No Bones About It

Flint & Co Paranormal Investigations #1

by Rachel Ford

He’s a skeleton who used to be a cop. I’m a Freak who used to be a detective. Together, we’re going to find the woman I love.

Technically, the PD hasn’t fired me yet. But when my girlfriend, the star witness in the biggest embezzlement case in a century, went missing, I stepped on some toes. And maybe busted a senior detective’s nose.

He had it coming. He’s hiding something. I’m going to find out what, and I’m going to find my fiancée. But I can’t do it alone.

In a world of magic and undead beings, Normies avoid Freaks like me like the plague. Our magic terrifies them.

But there’s one place I know I can turn to find the help I need: the undead. So here I am, trusting the fate of my career and the love of my life to the bony hands of a 150 year old undead investigator.

And that's a recipe for disaster. No bones about it.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Mystery, Paranormal, LGBT

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 2021

About the author

Rachel Ford lives in beautiful Central Wisconsin. She is a programmer, who works in everything from SQL to .NET to Cisco CVP and IVR. Her latest foray into new and exciting things has been developing custom Java plugins for CVP applications.
Rachel also enjoys recreating historically authentic jewelry, and mixing historical recreations with fantasy elements to create exciting new pieces.
When not designing jewelry or tinkering with computers, Rachel spends her time writing and reading science fiction and fantasy.

Reviews

[AnnMaree Of Oz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very unique and interesting paranormal investigative tale! Just in time for Halloween.

Featuring strange magics aka abilities, and dead that have risen, animated - up and walking (And talking!) around the place -as if they never died! Except for the smell on some of them...

We meet Detective Jill Wallace of the Boston PD, who is on suspension after punching a fellow cop in the aftermath of her fiancée being abducted. But no one believes her. They insist she has no real proof, and are convinced she's unhinged. There's conspiracy afoot, and very few she can trust - so she employs the private Investigative prowess of Jack Flint - who just so happens to be a living skeleton.

It was fun and entertaining learning about this strange world where the dead have risen and strange powers affect some of the population. Jill Wallace is one such person who has some special abilities, but I don't want to spoil too much. She desperate to find her love, Nat and will stop at nothing to do so.

We get a reasonably standard investigative procedural drama but with paranormal tie-ins, to make it different enough. My one complaint was it wasn't as emotional as I would have liked. I guess I just wanted a bit more backstory for the couple, and perhaps a bit more pining from Jill.

I also would have liked for Jack and Jill - yep - to get to know each other further, too. To really solidify the bond. But I suppose since this is the start of a series, that groundwork is slowly being built on.

I'd look forward to following them on more paranormal investigations in future installments!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L A Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun read. In the year 2030 a meteor hit the earth. And the dead came back to life. Breather Jill's girlfriend Nat has been kidnapped. Jill is a cop but gets suspended. So to a skeleton she goes for help. Grumpy Flinty Jack is a character. It is a world full of characters. Zombies, Reapers, Ferals and more. And Jill has a few tricks at her fingertips also. Very entertaining read. I did receive a free copy.

[Celesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I absolutely love this story This is my first story that I had read first of the authors series and obviously I was drawn to the cover This is available under Kindle unlimited so if you have that then you don't really necessary have to pay for it unless you read it and you absolutely want to buy it to keep it I recommend it either way you get a really good story


The author has a really easy flow into introduce you into this world it's kind of like a combination a couple of things is supernatural there is a mystery investigation pull to the story which I'm a big fan of somewhat of a police procedure there is humor in here there's set in the modern time so their cell phones and cars but the twist is there is that dead people alive So zombies skeletons One of the main characters is a skeleton named Jack and he meets Jill because her fiance gets kidnapped and that's pretty much how the story opens up with her meeting him for the first time usually a police procedure or even a mystery private investigator kind of story usually starts with the crime but in this case we get the meeting of the two main characters that you see on the cover and that's how it opens up I was not expecting the investigation or even the mystery to be as good as it was it's not a hardcore mystery type of story like you were fine and you're real good police procedure stories but it does the work like I had no problem with the mystery hell I didn't even figure it all out until the end I like it when things are not spelled out for me I rather find out when the characters find out So that's my type of book to read when it comes to mysteries I love the supernatural elements in here the character herself Jill is what they call a freak That's what they call humans that have powers how they get their powers hell how a zombies walk around or people brought back from the dead are in this world from a mysterious meteor that fell from the sky and it crash and everybody certain individuals got powers not everybody has them so it's kind of like a fraction of groups of people You have the people that came back to life the zombies etc You have individuals like Jill who ended up with powers kind of reminded me like mutants from the X-Men that are not necessarily welcome in society either and then you have your average human beings that have to adjust to all the stuff going around and they can be very prejudice towards those that are different from themselves So it's a lot of things that makes this book stand out that I really enjoyed I was looking for something and I found this and I was not disappointed.


To be honest I stumbled across this on Kindle I was looking for obviously a lesbian story but mostly a main character who is a lesbian but also who is Butch or tomboy I like those type of character and the love interest mostly a feminine kind of woman and that's how stumbled across this It was really just by accident I won't say Jill is not tomboyish but I won't put her in a butch spectrum She ain't running around in heels or dresses or makeup or anything like that.

So I'll at least say she's tomboy just because Boots jeans and shirt is what she rocks unless that changes throughout the series I don't know but this first book I had no problem with her character and I completely forgot about what I was looking for anyway because the story really sucked me in and I love the world that is built in is also set in Boston so there's that I'm not from Boston so I don't know if any landmarks were put in this book or not so I can't tell you if the fax of how the city would look if something like that happened but I enjoyed it for what it is.

Also there was a scene and I'm not going to spoil too much of it but Jill had a action scene and I was actually expecting Jack to kind of come to the rescue cuz most of the time when I find action-packed main character strongly female characters and they've been quote on quote claim to be a badass character and end up getting saved in the end and it kind of destroys their image of what was told by the author and other characters but I have to say Jill handle a situation on her own without being rescued and was ruthless in the encounter and didn't have guilt over what she had to do she's a really put together character She is a detective and it showed in that scene It showed how she reacted afterwards that when stuff need to be done she doesn't hesitate I love her powers I can't wait for her to discover more about them in this book she really taps into that and she still a novice when it comes to the supernatural she's not familiar with everything because like I said up top she's been hiding the fact that she has powers But unfortunately in order to rescue her fiance she's willing to do whatever she has to do and that includes using her powers that includes teaming up with a bone skeleton who is private detective.


Also I have to say I love Jack and Jill's relationship they kind of have this banter that's insulting one another and they're both stubborn and I absolutely love it how that interacted I didn't know how the bone skeleton detective guy was going to work But it is hilarious and it works The authors imagination just it's surprises me I never seen no one do this before and I didn't think it was going to work.

And I look forward to seeing Jack and Jill and Natalie characters grow and change throughout the series This was a very good book I can't wait to see what these characters get up to in the next one but like I said before the partnership with Jack and Jill it works it's they both bring something to the table that the other one doesn't have Jill doesn't have knowledge of supernaturals and how things work and jacked us Jack can't really go places that Jill can go because people won't talk to him because he's a skeleton and Jill can go where he can't because she's still human despite her having powers and I just like how it sets up for future books and I can't wait to get into those books I have read another one of her fantasy stories after this one but I was very pleased with this book and I might come back to this one and finish this one first but this was a really good book and anyone who likes mystery humor some action magic supernatural elements like zombies etc You would not be disappointed This author does a really good job and showing this world and I hope that she develops it as it goes.


And one more thing to add She doesn't make Jack or Jill stupid like they put the stuff together they follow the clues that lead them to the answer and I really enjoyed that they one made to be stupid they both bring things to the table that the other one cannot like I said top but I really like the fact she didn't make them stupid but she also didn't give them easy ways to find what they were looking for either So it's just a very simple method of telling her story and it works for her I really like her style She didn't make it complicated She didn't overdo it with details She gave you what you needed to know and that was that and I like how she slowly peels back the world's that she builds so I am definitely looking for this series and the rest of her other series that I've been eagerly trying out and I'm a big fan of series so the more the books that happier I am So yes this is a very good find.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Boston police detective Jill Wallace’s fiancée, Natalie, has gone missing. The officer sent to their home suggests that perhaps Nat has simply given up on the relationship and walked out. After letting him know what she thinks of that idea in a rather physical fashion, Jill is suspended. She can’t turn to her colleagues for help, so she hires a private detective, who just happens to be a skeleton. ‘Flinty’ Jack is also a former cop, but from over a century earlier.
Since a mysterious meteorite fell to earth, the dead have been granted a second life, just not a return to their former physicality. Oh, and it endowed some normal people with apparently magical (although don’t let Jack hear you use the word) powers, including Jill. Until now, she has succeeded in hiding her Freak status, but for how much longer, when Nat is in danger?
I was initially dubious about the world building of this novel. After all, how does a skeleton see, or talk? Or even keep his bones connected without ligaments?
But once the story really got into the swing, I chose to suspend disbelief. Jill, the viewpoint character, is beautifully drawn. Her emotions, her intelligence, her obvious capability as a detective, are all in evidence, and often in conflict with each other. This makes for a character you want to follow. I know when a book is well accomplished, as I find myself eager to get back to reading it any moment I have spare. Since becoming an author myself, this doesn’t happen all that often, so when it does, I know I’m reading a good book.
The story never flags. There is plenty of action, the plot throws in some unexpected hiccups, and the dialogue is fantastic, with plenty of funny quips. The humour keeps the whole thing from becoming too dark, even when the story ventures into some very uncomfortable territory. The sadly predictable divisions in how humanity deals with the Undead, the Ferals (those unfortunates unable to cope mentally with their own resurrections) and the Freaks, adds another layer to an already well-layered world.
The climax and the falling action in the aftermath are highly satisfying, and I have already begun another in the series. Ideal for those who enjoy paranormal cop stories, with that (to me) essential edge of humour.

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the future, a meteorite has struck, bringing the dead to life and imbuing some living people with extra abilities. The factions are divided: there's the undead, normies (regular mortals), Freaks (mortals who gained special abilities from the meteor), and Ferals (undead whose consciousness didn't return with them, as well as Freaks who couldn't handle their new powers). As a cop, Jill has to keep the fact that she's a Freak hidden. All bets are off, however, when her fiancée is abducted just as she's about to become the star witness in a corruption case involving a Senator. Jill's overzealous efforts to get Nat back result in her suspension from the force. Knowing she needs help, she hires Flinty Jack, an undead former PI who's nothing but a skeleton. Together, they tackle vicious gangs (both undead and normies), Ferals, and a mole in Jill's precinct. No matter the obstacle, Jill won't quit until she rescues Nat.

I had hopes for this one, but no high expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. This was an amazing, fast-paced, action-filled read. The premise behind the "fantasy" part of this urban fantasy was unique, and the author provided enough back story and world building for things to make sense without bogging down the narrative. Jill is tough, snarky, and determined. Battle scenes were exciting, and there was humor sprinkled throughout to provide a bit of comic relief. Plot twists kept my interest, as well.

Very good read, and I will certainly look for more in the series. Four stars.

[Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

3.75*

I liked the world-building.
I found the idea for some of the supernatural types quite novel. -- They made a nice change from the more standard vampire and shifters / weres.
I liked the MC and her fiancee.
I thought Flint was a good character and work partner for the MC.
I enjoyed the various side characters and hope some will return in the later books.

First time read the author's work?: Yes

Will you be reading more?: Yes

Would you recommend?: Yes


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read enjoyed a lot of Rachel Ford’s books. This one was no exception. . The world that Ford created is refreshingly different. A postapocalyptic or dystopian, whatever, world exists after a meteorite crashed and resurrected the dead in various forms – sentient skeletons, zombies, ghosts, and mages, among others. All the beings have different names, like Normies for regular humans, Freaks for those with magic, and so on.

Jill’s girlfriend is missing; she knows Nat has been kidnapped because of Jill’s visions. Although she’s a detective, the police won’t do anything. Suspended, Jill goes to Jack, a skeleton PI for help. This hunt for Nat serves two purposes – one is to introduce the world and key characters and the second is to unfold the story. It is exciting, dangerous, and fun for the reader. Because I’ve read many books by Ford, I kind of knew how it would end, although there was plenty of excitement and humor along the way to keep me entertained.

[J H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your typical paranormal investigation

The book started out after the main character's fiance had been kidnapped, and she had already been suspended by her police chief. Normally, a story starts out and leads up to that, but that wasn't the case. It worked really well in this instance.

The human lead was secretly paranormal, and her skeleton partner wouldn't have existed if a global event hadn't occurred. The concept that a meteor and meteorite created the paranormal upheaval was very clever, as well as what resulted from the celestial phenomenon.

The leads initially tolerated each other, but their respect and ethics led to a great partnership. The fiance had never shot any types of guns before, but that added a bit of humor to the story a few times. Book 2 wall hopefully be just as entertaining as Book 1.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I was entertained by this story. I appreciated the unusual paranormal beings. I was amused by the idea of a skeleton, who once was a police officer, who decided to become a private investigator after being brought to life after a meteor hit the earth. I liked Detective Jill Wallace, who was feisty and determined. I enjoyed all the twists and turns as Jill looked for her fiancée. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.

[fred jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read. Since the meteorite landed the world changed. The dead rose and Detective Jill Wallace became one of the freaks. When her fiance Natalie is kidnapped she hired Flinty Jace, former detective and living skeleton to help her. Brilliant idea, well written with lots of action, great byplay between the lead characters and lots of twists and turns. Fabulous start to a series. I have already bought the next one. I like Rachel Ford's stories and this is a great one. Highly recommended.

[Wes McGie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It’s a very enjoyable paranormal mystery. I listened to the audiobook version, and it kept me riveted until the end. There’s great action, an interesting mystery, witty banter between our two leads, and a satisfying conclusion. Naomi Rose-Mock did a great job narrating the book. She doesn’t do a lot of different character voices but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of the book at all. I loved the team-up of Jill Wallace and Flinty Jack. I will be listening to the other books in the series. This is another great book by Rachel Ford.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lesbian wizard and P.I. skeleton buddy cop mystery. It's amazing.

It's relatively light-hearted (which was good for me in my current state), and it is absolutely hilarious. Seriously some of my favourite dialogue I've read in years. And despite being light-hearted, the worldbuilding is excellent and full of fascinating lore.

I highly recommend this, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Ashleigh Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging entertainment for the soul

Being a fan of the paranormal genre, I was not disappointed by this author. The ending could have seen a few more pages with the arrests, trials and outcome, but overall, a solid story that leaves me waiting impatiently for the second book. Two thumbs up.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fun reading and very enjoyable. At times it was frustrating, but in the end it made sense the whole frustration. The snafu situation, IMO, was mainly the suits fault. Probably we wouldn't have a book if they did things less secretly, but then again, they never do.

Jack and Wallace were a very amusing duo and I hope I get to know Nat better next.

Excited to read the sequels

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few interesting ideas but I didn't find the lead very likeable or compelling. I had no sense of the relationship between Nat and Wallace before Nat was kidnapped so there was basically no motivation for my investment. A lot of telling and not showing. Fine and quick read, but I don't think I'll continue the series.

[Angelica Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

action packed sapphic mystery

I wasn’t sure how it was going to read as this is new genre territory but I loved it. A missing fiancé plus a sort of magical cop and a bag of bones makes for a great read. If supernatural and ncis/rizzoli and isles had a baby, it would be this. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

[MommyCelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read

I enjoyed this book so much! The concept of the undead and the breathing co-existing is interesting and exciting. I was having so much fun reading, smiling, and laughing at Jack and Jill’s antics. Highly recommended!

[Anne V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

Starts a bit slowly, but as the story progresses it picks up speed and the last third is unputdownable. Quirky, likeable characters and a clever and unpredictable plot made this an enjoyable read. Looking forward to the next in the series!

[Fancy]

a good premise, but didn't make the most of the skeleton PI at all, c/have been any kind of person. worldbuilding sketchy. no connection built between MCs before the kidnap - a prequel somewhere? - so couldn't feel much distress at her kidnap.

[Kirsty Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. I loved the premise, the characters and the storyline. This came across as well thought out/planned and it was heaps of fun. I liked the twists that occurred. Trying not to give spoilers so I'll stop here but say its worth reading.

[Chris Morbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic

Absolutely loved it! Great storyline with wonderful characters, can’t wait for the next one. Will definitely lookout for more from this author.

[Bookworm52732 · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's potential, but it definitely needs editing. Predictable, AKA I knew who the bad guy wasn't waaay too early

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was interesting and I liked the characters. It’s not something I have to read the next book immediately, but I will likely pick it up at some point when the mood strikes me.

[Ornella · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sass was on point.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved the characters , especially Flinty Jack. loved the world it's in , good story good read will read others of these books if I can.

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏳️‍🌈👩‍❤️‍👩📚👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩⚢👩‍💼💕💍👮‍♀️🔥☄⛪️🕵️‍♂️☠📖👭🏳️‍🌈

That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received, from the author herself, an ARC of " No Bones About It" (Flint & Co Paranormal Investigations - Book 1) by Rachel Ford.
So, here it is !!!

First of all, thank you so much for this reading opportunity.
Since I love discovering new (to me) authors (that’s my first time reading this author’s work), this excellent reading has been a great discovery and, after this experience, believe me, I’ll make sure to read (a lot) more of her books in the future…

👍 My rating : 5+ ⭐️
A MUST READ. 🤯 👍👍

* * *

➕ The "Pros" (non exhaustive list) :
° the original settings of this delightfully amusing dystopian story : New Boston, a vast area covering the entire eastern half of the state of Massachusetts, and parts of old New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut too.

° the original premises: the planetary new reality since an apocalyptic event occurred => life as the human race knew it has ended on August 13th, 2030, twelve minutes after nine, New Boston time, when a meteor hit the Earth and, all over the planet (and between other things), the dead returned to life and some people gained abilities ... The world building is just fantastic in there!

° the unusual and fun threesome of MCs: Jill Wallace, a ‘‘Freak’’ (she has been gifted with clairvoyance and fire magic) who used to be a detective with the NBPD & Natalie Lyons, her (seemingly) ‘‘Normy’’ lawyer fiancée (Jill & Nat, both ‘‘Breathers’’ are in a solid established relationship) and Jack Flint aka ‘‘Flinty Jack’’, a grumpy ‘‘undead’’ skeleton who used to be a cop and who’s about as approachable as a porcupine, and as charming as a badger … well, at least that what I’ve been told 😜😂🤣

° the original plot offering us a story with loads of action and surprises. => Jill & Jack meet when Jill needs help investigating her missing fiancée (who was set to testify in an embezzlement case against Adam Vandermeer, the son of the powerful Senator Eric Vandermeer). Nothing is done on the PD’s side, Jill"s boss, Chief Anders, and, her colleague in charge of the file, Detective Sean O’Donnell, both believing that no crime has been committed & that’s just Jill losing her investigative touch ‘cause refusing to acknowledge the failure of her relationship. So, she loses her temper and is suspended in the aftermaths.

° the great banters between MC Jill Wallace & MC Flinty Jack

° A LOT of humor all the novel long! I giggled, a lot, and laughed out loud very often. I even, once or twice, ended up crying from laughing so hard … Gals and guys, if you need something to cheer you up, make sure to grab a copy of ‘‘No Bones About It’’!!
° Jill’s first POV narration increases the comical effect and make it even more easy to connect with her and appreciate both the action and the humor, like if you’d hear first hand from a good friend the incredible adventure she had …



➖ The "Cons" : ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Nothing to declare …

I’m glad that this is only Book 1 in the series because it’s an excellent start, full of potential leads for what would come next & I definitely want to learn more about those two unconventional private eyes and live more adventures beside them. I want more about Jill’s powerful response to the shard of meteor and the way she’ll practice to evolve and master both her existing powers and new abilities. And, of course, I’m also very curious about Jill and Nat & I wonder how their relationship will evolve due to the very powerful emotional link they seem to share …
Can’t wait for the next installment! Book 2 will be released during the first half-year of 2022…

IMO, this, alone (yep, it can be read as a standalone), could make a great urban fantasy /action/adventure/mystery/comedy TV show or a movie. But … Imagine what the entire series (once it’ll be written) could do …


If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Hell, yes!
- Did I find the characters believable? => Yes and hilarious as hell!
- Is this book now included in my "must be re-read"-list? => Definitely!
- Will I purchase the paperback? => It seems the book doesn’t exist in this format, so, sadly, no.
- Would I read another book by this author? => Definitely! Can't wait to be in the first half-year of 2022 to see "Throw Me a Bone" (Flint & Co Paranormal Investigations - Book 2) released into the world...
- Would I recommend this book => Yes! Without any hesitation and very highly…

🏳️‍🌈👩‍❤️‍👩📚👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩⚢👩‍💼💕💍👮‍♀️🔥☄⛪️🕵️‍♂️☠📖👭🏳️‍🌈

[Robin Ginther-Venneri · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Bones About It (Flint & Co Paranormal Investigations Book 1)
by Rachel Ford

He’s a skeleton who used to be a cop. I’m a Freak who used to be a detective. Together, we’re going to find the woman I love.

Technically, the PD hasn’t fired me yet. But when my girlfriend, the star witness in the biggest embezzlement case in a century, went missing, I stepped on some toes. And maybe busted a senior detective’s nose.

He had it coming. He’s hiding something. I’m going to find out what, and I’m going to find my fiancée. But I can’t do it alone.

In a world of magic and undead beings, Normies avoid Freaks like me like the plague. Our magic terrifies them.

But there’s one place I know I can turn to find the help I need: the undead. So here I am, trusting the fate of my career and the love of my life to the bony hands of a 150-year-old undead investigator.

And that's a recipe for disaster. No bones about it.


My Review:

August 13th, 2030, twelve minutes after nine a meteor hit New Boston. It wasn’t the end of the world. It was just the end of life as we knew it. All over the planet, the dead returned to life, or undeath, or whatever they call it. For the most part, and for most people effected, the impact had been positive: gained abilities, a second life, and so on.

That being said Detective Jill Wallace gifted with clairvoyance and fire magic was investigating her missing fiancée, Natalie Lyons with the help of former cop, private investigator and skeleton “Flinty” Jack. But Chief Anders and Detective Sean O’Donnell believe no crime was committed and Detective Wallace is losing her stuff even though Natalie was set to testify in the Senator Vandermeer son’s embezzlement case.

What a delightfully amusing story full of unusual and fun characters. The world building was fantastic going above and beyond the apocalyptic event. In this dystopian world, we find out how things have changed, meet the brilliantly smart, strong characters, and become immersed in their lives. Fabulous throughout, the story had me wanting more by the end.

This is the first book in the series, and I have to say I can’t wait for next book to see where Rachel Ford goes with the story.

Favorite lines:

“I’m a rationalist. A man of science. As I exist in the natural world, my state is not an unnatural or supernatural one.”

“As I exist in the natural world, my state is not an unnatural or supernatural one.”

“I mean, uh…well, I can shoot fireballs from my fingertips. I’m not sure what you would call that, except magic?” “A weaponized exothermal chemical process,” he said, with a shrug of his shoulder blades. “Yeah, that really rolls off the tongue.” “An‘ability,’ if you prefer brevity. That seems to be all the rage these days. But I take your meaning: you’re a Freak.”

“I’d learned long ago to sort problems into two very useful categories, and act accordingly: my problems, and someone else’s problems.” “This was a him problem, not a me problem. So, I could feel free to ignore it.”

“Flinty Jack, you sentient Halloween ornament, what the hell are you doing calling me at this ungodly hour?”

“Keep an eye on that bone bag, will you? He’s a real pain in the ass, but I’d be sorry if he got his irritating self-killed.”

“Flesh Sack, Breather, Skin Bag, Freak, Bone Bag, Normies, Undead and Ferals.”

Throw Me a Bone (Flint & Co Paranormal Investigations Book 2)
This title will be released on May 25, 2022.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Start to a New Series . . .

In 2030, the world did not end, but something weird did happen. A meteor struck and all over the planet, the dead returned to life, rose from their coffins or wherever else their bones were resting, and just blended back into day to day living. Jack Flint was one of them, and he had the personality of a badger. Now Detective Jill Wallace needed his assistance. Her fiancée, Natalie Lyons, had gone missing a week ago. Jill still sensed she was alive but she couldn’t tell an investigating officer since magic and clairvoyant evidence was not admissible in court. In fact, with Natalie being an adult, she is allowed to disappear, so no “crime” has even been committed. Jill seeing men chasing her in her mind doesn’t matter. But Jill insists on going along with him on the investigation, which he won’t allow. She is suspended for punching a senior detective in the nose, so the department, and even private detectives, won’t help her. She needs Jack’s contacts. But he is adamant that he will not work with a partner, so she left.

Both of them gave up their stubbornness and met up outside the door of his office as they were trying to catch up to each other. Then Jill gave him the basics, and the information that Nat was the star witness in the Vandermeer embezzlement case involving the senator’s son. They would begin their investigation in the morning.

I liked the unusual parameters of this story, with a skeleton P.I. on the case. The author really does a great job letting us see how quirky he is, wanting no verbal comments about magic or visions or fireballs, at least until she pointed out that “fireballs” was easier to say than his preference of “a weaponized exothermal chemical process” which didn’t roll off the tongue nearly as well. This is going to be a fun series. Will they find Nat and rescue her? Grab your copy because their path to get there will keep you laughing all the way.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to detective work, experience counts, so it makes sense that our heroine will turn to an older detective for help. Of course, when that detective is a century old skeleton, sense might have just flown out the window.

This is book one of this series, so a good place to start.

This is an urban fantasy detective story with undead as the focus. If that sound weird and very intriguing, just wait until you start reading the story The story is well written and easy to read with a very unique setting and set of characters. Said characters are well developed and definitely give this story a unique feel. And a good bit of fun as well. The plot is well thought out and complex, keeping us guessing as to what comes next. All these elements all blend into a fantastic story that is hard to put down once you start. I am definitely looking forward to seeing more books in this series.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Sentinelle23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤💜☄☠ Great to read !

August 13th, 2030 :

A meteor crashes on Earth.
It was not the end of the world, but rather the end of life as we knew it.

The meteor unleashed a strange and inexplicable phenomenon which resuscitated all the dead on the planet, including the skeletons.

In a New Boston office, Detective Jill Wallace grew impatient with the talkative employee : the skeleton Jack Flint...

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Instant crush for this unique and original novel !

From the first page, I had a smile on my face in front of the scenario so original and funny.

I had a great time reading the mysterious story of the two main characters : Jill Wallace and Flinty Jack.

To discover absolutely.
❤💜☄☠