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Widow's Island #4
Bred in the Bone
In the fourth Widow’s Island novella by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kendra Elliot, the truth of a twenty-year disappearance will finally come to light.
When the town drunk ends up dead in a hit-and-run, FBI special agent Cate Wilde expects that solving the case will be cut and dried. But evidence quickly surfaces that the victim was involved with another crime. A crime that has gone cold for twenty years. A crime of personal importance to Cate.
Cate’s best friend, Samantha, went missing at fourteen, leaving behind nothing except a jacket and an island full of unanswered questions. Samantha’s disappearance has haunted Cate for more than half her life, and she might finally be able to find some closure.
But not everything is as it seems. As Cate unravels what happened on that fateful day, she’ll discover that the community of Widow’s Island is full of secrets. Betrayed by someone she thought she knew, Cate will need to piece together the truth…before someone else gets hurt.
When the town drunk ends up dead in a hit-and-run, FBI special agent Cate Wilde expects that solving the case will be cut and dried. But evidence quickly surfaces that the victim was involved with another crime. A crime that has gone cold for twenty years. A crime of personal importance to Cate.
Cate’s best friend, Samantha, went missing at fourteen, leaving behind nothing except a jacket and an island full of unanswered questions. Samantha’s disappearance has haunted Cate for more than half her life, and she might finally be able to find some closure.
But not everything is as it seems. As Cate unravels what happened on that fateful day, she’ll discover that the community of Widow’s Island is full of secrets. Betrayed by someone she thought she knew, Cate will need to piece together the truth…before someone else gets hurt.
97 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2019
5220 people are currently reading
7647 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Elliot
39 books6,355 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 501 reviews
February 10, 2022
Pretty good fourth novella in the “Widow’s Island” series. I was curious to read this one because we finally get some answers about FBI Agent Cate Wilde and county deputy Tessa Black’s good friend Samantha (who went missing at fourteen, twenty years ago). It is best to read this one with the rest of the series since it deals with an ongoing plot (Samantha). A fast-paced and captivating read.
December 8, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and after I read book 2, I skipped ahead. This book was the one I felt would be most interesting. Our main characters, Cate and Tessa had a 3rd best friend when growing up. Fourteen year old, Samantha, disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Twenty years later, Samantha’s mom begs Cate, an FBI agent on medical leave on the island, to revisit the case. It seems that leads and evidence were t followed up on. Cate is joined by her best friend, Tess and the two of them give it their all to figure out what happened. As with the other 2 books, I enjoyed the atmosphere and the characters. Overall, these are all lightweight reads with good stories. I enjoyed it for what it was. I also loved the twists and turns in the book which made the ending great.
January 4, 2020
Bred in the Bone by Kendra Elliot is the fourth book of the romantic suspense Widow’s Island series. This series is all at novella length and penned by Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh by alternating the books and switching the main characters.
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. Each novella also contains it’s own mystery so they can be read as a standalone although some character development does carry over in the series from book to book for those reading them all from the beginning.
In Bred in the Bone FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde begins to investigate what looks to be a hit and run when a body is found on the side of a road. The investigation however seems to be leading Cate to the same suspects from the twenty year old case of Cate and Tessa’s best friend, Samantha.
This fourth novella in the series is my favorite so far bringing the story around to focusing on the case of the main character’s missing friend we’ve heard from since the beginning. Again, even at novella length this was a great edition to the series mixing both cases and being a detailed story leaving me to rate this book of the series at 4 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
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. Each novella also contains it’s own mystery so they can be read as a standalone although some character development does carry over in the series from book to book for those reading them all from the beginning.
In Bred in the Bone FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde begins to investigate what looks to be a hit and run when a body is found on the side of a road. The investigation however seems to be leading Cate to the same suspects from the twenty year old case of Cate and Tessa’s best friend, Samantha.
This fourth novella in the series is my favorite so far bringing the story around to focusing on the case of the main character’s missing friend we’ve heard from since the beginning. Again, even at novella length this was a great edition to the series mixing both cases and being a detailed story leaving me to rate this book of the series at 4 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
January 6, 2020
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars.
The fourth novella in the Widow’s Island mystery book centres around Cate, former FBI agent on sick leave following a shooting that killed her partner. Returning to her home island to recover, she becomes embroiled in the new local doctor/coroner and the 20 year old mystery surrounding her old childhood friend.
I think this was my favourite of the series to date, aside from the first one. There’s something about Kendra Elliot’s writing that I find compelling and easy to read. Cate is a dynamic character and I really enjoyed the relationship between her and Tessa, which feels natural and realistic. There’s a lot of history between them, tangled up with a guilt and regret over what they think may have happened to their friend Samantha. Cate is also dealing with her own demons, struggling with anxiety and the fact that her time on the island is coming to an end. Does this spell the end of her blossoming relationship with Henry? And what about her ongoing investigations into what happened with Sam?
This took a different turn to the previous novels, starting with a hit and run that is quickly resolved before delving deeper into Samantha’s story. It manages to weave together the stories well, and the advancement of an overall story arc that’s built up over three previous novellas reached a thrilling, atmospheric climax that I wasn’t expecting and really enjoyed. I will say, as with the previous stories, this is fast paced and reaches a conclusion quickly (with some developments occurring rather conveniently), but I can’t deny I was hooked.
I hope there are more to come in this series, as they’re strangely addictive and I’m interested to see what the future holds for Cate, Henry, Tessa and Logan.
3.5 stars.
The fourth novella in the Widow’s Island mystery book centres around Cate, former FBI agent on sick leave following a shooting that killed her partner. Returning to her home island to recover, she becomes embroiled in the new local doctor/coroner and the 20 year old mystery surrounding her old childhood friend.
I think this was my favourite of the series to date, aside from the first one. There’s something about Kendra Elliot’s writing that I find compelling and easy to read. Cate is a dynamic character and I really enjoyed the relationship between her and Tessa, which feels natural and realistic. There’s a lot of history between them, tangled up with a guilt and regret over what they think may have happened to their friend Samantha. Cate is also dealing with her own demons, struggling with anxiety and the fact that her time on the island is coming to an end. Does this spell the end of her blossoming relationship with Henry? And what about her ongoing investigations into what happened with Sam?
This took a different turn to the previous novels, starting with a hit and run that is quickly resolved before delving deeper into Samantha’s story. It manages to weave together the stories well, and the advancement of an overall story arc that’s built up over three previous novellas reached a thrilling, atmospheric climax that I wasn’t expecting and really enjoyed. I will say, as with the previous stories, this is fast paced and reaches a conclusion quickly (with some developments occurring rather conveniently), but I can’t deny I was hooked.
I hope there are more to come in this series, as they’re strangely addictive and I’m interested to see what the future holds for Cate, Henry, Tessa and Logan.
September 22, 2025
Bred to the Bone was another fantastic installment in the Widow’s Island series with some great resolution to the background plot that has run throughout the first three books.
When FBI special agent Cate Wilde ends up at the scene of a deadly hit-and-run, she expects the Widow’s Island sheriff’s department will have no trouble closing what appears to be a simple case. But when it becomes known that the victim was involved with another crime, from twenty years ago, Cate’s life is thrown into chaos. With the first solid lead into her best friend Samantha’s disappearance in twenty years, Cate is ready to finally get the closure she’s been missing for most of her life. But as the events of Samatha’s disappearance come to light, Cate discovers that nothing is as simple as it seems.
Upon finding out this book would finally fully delve into Sam’s disappearance, I was excited that we would finally learn what happened to her. The authors of this series have done a great job weaving little bits of Sam’s case into the books to the point that I was instantly hooked and needed to know what happened to her. At the end of the previous book, Whisper of Bones, a key piece of evidence is found related to Sam’s case and it’s the finding of that piece of evidence that is the catalyst that sets in motion the events of this book. Once Cate and Tessa begin to work towards closing Sam’s case, a few twists are thrown their way leading to a very surprising outcome. The reason for Sam’s disappearance lined up with one of the theories I came up with, but not the one I expected to be the actual outcome. Overall I was happy with the conclusion and I thought the ending of the book wrapped everything up nicely.
Cate continues to be an excellent character and I was happy to be following her perspective again as she’s my favorite character in the series. After being on medical leave from the FBI for several months, Cate is definitely still struggling with what happened to her. I liked that she had to deal with anxiety about returning to work and that she wasn’t magically cured. Cate’s relationship with Henry, the town doctor, continues to be incredibly sweet and I really like their pairing. The romance isn’t a large element of the story, but it is a nice addition (this book was definitely more of a suspense read than fully romantic suspense). Tessa features more heavily in this book than previous books dealt with character crossovers, which is in large part due to the focus on their best friend Sam’s case. It was nice to see more of Tessa though as I really enjoy her and Cate’s friendship.
Overall Bred to the Bone was an excellent read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Below the Bones, when it releases later this year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
When FBI special agent Cate Wilde ends up at the scene of a deadly hit-and-run, she expects the Widow’s Island sheriff’s department will have no trouble closing what appears to be a simple case. But when it becomes known that the victim was involved with another crime, from twenty years ago, Cate’s life is thrown into chaos. With the first solid lead into her best friend Samantha’s disappearance in twenty years, Cate is ready to finally get the closure she’s been missing for most of her life. But as the events of Samatha’s disappearance come to light, Cate discovers that nothing is as simple as it seems.
Upon finding out this book would finally fully delve into Sam’s disappearance, I was excited that we would finally learn what happened to her. The authors of this series have done a great job weaving little bits of Sam’s case into the books to the point that I was instantly hooked and needed to know what happened to her. At the end of the previous book, Whisper of Bones, a key piece of evidence is found related to Sam’s case and it’s the finding of that piece of evidence that is the catalyst that sets in motion the events of this book. Once Cate and Tessa begin to work towards closing Sam’s case, a few twists are thrown their way leading to a very surprising outcome. The reason for Sam’s disappearance lined up with one of the theories I came up with, but not the one I expected to be the actual outcome. Overall I was happy with the conclusion and I thought the ending of the book wrapped everything up nicely.
Cate continues to be an excellent character and I was happy to be following her perspective again as she’s my favorite character in the series. After being on medical leave from the FBI for several months, Cate is definitely still struggling with what happened to her. I liked that she had to deal with anxiety about returning to work and that she wasn’t magically cured. Cate’s relationship with Henry, the town doctor, continues to be incredibly sweet and I really like their pairing. The romance isn’t a large element of the story, but it is a nice addition (this book was definitely more of a suspense read than fully romantic suspense). Tessa features more heavily in this book than previous books dealt with character crossovers, which is in large part due to the focus on their best friend Sam’s case. It was nice to see more of Tessa though as I really enjoy her and Cate’s friendship.
Overall Bred to the Bone was an excellent read and I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Below the Bones, when it releases later this year.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
November 30, 2019
This is the fourth book in the series, but I found it easy to read as a stand-alone book with the great writing and storytelling.
FBI agent Cate is back on Widow's island after recovering from a traumatic gunshot wound and still having some PTSD issues but she wants to keep investigating the case of her childhood friend Samantha who went missing many, many years ago when a necklace of Samantha turns up in a barn on the island. Is this a new clue for the agent or just an old piece of evidence that was overlooked in previous investigations? Cate will do everything in her power along with her old time friend Tess who is a deputy on the island to bring justice for their long lost friend that they will never forget or stop trying to find out what happened to sweet Samantha.
Kendra Elliot is a terrific writer and this was a very fast and enjoyable read. I will definitely want to read more in the series and other books by this author. The book, though short was a very satisfying story!
I want to thank the publisher Montlake Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this very good crime, mystery story!
I recommend to other readers who enjoy a shorter crime story and have given a rating of 3 1/2 Unsettling 🌟🌟🌟❇
FBI agent Cate is back on Widow's island after recovering from a traumatic gunshot wound and still having some PTSD issues but she wants to keep investigating the case of her childhood friend Samantha who went missing many, many years ago when a necklace of Samantha turns up in a barn on the island. Is this a new clue for the agent or just an old piece of evidence that was overlooked in previous investigations? Cate will do everything in her power along with her old time friend Tess who is a deputy on the island to bring justice for their long lost friend that they will never forget or stop trying to find out what happened to sweet Samantha.
Kendra Elliot is a terrific writer and this was a very fast and enjoyable read. I will definitely want to read more in the series and other books by this author. The book, though short was a very satisfying story!
I want to thank the publisher Montlake Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this very good crime, mystery story!
I recommend to other readers who enjoy a shorter crime story and have given a rating of 3 1/2 Unsettling 🌟🌟🌟❇
July 26, 2024
4.5 What a twist stars!!
As each book in this series is super short, I will leave a full review on the last book.
I will say that this one has a HUGE twist I did not see coming.
As each book in this series is super short, I will leave a full review on the last book.
I will say that this one has a HUGE twist I did not see coming.
December 20, 2021
This was so unrealistic. And I hated how Cate just gave up her job. Neither of the male love interests feels real at this point. And if Cate needs Henry to be near her at all times that seriously screams that she needs therapy. No joke.
"Bred in the Bone" follows as Cate gets involved helping with a local hit and run. Cate doesn't get why someone would have killed the man. But when it comes out that the man may have some ties to her and Tessa's best friend who went missing 20 years ago, Cate starts digging.
No spoilers, but come on. That is all I have to say. The novella went totally off the rails and I just shook my head. It didn't feel realistic.
"Bred in the Bone" follows as Cate gets involved helping with a local hit and run. Cate doesn't get why someone would have killed the man. But when it comes out that the man may have some ties to her and Tessa's best friend who went missing 20 years ago, Cate starts digging.
No spoilers, but come on. That is all I have to say. The novella went totally off the rails and I just shook my head. It didn't feel realistic.
November 1, 2019
This well written, engaging romantic suspense novella is a real page turner with a surprising twist and a happily ever after ending. I am looking forward to reading Ms. Elliot's other entries in the "Widow's Island" series with great anticipation.
November 5, 2020
Read like an episode of a tv drama.
The twist at the end was good but unraveled too fast.
I won book 6 on Goodreads so i will pick up book 5
The twist at the end was good but unraveled too fast.
I won book 6 on Goodreads so i will pick up book 5
August 30, 2022
Narrator - Christine Williams
I am not a fan of this narrator but in order to listen to this series I do not have a choice but to listen to her. This time, I increased the speed and actually found that it helped when the cadence of her voice normally annoys me. It’s still there and it’s still annoying, just not as much. (I am listening as these are the perfect length for my drive to and from work.)
Wow! This had so much more than what I was expecting! Lots of twists and turns and in such a small amount of space/time, I was blown away.
I hesitate to say much more because I loved that going in, I didn’t have a clue what I was going to get. The mystery/case is what the storyline is all about. The romance between Cate and Henry is the far back burner but I did enjoy the little bits we were given.
Overall, I still like the series as far as the book itself goes, not so much the audio.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
I am not a fan of this narrator but in order to listen to this series I do not have a choice but to listen to her. This time, I increased the speed and actually found that it helped when the cadence of her voice normally annoys me. It’s still there and it’s still annoying, just not as much. (I am listening as these are the perfect length for my drive to and from work.)
Wow! This had so much more than what I was expecting! Lots of twists and turns and in such a small amount of space/time, I was blown away.
I hesitate to say much more because I loved that going in, I didn’t have a clue what I was going to get. The mystery/case is what the storyline is all about. The romance between Cate and Henry is the far back burner but I did enjoy the little bits we were given.
Overall, I still like the series as far as the book itself goes, not so much the audio.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
November 1, 2019
I devoured this in one sitting. The story focuses on Cate, an FBI agent on leave after her partner was killed. She has been seeing our local doctor Henry and focusing on re-investigating the disappearance of their childhood friend Samantha. A hit-and-run case Tess is working soon gives them a new lead.
Had I read the synopsis I might have known we would be getting answers but I enjoyed going in cold. What a ride!
Cate is set to go back to Seattle after the holidays and I wondered how that would impact the growing relationship with Henry. I will leave you to discover that for yourselves.
Intense with twists and surprises I enjoyed Bred in Bone and look forward to reading the next two novellas Below the Bone and Broken Bone.
As of today the entire series is published and available to purchase on eBook or through Kindle Unlimited. You can also listen to them on Audible. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Had I read the synopsis I might have known we would be getting answers but I enjoyed going in cold. What a ride!
Cate is set to go back to Seattle after the holidays and I wondered how that would impact the growing relationship with Henry. I will leave you to discover that for yourselves.
Intense with twists and surprises I enjoyed Bred in Bone and look forward to reading the next two novellas Below the Bone and Broken Bone.
As of today the entire series is published and available to purchase on eBook or through Kindle Unlimited. You can also listen to them on Audible. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 1, 2021
I listened to this in one sitting. It was darker than I expected and a lot was packed into this short novella. One of the mysteries we are introduced to in book one gets resolved in this book, so it would be helpful to read the first book before this one.
October 23, 2019
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
I have really enjoyed the Widow's Island Series and now that the mystery of what happened to Samantha has been solved, I wonder where the last two books of the series are going to go. This novella is very short and rushed. It definitely needed more pages to flesh out the current murder mystery, the mystery of Samantha and the romance between Cate and Henry.
Cate is an FBI Agent who is home on Widow's Island for medical recuperation after being shot and her partner killed. During this time home she and best friend, Tessa, have been looking into the disappearance 20 years ago of their friend Samantha. They have uncovered a clue that has finally given them a direction in their search for answers.
At the same time a Widow's Island bad boy is killed in a hit and run. Even his father is not mourning his death. But is it a coincidence or something else that the murder victim may have had information about Sam's disappearance?
I have really enjoyed the Widow's Island Series and now that the mystery of what happened to Samantha has been solved, I wonder where the last two books of the series are going to go. This novella is very short and rushed. It definitely needed more pages to flesh out the current murder mystery, the mystery of Samantha and the romance between Cate and Henry.
Cate is an FBI Agent who is home on Widow's Island for medical recuperation after being shot and her partner killed. During this time home she and best friend, Tessa, have been looking into the disappearance 20 years ago of their friend Samantha. They have uncovered a clue that has finally given them a direction in their search for answers.
At the same time a Widow's Island bad boy is killed in a hit and run. Even his father is not mourning his death. But is it a coincidence or something else that the murder victim may have had information about Sam's disappearance?
December 30, 2019
Woah!
This book blew my mind away. It was hard hitting and full of suspense and twisted reveals. I most certainly did not expect how the author solved a childhood mystery.
The characters were brilliant, the fast pace gave me an adrenaline rush. I had to finish this book even when I was exhausted.
A fantastic thriller, eager to read the next
This book blew my mind away. It was hard hitting and full of suspense and twisted reveals. I most certainly did not expect how the author solved a childhood mystery.
The characters were brilliant, the fast pace gave me an adrenaline rush. I had to finish this book even when I was exhausted.
A fantastic thriller, eager to read the next
December 1, 2019
FBI Agent Cate Wilde recuperates on Widow's Island. When a hit-and-run leaves a man dead, they feel sure they can prevent the murderer's escape. The investigation, however, turns up clues in a 20-year-old missing person case. I didn't really enjoy this one. Although it happened near Christmas, it lacked the charm of Christmas stories. I did not read the previous installment in the series. Characters seemed a bit flat, and the story itself also lacked adequate development. I won an electronic copy through a GoodReads giveaway. Although a review was not required, one is appreciated.
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January 20, 2021
#1 Close to the Bone: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2 A Bone to Pick: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Whisper of Bones: ★★★☆☆ | 3 stars
*
Bred in the Bone was??? a roller coaster??? The plot went in a direction I was not at all expecting and that was Very Dramatic. I'm not really sure how I feel about it aside from shocked? It did answer a really big question I had regarding Samantha, but???? I don't know if I liked it or not.
I did love the ending of the novella, though. It set up some really intriguing situations that I'm sure will be explored in depth in the next installments. It seems like there will be some big changes in the characters' lives and I'm curious to see what will happen.
#2 A Bone to Pick: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#3 Whisper of Bones: ★★★☆☆ | 3 stars
*
Bred in the Bone was??? a roller coaster??? The plot went in a direction I was not at all expecting and that was Very Dramatic. I'm not really sure how I feel about it aside from shocked? It did answer a really big question I had regarding Samantha, but???? I don't know if I liked it or not.
I did love the ending of the novella, though. It set up some really intriguing situations that I'm sure will be explored in depth in the next installments. It seems like there will be some big changes in the characters' lives and I'm curious to see what will happen.
October 22, 2019
Kindly received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
This was a nice ending for a good series of novellas. At least I think it's the ending with the mystery of Samantha wrapping up. Although I've got to say I clearly did not see that twist coming till it was presented to us. Considering it was a novella and also like it's predecessors the stories were short and impactful and managed to give a story short and sweet. A good short read for mystery lovers.
This was a nice ending for a good series of novellas. At least I think it's the ending with the mystery of Samantha wrapping up. Although I've got to say I clearly did not see that twist coming till it was presented to us. Considering it was a novella and also like it's predecessors the stories were short and impactful and managed to give a story short and sweet. A good short read for mystery lovers.
July 21, 2020
This series is co-written by authors Elliot and Leigh. I really wanted to like the series. I read a book from each of them in the series back to back. (Ohhhh my head hurts now.)
Elliot’s writing style isn’t quit as choppy as Leigh, but the plot and characters were flat. Bored out of my mind...just couldn’t connect with this. Thankfully a short read and definitely not a fan of F* bombs.
Elliot’s writing style isn’t quit as choppy as Leigh, but the plot and characters were flat. Bored out of my mind...just couldn’t connect with this. Thankfully a short read and definitely not a fan of F* bombs.
October 19, 2019
The fourth and happily not the end of this series.
Taking turns writing these novellas, Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliott compliment each other’s style to fashion seamless stories set in the fictional Widow’s Island.
This is Kendra’s turn and Cate takes on a more prominent role. Deputy Tessa Black is her childhood friend, both grew up on the islands and went away. Tessa returned to support her Mum, Cate is on medical leave following an FBI assignment ended her her being shot and a colleague killed.
Each book is a story within itself, while the family connections, isolated island life and a cold case involving the disappearance of the girls childhood friend recur in each.
Cate and Tessa have found a new clue into Sam’s last few days 20 years earlier when the were all 14 years old. Before they can begin that investigation an islander has been killed in a hit and run accident.
I have learned to enjoy these crime thrillers with a heavy dose of romantic baggage. The older inhabitants take up knitting and social care; they are mainly women, men dying off has left a group of Widows. Maybe it is the sea air; a curse of sorts. Perhaps that is why the younger generation seem to be fostering relationships and all that stuff.
This is the most accomplished one, perhaps because it moves the story on significantly or the threat implied. I am comfortable with the characters, I love the premise of a closed community, the isolation and the sense belonging. They are covered with skill and thoughtfulness. Nothing seems trite or contrived; the cast of characters are believable and the investigations worthy of the crime genre.
I am sure this is a well received collection, enhancing the reputations of two accomplished authors and winning new fans. My male pride caves and lists my appreciation of the duo and this excellent series.
Taking turns writing these novellas, Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliott compliment each other’s style to fashion seamless stories set in the fictional Widow’s Island.
This is Kendra’s turn and Cate takes on a more prominent role. Deputy Tessa Black is her childhood friend, both grew up on the islands and went away. Tessa returned to support her Mum, Cate is on medical leave following an FBI assignment ended her her being shot and a colleague killed.
Each book is a story within itself, while the family connections, isolated island life and a cold case involving the disappearance of the girls childhood friend recur in each.
Cate and Tessa have found a new clue into Sam’s last few days 20 years earlier when the were all 14 years old. Before they can begin that investigation an islander has been killed in a hit and run accident.
I have learned to enjoy these crime thrillers with a heavy dose of romantic baggage. The older inhabitants take up knitting and social care; they are mainly women, men dying off has left a group of Widows. Maybe it is the sea air; a curse of sorts. Perhaps that is why the younger generation seem to be fostering relationships and all that stuff.
This is the most accomplished one, perhaps because it moves the story on significantly or the threat implied. I am comfortable with the characters, I love the premise of a closed community, the isolation and the sense belonging. They are covered with skill and thoughtfulness. Nothing seems trite or contrived; the cast of characters are believable and the investigations worthy of the crime genre.
I am sure this is a well received collection, enhancing the reputations of two accomplished authors and winning new fans. My male pride caves and lists my appreciation of the duo and this excellent series.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
February 12, 2020
In the conclusion to the Widow's Island series of novellas, we finally find out what happened the Tessa and Cate's friend, Samantha, 20 years earlier. Cate is helping Tessa with what appears to be an open and shut case of manslaughter. The town drunk was hit and killed while riding his bicycle on the main road. The driver of the car did not stay at the scene. When they find her, she admits to killing the man to save her son's reputation. It turns out that her son and this man were involved in the accidental death of Samantha 20 years earlier. Tessa and Cate are on the hunt for her son as well as to follow up on a piece of evidence they recovered in the previous book. This was a great conclusion to this series. I liked how the investigations turned out as well as the decisions that Tessa and Cate make with their lives. Another well paced and developed story in this series. I have really enjoyed how these books meshed together and told this great story. Once again, I did a read/listen with this story. Christine Williams once again does a good job with this narration using her voice to add excitement to this story. Well done ladies.
June 22, 2025
This is such a great little series. One of the mysteries that has plagued the island and it's residents, especially the 2 main characters for 20 years has finally been answered and solved. This has been my favorite so far in the series and it's quite emotional so bring some tissues.
December 29, 2019
Widow's Island Book 4
This novella is book 4 in the series by Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot. When a town drunk get killed in a hit and run, FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde , recuperating on the island, expects the case will be quickly solved but evidence quickly services that the victim was involved in another crime that has been cold for 20 years. Cate's best friend, Samantha, went missing at fourteen, leaving nothing behind bu a jacket and an island full of unanswered questions. Her disappearance has haunted Cate and she might be able to finally find closure but not everything is as it seems. As Cate unravels what happened that day and with the help of her best friend Tessa, she discovers that the community of Widow's Island is full of secrets.
This was a fast-paced read and the complementary writing styles of Leigh and Elliot makes for a winning series. A few twists and turns and likeable characters keeps the reader engaged until the end. Hope there will be a few more books in this series as I fee there are more stories to tell. Thank you to the publisher, authors and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novella is book 4 in the series by Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot. When a town drunk get killed in a hit and run, FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde , recuperating on the island, expects the case will be quickly solved but evidence quickly services that the victim was involved in another crime that has been cold for 20 years. Cate's best friend, Samantha, went missing at fourteen, leaving nothing behind bu a jacket and an island full of unanswered questions. Her disappearance has haunted Cate and she might be able to finally find closure but not everything is as it seems. As Cate unravels what happened that day and with the help of her best friend Tessa, she discovers that the community of Widow's Island is full of secrets.
This was a fast-paced read and the complementary writing styles of Leigh and Elliot makes for a winning series. A few twists and turns and likeable characters keeps the reader engaged until the end. Hope there will be a few more books in this series as I fee there are more stories to tell. Thank you to the publisher, authors and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2019
At first I worried. I can't say more without spoilers, but I thought maybe I'd been jipped. But all that's well ends well. It turned out to be a well constructed smoke screen.
I love when these two get together, but I feel this isn't my favorite. Overall, the romantic suspense turned out to be light on both romance and suspense which is disappointing.
An okay read. I think with another 10k words per installment, this could have been fleshed out better.
If I had to pay for it (I have KU and Prime) I would have been upset. But it was a "free" read so to speak. Therefore it was okay.
I love when these two get together, but I feel this isn't my favorite. Overall, the romantic suspense turned out to be light on both romance and suspense which is disappointing.
An okay read. I think with another 10k words per installment, this could have been fleshed out better.
If I had to pay for it (I have KU and Prime) I would have been upset. But it was a "free" read so to speak. Therefore it was okay.
November 25, 2019
This one was really good! A big mystery is finally solved! I wish these books were longer.
May 21, 2025
YERP. Now I remember why I didn’t continue this series… it’s just boring.
October 3, 2019
Finding the jewelry that belonged to Samantha out in an orchard pumphouse where teens used to go to carouse has given Cate and Tessa a new lead to their friend's disappearance. But, in a shocking turn, a seemingly unrelated hit and run death of the town drunk leads them even further along the path to discovery. I just can't get enough of this series and I was thrilled to be tracking once again with FBI Agent Cate Wilde as she and Tessa hunt the cold trail.
Bred in the Bone is fourth of the Widow's Island series that build on each other and don't make good standalones.
Cate was traumatized from her last case gone wrong. She's physically healed and nearing the time when she needs to report back to duty in Seattle. However, for the first time since she was a kid, leaving Widow's Island doesn't feel right. There is Henry and their newfound love, of course. He is the only doctor on the island so he can't leave. But, she worked so hard for her career even if she knows that she still can't return to duty because approaching a closed front door out on a visit with Tessa even if its just to inform a man of his son's death has her panicking. Before she can spend too much time on those thoughts, Sam's case goes from cold case to quite warm and she is dodged to get to the bottom of it once and for all.
This one got exciting and dang it, I can't babble because it would spoiler it for folks. Just trust me, that this one takes things up a notch on the surprises and twists. Great action and suspense along with solid friendship and tender romance. What more could you ask for right?
Christine Williams narrated to perfection and is a staple to the joy of experiencing this series. I get lost in a good way in her narration and this was no exception.
Can't recommend this series enough.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange of an honest review.
Bred in the Bone is fourth of the Widow's Island series that build on each other and don't make good standalones.
Cate was traumatized from her last case gone wrong. She's physically healed and nearing the time when she needs to report back to duty in Seattle. However, for the first time since she was a kid, leaving Widow's Island doesn't feel right. There is Henry and their newfound love, of course. He is the only doctor on the island so he can't leave. But, she worked so hard for her career even if she knows that she still can't return to duty because approaching a closed front door out on a visit with Tessa even if its just to inform a man of his son's death has her panicking. Before she can spend too much time on those thoughts, Sam's case goes from cold case to quite warm and she is dodged to get to the bottom of it once and for all.
This one got exciting and dang it, I can't babble because it would spoiler it for folks. Just trust me, that this one takes things up a notch on the surprises and twists. Great action and suspense along with solid friendship and tender romance. What more could you ask for right?
Christine Williams narrated to perfection and is a staple to the joy of experiencing this series. I get lost in a good way in her narration and this was no exception.
Can't recommend this series enough.
My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange of an honest review.
November 2, 2019
I am SO glad that there are going to be two more books coming in this "novella" series from Kendra Elliot and Melinda Leigh. I have read all the books both authors have published to date and was thrilled to see they, again, collaborated on another series together. They are both such talented writers, individually, so together they pack quite a punch! My only criticism or comment I have to make is really a request. PLEASE do not let so much time pass before the next installment comes in this wildly entertaining series???? Thank you. :)
February 4, 2024
This is the best book in the series so far. I could not put this book aside today because several WTH moments led up to the ultimate WTH moment. My mouth hit the floor. I did not see that coming. Enjoyed this book.
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