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Marketville Mystery #4
Before There Were Skeletons
The last time anyone saw Veronica Goodman was the night of February 14, 1995, the only clue to her disappearance a silver heart-shaped pendant, found in the parking lot behind the bar where she worked. Twenty-seven years later, Veronica’s daughter, Kate, just a year old when her mother vanished, hires Past & Present Investigations to find out what happened that fateful night.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable is drawn to the case, the similarities to her own mother’s disappearance on Valentine’s Day 1986 hauntingly familiar. A disappearance she thought she’d come to terms with. Until Veronica’s case, and five high school yearbooks, take her back in time…a time before there were skeletons.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable is drawn to the case, the similarities to her own mother’s disappearance on Valentine’s Day 1986 hauntingly familiar. A disappearance she thought she’d come to terms with. Until Veronica’s case, and five high school yearbooks, take her back in time…a time before there were skeletons.
- GenresMystery
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2023
About the author
Judy Penz Sheluk
45 books360 followersA former journalist and magazine editor, Judy Penz Sheluk is the bestselling author of Finding Your Path to Publication and Self-publishing: The Ins & Outs of Going Indie, as well as two mystery series: the Glass Dolphin Mysteries and Marketville Mysteries, both of which have been published in multiple languages. Her short crime fiction appears in several collections, including the Superior Shores Anthologies, which she also edited.
Judy is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she served on the Board of Directors for five years, the final two as Chair. She lives in Northern Ontario.
Judy is a member of the Independent Book Publishers Association, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, and Crime Writers of Canada, where she served on the Board of Directors for five years, the final two as Chair. She lives in Northern Ontario.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 16, 2022
Callie has a new case for Past & Present Investigations but she no longer has her partners from past investigations. Since her new case reminds her so much of her mother’s case she invites a new investigator to help with the case. As she dives into the investigation she find similarities to a couple of cold cases from a decade prior to hers.
Callie is a great protagonist. She is still dealing with her feelings about the choices her mother’s and her mother’s parents made and how they impacted her life, while investigating a case that closely mirrored her mother’s. She handles the case professionally. Callie is also having to form a née relationship with a new investigator, she is turning out to be a great mentor. The mystery is well-written. The investigations into all of the cold cases even though a decade apart are woven seamlessly together. I recommend this book to mystery lovers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
Callie is a great protagonist. She is still dealing with her feelings about the choices her mother’s and her mother’s parents made and how they impacted her life, while investigating a case that closely mirrored her mother’s. She handles the case professionally. Callie is also having to form a née relationship with a new investigator, she is turning out to be a great mentor. The mystery is well-written. The investigations into all of the cold cases even though a decade apart are woven seamlessly together. I recommend this book to mystery lovers.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
October 19, 2022
Before There We’re Skeletons Earns 5/5 Cold Case Conundrums…Exciting Gem!
Callie Barnstable was taken aback by the odd appearances of the numbers 5-5-5: a clock, an address, a phone number, a license plate. Was it purely coincidental or something more significant? Her friend and associate Misty Rivers spoke of numerology, spirit guides, and angel numbers, but she also thought it an indication of coming changes or opportunities to foster growth or understanding. A surprise call from her maternal grandmother about their decision to move was an unexpected opportunity to going through her mother’s room with memories and mementos. Is this the opportunity Misty had suggested?
Callie’s budding business, Past & Present Investigations, is struggling, but Lucy Daneluk with the Ontario Registry of Missing and Unidentified Adults calls with a fascinating mystery. She explains briefly the details of the missing persons cold case (Veronica Celeste Goodman 2/14/95) that eerily reminds Callie of her own mother’s disappearance decades ago: “Pregnant at seventeen. Disappearing on Valentine’s Day. The jewelry.” Callie agrees to meet with the daughter. Lucy, then, shares two other missing persons cases that on the surface seem unrelated—Kelly Anne Acquolina (1/31/95) and Wanetta Bulmer (1/17/95). Callie isn’t so sure of that seeing that the three woman each went missing in 1995...5-5-5.
Judy Penz Sheluk has a big hit with the newest book in her Marketville Mystery series with a trifecta of cold cases to solve. Callie identifies closely with the young woman’s dilemma, and again is entangled in a complex mystery hampered by the passage of decades, poor memories, and obstacles from those unwilling to dredge up the past, but connections are real and compelling. Her new hire, Denim Hopkins, is eager, skilled in tech, and a delightful apprentice to Callie’s mentor. Callie’s sour relationship with her mother’s parents continues, but her mother’s things offer interesting insights not only into her mother but into the missing persons cases. Law enforcement joins in on the journey. Detective Sheridan Merryfield is handsome, Callie notices, clever and fair, she learns, and although he recognizes her competence and she’s also not bad to look at, he shares little of himself or the case. The final reveal provides satisfying closure, yet not always in ways expected.
Judy’s writing style is “couldn’t put down” entertaining, descriptive, and witty as she details the lives of these women and their disappearance. Callie’s original team have spread out over Canada, but still make an appearance when their expertise is needed. Denim is a delightful addition and Detective Merryfield is what I’d hoped…finally, a romantic interest that just might be perfect for Callie. Families are explored in all their goods and bads, secrets exposed with their benefits and disadvantages, and opportunities are confronted as rewards. It is a top read again! Don’t forget to read the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments which offers some reality to this fiction.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Callie Barnstable was taken aback by the odd appearances of the numbers 5-5-5: a clock, an address, a phone number, a license plate. Was it purely coincidental or something more significant? Her friend and associate Misty Rivers spoke of numerology, spirit guides, and angel numbers, but she also thought it an indication of coming changes or opportunities to foster growth or understanding. A surprise call from her maternal grandmother about their decision to move was an unexpected opportunity to going through her mother’s room with memories and mementos. Is this the opportunity Misty had suggested?
Callie’s budding business, Past & Present Investigations, is struggling, but Lucy Daneluk with the Ontario Registry of Missing and Unidentified Adults calls with a fascinating mystery. She explains briefly the details of the missing persons cold case (Veronica Celeste Goodman 2/14/95) that eerily reminds Callie of her own mother’s disappearance decades ago: “Pregnant at seventeen. Disappearing on Valentine’s Day. The jewelry.” Callie agrees to meet with the daughter. Lucy, then, shares two other missing persons cases that on the surface seem unrelated—Kelly Anne Acquolina (1/31/95) and Wanetta Bulmer (1/17/95). Callie isn’t so sure of that seeing that the three woman each went missing in 1995...5-5-5.
Judy Penz Sheluk has a big hit with the newest book in her Marketville Mystery series with a trifecta of cold cases to solve. Callie identifies closely with the young woman’s dilemma, and again is entangled in a complex mystery hampered by the passage of decades, poor memories, and obstacles from those unwilling to dredge up the past, but connections are real and compelling. Her new hire, Denim Hopkins, is eager, skilled in tech, and a delightful apprentice to Callie’s mentor. Callie’s sour relationship with her mother’s parents continues, but her mother’s things offer interesting insights not only into her mother but into the missing persons cases. Law enforcement joins in on the journey. Detective Sheridan Merryfield is handsome, Callie notices, clever and fair, she learns, and although he recognizes her competence and she’s also not bad to look at, he shares little of himself or the case. The final reveal provides satisfying closure, yet not always in ways expected.
Judy’s writing style is “couldn’t put down” entertaining, descriptive, and witty as she details the lives of these women and their disappearance. Callie’s original team have spread out over Canada, but still make an appearance when their expertise is needed. Denim is a delightful addition and Detective Merryfield is what I’d hoped…finally, a romantic interest that just might be perfect for Callie. Families are explored in all their goods and bads, secrets exposed with their benefits and disadvantages, and opportunities are confronted as rewards. It is a top read again! Don’t forget to read the Author’s Note and Acknowledgments which offers some reality to this fiction.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
October 21, 2022
I started with this book in the series. It is obvious that I have missed some of the relationship parts, but the author does a good job letting me know what is going on without having a gigantic info dump. So I thought that was well balanced.
The actual investigation of the mystery involves a lot of looking at old newspapers and yearbooks and then interviewing people. I thought it had a realistic pace of what could be found out and how to get people to tell you the truth. I had hoped for a little more from the ending, but it is honestly a realistic ending. So I can't be too upset by it.
The overarching story of Callie's mom is a good way to keep you reading the series, which I will keep doing.
The actual investigation of the mystery involves a lot of looking at old newspapers and yearbooks and then interviewing people. I thought it had a realistic pace of what could be found out and how to get people to tell you the truth. I had hoped for a little more from the ending, but it is honestly a realistic ending. So I can't be too upset by it.
The overarching story of Callie's mom is a good way to keep you reading the series, which I will keep doing.
October 20, 2022
An interesting read indeed. I found that I enjoyed the story and the mystery behind it all, but I felt a bit lost at some of the storyline. I believe this would have been solved if I had read the other books in the series. Because I had not read the other book/s in the series the story felt like it had holes in it. I also felt a bit like the mysteries weren't all solved completely.
Callie is an interesting person. She is odd in many ways. This may come from the issues in her life with her relationship with her grandmother and her mother who left and went missing many years ago. Her relationship with her grandmother is a bit strained and she has about given up hope in finding the answers to why her mother disappeared. These issues seem to have affected her relationships with her on and off again boyfriend.
I gave the book four stars instead of three because it is not the books fault I did not read the ones before it. I truly felt that is I had read them then this story would have felt more solid to me and I may have enjoyed it a bit more.
I wish the book would have had a bit more action and danger in it. This would have given the book the wow factor I look for in a mystery. I felt that there were some areas that a little danger would have drawn me into the story a bit more.
Overall the story truly had good bones. I thought it could have had a bit more oomph to it though.
Callie is an interesting person. She is odd in many ways. This may come from the issues in her life with her relationship with her grandmother and her mother who left and went missing many years ago. Her relationship with her grandmother is a bit strained and she has about given up hope in finding the answers to why her mother disappeared. These issues seem to have affected her relationships with her on and off again boyfriend.
I gave the book four stars instead of three because it is not the books fault I did not read the ones before it. I truly felt that is I had read them then this story would have felt more solid to me and I may have enjoyed it a bit more.
I wish the book would have had a bit more action and danger in it. This would have given the book the wow factor I look for in a mystery. I felt that there were some areas that a little danger would have drawn me into the story a bit more.
Overall the story truly had good bones. I thought it could have had a bit more oomph to it though.
September 23, 2022
Interesting read. I liked the pace of the book. The mystery of the girls kept me going, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters and their different roles. Looking forward to more books!
September 20, 2022
This is a very different type of cozy mystery! The ending was entirely what I did not expect (which is great). I never realized that so many people went missing in a possible volunteer means, that is really sad that they felt or had the need too! The lead character Callie is interesting in how she goes about figuring out the clues and information that she gathers, it would seem that she has somewhat of a photographic memory to be able to piece everything together and a knack for knowing where to look, which of course is what she needs to do her job. A enjoyable read!
September 23, 2022
A very interesting story. Callie's mother disappeared a long time ago, but she was sure she had moved past it. Then she got a new client that wanted to find what happened to her missing mother. It had some similarities to Callie's mother's disappearance. There were also two other women who went missing around the same time. As Callie is looking into it, she is looking at her mother's old yearbooks. So many questions and after so long, it is hard to get answers. Callie hears that maybe a couple of the women are still alive. Why would they just walk away from their lives like that? If they are alive, can she find them? She has more questions than answers.
May 7, 2023
I did enjoy this book but must admit there was too many cases, characters and name changes and by the end of the book I was confused. Still not sure which cases got solved and even if the cases were connected, I might have to listen again to get it straight, which is a shame because the plot was good. Maybe it is a story better read than listened too. I liked the main characters, especially the new employee and it was fun recognising characters from the authors other series. This is the second book in the series but does work as a standalone.The plot was unusual with so many young girls going missing at the same time and all cold cases. As the mysteries are cold cases there is very little action and is more talking to old friends, piecing together the clues and hoping to come up with the right answer. With so much going on there is no time for a love interest but there certainly is family drama. I will be joining this series again because I liked the characters.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable needs to take on a new case, despite the rest of the team having moved on. The case she gets is to similar to her own mother's disappearances for her to turn down. In fact she ends up with more than one, each a young mother who goes missing around the same time. Can Callie do what the police were unable to do and workout what happened to them all? And maybe even her mother's own case? The same policeman worked the cases and is willing to work with Callie as much as he can, without crossing a line. She also hires a young teen to bring different and fresh ideas to the table and finally Callie's ex a computer hacker lends a hand.
I liked the narrator. She had a pleasant voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review,
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable needs to take on a new case, despite the rest of the team having moved on. The case she gets is to similar to her own mother's disappearances for her to turn down. In fact she ends up with more than one, each a young mother who goes missing around the same time. Can Callie do what the police were unable to do and workout what happened to them all? And maybe even her mother's own case? The same policeman worked the cases and is willing to work with Callie as much as he can, without crossing a line. She also hires a young teen to bring different and fresh ideas to the table and finally Callie's ex a computer hacker lends a hand.
I liked the narrator. She had a pleasant voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review,
May 9, 2023
I found the mystery investigation and follow up information that lead to some answers fascinating. Book was a bit slower then I like, also why detail information on what she ate, was not like it anything really important.
Narrator does a good job with the entire storyline.
Narrator does a good job with the entire storyline.
November 9, 2022
A long-time fan of Ms. Sheluk, I look forward to each new release. I’m especially fond of Callie Barnstable, the feisty private investigator and protagonist of the Marketville Series. In this new installment, Callie investigates the cold-case disappearances of three young women. Reminded of her mother’s vanishing act but always the professional, Callie tackles these cases with her usual verve and determination. She also accepts help from two delightful new characters: eager apprentice Denim Hopkins and handsome Detective Sheridan Merryfield.
I highly recommend this well-plotted, character-driven mystery.
I highly recommend this well-plotted, character-driven mystery.
May 9, 2023
This was an interesting enough mystery that I listened to the full book with … mild interest. It did go 100% as I’d predicted from early in, so nothing groundbreaking but it was mildly entertaining to listen to it play out.
Based on this read, would I read more from this author? I’d be open to it IF someone else produced the audio. (Details on the problems with this below.)
Overall for the story:
3 stars.
Audio:
The narrator has a rather weak voice that I could only endure in small doses. Obviously this is subjective and I’m sure plenty of people enjoy her.
The production itself it problem attic and it occurred to me, several times that whoever produced this (whether the narrator or she passes it onto someone else, i don’t know) is predatory.(Yes, PREDATORY. Authors pay A LOT of money for narrators and audio producers, and whoever produced this took advantage of this author—the quality is absolutely awful.)
For all of the production, it sounded like … the narrator was far away from the mic, or something like that? For a few chapters, there would be a noticeable difference as it abruptly sounded as if she was under water. Then it’d abruptly switch back. Both options sounded awful, one was just even worse than the other.
Also: the volume fluctuated. There were several times where a new chapter would start up … and the sound would all but disappear. Then it’d go back up a chapter or 2 later.
0 stars for whoever produced this and is clearly going around, preying on authors. Authors: beware.
Based on this read, would I read more from this author? I’d be open to it IF someone else produced the audio. (Details on the problems with this below.)
Overall for the story:
3 stars.
Audio:
The narrator has a rather weak voice that I could only endure in small doses. Obviously this is subjective and I’m sure plenty of people enjoy her.
The production itself it problem attic and it occurred to me, several times that whoever produced this (whether the narrator or she passes it onto someone else, i don’t know) is predatory.(Yes, PREDATORY. Authors pay A LOT of money for narrators and audio producers, and whoever produced this took advantage of this author—the quality is absolutely awful.)
For all of the production, it sounded like … the narrator was far away from the mic, or something like that? For a few chapters, there would be a noticeable difference as it abruptly sounded as if she was under water. Then it’d abruptly switch back. Both options sounded awful, one was just even worse than the other.
Also: the volume fluctuated. There were several times where a new chapter would start up … and the sound would all but disappear. Then it’d go back up a chapter or 2 later.
0 stars for whoever produced this and is clearly going around, preying on authors. Authors: beware.
November 27, 2022
WOW! I really enjoyed the twists and turns and crazy dead-ends or are they? There were a few holes that probably would have been helped if I read the books in order, but I really was able to get into the story-line itself. Calamity Barnstable or Callie for short is a PI whose business is not booming when a client comes in and wants Callie to investigate a cold case. She wants her to find out what happened to her missing mother. The case was so close to Callie's mother's disappearance, she couldn't help but take it and in her mind maybe it would help her with her mother's case. When Callie's grandmother, with whom she has a very rocky relationship summoned her to her house to give Callie her mother's school yearbooks, did she really want to go? But she was compelled to go and retrieve them, maybe she would get insight into who her mother was. Since this new client is a paying client, Callie is able to hire Denim, a server in the local cafe to help her. Denim works out great and the duo wade through past newspapers, yearbooks and interviews to look for the answers her new client wants. The missing client's mom becomes 3 missing women and the local detective helps a little but can't give anything away since the 3 cases seem to be still open. I really liked this story and couldn't put it down, once I got into it. I would love to read more with Callie and Denim. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
January 9, 2023
PI, Callie Barnstable is hired to find a missing woman, whose disappearance is eerily similar to her own mother's disappearance when she was just a baby. Somehow, the disappearances of other young women of the time get mixed up in it all.
I was excited to read this one, as it had a promising mystery. I liked Callie and Denim's characters very much, and that's probably what kept me reading.
It was a different kind of mystery for me. Not much action. Mostly, interviews, discussion, and thought. I didn't mind this so much, but somewhere along the line, I became overwhelmed with too many cases and characters. The ending seemed very convoluted, and odd scene and chapter breaks made the whole thing more confusing. In the end, I couldn't tell you which case was solved, but it all seemed too convenient and not very unsatisfying.
I was excited to read this one, as it had a promising mystery. I liked Callie and Denim's characters very much, and that's probably what kept me reading.
It was a different kind of mystery for me. Not much action. Mostly, interviews, discussion, and thought. I didn't mind this so much, but somewhere along the line, I became overwhelmed with too many cases and characters. The ending seemed very convoluted, and odd scene and chapter breaks made the whole thing more confusing. In the end, I couldn't tell you which case was solved, but it all seemed too convenient and not very unsatisfying.
May 27, 2023
Before There Were Skeletons
A Marketville Mystery
By: Judy Penz Sheluk
Narrated by: Laurie Harmon
If ever a story needed telling, this is IT!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-26-23
Painstaking research, fabulous attention to detail, beautiful writing, fantastic characterization, and fabulous narration combine to make “Before There Were Skeletons” a powerful, enthralling must listen with a very real and convincing feel! Without engaging in spoilers, I think what really resonates with me is that with THIS story, like in life, not everything is tied up with a pretty bow, nicely resolved, with happy endings all around. This story rings true, and needs to be heard. I am so very glad I listened. Don’t pass this one by! Five outstanding stars!
A Marketville Mystery
By: Judy Penz Sheluk
Narrated by: Laurie Harmon
If ever a story needed telling, this is IT!
Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 05-26-23
Painstaking research, fabulous attention to detail, beautiful writing, fantastic characterization, and fabulous narration combine to make “Before There Were Skeletons” a powerful, enthralling must listen with a very real and convincing feel! Without engaging in spoilers, I think what really resonates with me is that with THIS story, like in life, not everything is tied up with a pretty bow, nicely resolved, with happy endings all around. This story rings true, and needs to be heard. I am so very glad I listened. Don’t pass this one by! Five outstanding stars!
October 21, 2022
Such a great mystery! I had not read the earlier books, and was able to easily pick up everything I needed to know to follow this one. However, some of the past events sounds interesting, so I plan to go back and catch up!
Callie is a great main character. Her personality is detailed and imperfect, and her back story provides reasons for the way she is. I found her realistic and relatable. She's also an excellent sleuth! I liked her methodical research methods, and the way she tracked down clues and traced similarities between her current case and her own (very personal cold case).
Once the ending is revealed, everything makes sense and seems logical. I liked the author's unique twist on the cozy mystery genre, and look forward to her future books!
Callie is a great main character. Her personality is detailed and imperfect, and her back story provides reasons for the way she is. I found her realistic and relatable. She's also an excellent sleuth! I liked her methodical research methods, and the way she tracked down clues and traced similarities between her current case and her own (very personal cold case).
Once the ending is revealed, everything makes sense and seems logical. I liked the author's unique twist on the cozy mystery genre, and look forward to her future books!
Want to Read
November 8, 2023I found all four books similar. The actual sleuthing was quite enjoyable, but the neurosis of the protagonist over her many rejections, although not unrealistic, made the books dreary. She didn't follow her departing friends except eke them for advice on cases. A few comments appeared to indicate they realized this. I found her too judgemental to like. It was hard to read on an e-reader because it was hard to flip back nd forth and that was needed.
I never did figure out what happened to her mother after book one.
I never did figure out what happened to her mother after book one.
May 28, 2023
I loved the narration of Laurie Harmon, who brings out the suspense and mystery.
Callie thought she has got over the disappearance of her mother. That was until a new client asks her to find what happened to their missing mother. There is similarities to Callie's mother's disappearance. As Callie is looking into it, she has many questions and after so long, it is hard to get answers. Are the two woman still alive and why walk away from their lives.
Callie thought she has got over the disappearance of her mother. That was until a new client asks her to find what happened to their missing mother. There is similarities to Callie's mother's disappearance. As Callie is looking into it, she has many questions and after so long, it is hard to get answers. Are the two woman still alive and why walk away from their lives.
June 4, 2023
When PI Calamity (Callie) Barnstable is hired to solve the cold case of Veronica Goodman, an eighteen-year-old single mom who went missing in the small town of Miakoda Falls in 1995, she soon finds that the case is related to two other cold cases. Her search becomes analogous to an onion as she peels back layer after layer in her quest for the truth.
Not every question is wrapped up and tied with a bow at the end, making this a realistic account of an investigation.
Not every question is wrapped up and tied with a bow at the end, making this a realistic account of an investigation.
May 19, 2023
audible:I found this book very similar to the others.The story was good. Narration by Laurie Harmon was very good. was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 9, 2024
Loved the book. This entire series has been an adventure into solving cold cases. Callie is a likable character. She feels like someone we all would like to be friends with. Highly recommend this series if you like gold cases and mysteries.
November 2, 2024
I absolutely enjoyed this high quality mystery, from the edge of my seat waiting for the next clue to pop up. The bright and vibrant storytelling grabbed my interest right away while the audiobook narration is flawless and easy to understand. I'll definitely read more books by this author.
November 2, 2025
An Enjoyable Continuation in the Series
It's been some time since I read the first few books in the series, so it was quite enjoyable to see the development in Callie, the main character, who has become quite a professional private detective.
It's been some time since I read the first few books in the series, so it was quite enjoyable to see the development in Callie, the main character, who has become quite a professional private detective.
Read
May 3, 2024Mystery & Detective
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July 14, 2026An enjoyable mystery with overlapping cases and details. A good read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews