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Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mystery #7
Good Bones: A Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mystery
Taylor Quinn is excited to support her sister’s dreams. Turning Belle’s derelict mansion into a history lovers’ destination might not be Taylor’s thing, but helping family always is. Even if it means spending the weekend with an old enemy. Taylor’s ex-best friend isn’t the only difficult personality in the group, but the mansion is the perfect place for a socially distanced getaway. Unfortunately virus-exposure turns their weekend into a 14 day quarantine. Tensions rise as the women find there’s not nearly enough room for them and all their baggage. When tempers snap, someone ends up dead. Can Taylor expose the murderer before this escape kills them all? Good Bones is the gripping seventh cozy in the Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mysteries. If you like small towns, tight-knit families, and motives with deep roots, you’ll love Tess Rothery’s tangled tale. Buy Good Bones to dig up an old grudge today.
- GenresCozy Mystery
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2021
180 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Tess Rothery
13 books52 followersSmall towns, romance, quilts, coffee, and crime.
Tess Rothery's cozy mysteries transport you to a quiet world where murder lurks under the comfortable surface of everyday life.
Tess Rothery's cozy mysteries transport you to a quiet world where murder lurks under the comfortable surface of everyday life.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 8, 2021
I found this cozy mystery a bit more challenging to read than others in the series. The setting is in Comfort, Oregon, during the summer of 2020 and world-wide pandemic. We see effects of restrictions in place and being quarantined under unusual circumstances. The challenges of dealing with personal struggles, strained relationships, and possible loss of the family business reflects the reality of countless people, then add in a murder and knowing one is quarantined with a killer, makes for endless intrigue.
Jonah and Belle’s renovated mansion purchased with his influencer millions is the setting as Belle hosts the first historical retreat. The focus will be the early 1900’s when the home was built, those who built it, and items from that era. Four women are working that weekend: Belle, her older sister Taylor, Sissy, and Aviva. Six guests will be there for two nights. The activities include challenges faced of being there during the pandemic, including social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing, and meal distribution.
Taylor’s former close friend, Maddie, is one of the attendees. They had a falling out a couple years earlier, so perhaps this will help restore their friendship. Two of Maddie’s friends from college are there, Jeanne and Courtney. Lorraine, who runs the local historical museum and has had mental health and substance abuse challenges, her daughter Tansy, and Pyper, Tansy’s half-sister, are also there.
From the start, someone tried to torment Maddie. A thin bone, possibly from the bone items from Belle’s curiosity cabinet in the library, was in Maddie’s basket of materials for the stitchery project. At dinner, another one was with her tray. An additional item implicates the family of a former client.
The next day, they learn that the van driver who brought them to the mansion tested positive for Covid, so they had to quarantine for fourteen days. They chose to stay there rather than infect their families. Ugly surprises continue to plague Maddie, who made plans to leave. They thought she was gone, until the sisters went to sanitize her room and found her inside, dead, with a knife in her chest. The sheriff and his deputy would have to quarantine there, since they were now exposed.
In some ways, it felt as if Belle is the older sister instead of Taylor, but both sisters still have issues due to the murder of their mother a couple years ago. I admit, I was not a fan of Taylor in this novel. The choices she continues to make in her personal life don’t impress me. She does spend time considering some of those choices, so perhaps good will result from being quarantined.
I missed seeing the quilt shop, yet it is part of the greater story for Taylor to be unable to go there. I would have liked to see much less of the political and non-pandemic news events of that summer. I wouldn’t want to read about the pandemic in every mystery written during its most active time, but for this novel, it gave some perspective. The mystery itself was very well-written; whodunit completely eluded me! The resolution was remarkable, and I recommend this to those who appreciate a well-written cozy mystery similar to a locked room scenario.
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Jonah and Belle’s renovated mansion purchased with his influencer millions is the setting as Belle hosts the first historical retreat. The focus will be the early 1900’s when the home was built, those who built it, and items from that era. Four women are working that weekend: Belle, her older sister Taylor, Sissy, and Aviva. Six guests will be there for two nights. The activities include challenges faced of being there during the pandemic, including social distancing, wearing masks, sanitizing, and meal distribution.
Taylor’s former close friend, Maddie, is one of the attendees. They had a falling out a couple years earlier, so perhaps this will help restore their friendship. Two of Maddie’s friends from college are there, Jeanne and Courtney. Lorraine, who runs the local historical museum and has had mental health and substance abuse challenges, her daughter Tansy, and Pyper, Tansy’s half-sister, are also there.
From the start, someone tried to torment Maddie. A thin bone, possibly from the bone items from Belle’s curiosity cabinet in the library, was in Maddie’s basket of materials for the stitchery project. At dinner, another one was with her tray. An additional item implicates the family of a former client.
The next day, they learn that the van driver who brought them to the mansion tested positive for Covid, so they had to quarantine for fourteen days. They chose to stay there rather than infect their families. Ugly surprises continue to plague Maddie, who made plans to leave. They thought she was gone, until the sisters went to sanitize her room and found her inside, dead, with a knife in her chest. The sheriff and his deputy would have to quarantine there, since they were now exposed.
In some ways, it felt as if Belle is the older sister instead of Taylor, but both sisters still have issues due to the murder of their mother a couple years ago. I admit, I was not a fan of Taylor in this novel. The choices she continues to make in her personal life don’t impress me. She does spend time considering some of those choices, so perhaps good will result from being quarantined.
I missed seeing the quilt shop, yet it is part of the greater story for Taylor to be unable to go there. I would have liked to see much less of the political and non-pandemic news events of that summer. I wouldn’t want to read about the pandemic in every mystery written during its most active time, but for this novel, it gave some perspective. The mystery itself was very well-written; whodunit completely eluded me! The resolution was remarkable, and I recommend this to those who appreciate a well-written cozy mystery similar to a locked room scenario.
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
May 12, 2021
An outstanding book as always. Not only does Taylor have to deal with the Pandemic at this gathering but a murder as well. Suspenseful to the very end.
May 13, 2021
The Quinn Quilt Shop books are always a great read. Characters that are well-drawn and real. Storylines that are well-developed and fast-paced. They are the perfect book to curl up with in the sun and block out the world.
As an avid reader – and a prolific reviewer – I’ve been mostly disappointed in what I’ve read to date when it comes to fiction and the current pandemic the world is facing. When a book’s narrative is taken over by something so real and as yet unresolved, it takes away – in my humble opinion – from the escapism that most of us look to our books for.
Enter Rothery, Good Bones, and how the pandemic is affecting their small town. She has successfully ridden the fine line between ignoring it and allowing it to take over the story, it doesn’t become the story. There is still a mystery to solve and a murderer to find – in spite of quarantines and viruses.
Oh, Taylor and crew deal with COVID and its restrictions, but they aren’t the highlight of the book. And I liked that. I particularly liked that we’re shown in a realistic way how the pandemic is affecting our favourite characters. It’s not contrived, it’s a real discussion of the dangers of being alone for too long, and the consequences of not being able to work.
And the mystery itself? Twisting, turning, often not what it seems – but Taylor gets to the bottom of it as usual. Another great read in this series!
[I was fortunate to receive a prepublication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own and given freely.]
As an avid reader – and a prolific reviewer – I’ve been mostly disappointed in what I’ve read to date when it comes to fiction and the current pandemic the world is facing. When a book’s narrative is taken over by something so real and as yet unresolved, it takes away – in my humble opinion – from the escapism that most of us look to our books for.
Enter Rothery, Good Bones, and how the pandemic is affecting their small town. She has successfully ridden the fine line between ignoring it and allowing it to take over the story, it doesn’t become the story. There is still a mystery to solve and a murderer to find – in spite of quarantines and viruses.
Oh, Taylor and crew deal with COVID and its restrictions, but they aren’t the highlight of the book. And I liked that. I particularly liked that we’re shown in a realistic way how the pandemic is affecting our favourite characters. It’s not contrived, it’s a real discussion of the dangers of being alone for too long, and the consequences of not being able to work.
And the mystery itself? Twisting, turning, often not what it seems – but Taylor gets to the bottom of it as usual. Another great read in this series!
[I was fortunate to receive a prepublication copy of the book from the author, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own and given freely.]
May 16, 2021
Taylor Quinn is anxious about the gathering that her sister has arranged at her newly remodeled mansion. The group of women attendees are all friends or acquaintances, but there is a pandemic to deal with. The weekend isn't off to a good start. Maddie, a childhood friend of Taylor, is being bullied by an unknown person. The tensions increase when the gathering is exposed to the virus and forced to quarantine for 14 days. Now Maddie is murdered. Who killed her? Is it someone in the mansion? Will Taylor be a suspect? Tess Rothery kept me reading. Good Bones has so many shocking twists. I feel as if I know the residents of Comfort Oregon. I like Taylor, her family. The characters are interesting and the stories are exciting. They are full of mystery and family drama. There are plenty of secrets here. Taylor is a good person. She's working hard to adjust to the unexpected. She loves her sister and her Grandpa Ernie and tries to do what's right. I'm glad to follow her and see what happens next.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
May 28, 2021
Tess Rothery has done a wonderful job setting Good Bones in the middle of the pandemic. The pandemic and the social unrest in Seattle provides the backdrop but are not the driving force behind the story. Taylor Quinn has agreed to help her sister Belle with a weekend getaway for 6 ladies in her sister’s renovated Victorian mansion. All is going as well as can be expected considering the entangled backgrounds of all of the ladies. Half way through the weekend Belle is alerted that the van driver who brought the ladies there was positive for COVID and they all were quarantined for 2 weeks. The next morning one of the guests was found murdered. Enter the police who also are quarantined when they come to investigate. As in previous books, Taylor begins to investigate even though the police are there. Everyone has a motive so everyone is a suspect. You’ll want to keep reading to find out who the murderer was! Can’t wait for the next one!
April 27, 2021
I love the opportunity to visit Comfort, Oregon! Although that is a place in Tess Rothery’s fiction, I enjoy it immensely. Taylor, the main character and brave heroine in these books becomes a dear friend, when you read this series.
I recommend this book. I wondered, but never fully discovered who dunnit, which is always a plus to me. However, I strongly suggest that you read the earlier books before this one. First of all, they are enjoyable. Secondly, Good Bones refers back to too many previous incidents to get the full impact of Good Bones, if you read it as a standalone.
I received this book as an advanced review copy. This review is voluntarily written.
Finally, I am going to end with a quote that’s on the Comfort paramedics’ face masks, “Breathe No Evil.”
I recommend this book. I wondered, but never fully discovered who dunnit, which is always a plus to me. However, I strongly suggest that you read the earlier books before this one. First of all, they are enjoyable. Secondly, Good Bones refers back to too many previous incidents to get the full impact of Good Bones, if you read it as a standalone.
I received this book as an advanced review copy. This review is voluntarily written.
Finally, I am going to end with a quote that’s on the Comfort paramedics’ face masks, “Breathe No Evil.”
May 15, 2021
Good Bones is another well written, twisty, small town. murder mystery that kept my attention until the end. In this book Belle is hosting a weekend historic experience. Taylor has agreed to help with this event. When the van driver who delivered the ladies to the mansion is diagnosed with COVID, the weekend becomes a two week quarantine. Tempers fray, murder happens, and chaos ensues. Will Taylor be able to figure out the murderer in time to keep everyone else safe? The book is well done, the pandemic the reason for the quarantine - but it is not the focus of the story. An excellent who done it in Ms. Rothery's usual entertaining vein.
April 23, 2021
Taylor is trying to get by during the pandemic with mostly online sales. She agrees to help host sister Belle’s first historical retreat weekend at her restored Victorian home. All 6 guests and 4 staff would wear masks and use social-distancing. But things go askew when the driver who delivers the guests comes down with COVID! Everyone makes arrangements to quarantine for the requisite 2 weeks. What some hoped to be a healing weekend goes wrong when one of the guests is murdered! Next thing you know, the Sheriff and Deputy are quarantined, too. Can they figure out who killed Maddie?
April 5, 2022
6 great stories !
The first 6 books were great. I did not like the last one. I read so that I do not have to think about the vivid stuff. This me book was during the vivid time. I liked the first 6 books very much. The characters are strong and real. The relationships are not fairy tale, which is a nice change. Taylor is a business woman and a member of a strong family. I think that you will live this series. Happy Reading !!!
The first 6 books were great. I did not like the last one. I read so that I do not have to think about the vivid stuff. This me book was during the vivid time. I liked the first 6 books very much. The characters are strong and real. The relationships are not fairy tale, which is a nice change. Taylor is a business woman and a member of a strong family. I think that you will live this series. Happy Reading !!!
May 27, 2021
Best one yet!
I've been a fan of Taylor Quinn since the first book and have enjoyed reading her adventures since day one. This book was the best one yet. With the perfect touch of relatability with COVID, quarantines, and social distancing the twist and turns continued until the very end. Just when I thought I knew who did it another twist turned things on its head and I was back at square one unsure of who the murderer truly was. Definitely a MUST read.
I've been a fan of Taylor Quinn since the first book and have enjoyed reading her adventures since day one. This book was the best one yet. With the perfect touch of relatability with COVID, quarantines, and social distancing the twist and turns continued until the very end. Just when I thought I knew who did it another twist turned things on its head and I was back at square one unsure of who the murderer truly was. Definitely a MUST read.
May 6, 2021
By the far best Taylor Quinn Quilt Shop Mystery which is sayng something because the others were brilliant too. Highly recommended for a bedtime read and covers the difficulties with Covid 19 so brilliantly!
June 26, 2021
I am loving this series and I appreciate that the author included the current Covid-19 pandemic into the story. The mystery is well-written and interesting, with secrets, family, friends, and intrigue.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.
January 12, 2023
Another good Book!
What’s not to love about this Series? It has it all and the characters are very believable.I enjoyed all the books,but I think this one was my favorite.I loved the storyline and can hardly wait to read the next Book!
What’s not to love about this Series? It has it all and the characters are very believable.I enjoyed all the books,but I think this one was my favorite.I loved the storyline and can hardly wait to read the next Book!
May 12, 2021
A great cozy mystery and this series keeps getting better. Pick up a copy and relax with Taylor and friends.
May 21, 2021
Quick run read
While this was not my favorite story of the series, it was still interesting. It was enjoyable and time flew by.
While this was not my favorite story of the series, it was still interesting. It was enjoyable and time flew by.
August 26, 2021
Another hit!
I loved this story. It had a very unexpected ending. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I loved this story. It had a very unexpected ending. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
September 28, 2022
Pandemic and murder
This book is set in a time we all just went through. It has an interesting stage for murder during a pandemic and is we did have responded.
This book is set in a time we all just went through. It has an interesting stage for murder during a pandemic and is we did have responded.
October 17, 2023
Such a fun and easy read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews