progresses. This does not end with a cliffhanger although there is a thread that will continue through the series..
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
While I enjoyed the story, I was not a fan of the narration. All the characters pretty much sounded the same with the exception of the main female character. And they all spoke with a cadence that drove me absolutely crazy. It was as though everyone was shouting, their speech pattern going up at the end of every single sentence they spoke. Very hard to follow the story when the narrator's performance was grating on my nerves.
This was an interesting story that laid the groundwork for what I assume the rest of the series will touch on. I am totally taken with the mystery of Cate and Tessa’s friend. The discovery of the bones and finding who it was kept me engaged and I was left guessing throughout the story. I usually have some idea who the villain is but I didn’t have the slightest hint with this story.
Romance is not the main focus but there was just enough of a hint to make me happy. I loved the secondary characters that added to the story and can’t wait to get to know them better as the series progresses. This does not end with a cliffhanger although there is a thread that will continue through the series..
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
October 16, 2018
You can find this review in English below.
Este relato corto es el primero de la serie y promete.
Como siempre, la señora Elliot mezcla de maravilla el suspense y las relaciones personales. En esta ocasión el formato no permite que la trama tenga suficiente complejidad, todo pasa muy rápido y falta desarrollo, aunque es interesante. Existe otra trama paralela que queda sin resolver y que parece que se extenderá a lo largo de la serie.
El romance se queda en la primera etapa, esa de conocerse y pasar tiempo juntos. Pero seguro que la autora no defraudará. Habrá que seguir la serie para ver cómo se desarrolla.
e-ARC kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley.
This short story is the first in the series and it sounds promising.
As always, Mrs. Elliot mixes suspense and personal relationships perfectly. This time the format does not allow the plot to have enough complexity, everything happens fast and with little development, although it is interesting. There is another parallel plot that remains unresolved and that, I guess, will develop throughout the series.
The romance is in its first stage, that of getting to know each other and spending time together. But surely the author will not disappoint. We will have to follow the series to see how it goes.
Este relato corto es el primero de la serie y promete.
Como siempre, la señora Elliot mezcla de maravilla el suspense y las relaciones personales. En esta ocasión el formato no permite que la trama tenga suficiente complejidad, todo pasa muy rápido y falta desarrollo, aunque es interesante. Existe otra trama paralela que queda sin resolver y que parece que se extenderá a lo largo de la serie.
El romance se queda en la primera etapa, esa de conocerse y pasar tiempo juntos. Pero seguro que la autora no defraudará. Habrá que seguir la serie para ver cómo se desarrolla.
e-ARC kindly provided by Montlake Romance via Netgalley.
This short story is the first in the series and it sounds promising.
As always, Mrs. Elliot mixes suspense and personal relationships perfectly. This time the format does not allow the plot to have enough complexity, everything happens fast and with little development, although it is interesting. There is another parallel plot that remains unresolved and that, I guess, will develop throughout the series.
The romance is in its first stage, that of getting to know each other and spending time together. But surely the author will not disappoint. We will have to follow the series to see how it goes.
January 1, 2021
I liked the ending.
May 19, 2021
An entertaining short mystery. Perfect poolside reading!
October 26, 2020
A teenager’s skeletal remains have been found on a nearby island. FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde and childhood best friend Deputy Tessa Black wait for forensics to identify the bones. Is it Samantha a childhood friend of the two who disappeared when they were teenagers or are the remains of the teenage daughter of a local resident who disappeared two years ago?
A 94 page novella. I enjoyed the journey.
A 94 page novella. I enjoyed the journey.
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