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Familiar Kitten Mysteries #10
Black Arts & Bones
Kinsley and Thorn finally get the date night they’ve been discussing for months.
Except an unexpected issue sends them home early, where they find a distraught young woman on the porch waiting for Kinsley’s return. She’s afraid to go home and begs Kinsley for help.
The woman’s house was never haunted before, but lately, she’s had strange and unusual things happening. Unseen eyes watch her from dark corners, and invisible fingers scratch at the floorboards when she tries to sleep.
It all culminates in the attack that sends her fleeing to Hangman’s House for help. Kinsley can’t bring herself to leave the poor woman hanging, so she agrees to investigate.
After a thorough search, Kinsley thinks she’s found nothing.
Until…
The specter appears and leads the women to a shallow grave in the basement.
Except an unexpected issue sends them home early, where they find a distraught young woman on the porch waiting for Kinsley’s return. She’s afraid to go home and begs Kinsley for help.
The woman’s house was never haunted before, but lately, she’s had strange and unusual things happening. Unseen eyes watch her from dark corners, and invisible fingers scratch at the floorboards when she tries to sleep.
It all culminates in the attack that sends her fleeing to Hangman’s House for help. Kinsley can’t bring herself to leave the poor woman hanging, so she agrees to investigate.
After a thorough search, Kinsley thinks she’s found nothing.
Until…
The specter appears and leads the women to a shallow grave in the basement.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2021
623 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Sara Bourgeois
234 books343 followersSara Bourgeois is a Midwesterner through and through. She spends her time writing, reading, herding cats, and standing in her driveway during tornado warnings. (You can't see them from the basement.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 16, 2025
While the beginning of this book was good, and led me to believe it was going to be back to being really great, the ending fell flat. First of all, there was really no investigating. The person who did it literally is mentioned, Kinsley goes to speak to him and then the book practically ends. Previous books, there's been investigation, theories on who did it for what reason and while there was a little tiny bit of this here, there was nowhere near the lead up or anything. And the end literally just ends. The guilty person is caught and then it goes to the epilogue where it feels like there is really just notes from the author on how the book was to end. Then it switches to Kinsley talking to Thorn and Meri solving all of magic's problems. I was surprised to look down at my kindle and see that I was at 94% of this book when it felt like I was only supposed to be at like 50%. A very great beginning led to a very seriously lacking ending and makes me wonder if I want to continue the series. Meri was not NEAR as snarky this book. Kinsley was... okay, I guess, but there was really nothing in this book that reminded me of why I've read the 10 previous ones and loved nearly every one of them. I sincerely hope that things go back to how they used to be - Kinsley and Meri snarking at one another, me having a love/hate relationship with Thorn and Kinsley ACTUALLY interacting with her friends and suspects (not to mention the person who came to her for help!) BEFORE the mystery is suddenly solved.
October 8, 2022
Ghost or Demon!? Killer clowns!? How can one have a regular family!?
Coventry is so busy! I do miss the little dog thought she would be part of the family! Yea the magic is coming back! Wonder what happens next!
Coventry is so busy! I do miss the little dog thought she would be part of the family! Yea the magic is coming back! Wonder what happens next!
May 23, 2023
This book is again in two parts. First let's remember that magic is at a low, even the ley line isn't putting out as much. As such, the wards everywhere are not as strong as they once were, so ghosts are more frequent as is the darker magic not used by many except for Kinsley's Aunt Lilith.
Thorn and Kinsley go out on their first date night since Laney was born, it's a nice quiet evening, at least until the end. A phone call from her mom has them rushing home, to find a young woman crying on the porch steps. The woman Nora hasn't slept in a long time and can't really explain why, except that she thinks her house has a ghost or something. She's not a witch so Kinsley is limited in what she can say, so invites her inside to discuss the problem.
After getting as many facts as she could Kinsley decides the first thing Nora needs is sleep and sends her home with her mom and dad. In the morning they would deal with whatever is in her house.
At the house the next day, it doesn't seem like anything is going to happen until it does.
A few more twists and turns here as Kinsley gets sick and the investigation goes on without her. However, she does in fact become the person to solve it.
The second part of this book starts at Lainey's birthday party. Kinsley has hired a clown to entertain the children, unfortunately the reaction to him is not what she expected, and neither is the clown. He turned up drunk and she has to fire him. Turns out Thorn isn't a fan either, and his reasoning is interesting.
Then a clown turns up dead at a local playground. It wasn't the same clown Kinsley had hired, so there is obviously more than one clown in town.
There's now a report of a machete wielding clown, and Thorn goes to investigate. In the process he ends up attacked and in the hospital. While Kinsley is signing paperwork, another victim is brought in this one has a balloon tied around his wrist.
Kinsley is also finding that healing is draining her life force which had never happened before. More things that need answers to be sure.
Twists, turns, surprises and so much more as this is solved.
I am starting the next book already.
Thorn and Kinsley go out on their first date night since Laney was born, it's a nice quiet evening, at least until the end. A phone call from her mom has them rushing home, to find a young woman crying on the porch steps. The woman Nora hasn't slept in a long time and can't really explain why, except that she thinks her house has a ghost or something. She's not a witch so Kinsley is limited in what she can say, so invites her inside to discuss the problem.
After getting as many facts as she could Kinsley decides the first thing Nora needs is sleep and sends her home with her mom and dad. In the morning they would deal with whatever is in her house.
At the house the next day, it doesn't seem like anything is going to happen until it does.
A few more twists and turns here as Kinsley gets sick and the investigation goes on without her. However, she does in fact become the person to solve it.
The second part of this book starts at Lainey's birthday party. Kinsley has hired a clown to entertain the children, unfortunately the reaction to him is not what she expected, and neither is the clown. He turned up drunk and she has to fire him. Turns out Thorn isn't a fan either, and his reasoning is interesting.
Then a clown turns up dead at a local playground. It wasn't the same clown Kinsley had hired, so there is obviously more than one clown in town.
There's now a report of a machete wielding clown, and Thorn goes to investigate. In the process he ends up attacked and in the hospital. While Kinsley is signing paperwork, another victim is brought in this one has a balloon tied around his wrist.
Kinsley is also finding that healing is draining her life force which had never happened before. More things that need answers to be sure.
Twists, turns, surprises and so much more as this is solved.
I am starting the next book already.
April 28, 2021
We are back in Coventry....Kinsley & Thorn are out for a much deserved date night...while enjoying themselves back at home there is a strange woman at Hangman House...she needs help
The woman is afraid of going back to her haunted house...so Kinsley decides to help along with Thorn. They go to the woman's brand new house and they can't fathom what is haunting it...
They find out and Kinsley is in the thick of another investigation. Does Kinsley find out what is haunting the house? Yes she does....a ghost helps her and Kinsley has found a shallow grave under the house...uh oh! Another murder investigation...
I have really enjoyed each book in the series...the author has a way of writing that pulls you in and I end up finishing the book in one day!
If you like cozy paranormal mysteries you will love this series....down to earth with so sex or swearing...good for ages 12 and up
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for an advanced digital copy of Black Arts & Bones to read for an honest opinion
The woman is afraid of going back to her haunted house...so Kinsley decides to help along with Thorn. They go to the woman's brand new house and they can't fathom what is haunting it...
They find out and Kinsley is in the thick of another investigation. Does Kinsley find out what is haunting the house? Yes she does....a ghost helps her and Kinsley has found a shallow grave under the house...uh oh! Another murder investigation...
I have really enjoyed each book in the series...the author has a way of writing that pulls you in and I end up finishing the book in one day!
If you like cozy paranormal mysteries you will love this series....down to earth with so sex or swearing...good for ages 12 and up
Thank you to the author and Booksprout for an advanced digital copy of Black Arts & Bones to read for an honest opinion
May 30, 2021
Entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a slightly darker but entertaining storyline. Kinsley is the head of the coven which is in the small town of Coventry. Her family has been the main Coven which is in that town for decades. This is the second generation of books about this family. Kinsley lives in hangman’s house with her husband and a local sheriff who is not magical. Along with her five-month-old daughter and her familiar a cat named Mary. Magic has been missing from Coventry for the most part for a little while. As they try and figure out what happened and how to get it back mysteries and murders are still happening. Read on and see what happens and if they can solve this puzzle. Along with a puzzle of how to get magic back. Very entertaining a little on the Darkside of times but still fun to read. Check it out
This is an entertaining supernatural cozy mystery series. A great cast of characters and a slightly darker but entertaining storyline. Kinsley is the head of the coven which is in the small town of Coventry. Her family has been the main Coven which is in that town for decades. This is the second generation of books about this family. Kinsley lives in hangman’s house with her husband and a local sheriff who is not magical. Along with her five-month-old daughter and her familiar a cat named Mary. Magic has been missing from Coventry for the most part for a little while. As they try and figure out what happened and how to get it back mysteries and murders are still happening. Read on and see what happens and if they can solve this puzzle. Along with a puzzle of how to get magic back. Very entertaining a little on the Darkside of times but still fun to read. Check it out
April 28, 2021
Kinsey could not decide if it was a demon or a ghost that was causing all the problems in the new house that Nora had bought but something was up for certain. But when the spectre lead them into the basement where bones were buried, it was clear that the spirit needed someone to find out why she had been murdered.
As always, a fun and exciting visit to Hangman's house where Meri, Kinsey and Thorn live but this time, the story involved Dorian who we had not heard from for a while. I have always liked Dorian and it was so sweet that he was afraid that he had killed Kinsey when she blacked out on him because she was ill. You can tell just how much he cared and how good a friend he is to her. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As always, a fun and exciting visit to Hangman's house where Meri, Kinsey and Thorn live but this time, the story involved Dorian who we had not heard from for a while. I have always liked Dorian and it was so sweet that he was afraid that he had killed Kinsey when she blacked out on him because she was ill. You can tell just how much he cared and how good a friend he is to her. Great read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2021
There's some interesting developments in this book. It seems Meri might possibly be growing some. Kinsley developments a fairly serious illness. There's a ghost that is acting up and a person comes to Kinsley saying there are strange scratching sounds in her house and it's probably a ghost.
There's a skeleton in someone's basement but a part is missing. There's a girl who was a runaway and there's a question as to whether or not her own parents killed her. There's also a very, very major thing that Meri does.
The emphasis on Kinsley and Thorn's relationship is good along with showing how difficult it can be to have a baby, take care of the baby and still try to live your life like you used to. The illness Kinsley got is worrying but the major thing that will impact future books in the series is what Meri does.
There's a skeleton in someone's basement but a part is missing. There's a girl who was a runaway and there's a question as to whether or not her own parents killed her. There's also a very, very major thing that Meri does.
The emphasis on Kinsley and Thorn's relationship is good along with showing how difficult it can be to have a baby, take care of the baby and still try to live your life like you used to. The illness Kinsley got is worrying but the major thing that will impact future books in the series is what Meri does.
June 23, 2021
Laney is growing. Kinsley and Thorn are rocking it as parents. And Meri is starting to GROW! What the heck is going on with magic? A woman show up at Kinsley’s home, smoking for help to get rid of a ghost. We get more of Brighten and Remy in this book because of the necromancy thing that Remy has and Brighten babysits her granddaughter a lot, which is awesome! Grand babies are the best! But, that whole haunting leads to bones being discovered, which sets Kinsley off into investigation mode. From all the running around and not taking a break, Kinsley gets sick for the first time. Like super sick! Anyway, I’m droning on and what I want to say is that this book was great and I love a happy ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2021
I have enjoyed reading Black Arts & Bones. Kinsley seems to handle motherhood really well. The newest mystery was dropped on her doorstep and required her expertise. With the assistance of Dorian, Kinsley was able to solve the mystery.
This book was a quick read and unfortunately, it was over before I was ready. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I wanted it to continue. Oh well, that just means that I need to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a quick read and unfortunately, it was over before I was ready. Although I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I wanted it to continue. Oh well, that just means that I need to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2021
ARC Review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I really love this stories Kinsley is now married to thorn the sheriff and they have a daughter laney plus there is the cat/familiar meri . When Kinsley and thorn finally get a night out together their called back home because of Nora Kent who has a ghost in her new house now there is a body and a new case begins . Awesome story
May 4, 2021
Love this series
Another great book! I love this series! Once I started reading I couldn’t stop, so I read it too quick! Finally magic is coming back, and of course they figure out the mystery of the skeleton. Can’t wait for the next book to come out! One of my favorite authors, the story just flows like magic. Thank you for a great read!
Another great book! I love this series! Once I started reading I couldn’t stop, so I read it too quick! Finally magic is coming back, and of course they figure out the mystery of the skeleton. Can’t wait for the next book to come out! One of my favorite authors, the story just flows like magic. Thank you for a great read!
June 1, 2021
Good read
The books have all been great fun just the right length for a day on the beach. The only problem with this book is it needs to be proofed better. I saw a lot of proof mistakes that were missed. This is the only one of the series that I have seen so many mistakes. But it still was a great read.
The books have all been great fun just the right length for a day on the beach. The only problem with this book is it needs to be proofed better. I saw a lot of proof mistakes that were missed. This is the only one of the series that I have seen so many mistakes. But it still was a great read.
June 5, 2023
It had to be clowns
Clowns are icky. This book only made it worse. Predators of children should face worse punishment than what was administered by Kinsley. Glad Meri got the magic mostly fixed after the strep infection. What’s wrong with the healing magic by the way? More magic babies…that’s fun!
Clowns are icky. This book only made it worse. Predators of children should face worse punishment than what was administered by Kinsley. Glad Meri got the magic mostly fixed after the strep infection. What’s wrong with the healing magic by the way? More magic babies…that’s fun!
November 16, 2023
A Truly Fascinating Read!
I love how Ms. Bourgeois' mind works! To.come up with a totally unexpected twist was genius! I know people who love clowns and also those who don't. Using a clown as the killer was great. Plus the clues throughout the story were easy enough to follow so I am looking forward to what comes next.
I love how Ms. Bourgeois' mind works! To.come up with a totally unexpected twist was genius! I know people who love clowns and also those who don't. Using a clown as the killer was great. Plus the clues throughout the story were easy enough to follow so I am looking forward to what comes next.
April 8, 2025
Great "" who dun it?" witchy, magical familiar series!
I'm absolutely into this series! Meri is such a snarky kitty! Reminds me of another cat in another series. Anyway, I totally enjoyed this storyline and the characters. I kinda figured out who the killer was a little earlier. This is an extremely interesting and entertaining series!! Well worth delving into it!!
I'm absolutely into this series! Meri is such a snarky kitty! Reminds me of another cat in another series. Anyway, I totally enjoyed this storyline and the characters. I kinda figured out who the killer was a little earlier. This is an extremely interesting and entertaining series!! Well worth delving into it!!
May 1, 2021
While the story was good at first the ending leaves much to be desired. I love Sarah's writing, but I feel this book was rushed. I Miss Kinsley doing things in the store with all her friends and family. Kinsley and Merri were fun to read with the snarky comments.
May 4, 2021
How many ghosts does it take-----
A woman shows up at Kinsley's and Thorn's house desperate to figure out who or what is haunting her. In the process of identifying the ghost, they stumble upon the murder of a missing young woman.
A woman shows up at Kinsley's and Thorn's house desperate to figure out who or what is haunting her. In the process of identifying the ghost, they stumble upon the murder of a missing young woman.
June 1, 2021
Good Read
I like the flow of the characters throughout the series and the little humourous bits of Dipolog that Sara runs through the series between Meri, Thorn and Kinsley. I'm not fond of the dark side of magic but I guess it has to be part of the plot. I recommend this series to those who like the idea of magic and loves cats as I do.
I like the flow of the characters throughout the series and the little humourous bits of Dipolog that Sara runs through the series between Meri, Thorn and Kinsley. I'm not fond of the dark side of magic but I guess it has to be part of the plot. I recommend this series to those who like the idea of magic and loves cats as I do.
August 10, 2021
A good mystery.
I enjoy this series kinsley has a murder to solve. She is also very ill for the first time in her life. I like the main characters and plot. Meri is a cute and funny familiar
I enjoy this series kinsley has a murder to solve. She is also very ill for the first time in her life. I like the main characters and plot. Meri is a cute and funny familiar
January 24, 2023
Another good one
Sara Bourgeois has created a wonderful world full of intrigue and magic. This time around, Kinsley and her family are faced with something terrifying, killer clowns. After Thorn is injured in the line of duty, his faithful, magical wife steps up to the plate.
Sara Bourgeois has created a wonderful world full of intrigue and magic. This time around, Kinsley and her family are faced with something terrifying, killer clowns. After Thorn is injured in the line of duty, his faithful, magical wife steps up to the plate.
July 11, 2023
Good
It was good but I’m tired of the two part thing. I am also tired of not getting answers and left wondering if the vampire will ever make an appearance again. I also am tired of Thorn having a problem with her and now she is pregnant again.
It was good but I’m tired of the two part thing. I am also tired of not getting answers and left wondering if the vampire will ever make an appearance again. I also am tired of Thorn having a problem with her and now she is pregnant again.
September 27, 2023
Black Arts & Bones - Engrossing, Entertaining
4.5 stars. A part of the Familiar Kitten series, Black Arts & Bones, is quite the read. The mystery is good, and the characters are engaging. The bits of humor spice it up. Thoroughly enjoyable.
4.5 stars. A part of the Familiar Kitten series, Black Arts & Bones, is quite the read. The mystery is good, and the characters are engaging. The bits of humor spice it up. Thoroughly enjoyable.
June 12, 2025
Another enjoyable visit to Coventry
Always interesting situations in this magical community. Really enjoy the series. Exciting plot and loveable characters make it a keeper. Moon Malediction here I come.
Always interesting situations in this magical community. Really enjoy the series. Exciting plot and loveable characters make it a keeper. Moon Malediction here I come.
April 28, 2021
Good book
Quick read but good story. I like the way Sara writes, she get on with the story and doesn't waste time on unnecessary details.
Quick read but good story. I like the way Sara writes, she get on with the story and doesn't waste time on unnecessary details.
May 1, 2021
Whatever
Good mystery, interesting cover to cover. Sad story but great lessons in it. I love the developing relationships and seeing more of Remembering and Brighton.
Good mystery, interesting cover to cover. Sad story but great lessons in it. I love the developing relationships and seeing more of Remembering and Brighton.
May 14, 2021
Love this series!
May 22, 2021
Enjoyed
This was a little bit different without the witch stuff but I did enjoy the story line and your characters.
This was a little bit different without the witch stuff but I did enjoy the story line and your characters.
May 23, 2021
Excellent as always
Love the story, Thorn and Kinsley are doing great. Baby Laney is sweet. A cold knocks Kinsley for loop and a ghost scares her. All will work out.
Love the story, Thorn and Kinsley are doing great. Baby Laney is sweet. A cold knocks Kinsley for loop and a ghost scares her. All will work out.
June 1, 2021
Hooray for Bourgeois
I have read all 10 of the before " bones " and I will read whatever is left. characters are good, and the stories are unique. Enjoy
I have read all 10 of the before " bones " and I will read whatever is left. characters are good, and the stories are unique. Enjoy
June 7, 2021
These are so much fun!
Well written, lots of humor, great characters, magic, and mayhem, and a snarky cat! What more could you want from a good story!
Well written, lots of humor, great characters, magic, and mayhem, and a snarky cat! What more could you want from a good story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews