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Sarah Booth Delaney #21
The Devil's Bones
Spunky southern private investigator Sarah Booth Delaney tackles a thorny murder while away on a girls' weekend.
Sarah Booth and Cece are in Lucedale, Mississippi, where the newly-pregnant Tinkie is treating her friends to a girls' weekend at the fabulous new Bexley B&B. The facials, organics, food, and fitness coaches are supposed to be phenomenal, but Tinkie's primary aim is to attend the Sunrise Easter Services at the incredible Palestinian Gardens, a miniature Holy Land that spreads over 20 acres and has recreations of all parts of Jerusalem—and to speak with the Biblical scholar, gardener, and creator of the Palestinian Garden Daniel Reynolds.
After waking up at the crack of dawn for the service the three friends wander around the gardens, taking in the wonder of entire cities in miniature and the acres of the Holy Land, with the River Jordan winding through it all. The day is brightening when the find themselves at the Mount of Olives—with a dead body.
Daniel identifies the dead man as local lawyer Perry Slay, who was well known for his sly and underhanded dealings, and had plenty of people out for his blood. When Erick Ward, a local pharmacist, is arrested, Sarah Booth takes the case.
As the bodies pile up like a pillar of salt and the suspect list grows as long as the River Jordan, Sarah Booth, Cece, and Tinkie must resurrect the truth before their own lives—and that of Tinkie's unborn child—are endangered.
Sarah Booth and Cece are in Lucedale, Mississippi, where the newly-pregnant Tinkie is treating her friends to a girls' weekend at the fabulous new Bexley B&B. The facials, organics, food, and fitness coaches are supposed to be phenomenal, but Tinkie's primary aim is to attend the Sunrise Easter Services at the incredible Palestinian Gardens, a miniature Holy Land that spreads over 20 acres and has recreations of all parts of Jerusalem—and to speak with the Biblical scholar, gardener, and creator of the Palestinian Garden Daniel Reynolds.
After waking up at the crack of dawn for the service the three friends wander around the gardens, taking in the wonder of entire cities in miniature and the acres of the Holy Land, with the River Jordan winding through it all. The day is brightening when the find themselves at the Mount of Olives—with a dead body.
Daniel identifies the dead man as local lawyer Perry Slay, who was well known for his sly and underhanded dealings, and had plenty of people out for his blood. When Erick Ward, a local pharmacist, is arrested, Sarah Booth takes the case.
As the bodies pile up like a pillar of salt and the suspect list grows as long as the River Jordan, Sarah Booth, Cece, and Tinkie must resurrect the truth before their own lives—and that of Tinkie's unborn child—are endangered.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2020
197 people are currently reading
1976 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Haines
115 books1,574 followersCarolyn Haines is the USA Today bestselling author of over 70 books. In 2020, she was inducted into the Alabama Writers Hall of Fame. She was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alabama Library Association, the Harper Lee Award for Distinguished Writing, the Richard Wright Award for Literary Excellence, as well as the "Best Amateur Sleuth" award by Romantic Times. Born and raised in Mississippi, she now lives in Alabama on a farm with more dogs, cats, and horses than she can possibly keep track of.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
March 25, 2020
A fun loving “who done it“ with three very charming southern ladies. Sarah Booth,
Tinkie, and Cece are wonderfully written characters that move the story along a fast paced trail of dead bodies.. Since I’m new to the series it took me a few pages to get into the book but once I understood the concepts and the characters, I couldn’t put this book down. You have to love a story that has a miniature holy land in it and a ghost that decides to show up in many different disguises. I look forward to going back and starting the series from the beginning. I highly recommend this book to all you mystery loving folks out there.
Tinkie, and Cece are wonderfully written characters that move the story along a fast paced trail of dead bodies.. Since I’m new to the series it took me a few pages to get into the book but once I understood the concepts and the characters, I couldn’t put this book down. You have to love a story that has a miniature holy land in it and a ghost that decides to show up in many different disguises. I look forward to going back and starting the series from the beginning. I highly recommend this book to all you mystery loving folks out there.
October 24, 2020
Sarah and her pregnant friend Tinkie are invited on a girl's trip to a miniature holy land with a great garden. They find a dead body, a lawyer with many shady dealings. This gives them a long list of suspects. There is a part of the story that I didn't like. Sarah is being stalked and nothing is ever figured out about it. I like it when a book doesn't end on a cliff hanger.
July 21, 2020
Carolyn Haines’ Sarah Booth Delaney series is above all a series about love you- to -the end friendships. Never is this more apparent than in The Devil’s Bones as newly pregnant Tinkie is treating best friends Sarah Booth Delaney and Cece to a girl’s weekend at a luxury B & B outside of Lucedale, Mississippi (MS). The trip is over Easter weekend and a high point of the trip is a sunrise Easter service at The Palestinian Gardens set to the scale of the Holy Land.
The women hail from Zinnia, a small town in Sunflower Co, MS. up in the Delta. Sarah Booth is the owner of the Dahlia House plantation inherited after the early death of her parents. She also inherited a resident haint able to go where Sarah Booth goes. Tinkie is an original Daddy’s girl; she can run on five inch heels and shoot better than Sarah Booth Delaney. Important skills because they are the closest of friends and partners in a detective agency.
Cece is a journalist who had to fight for acceptance as she transitioned from Cecil to Cece. She successfully faced the hatred and became a successful, local journalist. I have loved these women for a long time and I wanted to share some background information right up front.
After attending the Easter service and witnessing the interruption by an angry environmentalist, the women go to explore the Holy Land miniature, aka the Devil’s Garden, aka The Devil’s Bones. They soon find the body of a hated local lawyer. The first of many bodies they will find.
The main suspect hires Sarah Booth and Tinkie to clear his name, but he acts so squirrelly at times, they sometimes have hard time believing his stories. While those two are investigating, Cece has joined up with an on-line journalist and is exploring her potential in that field.
There are a number of things I really like/dislike about this book. First off, I love Haines’s writing, especially her humor:
“I watched in amazement at the things Tinkie’s hips could do. No wonder she’d defied scar tissue in her Fallopian tubes. Those hips just tossed those swimmers right on past the blockage and to the egg.” Tinkie was dancing FYI
I love how I always mistake these books as cozies, and then I realize there are some really hardcore crimes going down. I never learn because I am always beguiled by the people and the setting- mostly common to all twenty one of the books. In The Devil’s Bones , the bodies just keep a comin’, but in a new setting.
I love the unexpected elements she inserted in The Devil’s Bones , such as the main suspect big secret of why he keeps disappearing.
I love the details of her setting; I wanted to cry when Haines wrote about the wild azalea’s blaze of orange.
I do have some definite dislikes; the time line for the suspect being arrested –tox screen evidently magically done in a few hours is hard to believe.
I disliked that Sarah Booth’s traveling haint, Jitty, was a house slave at Dahlia House, a fact that is almost totally glossed over in this book. Jitty loves appearing in different guises, in this book mostly as white women.
I really missed their men, their other friends, the animals and, as much as I hate to admit it, Sunflower Co. I lived in the Delta for awhile; I am here to tell you it is a whole ‘nother world.
I find this series and this book charming and well worth the read.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The women hail from Zinnia, a small town in Sunflower Co, MS. up in the Delta. Sarah Booth is the owner of the Dahlia House plantation inherited after the early death of her parents. She also inherited a resident haint able to go where Sarah Booth goes. Tinkie is an original Daddy’s girl; she can run on five inch heels and shoot better than Sarah Booth Delaney. Important skills because they are the closest of friends and partners in a detective agency.
Cece is a journalist who had to fight for acceptance as she transitioned from Cecil to Cece. She successfully faced the hatred and became a successful, local journalist. I have loved these women for a long time and I wanted to share some background information right up front.
After attending the Easter service and witnessing the interruption by an angry environmentalist, the women go to explore the Holy Land miniature, aka the Devil’s Garden, aka The Devil’s Bones. They soon find the body of a hated local lawyer. The first of many bodies they will find.
The main suspect hires Sarah Booth and Tinkie to clear his name, but he acts so squirrelly at times, they sometimes have hard time believing his stories. While those two are investigating, Cece has joined up with an on-line journalist and is exploring her potential in that field.
There are a number of things I really like/dislike about this book. First off, I love Haines’s writing, especially her humor:
“I watched in amazement at the things Tinkie’s hips could do. No wonder she’d defied scar tissue in her Fallopian tubes. Those hips just tossed those swimmers right on past the blockage and to the egg.” Tinkie was dancing FYI
I love how I always mistake these books as cozies, and then I realize there are some really hardcore crimes going down. I never learn because I am always beguiled by the people and the setting- mostly common to all twenty one of the books. In The Devil’s Bones , the bodies just keep a comin’, but in a new setting.
I love the unexpected elements she inserted in The Devil’s Bones , such as the main suspect big secret of why he keeps disappearing.
I love the details of her setting; I wanted to cry when Haines wrote about the wild azalea’s blaze of orange.
I do have some definite dislikes; the time line for the suspect being arrested –tox screen evidently magically done in a few hours is hard to believe.
I disliked that Sarah Booth’s traveling haint, Jitty, was a house slave at Dahlia House, a fact that is almost totally glossed over in this book. Jitty loves appearing in different guises, in this book mostly as white women.
I really missed their men, their other friends, the animals and, as much as I hate to admit it, Sunflower Co. I lived in the Delta for awhile; I am here to tell you it is a whole ‘nother world.
I find this series and this book charming and well worth the read.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 11, 2020
Carolyn Haines has written another fun Sarah Booth Delaney book to add to the series. Sarah Booth, Tinkie and CeeCee take an all girls’ weekend over the Easter Holiday, when Murder and mystery enter the picture.
August 26, 2020
A fast paced mystery with lots of victims and suspense. Private eye Sarah Booth and her partner Tinkie have their hands full in what was supposed to be a girls weekend in the miniature Holy Land. What happens is not holy.
This is another great installment in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. I have read them all and love how each story is unique yet there is always something that ties them together. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions are my own.
This is another great installment in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. I have read them all and love how each story is unique yet there is always something that ties them together. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions are my own.
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June 23, 2020Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Devil's Bones
By:Carolyn Haines
REVIEW ☆☆☆
The Devil's Bones is a murder mystery of the humorous charming variety. I know a certain suspension of disbelief is necessary, but I just couldn't fall in line with this story. A girl's weekend gone bad is the basic idea. Throw in dead bodies, bad guys, etc., and there you have it. Too many coincidences and a bit over the top antics made this an average read. It's too similar to other stories I've read, and I would love variety. It is witty, entertaining and intriguing, and in the hands of the right reader, will be very much enjoyed. I'm wrong for this book.
The Devil's Bones
By:Carolyn Haines
REVIEW ☆☆☆
The Devil's Bones is a murder mystery of the humorous charming variety. I know a certain suspension of disbelief is necessary, but I just couldn't fall in line with this story. A girl's weekend gone bad is the basic idea. Throw in dead bodies, bad guys, etc., and there you have it. Too many coincidences and a bit over the top antics made this an average read. It's too similar to other stories I've read, and I would love variety. It is witty, entertaining and intriguing, and in the hands of the right reader, will be very much enjoyed. I'm wrong for this book.
October 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
I love the Sarah Booth Delaney series and have ever since I read the first book Them Bones over 20 years ago because I know when I pick up one of Haines' cozy mysteries, I'll be in for a page-turning, suspenseful read.
In this 21st installment of the series, the mystery doesn't take place in Zinnia but in Lucedale, Mississippi when Sarah, Tinkie, and CeCe decide that a girl’s weekend at a luxury B & B is in order after all the things they went through in the last book and to celebrate that Tinkie is finally, blessedly pregnant! It's Easter weekend, and the gal pals are also there to visit The Garden of Bones, a miniature replica of the Holy Land. Of course, trouble always seems to follow Sarah Booth and one murder after another begins to happen. They begin to investigate the crimes but all clues seem to lead to their client.
I did enjoy this latest book by Haines, but I have to admit that it isn't my favorite in the series. It was predictable who the killer was right off the bat, and I really missed having Sarah Booth's dog Pluto part of the story! He's always there to help her, so it was a major disappointment for this dog lover. And Coleman was just a voice on the phone. The dynamic was just wrong for me. Still, it was well-written and quintessential Haines, and the characters of Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Cece, Jitty were, as always, strong, amazing women who I would love to know in real life. I look forward to reading Haines' next book in the series, A Garland of Bones just in time for Christmas!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the review copy.
I love the Sarah Booth Delaney series and have ever since I read the first book Them Bones over 20 years ago because I know when I pick up one of Haines' cozy mysteries, I'll be in for a page-turning, suspenseful read.
In this 21st installment of the series, the mystery doesn't take place in Zinnia but in Lucedale, Mississippi when Sarah, Tinkie, and CeCe decide that a girl’s weekend at a luxury B & B is in order after all the things they went through in the last book and to celebrate that Tinkie is finally, blessedly pregnant! It's Easter weekend, and the gal pals are also there to visit The Garden of Bones, a miniature replica of the Holy Land. Of course, trouble always seems to follow Sarah Booth and one murder after another begins to happen. They begin to investigate the crimes but all clues seem to lead to their client.
I did enjoy this latest book by Haines, but I have to admit that it isn't my favorite in the series. It was predictable who the killer was right off the bat, and I really missed having Sarah Booth's dog Pluto part of the story! He's always there to help her, so it was a major disappointment for this dog lover. And Coleman was just a voice on the phone. The dynamic was just wrong for me. Still, it was well-written and quintessential Haines, and the characters of Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Cece, Jitty were, as always, strong, amazing women who I would love to know in real life. I look forward to reading Haines' next book in the series, A Garland of Bones just in time for Christmas!
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the review copy.
August 6, 2020
The Devil's Bones by Carolyn Haines.
File this one under My Favorites. One of the best if not THE best in the S.B.D. series!
Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and Cece are on a girls' getaway weekend to a miniature replica of the Holy Land in Lucedale, Mississippi. This meant time away from Coleman and Oscar as well as Chablis, Sweetie Pie, and Pluto. As if that isn't special enough Tinkie has done the impossible. She's pregnant even after doctors informed her about the scarring in her fallopian tubes that would prevent pregnancy.
The Garden of Bones is run by Daniel and Paulette Reynolds. A husband and wife team with Daniel Reynolds being a biblical scholar.
The food was great prepared daily by donna the owner of the B & B they were staying at. All seemed a true garden of Eden for the girls...that was until the body of Perry slay was discovered by the Mount of Olives. True he was disliked or even hated by many in that small town due to his underhanded tactics with the law victimizing many of the townsfolks. However, the hunt was on for the perpetrator. Sarah Booth and Tinkie were enlisted as P.I.'s by Erik the town's pharmacist. Too many clues were easily found that all pointed to him as the murderer and he had more of a reason to murder Perry Slay than an alibi.
This was the most exciting and thought-provoking Sarah booth Delany to date. along with Jitty turning up when least expected. 5 Stars and then some.
File this one under My Favorites. One of the best if not THE best in the S.B.D. series!
Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and Cece are on a girls' getaway weekend to a miniature replica of the Holy Land in Lucedale, Mississippi. This meant time away from Coleman and Oscar as well as Chablis, Sweetie Pie, and Pluto. As if that isn't special enough Tinkie has done the impossible. She's pregnant even after doctors informed her about the scarring in her fallopian tubes that would prevent pregnancy.
The Garden of Bones is run by Daniel and Paulette Reynolds. A husband and wife team with Daniel Reynolds being a biblical scholar.
The food was great prepared daily by donna the owner of the B & B they were staying at. All seemed a true garden of Eden for the girls...that was until the body of Perry slay was discovered by the Mount of Olives. True he was disliked or even hated by many in that small town due to his underhanded tactics with the law victimizing many of the townsfolks. However, the hunt was on for the perpetrator. Sarah Booth and Tinkie were enlisted as P.I.'s by Erik the town's pharmacist. Too many clues were easily found that all pointed to him as the murderer and he had more of a reason to murder Perry Slay than an alibi.
This was the most exciting and thought-provoking Sarah booth Delany to date. along with Jitty turning up when least expected. 5 Stars and then some.
September 7, 2020
The Devils Bones is the 21st installment in the “A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery” series. I haven't read the whole series (Maybe 4) but boy I wish I had as I love Sarah Booth! I always walk away having learned something when I read one of Carolyn’s books. With all this said you can easily read this book as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading in order.
Sarah Booth is a strong and intelligent protagonist and all the characters are fully developed with some quirky attributes. I loved how important Sarah Booth's friends are to her Tinkie, CeCe, and Coleman. The inclusion of her haint (Dahlia House's ghost Jetty) who helps by giving clue from the beyond to help solve the mystery. I really enjoyed learning about the miniature Holy Land in Lucedale, Missisippi .
There were plenty of twists and turns and lots of suspects to choose from this go around and the main suspect did not help himself what so ever. I found this book to be a real page-turner, suspenseful, read that had me second guessing up till the end. I did figure out who the Miller was but I was wrong about the why until close to the end.
I'll be reading more of this author, I highly recommend this book and series.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sarah Booth is a strong and intelligent protagonist and all the characters are fully developed with some quirky attributes. I loved how important Sarah Booth's friends are to her Tinkie, CeCe, and Coleman. The inclusion of her haint (Dahlia House's ghost Jetty) who helps by giving clue from the beyond to help solve the mystery. I really enjoyed learning about the miniature Holy Land in Lucedale, Missisippi .
There were plenty of twists and turns and lots of suspects to choose from this go around and the main suspect did not help himself what so ever. I found this book to be a real page-turner, suspenseful, read that had me second guessing up till the end. I did figure out who the Miller was but I was wrong about the why until close to the end.
I'll be reading more of this author, I highly recommend this book and series.
I requested and received an Advanced Reader Copy from Minotaur Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 22, 2020
A new Sarah Booth Delaney mystery is reason to rejoice, I can always depend on being transported to the deep South and loosing myself in plot twists that keep you barreling through and turning pages faster than should be humanly possible. Carolyn Haines delivers once again in the latest SBD mystery, The Devil’s Bone...though the locale is different than Sarah Booth’s hometown, the miniature authentic Holy Land attraction that takes its place, comes to life through the author’s gift for bring three dimensional characters to life on the two dimensional page, by taking the reader on a thoroughly enjoyable roller coaster ride of ever changing directions to the plot.
Immersing yourself in The Devil’s Bones is sure to give you a respite from the fearfulness that’s running rampant right now...and have you already wishing for the next installment...more to see how Ms Haines can outdo herself in the direction Sarah Booth’s life is headed!
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Immersing yourself in The Devil’s Bones is sure to give you a respite from the fearfulness that’s running rampant right now...and have you already wishing for the next installment...more to see how Ms Haines can outdo herself in the direction Sarah Booth’s life is headed!
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
July 24, 2020
I have been trying to read this book for the last 3 days, which is forever for me, as I usually can do it in one day. This series has been going downhill for me for a while, yet I kept reading, not sure why. With this book I'm calling it a day. I can't handle the way that Sarah Booth goes through men, why she can't decide on one of them, the way that jitty haunts her. It's really too bad too, because with Tinky being pregnant there are bound to be interesting fun there.
February 23, 2022
I read most of Carolyn Haines Sarah Booth series. This one where they Sarah Booth Tinkie and CeCe go to a Garden Of Bone Replica of Holy Land. Funky is pregnat. At the replica Holy Land 2 deaths and 2 people got hurt and Two others were dead and tied up. To much murders for me in this one. I always like Carolyn books don't get me wrong. I recommend reading most of her books
August 16, 2020
So, Tinkie is pregnant and Sarah Booth agrees to ‘take on’ small-town Lucedale, Mississippi for the celebration of life. The partners’ intentions are good, the results—not so much. When a body is found in the quaint town’s recreation of the Holy Land in miniature, the fault can’t possibly be laid at Sarah Booth’s door. Even so, as usual, it’s hers to solve. Hers and Tinkie’s. I tend to agree. If you want something ‘done right’ you must ‘do it yourself’. This is a fun romp you won’t want to miss, dead bodies and all. (And I don’t think I say that just because the setting is my adopted town and I love it.)
March 21, 2020
A girl's weekend with Tinkie, Cece, and Sarah Booth turns out to be the deadliest Easter weekend ever. In between bodies piling up, Sarah Booth and Tinkie are shot at twice! How does it all fit together?
Very cleverly actually! Author Carolyn Haines has outdone herself writing this intricate story that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages as fast as possible! Fabulous story-complete with chuckles and Jitty. Don't miss this fantastic addition to the series!
Very cleverly actually! Author Carolyn Haines has outdone herself writing this intricate story that will leave you hanging on the edge of your seat as you turn the pages as fast as possible! Fabulous story-complete with chuckles and Jitty. Don't miss this fantastic addition to the series!
June 20, 2022
This series with Sarah Booth Delaney, Twinkie, Cece and Colman just gets better and better! The twists and turns to the plot had me going and of course, I didn’t figure it out. This book was set in Lucedale, Mississippi, at the site of a miniature Holy Land on Easter weekend. The idea of a park with this theme had me googling only to discover there is actually a place like this that can still be toured. Sounds like a fun time for a road trip! And the ending holds the promise to an even bigger mystery for Sarah Booth to solve, well done Carolyn Haines.
July 23, 2020
3.5 Stars
The Devil’s Bones is the twenty-first book in Carolyn Haines’ Sarah Booth Delaney series. You read the right the 21st, this was my first book in this series and I was a bit shocked that there were so many before it. While this can be read as a standalone I could tell that there was a lot of background information on the characters that I was obviously missing. It did take me a few chapters just to get into the story since I was new to the series, but once I figured out who everyone was and how they all related to each other I was hooked. It is a fun and light whodunit mystery set in the south. By the end of the book I already felt like I personally knew the characters and I will definitely be going back to the start of the series and reading these books. I love a good murder mystery series, especially ones with strong female leads.
This book follows three quirky females: Sarah, Cece, and Tinkie. Sarah and Cece are visiting their pregnant friend Tinkie in Lucedale, Mississippi where Tinkie is treating them to a girls’ weekend at an uber exclusive bed and breakfast. It is supposed to be a fun girls’ weekend filled with your typical activities like going to the spa and eating good food, but because we are in the deep south one of the main attractions is the miniature Holy Land where all of Jerusalem is recreated – this is what Tinkie is most excited for. The friends attend the service at the church and are exploring the attraction when they stumble upon a dead body. Soon there are more and more dead bodies and a local pharmacist in jail. It seems as if the local police are not competent enough for this case and decides to take it on to help clear the pharmacist’s name.
I really enjoyed reading this book, there were parts where I actually laughed out loud, the humor in the conversations and thoughts the character’s have is really witty. It is also not easy to guess whom the culprit was, although at the end you will realize there were many subtle clues along the way that the author threw in. One minor thing I would have liked was a little bit of romance in the book, which was missing. Usually when I read cozy mysteries there is an underlying romance going on, maybe this was explored in the previous books. It is not a huge thing, but I like a bit of romance to cut through some of the gritty crime.
I recommend this book for those who want a classic southern whodunit.
~ Harshita
Will post on blog this week
The Devil’s Bones is the twenty-first book in Carolyn Haines’ Sarah Booth Delaney series. You read the right the 21st, this was my first book in this series and I was a bit shocked that there were so many before it. While this can be read as a standalone I could tell that there was a lot of background information on the characters that I was obviously missing. It did take me a few chapters just to get into the story since I was new to the series, but once I figured out who everyone was and how they all related to each other I was hooked. It is a fun and light whodunit mystery set in the south. By the end of the book I already felt like I personally knew the characters and I will definitely be going back to the start of the series and reading these books. I love a good murder mystery series, especially ones with strong female leads.
This book follows three quirky females: Sarah, Cece, and Tinkie. Sarah and Cece are visiting their pregnant friend Tinkie in Lucedale, Mississippi where Tinkie is treating them to a girls’ weekend at an uber exclusive bed and breakfast. It is supposed to be a fun girls’ weekend filled with your typical activities like going to the spa and eating good food, but because we are in the deep south one of the main attractions is the miniature Holy Land where all of Jerusalem is recreated – this is what Tinkie is most excited for. The friends attend the service at the church and are exploring the attraction when they stumble upon a dead body. Soon there are more and more dead bodies and a local pharmacist in jail. It seems as if the local police are not competent enough for this case and decides to take it on to help clear the pharmacist’s name.
I really enjoyed reading this book, there were parts where I actually laughed out loud, the humor in the conversations and thoughts the character’s have is really witty. It is also not easy to guess whom the culprit was, although at the end you will realize there were many subtle clues along the way that the author threw in. One minor thing I would have liked was a little bit of romance in the book, which was missing. Usually when I read cozy mysteries there is an underlying romance going on, maybe this was explored in the previous books. It is not a huge thing, but I like a bit of romance to cut through some of the gritty crime.
I recommend this book for those who want a classic southern whodunit.
~ Harshita
Will post on blog this week
June 8, 2020
When Sarah Booth Delaney and her best friends - "mom-to-be" and business partner Tinkie and the rising journalist CeCe decide to take a mini vacation to relax and celebrate Spring during the Easter season - they encounter a killer who just may cut their celebration short!
I always think the last book I read in this series is the best and then the author comes right back with another fantastic "keep you guessing" mystery! That's the case with this book. The mystery had many layers and red herrings (loved that!) and was fast-paced. The backdrop of The Garden of Bones had just the right amount of history, spookiness and intrigue. The descriptions of the "garden" made me feel as if I were right there with Sarah Booth discovering clues. The wonderful Jitty made appearances throughout the book. Jitty always enhances the mysteries and brings humor, caring and in this book - warnings.
If you enjoy a mystery with friendship, humor, sweet dogs and a sassy feline, action, romance, eccentric characters and southern flavor, this book is for you! Waiting impatiently for the next adventure!
I received the book as a gift from the author with no expectations of a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I always think the last book I read in this series is the best and then the author comes right back with another fantastic "keep you guessing" mystery! That's the case with this book. The mystery had many layers and red herrings (loved that!) and was fast-paced. The backdrop of The Garden of Bones had just the right amount of history, spookiness and intrigue. The descriptions of the "garden" made me feel as if I were right there with Sarah Booth discovering clues. The wonderful Jitty made appearances throughout the book. Jitty always enhances the mysteries and brings humor, caring and in this book - warnings.
If you enjoy a mystery with friendship, humor, sweet dogs and a sassy feline, action, romance, eccentric characters and southern flavor, this book is for you! Waiting impatiently for the next adventure!
I received the book as a gift from the author with no expectations of a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
September 9, 2023
I forgot how much I enjoy Zinna and all the characters who live there. I briefly missed Sweetie Pie, but Brutus was a fun substitution while Darah Booth and her friends were out of town.
The themes in this one around guilt, blame, and shame were interesting as Jitty paraded through the story as different characters - both fictional and real.
I just really enjoy these books after having a rough start in the series. I'm glad I heeded the advice to stick with it. These books are good for my soul.
The themes in this one around guilt, blame, and shame were interesting as Jitty paraded through the story as different characters - both fictional and real.
I just really enjoy these books after having a rough start in the series. I'm glad I heeded the advice to stick with it. These books are good for my soul.
July 29, 2020
This is the 21st book in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. Sarah Booth , Tinkie, and CeCe are spending a girls weekend at a B and B. in Lucedale. Tinkie insists on attending a Sunrise Easter Service in the gardens. While they are there, they discover a dead body. After an arrest is made, the accused, Eric Ward, hires the girls to prove his innocence.
One of my favorite things about the Sarah Booth books is the appearances of Jitty, the ghost that haunts Dahlia House. I always look forward to seeing who she will show up as. The characters are wonderful. I love the friendship between Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and CeCe. I liked how the mystery came together. There was also a side mystery that tied into previous books that wasn't wrapped up but hoping it will be in the next book. I did have a hard time getting into the book, but I think that was due to the formatting on my ARC as once I had the physical book I found it easier to read. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite things about the Sarah Booth books is the appearances of Jitty, the ghost that haunts Dahlia House. I always look forward to seeing who she will show up as. The characters are wonderful. I love the friendship between Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and CeCe. I liked how the mystery came together. There was also a side mystery that tied into previous books that wasn't wrapped up but hoping it will be in the next book. I did have a hard time getting into the book, but I think that was due to the formatting on my ARC as once I had the physical book I found it easier to read. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2021
In this story, Sarah Booth, Tinkie and Cece are on a girls trip. Tinkie is finally expecting and the women all want to celebrate. However bodies start appearing and the main suspect becomes Sarah Booth and Tinkie's new client. The book was an easy read with an old villain on the scene to confuse matters.
January 8, 2021
Didn’t finish.
August 8, 2020
The Devil's Bones by Carolyn Haines is a pleasurable read, with the perfect amount of mystery, romance, friendship, family, and paranormal.
Will Sarah Booth and Tinkie figure out who the killer is?
Sarah Booth and Cece join Tinkie for a girls' weekend to visit the Garden of Bones and miniature Holyland in Lucedale, Mississippi. Tinkie is pregnant and isn't quite herself in this installment. However, Jitty has traveled with the girls to help keep her eye on them as trouble is headed their way.
The Client
Erik is the local pharmacist. He owns the only pharmacy in town, but Erik has hidden a part of his life from the people of Lucedale. The problem is he doesn't even want to tell Sarah Booth and Tinkie, which makes investigating to clear his name even harder. Erik also can't seem to stay where he should so he doesn't have an alibi for some events. Erik is a fun, happy guy, but he hides his true self because he doesn't trust that the people in town will believe in him. Even though he comes across as an eligible bachelor, I don't think that he is looking for love. Also, he seems a bit conceited too.
The Mystery
There are multiple murders happening and all of the bodies keep ending up in the Dead Sea or nearby at the Garden of Bones. But there are other things going on too like Cosmo wants the garden closed and the water diverted back to his property for the insects and animals in the wetland. Then there is some crazy person shooting at Sarah Booth and Tinkie. Cece isn't checking in regularly as she is trying to work with an online video host. Then she goes missing and Sarah Booth knows that she hasn't left the area.
Jitty
The ghost, Jitty shows up and is trying to tell Sarah Booth what is going on but she is always very vague. However, she gets Sarah Booth thinking and that is what counts. Jitty is such a marvelous character, I adore the scenes with her in them.
These are the women that Jitty chooses to help Sarah Booth in this story.
I absolutely love this series. Ms. Haines has such a fabulous writing style that I am sucked right in. She includes the perfect amounts of life, thrills, and love in each story. I adore the way there is a lesson for Sarah Booth in each case and that Jitty is there for her. My rating for The Devil's Bones by Carolyn Haines is five stars.
If you haven't read this series, pick a book and get started. Seriously, these are some of the best out there.
Other Books in the Series
A Garland of Bones by Carolyn Haines
Sarah Booth has traded in hosting this Christmas season for a road trip with her besties. Each little Delta town has a special Christmas activity, and Sarah Booth’s bff and detective partner, Tinkie, has arranged to rent a limo for the gang and drive to Columbus, MS, to stay in a B&B. Visions of Christmas shopping, parade floats, and romantic rendezvous are already dancing in their heads.
But Christmas cheer soon turns to Christmas fear when, at one event after another, people keep getting hurt. Christmas karaoke gets ugly when one singer’s microphone gives her an electric shock. A party during a historic home tour ends with a fall down the stairs for one of Columbus’s most disreputable “players.” And when the woman who hires Sarah Booth to find the villain behind the so-called accidents is nearly killed with an arrow during a holiday mumming, Sarah Booth knows something more sinister is at work.
The Christmas bells are ringing hauntingly in Columbus this year, and Sarah Booth and Tinkie—with a little help from hunky Sheriff Coleman Peters, of course—are determined to catch the wrong-doers and ensure they receive nothing but coal in their stockings.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Devil's Bones by Carolyn Haines.
Until the next time,
This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove.
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Will Sarah Booth and Tinkie figure out who the killer is?
Sarah Booth and Cece join Tinkie for a girls' weekend to visit the Garden of Bones and miniature Holyland in Lucedale, Mississippi. Tinkie is pregnant and isn't quite herself in this installment. However, Jitty has traveled with the girls to help keep her eye on them as trouble is headed their way.
The Client
Erik is the local pharmacist. He owns the only pharmacy in town, but Erik has hidden a part of his life from the people of Lucedale. The problem is he doesn't even want to tell Sarah Booth and Tinkie, which makes investigating to clear his name even harder. Erik also can't seem to stay where he should so he doesn't have an alibi for some events. Erik is a fun, happy guy, but he hides his true self because he doesn't trust that the people in town will believe in him. Even though he comes across as an eligible bachelor, I don't think that he is looking for love. Also, he seems a bit conceited too.
The Mystery
There are multiple murders happening and all of the bodies keep ending up in the Dead Sea or nearby at the Garden of Bones. But there are other things going on too like Cosmo wants the garden closed and the water diverted back to his property for the insects and animals in the wetland. Then there is some crazy person shooting at Sarah Booth and Tinkie. Cece isn't checking in regularly as she is trying to work with an online video host. Then she goes missing and Sarah Booth knows that she hasn't left the area.Jitty
The ghost, Jitty shows up and is trying to tell Sarah Booth what is going on but she is always very vague. However, she gets Sarah Booth thinking and that is what counts. Jitty is such a marvelous character, I adore the scenes with her in them.
These are the women that Jitty chooses to help Sarah Booth in this story.
I absolutely love this series. Ms. Haines has such a fabulous writing style that I am sucked right in. She includes the perfect amounts of life, thrills, and love in each story. I adore the way there is a lesson for Sarah Booth in each case and that Jitty is there for her. My rating for The Devil's Bones by Carolyn Haines is five stars.
If you haven't read this series, pick a book and get started. Seriously, these are some of the best out there.
Other Books in the Series
A Garland of Bones by Carolyn HainesSarah Booth has traded in hosting this Christmas season for a road trip with her besties. Each little Delta town has a special Christmas activity, and Sarah Booth’s bff and detective partner, Tinkie, has arranged to rent a limo for the gang and drive to Columbus, MS, to stay in a B&B. Visions of Christmas shopping, parade floats, and romantic rendezvous are already dancing in their heads.
But Christmas cheer soon turns to Christmas fear when, at one event after another, people keep getting hurt. Christmas karaoke gets ugly when one singer’s microphone gives her an electric shock. A party during a historic home tour ends with a fall down the stairs for one of Columbus’s most disreputable “players.” And when the woman who hires Sarah Booth to find the villain behind the so-called accidents is nearly killed with an arrow during a holiday mumming, Sarah Booth knows something more sinister is at work.
The Christmas bells are ringing hauntingly in Columbus this year, and Sarah Booth and Tinkie—with a little help from hunky Sheriff Coleman Peters, of course—are determined to catch the wrong-doers and ensure they receive nothing but coal in their stockings.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Devil's Bones by Carolyn Haines.
Until the next time,
This Guest Review is for Baroness' Book Trove.
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
July 16, 2020
I received this book in exchange for an honest exchange. You can receive your copy here : https://www.amazon.com/Devils-Bones-S...
Ok, Carolyn Haines!! This is the 21st book in the series. Most of my reviews say that I have not read the previous books in the series, however, I have read fifteen of the previous books. I have not been able to get my greedy paws on a copy of the other books, whether it be ARC or the book being too old for the library to carry. I LOVE THESE books with every part of my being! The characters are like family at this point and I look forward to the adventures that Sarah Booth Delaney will go on with her highly developed characters that she keeps as company. I do NOT know why Sarah Booth Delaney is not on my TV! By the end of this year, there will be 25 of these books! Alison Sweeney would make the PERFECT Sarah Booth with her horse-riding skills. Alison Janney would make a great Jitty with her physical comedy twist on the ghostly character. Reese Witherspoon would make a perfect Tinkie! I just want to say that I thought all of this PRIOR to reading this book, as there is a Reese reference in this book!
This book takes place in the Deep South at a super exclusive and isolated Bexley B&B. We barely make it an entire chapter before good ol’ Jitty, Sarah Booth Delaney’s resident ghost makes an appearance as a nutty woman in a toga. This B&B was fully complete with sunrise Mass, The Holy Land made to scale and a walking tour that gave attendees the chance to see geography of the Middle East and the travels of Jesus of Nazareth. What better place for Easter mass? Sarah Booth Delaney decides to tour the Holy Land by themselves so they could examine the wonderful plaques and biblical significance of each. As they come across Jerusalem, they discover a body, a dead body. Sarah and Tinkie tend to find things like this ALL THE TIME! Sarah is a private detective and Tinkie is a DG from the south. That is Daddy’s Girl. This is just the beginning of the adventure. The story of who the body is quickly discovered, but why and who killed him and the cause is a long process. We encounter some gunshots, danger and did I mention Tinkie is pregnant-FINALLY! So much happens in this book and it is so much fun and would make an amazing TV series! I really hope that someone options this and SOON! This is the kind of TV we need right now!
Ok, Carolyn Haines!! This is the 21st book in the series. Most of my reviews say that I have not read the previous books in the series, however, I have read fifteen of the previous books. I have not been able to get my greedy paws on a copy of the other books, whether it be ARC or the book being too old for the library to carry. I LOVE THESE books with every part of my being! The characters are like family at this point and I look forward to the adventures that Sarah Booth Delaney will go on with her highly developed characters that she keeps as company. I do NOT know why Sarah Booth Delaney is not on my TV! By the end of this year, there will be 25 of these books! Alison Sweeney would make the PERFECT Sarah Booth with her horse-riding skills. Alison Janney would make a great Jitty with her physical comedy twist on the ghostly character. Reese Witherspoon would make a perfect Tinkie! I just want to say that I thought all of this PRIOR to reading this book, as there is a Reese reference in this book!
This book takes place in the Deep South at a super exclusive and isolated Bexley B&B. We barely make it an entire chapter before good ol’ Jitty, Sarah Booth Delaney’s resident ghost makes an appearance as a nutty woman in a toga. This B&B was fully complete with sunrise Mass, The Holy Land made to scale and a walking tour that gave attendees the chance to see geography of the Middle East and the travels of Jesus of Nazareth. What better place for Easter mass? Sarah Booth Delaney decides to tour the Holy Land by themselves so they could examine the wonderful plaques and biblical significance of each. As they come across Jerusalem, they discover a body, a dead body. Sarah and Tinkie tend to find things like this ALL THE TIME! Sarah is a private detective and Tinkie is a DG from the south. That is Daddy’s Girl. This is just the beginning of the adventure. The story of who the body is quickly discovered, but why and who killed him and the cause is a long process. We encounter some gunshots, danger and did I mention Tinkie is pregnant-FINALLY! So much happens in this book and it is so much fun and would make an amazing TV series! I really hope that someone options this and SOON! This is the kind of TV we need right now!
April 13, 2020
The Sarah Booth series is one of my favorite series and I always look forward to a new one. The Devil Bones was perfect to read for Easter.
Easter weekend is usually a time to celebrate life. So when her pregnant cousin Tinkie invites Sarah and Cece on a girls’ trip to Lucedale, Mississippi, to celebrate that spring has official sprung, Sarah Booth can’t resist. Tinkie has planned a trip which include facials, food, and a trip to the incredible Garden of Bones—a miniature Holy Land with recreations of all parts of the Middle East—for their Sunrise Easter Services led by biblical scholar, gardener, and creator of the Gardens Daniel Reynolds.
However, for Sarah Booth and the girls, someone doesn’t seem to appreciate this season of new birth. Easter morning has just dawned when the trio ares at the Mount of Olives—with a dead body at their feet...
The dead man is identified by Reynolds as local lawyer Perry Slay, well known for his sly and underhanded dealings. Perry had rubbed plenty of people the wrong way, and it looks like someone has rubbed him out…
Sarah being a PI apparently means never being on vacation, she and her friends must now find a way to resurrect the truth from a list of suspects as long as the River Jordan, reveal the devil in disguise, and—if they’re lucky—find a moment to enjoy a few chocolate bunnies before more bodies pile up like pillars of salt.
A girl's weekend with Tinkie, Cece, and Sarah turns out to be the deadliest Easter weekend ever. In between bodies piling up, Sarah Booth and Tinkie are shot at twice! How does it all fit together? As always, the girls manage to stay in and out of trouble as they solve the mystery surrounding the murder of this local lawyer with a very shady past.
Carolyn Haines delivers once again in the latest Sarah Booth Delaney mystery, The Devil’s Bone...though the locale is different than Sarah's hometown, the miniature Holy Land attraction that takes its place, comes to life through the author’s gift for bring three southern ladies to life by taking us on a roller coaster ride of ever changing directions to the plot. Did I mention that a ghost also decides to show up in many different disguises...
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading cozy mysteries with Southern ladies who never cease to amaze and delight with their adventures. I am looking forward to the next one. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this wonderful book; the review is my own.
Easter weekend is usually a time to celebrate life. So when her pregnant cousin Tinkie invites Sarah and Cece on a girls’ trip to Lucedale, Mississippi, to celebrate that spring has official sprung, Sarah Booth can’t resist. Tinkie has planned a trip which include facials, food, and a trip to the incredible Garden of Bones—a miniature Holy Land with recreations of all parts of the Middle East—for their Sunrise Easter Services led by biblical scholar, gardener, and creator of the Gardens Daniel Reynolds.
However, for Sarah Booth and the girls, someone doesn’t seem to appreciate this season of new birth. Easter morning has just dawned when the trio ares at the Mount of Olives—with a dead body at their feet...
The dead man is identified by Reynolds as local lawyer Perry Slay, well known for his sly and underhanded dealings. Perry had rubbed plenty of people the wrong way, and it looks like someone has rubbed him out…
Sarah being a PI apparently means never being on vacation, she and her friends must now find a way to resurrect the truth from a list of suspects as long as the River Jordan, reveal the devil in disguise, and—if they’re lucky—find a moment to enjoy a few chocolate bunnies before more bodies pile up like pillars of salt.
A girl's weekend with Tinkie, Cece, and Sarah turns out to be the deadliest Easter weekend ever. In between bodies piling up, Sarah Booth and Tinkie are shot at twice! How does it all fit together? As always, the girls manage to stay in and out of trouble as they solve the mystery surrounding the murder of this local lawyer with a very shady past.
Carolyn Haines delivers once again in the latest Sarah Booth Delaney mystery, The Devil’s Bone...though the locale is different than Sarah's hometown, the miniature Holy Land attraction that takes its place, comes to life through the author’s gift for bring three southern ladies to life by taking us on a roller coaster ride of ever changing directions to the plot. Did I mention that a ghost also decides to show up in many different disguises...
I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy reading cozy mysteries with Southern ladies who never cease to amaze and delight with their adventures. I am looking forward to the next one. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this wonderful book; the review is my own.
April 20, 2020
I don't give many books 5 stars, but this series always rates it. I have been a fan of this series since the beginning and was happy to receive an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Sarah Booth and Cece are in Lucedale, Mississippi, where the newly-pregnant Tinkie is treating her friends to a girls' weekend at the fabulous new Bexley B&B. The facials, organics, food, and fitness coaches are supposed to be phenomenal, but Tinkie's primary aim is to attend the Sunrise Easter Services at the incredible Palestinian Gardens, a miniature Holy Land that spreads over 20 acres and has recreations of all parts of Jerusalem—and to speak with the Biblical scholar, gardener, and creator of the Palestinian Garden Daniel Reynolds. After waking up at the crack of dawn for the service the three friends wander around the gardens, taking in the wonder of entire cities in miniature and the acres of the Holy Land, with the River Jordan winding through it all. The day is brightening when the find themselves at the Mount of Olives—with a dead body. Daniel identifies the dead man as local lawyer Perry Slay, who was well known for his sly and underhanded dealings, and had plenty of people out for his blood. When Erick Ward, a local pharmacist, is arrested, Sarah Booth takes the case. As the bodies pile up land the suspect list grows long, Sarah Booth, Cece, and Tinkie must find out the truth before their own lives—and that of Tinkie's unborn child—are endangered.
I have enjoyed seeing the author develop the characters over the course of 21 books and look forward to the next one.
I have enjoyed seeing the author develop the characters over the course of 21 books and look forward to the next one.
October 30, 2021
I found this hard to review as I realised I came into this series when it was very far progressed. I thought of it as a 2.5 but have rounded it up as I think it could be far more enjoyable if you had more background and I didn't.
It's light, it's fun, it isn't that original in plot but it doesn't care.
It is a mystery that is more about the female relationships about the private investigators and jokes about Tinkie's pregnancy than about the mystery itself - or being mysterious. Once you understand this, I think you can enjoy it - if you like that sort of thing. I think the characters are well done. It's the kind of easy read you can enjoy without thinking, however it's also pretty easily forgettable.
I liked the idea of the dance comp being the centre of the mystery - I like dance - however when a dance comp is part of the story I would really have liked to feel more of the ambience of the dance atmosphere in some of the writing, rather than get it all secondhand. Instead most of the atmosphere comes from the Garden.
Jitty is supposed to be interesting but I could really take her or leave her. The whole morphing into different characters was also an interesting idea but I didn't get too attached to it and I suppose I might have needed more background because I wondered why this was the only paranormal part of the entire book.
It was good to read but since it seems I've started off at Book #21, it has not pulled me in to the extent that I feel I absolutely must read Numbers 1-20 or my life will be over.
It's light, it's fun, it isn't that original in plot but it doesn't care.
It is a mystery that is more about the female relationships about the private investigators and jokes about Tinkie's pregnancy than about the mystery itself - or being mysterious. Once you understand this, I think you can enjoy it - if you like that sort of thing. I think the characters are well done. It's the kind of easy read you can enjoy without thinking, however it's also pretty easily forgettable.
I liked the idea of the dance comp being the centre of the mystery - I like dance - however when a dance comp is part of the story I would really have liked to feel more of the ambience of the dance atmosphere in some of the writing, rather than get it all secondhand. Instead most of the atmosphere comes from the Garden.
Jitty is supposed to be interesting but I could really take her or leave her. The whole morphing into different characters was also an interesting idea but I didn't get too attached to it and I suppose I might have needed more background because I wondered why this was the only paranormal part of the entire book.
It was good to read but since it seems I've started off at Book #21, it has not pulled me in to the extent that I feel I absolutely must read Numbers 1-20 or my life will be over.
August 3, 2020
The Devil's Bones by Carolyn Haines has it all: a transgender newspaper reporter, a TV journalist, a pregnant private investigator, a horseback-riding sheriff, and a model of the Holy Land. It these things don't set up a murder, what does? This book has no shortage of interesting characters, that's for sure. It has a plot, which takes a while to unfold but does so rapidly and dramatically when the time comes. It has tons of back-story, probably covered in earlier novels, but explained in this one, which should intrigue the reader enough to go back and read earlier books.
Someone is murdering seemingly unrelated people and planting their bodies at the site of a miniature replica of the Holy Land. The murders don't seem related to the site, but maybe they are. There is no shortage of likely suspects and a small-town sheriff who is good at her job, but extremely short-handed as the murders pile up. Haines portrayal of her main characters is thorough and accurate and is the driving force behind solving the crime, with a client who never has an alibi when crimes are committed, but whom everyone agrees in unlikely to be the murderer. It come with a compelling motive and thought-provoking solution to a number of crimes. It was a good read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Devil's Bones by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thedevilsbones
Someone is murdering seemingly unrelated people and planting their bodies at the site of a miniature replica of the Holy Land. The murders don't seem related to the site, but maybe they are. There is no shortage of likely suspects and a small-town sheriff who is good at her job, but extremely short-handed as the murders pile up. Haines portrayal of her main characters is thorough and accurate and is the driving force behind solving the crime, with a client who never has an alibi when crimes are committed, but whom everyone agrees in unlikely to be the murderer. It come with a compelling motive and thought-provoking solution to a number of crimes. It was a good read. I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of The Devil's Bones by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thedevilsbones
August 29, 2023
Not a fan of this installment in the series at all. They're on vacation and end up with a case....seriously?? So we're stuck in a new town with all new people. If the author has run out of ideas for the series while the characters are working at home then maybe it's past time to end the series.
Once again, the reader is stuck listening to the author preach on a variety of topics. In past books, Jitty was always tied to Sarah Booth's home and now she's following around and being as extremely annoying as always. With each Jitty appearance as some historical or literary character, the author went off on random tangents that has basically nothing to do with the story. It's become completely irritating. Also, once again Cece stupidly put herself in danger and I was pulling for Cece's demise.
As for Sarah Booth and Tinky's skills as PIs - they seem to be getting worse instead of better. The "mystery" of this book was blatantly obvious and after one encounter I was happy because I figured the audiobook was almost over -- only to figure out that I was only halfway through the book. They miss obvious clues and people get hurt and/or killed because they're so awful at their jobs. Finally, it's ridiculous enough that these PIs are included in murder investigations in Sunflower County but to think they could travel somewhere else and the local PD would just let them be fully involved was laughable. This series has truly gone on way too long.
Once again, the reader is stuck listening to the author preach on a variety of topics. In past books, Jitty was always tied to Sarah Booth's home and now she's following around and being as extremely annoying as always. With each Jitty appearance as some historical or literary character, the author went off on random tangents that has basically nothing to do with the story. It's become completely irritating. Also, once again Cece stupidly put herself in danger and I was pulling for Cece's demise.
As for Sarah Booth and Tinky's skills as PIs - they seem to be getting worse instead of better. The "mystery" of this book was blatantly obvious and after one encounter I was happy because I figured the audiobook was almost over -- only to figure out that I was only halfway through the book. They miss obvious clues and people get hurt and/or killed because they're so awful at their jobs. Finally, it's ridiculous enough that these PIs are included in murder investigations in Sunflower County but to think they could travel somewhere else and the local PD would just let them be fully involved was laughable. This series has truly gone on way too long.
August 15, 2020
Princess Fuzzypants here: Sarah Delaney’s girls weekend of fun and pampering, turns out to be anything but. She and her detective partner Tinkie are hired by a local playboy/pharmacist when he accused of murdering a reprehensible shyster lawyer on Easter Sunday. There were a lot of people who wished the victim ill but the evidence continues to point towards their client. Then another body is discovered and this too seems to point towards him. Either he is guilty or someone is doing a bang up job of framing.
He is not helping his cause any by lying and disappearing only to reappear without an alibi. The more Sarah and Tinkie dig up the guiltier he looks. Then their own lives are threatened. Are they getting too close to the truth about the murders or is there something more nefarious and personal going on? Did the attempt come from a foe of long standing or someone more recent?
It was an enjoyable read but I must admit the client truly was dense to the point of being a nominee for the Darwin Award not because he put himself in harm’s way but in the sheer stupidity of not taking his situation seriously. While it was a complex story with lots of twists and turns, many of which were unexpected. I did twig almost immediately to the villain. But I must admit the final rescue of Delaney from his clutches was very unusual and fun.
Four purrs and one paw up.
He is not helping his cause any by lying and disappearing only to reappear without an alibi. The more Sarah and Tinkie dig up the guiltier he looks. Then their own lives are threatened. Are they getting too close to the truth about the murders or is there something more nefarious and personal going on? Did the attempt come from a foe of long standing or someone more recent?
It was an enjoyable read but I must admit the client truly was dense to the point of being a nominee for the Darwin Award not because he put himself in harm’s way but in the sheer stupidity of not taking his situation seriously. While it was a complex story with lots of twists and turns, many of which were unexpected. I did twig almost immediately to the villain. But I must admit the final rescue of Delaney from his clutches was very unusual and fun.
Four purrs and one paw up.
April 19, 2020
Another adventure with Sarah Booth and friends. This time Tinkie is hosting a girls' weekend with Sarah Booth and CeCe in Lucedale, Mississippi at the posh Bexley B & B.
With Tinkie pregnant it will be a while before they can all get together. Here they can have massages and spa treatments and organic meals. But Tinkie's wish is to be at the Easter Sunrise Service at the Palestinian Gardens, a miniature of the Holy Land created by Daniel Reynolds. It covers 20 acres and has stirred up a bit of controversy with the town's savior of all species.
Up at dawn to attend the services, a walk through the garden turns in to a crime scene when they find a body laid out by the Mount of Olives.
The body belonged to one Perry Slay. A man generally not liked. Sneaky and underhanded, he won't be missed. But when the local pharmacist asks Sarah Booth to find out who the killer is all the girls jump in! It is not looking good for poor Erick when the autopsy says the man was poisoned!
As more bodies turn up in the Holy Land, everyone is looking suspicious and the ladies need to find out who is doing what before they end up in the Holy Land!
These characters are so charming and well done. I love Sarah Booth and all her adventures!
NetGalley/ May 12th, 2020 by Minotaur Books
With Tinkie pregnant it will be a while before they can all get together. Here they can have massages and spa treatments and organic meals. But Tinkie's wish is to be at the Easter Sunrise Service at the Palestinian Gardens, a miniature of the Holy Land created by Daniel Reynolds. It covers 20 acres and has stirred up a bit of controversy with the town's savior of all species.
Up at dawn to attend the services, a walk through the garden turns in to a crime scene when they find a body laid out by the Mount of Olives.
The body belonged to one Perry Slay. A man generally not liked. Sneaky and underhanded, he won't be missed. But when the local pharmacist asks Sarah Booth to find out who the killer is all the girls jump in! It is not looking good for poor Erick when the autopsy says the man was poisoned!
As more bodies turn up in the Holy Land, everyone is looking suspicious and the ladies need to find out who is doing what before they end up in the Holy Land!
These characters are so charming and well done. I love Sarah Booth and all her adventures!
NetGalley/ May 12th, 2020 by Minotaur Books
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews