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Snow & Winter #4
The Mystery of the Bones
It’s been a full year since the mystery that brought together antique shop owner and part-time amateur sleuth Sebastian Snow with homicide detective Calvin Winter. Patience, sanity, and their very lives have been put to the test, but love has persevered. Although Sebastian is now New York City’s best-known busybody, he’s finished with crime solving and wants nothing more than to plan a romantic budget wedding.
Then Snow’s Antique Emporium receives a decapitated human head in the mail and the holidays are gory once again. Sebastian patently disregards the mystery of a lifetime because he is done with death and danger—but the killer escalates. Before Sebastian knows it, his closest friends and family are dragged into a series of horrific murders with antiquated clues hinting to the infamous Victorian American Bones Wars.
The clock is ticking to recover a long-lost artifact linked to paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope and to capture a murderer. But it’s not Sebastian who may become the next target—it’s Calvin.
Then Snow’s Antique Emporium receives a decapitated human head in the mail and the holidays are gory once again. Sebastian patently disregards the mystery of a lifetime because he is done with death and danger—but the killer escalates. Before Sebastian knows it, his closest friends and family are dragged into a series of horrific murders with antiquated clues hinting to the infamous Victorian American Bones Wars.
The clock is ticking to recover a long-lost artifact linked to paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope and to capture a murderer. But it’s not Sebastian who may become the next target—it’s Calvin.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 24, 2019
71 people are currently reading
488 people want to read
About the author
C.S. Poe
41 books1,306 followersC.S. Poe is an author of gay mystery, romance, and speculative fiction. She’s a winner of the Next Generation and e-Lit book awards, as well as a finalist of the Lambda Literary award.
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
She resides in New York City and is a Gilded Age New York historian and board director for the Victorian Society of New York. She loves Romanticism artwork, the films of Buster Keaton, coffee in the morning and whiskey in the evening, true crime, and cats. She’s rescued two cats—Milo and Kasper do their best to distract her from work on a daily basis.
C.S. is an alumna of the School of Visual Arts.
Her debut novel, The Mystery of Nevermore, was published 2016.
cspoe.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
July 25, 2020
Hmmm, the book was suddenly out of pages...
The ending was a bit rushed - to put it mildly. I would have loved to see them actually getting married, especially since this is the last book in the series. And I wasn't too thrilled that Seb and Calvin were separated for half of the book. When they were together they were totally swoonworthy, though, and Seb was his usual snarky self. I love just love this guy!
Overall ***3.5 - 4 Stars***
The ending was a bit rushed - to put it mildly. I would have loved to see them actually getting married, especially since this is the last book in the series. And I wasn't too thrilled that Seb and Calvin were separated for half of the book. When they were together they were totally swoonworthy, though, and Seb was his usual snarky self. I love just love this guy!
Overall ***3.5 - 4 Stars***
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2019
This was a wonderful ending to the series. Another interesting mystery with a villain I didn't see coming. I love how Seb and Cal's relationship has evolved. I also love how Neil fits into Seb's life and I cannot wait to have his story.
I'm sad to see the series go, but oh so happy to have read it!
I'm sad to see the series go, but oh so happy to have read it!
December 24, 2021
Addictive!!
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Oohhh!
I think this is my fave of the series so far!
Why?
Gory body parts. Again.
Many suspects.
A deadline.
Sleuthy-McSleuth is at it again.
I couldn’t figure out who did it!!
Neal.
This story just FLEW for me!
Great narration.
Now, I’m off to read the next one—ARC! Whoot!
My rec? Best enjoyed in order.
4.5 Stars ⭐️
Oohhh!
I think this is my fave of the series so far!
Why?
Gory body parts. Again.
Many suspects.
A deadline.
Sleuthy-McSleuth is at it again.
I couldn’t figure out who did it!!
Neal.
This story just FLEW for me!
Great narration.
Now, I’m off to read the next one—ARC! Whoot!
My rec? Best enjoyed in order.
January 4, 2024
Ah i loved this one. My favourite so far of the series. I really liked how everyone acknowledged Sebastian’s behaviour in the previous books and gave him a hard time about it and that his reasoning for sleuthing in this one was driven in a different way. Excellent writing. The characters have really grown into themselves and just keep getting better and better. I love a certain character’s redemption, yet it’s always in the back of my mind whether he could be the killer with each case. Great cast of secondary characters. Fast pacing with never a dull moment.
Clever mystery, once again I was on the end of my seat through this one. Loved the lack of cheesiness in their relationship. The ending is rather abrupt and brief, I can see how readers who thought this was the last book at the time of publication would be sorely disappointed. However I’m lucky enough to be reading it with a 5th book waiting for me and a collection of short stories and bonus scenes from the series so the ending didn’t bother me at all. I’m also excited to read Aubrey’s book.
Each book I’m wondering what colour Cal’s eyes are, really hoping Sebastian asks this at some point.
Clever mystery, once again I was on the end of my seat through this one. Loved the lack of cheesiness in their relationship. The ending is rather abrupt and brief, I can see how readers who thought this was the last book at the time of publication would be sorely disappointed. However I’m lucky enough to be reading it with a 5th book waiting for me and a collection of short stories and bonus scenes from the series so the ending didn’t bother me at all. I’m also excited to read Aubrey’s book.
Each book I’m wondering what colour Cal’s eyes are, really hoping Sebastian asks this at some point.
September 29, 2019
So clever !!! The research and detail in this series is amazing - love the mystery, the sleuthing and the adoration of Calvin & Snow ... fabulous series ❤️
October 8, 2019
Great, but the ending felt rushed, as a book, and as a series. It just feels like we needed more.
February 22, 2024
2024 audio
Such a good series and praise be there is another book, lol.
2021
Jeezaluu, the below is my same reaction, literally I was going to give the crying emoji because I am so sad the series is over. Well, at least I know my reaction isn't a fluke. Neil!!! Neil, where are you?!?!?!?! I need my fix! Please! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
2019
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
It's over!!! I am so sad!!! I love this series and CANNOT WAIT FOR NEIL'S STORY! This didn't end like I thought it would but it is still very sweet and nice and loving.
Not going to spoil anything about this gem, you'll just have to read it. 😊
I am going to jump in to the free shorts CS has gifted us. Sebastian and Calvin forever!!! 💓💛💙💚💜💘💋
Such a good series and praise be there is another book, lol.
2021
Jeezaluu, the below is my same reaction, literally I was going to give the crying emoji because I am so sad the series is over. Well, at least I know my reaction isn't a fluke. Neil!!! Neil, where are you?!?!?!?! I need my fix! Please! 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
2019
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
It's over!!! I am so sad!!! I love this series and CANNOT WAIT FOR NEIL'S STORY! This didn't end like I thought it would but it is still very sweet and nice and loving.
Not going to spoil anything about this gem, you'll just have to read it. 😊
I am going to jump in to the free shorts CS has gifted us. Sebastian and Calvin forever!!! 💓💛💙💚💜💘💋
Read
August 20, 2025Buy Links:
Ebook, Paperback, and Audio
audio narrated by Wyatt Baker
French edition
with Mnemosyne Lit.
Italian edition
with Triskell Edizioni
coming soon... German edition with deadsoft verlag
Ebook, Paperback, and Audio
audio narrated by Wyatt Baker
French edition
with Mnemosyne Lit.
Italian edition
with Triskell Edizioni
coming soon... German edition with deadsoft verlag
September 18, 2019
I was a little nervous going into this one...
because it's been said that all good things must come to an end and while I know that this is the end of the road for this series I was also a bit nervous that...given how my luck works sometimes, this might also be the end of my good-book-reading-streak. I've been on a bit of a roll with the last few books that I've read and I've really, really enjoyed them so I admit I was worried that might end with this one...not for any particular reason other than that's just how my luck rolls sometimes and because this is the final book in the series I really wanted things to end on a positive note and since I've happily given this one 5 stars I think it's safe to say that things wrapped up on a very positive note.
I've read each of these books and I've absolutely loved them but this one is without a doubt my favorite. While Snow & Winter might not be everyone's cup of tea for me each story has brought hours of reading enjoyment as well as listening pleasure with the release of the audio books and seeing Calvin and Seb go from what at best could be called frenemies to a committed couple as they stumble through Seb's amateur sleuthing adventures has often been an emotional roller coaster ranging from the hilarious to breathtakingly scary but here in 'The Mystery of the Bones' Sebastian is faced with his most important case yet because not only does his future happiness depend on him solving the case, but for Calvin it could literally be a matter of life or death.
Sebastian's got to rely on his own wit and cunning to figure this one out but Quinn's determined to see her partner rescued and of course Max will do whatever his boss and friend needs him to but these aren't the only people determined to help Sebastian figure things out...Neil's still around and even more surprising than the growth and change that's happened with and between Calvin and Sebastian, is the change in Neil. He's gone from someone who had me muttering 'should die in a fire' every time he was on page' to someone that I want some happy for. I think more than any other character in the story Neil has changed the most and this time he's determined to have Sebastian's back even if it cost him what means the most to him...his job.
Of all the mysteries that Sebastian's had to solve this was definitely the one that had me baffled almost right until the very end. Not that I didn't have guesses as to who his adversary was, it was more a case of they were wrong and I had to keep going back to the drawing board and I love it when a mystery keeps me guessing.
As much as I've enjoyed this series I'm always glad when an author wraps a series up on a high note and I'm left feeling like 'wow, I really love these stories and I'm going to miss these characters' rather than 'wow, thank heavens that's over with and this could have finished 5 books ago why did I keep reading it?' and I think we've all got at least one series that we've read that fits under that last statement...I know I do because I'm one of those people who once I start reading a series I feel compelled to stick with it...I blame it on my book OCD, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I'm definitely looking forward to enjoying the last two books in this series on audio when they're released and if Ms Poe shares the concessional Winter & Snow short story or coda with us...well, who am I to complain.
*************************
An ARC of The Mystery of the Bones was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
because it's been said that all good things must come to an end and while I know that this is the end of the road for this series I was also a bit nervous that...given how my luck works sometimes, this might also be the end of my good-book-reading-streak. I've been on a bit of a roll with the last few books that I've read and I've really, really enjoyed them so I admit I was worried that might end with this one...not for any particular reason other than that's just how my luck rolls sometimes and because this is the final book in the series I really wanted things to end on a positive note and since I've happily given this one 5 stars I think it's safe to say that things wrapped up on a very positive note.
I've read each of these books and I've absolutely loved them but this one is without a doubt my favorite. While Snow & Winter might not be everyone's cup of tea for me each story has brought hours of reading enjoyment as well as listening pleasure with the release of the audio books and seeing Calvin and Seb go from what at best could be called frenemies to a committed couple as they stumble through Seb's amateur sleuthing adventures has often been an emotional roller coaster ranging from the hilarious to breathtakingly scary but here in 'The Mystery of the Bones' Sebastian is faced with his most important case yet because not only does his future happiness depend on him solving the case, but for Calvin it could literally be a matter of life or death.
Sebastian's got to rely on his own wit and cunning to figure this one out but Quinn's determined to see her partner rescued and of course Max will do whatever his boss and friend needs him to but these aren't the only people determined to help Sebastian figure things out...Neil's still around and even more surprising than the growth and change that's happened with and between Calvin and Sebastian, is the change in Neil. He's gone from someone who had me muttering 'should die in a fire' every time he was on page' to someone that I want some happy for. I think more than any other character in the story Neil has changed the most and this time he's determined to have Sebastian's back even if it cost him what means the most to him...his job.
Of all the mysteries that Sebastian's had to solve this was definitely the one that had me baffled almost right until the very end. Not that I didn't have guesses as to who his adversary was, it was more a case of they were wrong and I had to keep going back to the drawing board and I love it when a mystery keeps me guessing.
As much as I've enjoyed this series I'm always glad when an author wraps a series up on a high note and I'm left feeling like 'wow, I really love these stories and I'm going to miss these characters' rather than 'wow, thank heavens that's over with and this could have finished 5 books ago why did I keep reading it?' and I think we've all got at least one series that we've read that fits under that last statement...I know I do because I'm one of those people who once I start reading a series I feel compelled to stick with it...I blame it on my book OCD, that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I'm definitely looking forward to enjoying the last two books in this series on audio when they're released and if Ms Poe shares the concessional Winter & Snow short story or coda with us...well, who am I to complain.
*************************
An ARC of The Mystery of the Bones was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2019
This was a very entertaining ending to this series. Sebastian and Calvin are fantastic together and there were some very lovely moments between them. There was also a lot of Neil but it not only worked for the story but appears to be setting him up for his own series (which I've been told by a friend of the author's is coming).
Sad to see this series wrap but I've enjoyed it a lot.
Sad to see this series wrap but I've enjoyed it a lot.
September 3, 2019
“You really are perfect,” he said. He sounded breathless. He sounded in love. Calvin was the Watson to my Sherlock. The jelly to my peanut butter. Knight to my prince.
On the one hand I LOVED this book but on the other hand I'm DEVASTATED this is the last instalment! I fell in love with Sebastian and Calvin in book one of this series and have loved going on their journey with them.
Antique dealer Sebastian and Police Detective Calvin have been dating for a year and recently got engaged. Sebastian is trying to plan their perfect wedding but finding the process overwhelming. However, as is always the case with Sebastian and his emporium, murder and mystery eventually lands on his doorstep - literally. Sebastian is adamant he is not going to do any amateur sleuthing but when the person most precious to him is targeted that all changes.
I won't ruin any of the plot as I feel the best thing about mysteries is to read and immerse yourself in the story without prior information. What I've always loved about this series is that they are first and foremost mysteries and the romance element happens in the background. This adds a layer or realism that I love.
Secondary characters are again great in this book. It was nice to read that Sebastian and his ex boyfriend Neil are building a hilarious friendship together now. And as previously we have Sebastian's wonderful Pop and their beloved dog Dillon.
"I think our sort of romance runs in a different vein,” I replied. He raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? How’s that?” I leaned back on my hands. “Crimes, clues, my hunky husband telling me to stop, but secretly, he kind of enjoys my sleuthing…. It’s romantic.”
For lovers of this series this is a beautiful ending and I for one am gutted it's come to an end. I have really loved this one.
On the one hand I LOVED this book but on the other hand I'm DEVASTATED this is the last instalment! I fell in love with Sebastian and Calvin in book one of this series and have loved going on their journey with them.
Antique dealer Sebastian and Police Detective Calvin have been dating for a year and recently got engaged. Sebastian is trying to plan their perfect wedding but finding the process overwhelming. However, as is always the case with Sebastian and his emporium, murder and mystery eventually lands on his doorstep - literally. Sebastian is adamant he is not going to do any amateur sleuthing but when the person most precious to him is targeted that all changes.
I won't ruin any of the plot as I feel the best thing about mysteries is to read and immerse yourself in the story without prior information. What I've always loved about this series is that they are first and foremost mysteries and the romance element happens in the background. This adds a layer or realism that I love.
Secondary characters are again great in this book. It was nice to read that Sebastian and his ex boyfriend Neil are building a hilarious friendship together now. And as previously we have Sebastian's wonderful Pop and their beloved dog Dillon.
"I think our sort of romance runs in a different vein,” I replied. He raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? How’s that?” I leaned back on my hands. “Crimes, clues, my hunky husband telling me to stop, but secretly, he kind of enjoys my sleuthing…. It’s romantic.”
For lovers of this series this is a beautiful ending and I for one am gutted it's come to an end. I have really loved this one.
April 8, 2022
Despues del ultimo susto que casi mata a Sebastian, este decide, por su bien y por el de Calvin, dejar de investigar cualquier misterio que le caiga en las manos, y solo concentrarse en planear su boda, aunque esto quizas lo peor que se le haya ocurrido hacer.
Pero al parecer los misterios no hacen mas que caer en su puerta y esta vez en forma de una cabeza humana en una caja. Y aunque esta decidido a dejar que los profesionales se hagan cargo, al parecer el asesino no le hace ninguna gracia e intenta por todos los medios hacerlo entrar en el juego, y lo peor es que ha tomado como incentivo la vida del unico hombre que ha amado en su vida y solo eso lo hizo ponerse a investigar, solo espera poder encontrar todas las pistas a tiempo y asi poder salvar a Calvin de este asesino loco.
Este asesino no lo vi por ninguna parte, y no se si el autor fue tan bueno con las pistas intentando desviarnos a todos a sospechar de otros, o si fue que al final no se le ocurrio otra manera de que el prota no encontrara culpable a ninguno de los que sospechaba y se saco de la manga a este asesino.
Pero en cuanto a los otros personajes, vemos una evolucion bastante buena en Neil, asi como en Max. Beth ha comenzado a ser la "vecina fastidiosa" y Quinn la companera totalmente confiable, ademas vemos al pobre William (Papa) cada dia intentando aceptar la vida de su hijo, pero cada dia mas tenso viendo como sale herido.
Ademas, ya con este libro vemos que el aniversario de conocerse lo "celebran" con un misterio, y aunque sabemos que Calvin es el heroe, tambien vemos que Sebastian debe ser el mas logico y el que tiene mas conocimientos de historia que los llevan a descubrir todas las evidencias y hacer hablar a todos los sospechosos.
En este libro, tambien conocemos un poco mas de la familia de Calvin, y su relacion con el, y si es verdad, me gustaria muchisimo leer algo desde el punto de vista de Calvin, quizas este poquito del pasado de el ayudo muchisimo a comprender al personaje, que practicamente solo es la "pareja" del prota, pero que tiene igual de importancia.
En fin, una serie muy buena, divertida, inteligente, entretenida, vamos a terminar a ver como el autor cierra el ciclo.
Pero al parecer los misterios no hacen mas que caer en su puerta y esta vez en forma de una cabeza humana en una caja. Y aunque esta decidido a dejar que los profesionales se hagan cargo, al parecer el asesino no le hace ninguna gracia e intenta por todos los medios hacerlo entrar en el juego, y lo peor es que ha tomado como incentivo la vida del unico hombre que ha amado en su vida y solo eso lo hizo ponerse a investigar, solo espera poder encontrar todas las pistas a tiempo y asi poder salvar a Calvin de este asesino loco.
Este asesino no lo vi por ninguna parte, y no se si el autor fue tan bueno con las pistas intentando desviarnos a todos a sospechar de otros, o si fue que al final no se le ocurrio otra manera de que el prota no encontrara culpable a ninguno de los que sospechaba y se saco de la manga a este asesino.
Pero en cuanto a los otros personajes, vemos una evolucion bastante buena en Neil, asi como en Max. Beth ha comenzado a ser la "vecina fastidiosa" y Quinn la companera totalmente confiable, ademas vemos al pobre William (Papa) cada dia intentando aceptar la vida de su hijo, pero cada dia mas tenso viendo como sale herido.
Ademas, ya con este libro vemos que el aniversario de conocerse lo "celebran" con un misterio, y aunque sabemos que Calvin es el heroe, tambien vemos que Sebastian debe ser el mas logico y el que tiene mas conocimientos de historia que los llevan a descubrir todas las evidencias y hacer hablar a todos los sospechosos.
En este libro, tambien conocemos un poco mas de la familia de Calvin, y su relacion con el, y si es verdad, me gustaria muchisimo leer algo desde el punto de vista de Calvin, quizas este poquito del pasado de el ayudo muchisimo a comprender al personaje, que practicamente solo es la "pareja" del prota, pero que tiene igual de importancia.
En fin, una serie muy buena, divertida, inteligente, entretenida, vamos a terminar a ver como el autor cierra el ciclo.
December 2, 2024
What a wonderful treat. It's been too long since I've enjoyed a trip through the world through Sebastian's unique point of view. What happens to this guy always has me shaking my head lol. Wedding plans, a crazy murder mystery, and life in NYC. Very nice.
I adore the audio done by Wyatt Baker, a big improvement in narrators :).
I adore the audio done by Wyatt Baker, a big improvement in narrators :).
August 22, 2022
Probably my least favorite book in the series. Full review to come.
November 15, 2019
OK I just plain love Snow and his crazy random detail orientated brain. He's got all this absurd history stuffed up in there and it just makes me smile all the time. This time the mystery's a little too close to home as Calvin's in the crosshairs and that leaves Snow at his wits end. Sebastian just doesn't deal well with the idea of his fiancé being the one in danger. Of course all the random pieces can only be put together in his big brain.
I enjoyed this one a lot even though the ending wrap up did feel a little bit rushed. I wanted a little bit more of an epilogue or something to wrap up a few other threads that had been started or teased in this story. Sure the main mystery was explained (not my favorite of the killer's logic of all the stories), but I got how things came about. Still I wanted a little bit more of an alls well that ends well moment.
I enjoyed this one a lot even though the ending wrap up did feel a little bit rushed. I wanted a little bit more of an epilogue or something to wrap up a few other threads that had been started or teased in this story. Sure the main mystery was explained (not my favorite of the killer's logic of all the stories), but I got how things came about. Still I wanted a little bit more of an alls well that ends well moment.
April 7, 2025
Reread 04/2025 review- 3.25 stars?? I don’t know if it’s just that the last few books I’ve read haven’t been good, but I actually liked this this time around.
Original 03/2021 review- 2.55 stars? Sebastian is an unlikable prick, who somehow manages to be a dumb smart person who lacks common sense. The best part of the book was when Sebastian got excited over an autographed book by Christopher Holmes.
Neil is still my favorite character, & even more so after this book. Also, we never found out how things went between Calvin & Mark. 🤔
Original 03/2021 review- 2.55 stars? Sebastian is an unlikable prick, who somehow manages to be a dumb smart person who lacks common sense. The best part of the book was when Sebastian got excited over an autographed book by Christopher Holmes.
Neil is still my favorite character, & even more so after this book. Also, we never found out how things went between Calvin & Mark. 🤔
October 8, 2024
(4/5) I really enjoyed it. There was a bit more variety than usual. I really wasn't angry about it. And believe it or not, it was very romantic. In a 'snow and winter' kind of way. I really liked their relationship this time.
The case was okay, I think. Not particularly exciting, except for Calvin's part, and even that wasn't groundbreaking or anything. I feel like the case wasn't the centre of the story for once. Not that it bothered me too much, I liked the change of pace, but it made me not focus on the details as much, and I feel like I missed the point of the case. If there was one at all. I can't say for sure.
I also didn't like the perp of this story. I feel like they all have more or less the same background. I can't say more because of spoilers, but I wish it wasn't all so similar.
But I do think this part was better than the others. Or maybe I just enjoyed it more.
“I like you,” I murmured.
“I like you too.”
The case was okay, I think. Not particularly exciting, except for Calvin's part, and even that wasn't groundbreaking or anything. I feel like the case wasn't the centre of the story for once. Not that it bothered me too much, I liked the change of pace, but it made me not focus on the details as much, and I feel like I missed the point of the case. If there was one at all. I can't say for sure.
I also didn't like the perp of this story. I feel like they all have more or less the same background. I can't say more because of spoilers, but I wish it wasn't all so similar.
But I do think this part was better than the others. Or maybe I just enjoyed it more.
May 19, 2020
4.5 stars!!
When the book ended, I was like, "That's it?". I really wanted more! Because it was going so well until at the end where it felt rushed? Or I just didn't want it to end.
Amazing mystery, just like the rest of the series I enjoyed it so much! Sebastian being his usual self . Even when people tried to stop him, he'd do anything for Calvin.
The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down!
Highly recommended series!
When the book ended, I was like, "That's it?". I really wanted more! Because it was going so well until at the end where it felt rushed? Or I just didn't want it to end.
Amazing mystery, just like the rest of the series I enjoyed it so much! Sebastian being his usual self . Even when people tried to stop him, he'd do anything for Calvin.
The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down!
Highly recommended series!
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July 8, 2021I swear, each time I read the next book in this amazing series, it takes me a while to get back up to speed on who killed who in what weird and wonderfully disgusting way. But the one thing that never changes is Seb:
In this final book in the series, Sebastian is planning their wedding (as he says "something I knew literally nothing about"), Neil and Seb finally have a comfortably quirky friendship, Calvin's working partnership with Quinn is solid, Sebastian's father is doing well, there may finally be a reconciliation of sorts between Calvin and his family - it just seems like everything is coming together for everyone in the Snow & Winter universe.
As I set this book down, I had the sense that this world would continue to grow and evolve for these characters because C.S. Poe has set into motion an amazing family of characters who continue to live in my head. FYI - Poe does have a coda, The Pod, on her website featuring Sebastian and Calvin stranded in an airport set after "The Mystery of the Bones." My wishful thinking is that she continues to give us brief glimpses of their life together, and gosh darn it, wouldn't it be nice to get a short novella where Neil finally comes out and finds himself a man and some happiness?
5 stars for "The Mystery of the Bones" and a solid 5 stars for the entire Snow & Winter series. I cannot wait to see what comes next from C.S. Poe!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press / DSP Publications in exchange for an honest review.
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"Apparently, I've got a reputation on the streets."Sure, Seb is a caustic smart-ass but the other thing we know about him is that he loves Calvin, as in "He was my partner. My soul mate. The love of my life. And ... sometimes I had to remind myself that I was those same things for him." And especially in this final book in the series, we see how far Seb will go to save Calvin when he is reluctantly drawn into murders influenced by the American Bone Wars in the later part of the 19th century.
"What kind of reputation?"
I shrugged. "Busybody, know-it-all, I guess."
"And habitual dead-body discoverer."
Couldn't argue with that.
In this final book in the series, Sebastian is planning their wedding (as he says "something I knew literally nothing about"), Neil and Seb finally have a comfortably quirky friendship, Calvin's working partnership with Quinn is solid, Sebastian's father is doing well, there may finally be a reconciliation of sorts between Calvin and his family - it just seems like everything is coming together for everyone in the Snow & Winter universe.
As I set this book down, I had the sense that this world would continue to grow and evolve for these characters because C.S. Poe has set into motion an amazing family of characters who continue to live in my head. FYI - Poe does have a coda, The Pod, on her website featuring Sebastian and Calvin stranded in an airport set after "The Mystery of the Bones." My wishful thinking is that she continues to give us brief glimpses of their life together, and gosh darn it, wouldn't it be nice to get a short novella where Neil finally comes out and finds himself a man and some happiness?
5 stars for "The Mystery of the Bones" and a solid 5 stars for the entire Snow & Winter series. I cannot wait to see what comes next from C.S. Poe!
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press / DSP Publications in exchange for an honest review.
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September 30, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
5 stars
Let me start this review by saying this was the most fun I’ve had reading a book in a long time. I have read and loved the entire Snow and Winter series, but The Mystery of the Bones is, without a doubt, my favorite! It’s a fast paced, entertaining ride that grabbed me at the beginning and didn’t let go until the last minute. Sebastian and Calvin are back, and they’re just as smart and sexy as they’ve always been. Their relationship is sweet, but exciting, and the love they have for each other is palpable. Both men have had the craziest year of their lives. They’ve faced murders, insane criminals, and they have tried to keep their love separate from it all. Both characters are solid and fully fleshed out, and I enjoy reading them. Their dialogue feels natural and flows nicely. Their love scenes are sweet and hot, and they melt my Kindle every time.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
5 stars
Let me start this review by saying this was the most fun I’ve had reading a book in a long time. I have read and loved the entire Snow and Winter series, but The Mystery of the Bones is, without a doubt, my favorite! It’s a fast paced, entertaining ride that grabbed me at the beginning and didn’t let go until the last minute. Sebastian and Calvin are back, and they’re just as smart and sexy as they’ve always been. Their relationship is sweet, but exciting, and the love they have for each other is palpable. Both men have had the craziest year of their lives. They’ve faced murders, insane criminals, and they have tried to keep their love separate from it all. Both characters are solid and fully fleshed out, and I enjoy reading them. Their dialogue feels natural and flows nicely. Their love scenes are sweet and hot, and they melt my Kindle every time.
Read Kenna’s review in its entirety here.
July 24, 2021
This series has not only attached to the storyline, a hot romance...but also an extremely good mystery with a lot of historical background. This one involves deliveries of body parts that confound the police but, of course, are intriguing to Sebastian...and he is off and running...well, maybe stumbling...to solve the mystery. This becomes unbearably serious when someone close to him becomes the target. This is the last book in this series and I am going to truly miss Sabastian and Calvin. I can’t understand why authors of m/m romance books can’t seem to write past the #4.
November 3, 2019
I adored this book ... till the last chapter. There I felt that I missed some pages. And that lost it half a star because I am unsatisfied with the ending and really disappointed
There are some open issues also but I hope these will be solved in the next book.
The mystery itself was well done, and during the whole story you could feel Sebastians love for Calvin
I missed Max a bit but with Neill and Quinn's presence that did not matter that much
Especially Neill was great .... I really hope he gets his own story
So all in all it was a good book on this series. Looking forward to the next book
There are some open issues also but I hope these will be solved in the next book.
The mystery itself was well done, and during the whole story you could feel Sebastians love for Calvin
I missed Max a bit but with Neill and Quinn's presence that did not matter that much
Especially Neill was great .... I really hope he gets his own story
So all in all it was a good book on this series. Looking forward to the next book
March 10, 2025
Riletti i precedenti volumi! 🤩😍
Continua la storia tra l'antiquario Sebastian Snow, con il pallino dell'investigazione, e Calvin Winter, detective della Omicidi.
Seb ha fatto una promessa a Calvin, di stare lontano da indagini e misteri, per dedicarsi ad organizzare il loro matrimonio.
Ma purtroppo i guai sono sempre in agguato.
Nel negozio di Seb, in un pacco arriva una testa mozzata con un messaggio firmato Dal Collezionista.
Ci saranno pezzi di corpi recapitati sempre con un biglietto e se Seb non vorrebbe indagare,succederà un fatto terribile che lo porterà a sbrigarsi a trovare un teschio umano e ha le ore contate.
Mi è piaciuto il riavvicinamento del suo ex Neil detective della scientifica, che lo aiuterà a risolvere il caso della "Guerra delle ossa", lo aiuterà anche la partner di Calvin e Max il suo commesso del negozio.
Il tempo scorre velocemente, gli omicidi si susseguono, la polizia sospetta di Sebastian...
Sebastian rivuole il suo amato Calvin.
💖💖💖💖💖
Continua la storia tra l'antiquario Sebastian Snow, con il pallino dell'investigazione, e Calvin Winter, detective della Omicidi.
Seb ha fatto una promessa a Calvin, di stare lontano da indagini e misteri, per dedicarsi ad organizzare il loro matrimonio.
Ma purtroppo i guai sono sempre in agguato.
Nel negozio di Seb, in un pacco arriva una testa mozzata con un messaggio firmato Dal Collezionista.
Ci saranno pezzi di corpi recapitati sempre con un biglietto e se Seb non vorrebbe indagare,succederà un fatto terribile che lo porterà a sbrigarsi a trovare un teschio umano e ha le ore contate.
Mi è piaciuto il riavvicinamento del suo ex Neil detective della scientifica, che lo aiuterà a risolvere il caso della "Guerra delle ossa", lo aiuterà anche la partner di Calvin e Max il suo commesso del negozio.
Il tempo scorre velocemente, gli omicidi si susseguono, la polizia sospetta di Sebastian...
Sebastian rivuole il suo amato Calvin.
💖💖💖💖💖
October 2, 2019
It’s the end of an era! I’m sad to have read the final book in the Snow and Winter series. I love love love Sebastian. His snark, his unending sass, his love for his father and Calvin, I just love it all.
And Calvin. Mmmmf yum. I just love his love for Sebastian, how all encompassing it is.
This is the most serious case for team Sebastian yet, and I loved the fast paced energy through this whole book
NOW BRING ME NEIL’S SERIES! (But seriously, Neil needs himself a man that is his equal, enough to come out of the closet for) I can’t wait to see who it is.
And Calvin. Mmmmf yum. I just love his love for Sebastian, how all encompassing it is.
This is the most serious case for team Sebastian yet, and I loved the fast paced energy through this whole book
NOW BRING ME NEIL’S SERIES! (But seriously, Neil needs himself a man that is his equal, enough to come out of the closet for) I can’t wait to see who it is.
December 16, 2021
Mystery of the Bones (Snow and Winter 4)
By C.S. Poe
Emporium Press, 2019, 2020
Five stars
Sebastian Snow really is an irritating character. Every time that idea crossed my mind as I read the 4th book in the Snow/Winter series, I also realized that this was exactly the author’s intention. It really has nothing to do with Sebastian’s oddball obsession with the old and the weird—because that defined my life and career as well. And it’s not due to Sebastian’s rare and extreme color-blindness, which creates a fascinating undercurrent. What C.S. Poe wants to remind us is that, in spite of a loving father, who cherishes and has always cared for his unusual son, Sebastian is filled with anger. A child who was ridiculed and bullied, Sebastian carries deep internal self-doubt; something that is being addressed, remarkably, by Calvin Winter. Calvin understands complicated, and Sebastian understands Calvin’s complications just as thoroughly.
This is the essential foundation of understanding the emotional dynamic of these books, and I am impressed by Poe’s consistency and attention to her characters. OF course, the particularly gruesome and hair-raising murder mystery of this book doesn’t hurt. There is a certain comic quality to the story arc, largely due to Sebastian’s flailing and snarkiness. It is augmented by the secondary characters—his assistant Max, his neighbor Beth, his father William, and Calvin’s partner Quinn. These are small but richly observed roles, each of them understanding Sebastian in a way that keeps him anchored.
I have to say, beginning a mystery book with the unexpected delivery of a head in a box is sort of out there. It sets a deeply morbid tone that doesn’t quite get noticed by everyone until later on, when things get really dark and frightening. You’d think it would raise a bigger flag than it does right off the bat. This is part of Poe’s deft handling of multiple plot threads. Sebastian’s life is weird enough that the head, in and of itself, doesn’t immediately suggest something enormously disturbing beyond the fact of the head itself. I love that. The darkness creeps in until it is claustrophobic.
Poe is a master of distraction, which keeps both the characters and the reader slightly off-balance through the entire story. None of these books are “cozy” at all, and that makes them special. The surprise is that they are very romantic, which is, in the end, what keeps us reading.
By C.S. Poe
Emporium Press, 2019, 2020
Five stars
Sebastian Snow really is an irritating character. Every time that idea crossed my mind as I read the 4th book in the Snow/Winter series, I also realized that this was exactly the author’s intention. It really has nothing to do with Sebastian’s oddball obsession with the old and the weird—because that defined my life and career as well. And it’s not due to Sebastian’s rare and extreme color-blindness, which creates a fascinating undercurrent. What C.S. Poe wants to remind us is that, in spite of a loving father, who cherishes and has always cared for his unusual son, Sebastian is filled with anger. A child who was ridiculed and bullied, Sebastian carries deep internal self-doubt; something that is being addressed, remarkably, by Calvin Winter. Calvin understands complicated, and Sebastian understands Calvin’s complications just as thoroughly.
This is the essential foundation of understanding the emotional dynamic of these books, and I am impressed by Poe’s consistency and attention to her characters. OF course, the particularly gruesome and hair-raising murder mystery of this book doesn’t hurt. There is a certain comic quality to the story arc, largely due to Sebastian’s flailing and snarkiness. It is augmented by the secondary characters—his assistant Max, his neighbor Beth, his father William, and Calvin’s partner Quinn. These are small but richly observed roles, each of them understanding Sebastian in a way that keeps him anchored.
I have to say, beginning a mystery book with the unexpected delivery of a head in a box is sort of out there. It sets a deeply morbid tone that doesn’t quite get noticed by everyone until later on, when things get really dark and frightening. You’d think it would raise a bigger flag than it does right off the bat. This is part of Poe’s deft handling of multiple plot threads. Sebastian’s life is weird enough that the head, in and of itself, doesn’t immediately suggest something enormously disturbing beyond the fact of the head itself. I love that. The darkness creeps in until it is claustrophobic.
Poe is a master of distraction, which keeps both the characters and the reader slightly off-balance through the entire story. None of these books are “cozy” at all, and that makes them special. The surprise is that they are very romantic, which is, in the end, what keeps us reading.
August 7, 2025
“M4M. Turn-on: Victorian America, cake, mystery, handcuffs, men w/ badges. Turn-off: Decaf coffee, PPE, being arrested."
4.25 ⭐
Sebastian Snow is retired from sleuthing. He said no more. He got shot, and he wants out. But someone said, sorry baby, you're back in it. No matter how hard he tries to keep his nose out of things, this person has leverage. Something, or someone, Sebastian cannot risk losing.
With time running out and Calvin's life on the line, it’s up to Sebastian and his friends to figure out what the hell this person is talking about with skulls, bones, and dinosaurs. This one really stood out because for once, there are actual stakes. We have a ticking clock, and we feel the pressure as Sebastian starts to unravel at the idea of losing the love of his life.
It’s a good book, guys. I really enjoyed it. Just like the rest of the series, it delivers exactly what I want in a mystery: a sexy but plot-forward experience. I plan to finish the series soon, and I already know I’ll miss Calvin, Sebastian, and the whole chaotic cast of characters.
C. S. Poe turned out to be a great author for me. I’ll definitely be diving into her other series when I’m in the mood for a more slow burn, spice-free, hardcore mystery. I’m looking forward to it.
4.25 ⭐
Sebastian Snow is retired from sleuthing. He said no more. He got shot, and he wants out. But someone said, sorry baby, you're back in it. No matter how hard he tries to keep his nose out of things, this person has leverage. Something, or someone, Sebastian cannot risk losing.
With time running out and Calvin's life on the line, it’s up to Sebastian and his friends to figure out what the hell this person is talking about with skulls, bones, and dinosaurs. This one really stood out because for once, there are actual stakes. We have a ticking clock, and we feel the pressure as Sebastian starts to unravel at the idea of losing the love of his life.
It’s a good book, guys. I really enjoyed it. Just like the rest of the series, it delivers exactly what I want in a mystery: a sexy but plot-forward experience. I plan to finish the series soon, and I already know I’ll miss Calvin, Sebastian, and the whole chaotic cast of characters.
C. S. Poe turned out to be a great author for me. I’ll definitely be diving into her other series when I’m in the mood for a more slow burn, spice-free, hardcore mystery. I’m looking forward to it.
September 1, 2021
**happy sigh**
I've followed Sebastian and Calvin for a while now and I'm so happy with all the progress they've made in their relationship. Calvin is so much happier now and Seb is just as quirky as ever.
I've followed Sebastian and Calvin for a while now and I'm so happy with all the progress they've made in their relationship. Calvin is so much happier now and Seb is just as quirky as ever.
September 24, 2019
What can I say, I’m a huge fan of the Snow & Winter series, and The Mystery of the Bones is the perfect ending to Seb and Calvin’s steamy and sometimes perilous romance. This story has everything. Mystery. Intrigue. Love and danger with just the right pinch of angst. I was sure everything would come out right in the end, except for the fear that it wouldn’t that kept me breathlessly turning the pages. This is a MUST READ. Then grab The Mystery of Nevermore and start all over again.
June 13, 2025
I finished the book. I’d forgotten how smart, witty, and those snappy remarks that just falls off his tongue..that is Seb. I loved all the Victorian historical trivial data stuff woven into everything, it’s what makes this series so great. Along with Seb and Cal of course.
Overall I still loved the book, cause I love this series. BUT the ending was rushed. It did not feel complete for the series, let alone this book.
I’m being optimistic in hoping this is the “final book” in the series of Seb and Cal as singles getting together. And a spinoff of a new series will be Seb and Cal as a couple, team, partners working together. Something along those line. I can’t conceive a spin off series working without the historical trivia woven in...and only Seb can provide that.
Overall I still loved the book, cause I love this series. BUT the ending was rushed. It did not feel complete for the series, let alone this book.
I’m being optimistic in hoping this is the “final book” in the series of Seb and Cal as singles getting together. And a spinoff of a new series will be Seb and Cal as a couple, team, partners working together. Something along those line. I can’t conceive a spin off series working without the historical trivia woven in...and only Seb can provide that.
November 26, 2019
Another fantastic addition to this series. Poor Sebastian! Here's he's determined to step down from him amateur sleuthing, but when Calvin becomes the target, of course he has to step up.
it's great to see Sebastian and Calvin's relationship growing, although in this book in particular I found that any relationship bits and pieces were secondary to the mystery.
My only complaint is really that I found the ending a bit rushed, but then again, that could be just me.
it's great to see Sebastian and Calvin's relationship growing, although in this book in particular I found that any relationship bits and pieces were secondary to the mystery.
My only complaint is really that I found the ending a bit rushed, but then again, that could be just me.
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