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Jeri Howard Mystery #14
The Things We Keep
TWO HUMAN SKULLS ON A PILE OF BONES. EMPTY EYE SOCKETS STARE UP AT JERI HOWARD.
Looking for a riveting private eye tale? This is the one.
Oakland PI Jeri Howard finds a battered footlocker hidden in a dusty storeroom. When she pries open the lid, she’s shocked at what she finds.
Human bones. Whose bones? How did they get there—and why?
Jeri is a detective who grabs a case and doesn’t let go. Especially a case like this. It twists and turns as Jeri sorts out the truth from the lies that stretch back decades. She’s determined to find answers and put flesh on those bones. When she digs into the past, someone has a lot to lose—and will kill to keep those secrets.
Janet Dawson is a writer who always delivers. This one will keep you guessing as you race through to the end.
Looking for a riveting private eye tale? This is the one.
Oakland PI Jeri Howard finds a battered footlocker hidden in a dusty storeroom. When she pries open the lid, she’s shocked at what she finds.
Human bones. Whose bones? How did they get there—and why?
Jeri is a detective who grabs a case and doesn’t let go. Especially a case like this. It twists and turns as Jeri sorts out the truth from the lies that stretch back decades. She’s determined to find answers and put flesh on those bones. When she digs into the past, someone has a lot to lose—and will kill to keep those secrets.
Janet Dawson is a writer who always delivers. This one will keep you guessing as you race through to the end.
- GenresMysteryMystery Thriller
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2023
203 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
About the author
Janet Dawson
65 books71 followersJanet Dawson is the author of The Sacrificial Daughter, first in a new series featuring geriatric care manager. She has also written thirteen novels featuring Oakland private investigator Jeri Howard. Her first, Kindred Crimes, won the St. Martin's Press/Private Eye Writers of America contest for best first private eye novel. The most recent book in the series is The Devil Close Behind.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
Her Jill McLeod historical mystery series features a Zephyrette sleuthing aboard the long-distance train called the California Zephyr in the early 1950s. The first in that series is Death Rides the Zephyr.
In the past, Dawson was a newspaper reporter and a Navy journalist. She has worked in the legal field and on the staff of the University of California Berkeley. She is a long-time member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 22, 2023
"It began with a house. The house on the corner was an old Queen Anne Victorian built in the 1800's. The house hadn’t been painted in a long time and several of the windowpanes were cracked and dirty. Abandoned? No, there was a car in the driveway, so someone was living in the house. It made me wonder about the stories hidden within those walls. I had a feeling this old house had secrets, lots of them.” The bones that Jeri finds when she is helping friends clean out a relative's home and is then asked to investigate are found inside an old Navy footlocker with several other items. DNA and dental records may provide answers, but those are the things available to the police...things that Jeri has no control over or ready access to. She discovers clues in other ways. Old newspaper articles accessed online...flesh that might remain on the bones.... property records, as well as internet archives and databases. She finds it's bones of two people... two broken skeletons with a 95% chance of being in the locker since the 1960's.."hippy days". Could they possibly be victims of the Zodiac Killer? This is the first Janet Dawson book that I have read but it was a fantastic read. Now I have to start from the first. Quite a task since this was book #14 in the series...but I'm up for the challenge.
June 14, 2023
I won this book in a contest.
Written just before the Pandemic, reading this book, set in a then vibrant Bay Area. Just a few years later, it's gone way downhill. Some are saying it's in a death spiral. Just today, Cinemark Theater announced it will move out of downtown Frisco.
Anyway, Jeri Howard is helping some friends of her husband's clean out the house of an old hippie. They find a box full of bones. The old hippie doesn't seem too cooperative, so Jeri investigates anyway.
It's a tangled web, stuck back in the Summer of Love, and it goes along the path you expect. At least there's no Big Chill type whining of selling out.
Written just before the Pandemic, reading this book, set in a then vibrant Bay Area. Just a few years later, it's gone way downhill. Some are saying it's in a death spiral. Just today, Cinemark Theater announced it will move out of downtown Frisco.
Anyway, Jeri Howard is helping some friends of her husband's clean out the house of an old hippie. They find a box full of bones. The old hippie doesn't seem too cooperative, so Jeri investigates anyway.
It's a tangled web, stuck back in the Summer of Love, and it goes along the path you expect. At least there's no Big Chill type whining of selling out.
April 20, 2023
In the latest mystery, private investigator Jeri Howard comes across a footlocker while helping to clear a house, previously occupied by an aunt of a friend. Inside the footlocker, she finds bones, including two human skulls. She has no idea how old the bones are, but the scant evidence available suggests two bodies were dug up and moved.
While she passes the matter to the local police, she’s going to find out what happened for herself and her friends. She starts a journey into the past that leads back to the music scene and hippy days of the late sixties as she slowly homes in on people who went missing around the time the aunt moved into the house.
It’s a complex investigation that ruffles several feathers as she gets closer to the truth, the victims and the person who killed them.
Like all the previous stories in the series, this is a complicated investigation that brings out all that is best in Jeri – her determination, the way she tracks down every detail, fitting them together into a trail that will bring her to the motive and the killer. She shows no favours and never baulks, no matter what the odds.
From the gentle introduction, through the painstaking investigation, the story gathers momentum until the pieces start to fall into place for an exciting and gripping climax.
Another excellent story in a distinctive and exciting series I’ve followed and loved from the first book.
While she passes the matter to the local police, she’s going to find out what happened for herself and her friends. She starts a journey into the past that leads back to the music scene and hippy days of the late sixties as she slowly homes in on people who went missing around the time the aunt moved into the house.
It’s a complex investigation that ruffles several feathers as she gets closer to the truth, the victims and the person who killed them.
Like all the previous stories in the series, this is a complicated investigation that brings out all that is best in Jeri – her determination, the way she tracks down every detail, fitting them together into a trail that will bring her to the motive and the killer. She shows no favours and never baulks, no matter what the odds.
From the gentle introduction, through the painstaking investigation, the story gathers momentum until the pieces start to fall into place for an exciting and gripping climax.
Another excellent story in a distinctive and exciting series I’ve followed and loved from the first book.
May 4, 2023
Good story
I enjoyed this story but gave 4 stars. It did seem to drag in places and there is too much descriptive details of everything from room furnishings and decor to landscaping and back history of locations.
The characters were well developed enough to develop attachments to some and down right dislike of others. But as Jeri worked toward finding out the killer behind her discovery of the bones I found myself cheering her on. Shes a fearless champion of those that have been done wrong!
I enjoyed this story but gave 4 stars. It did seem to drag in places and there is too much descriptive details of everything from room furnishings and decor to landscaping and back history of locations.
The characters were well developed enough to develop attachments to some and down right dislike of others. But as Jeri worked toward finding out the killer behind her discovery of the bones I found myself cheering her on. Shes a fearless champion of those that have been done wrong!
November 2, 2023
IT NEVER FAILS...
Just when I think an author has reached their peak, they pull out another winner. The Things We Keep is exactly that sort of book. Janet Dawson tells the whole story instead of leaving her readers with a cliff hanger. Her mysteries have probable conclusions, and are so artfully revealed, you don't usually see them coming. Her characters are well developed and Dawson gently tosses in great information about the areas one travels to in the story. I HIGHLY recommend the Jeri Howard series. ENJOY!
Just when I think an author has reached their peak, they pull out another winner. The Things We Keep is exactly that sort of book. Janet Dawson tells the whole story instead of leaving her readers with a cliff hanger. Her mysteries have probable conclusions, and are so artfully revealed, you don't usually see them coming. Her characters are well developed and Dawson gently tosses in great information about the areas one travels to in the story. I HIGHLY recommend the Jeri Howard series. ENJOY!
April 15, 2023
But Whose Bones Are They?
Two couples disappear on different days at different times in the same year. There was a crazy killer that year they called The Zodiac. Nothing turned up anything concerning the whereabouts of either couple, until DI Jeri Howard was helping friends clean out a relatives home and found the bones. Her friends hire her to find out who put the bones in the house and whose bones were they? This is an outstanding read by an outstanding writer.
Two couples disappear on different days at different times in the same year. There was a crazy killer that year they called The Zodiac. Nothing turned up anything concerning the whereabouts of either couple, until DI Jeri Howard was helping friends clean out a relatives home and found the bones. Her friends hire her to find out who put the bones in the house and whose bones were they? This is an outstanding read by an outstanding writer.
September 27, 2023
This book was so poorly written. Every time she went to meet a client, you get two pages of her drive there. It would have been fine had it been relivent to the story. It was like she had a plot but not enough words to make it a novel, so hey, I will fill it up with directions and lots of scones and coffee drinking.
April 22, 2023
I Certainly Enjoyed This
Good mystery with lots of plot changes! Really, the reading was kept interesting and fun to follow. Jeri Howard is a favorite and I will be reading more of this series.
Good mystery with lots of plot changes! Really, the reading was kept interesting and fun to follow. Jeri Howard is a favorite and I will be reading more of this series.
May 19, 2023
Good
I liked the characters for the most part. Unfortunately, there was a little cursing, not much but maybe enough that I may not read any more of these books because one time a character (a bad woman) took the name of the Lord in vain,and for me, that was one time too many.
I liked the characters for the most part. Unfortunately, there was a little cursing, not much but maybe enough that I may not read any more of these books because one time a character (a bad woman) took the name of the Lord in vain,and for me, that was one time too many.
June 13, 2023
Great Janet Dawson Mystery
I have read all of Janet Dawson's mysteries and this is one of the best. I feel as though I know the San Francisco Bay area cities so much better after reading her books. This one really tells alot of history about Alameda.
I have read all of Janet Dawson's mysteries and this is one of the best. I feel as though I know the San Francisco Bay area cities so much better after reading her books. This one really tells alot of history about Alameda.
June 30, 2023
Twists arye
This really was a mystery. Bones of two bodies at least 50 years old. Looking at missing persons there are 4 people they could be. There is a connection with the four so if the two are identified can Jeri solve the case of two other missing persons?
This really was a mystery. Bones of two bodies at least 50 years old. Looking at missing persons there are 4 people they could be. There is a connection with the four so if the two are identified can Jeri solve the case of two other missing persons?
July 19, 2023
Picking Up Bones
Wonderful description of California. What a rat race to unravel the mystery of the old house and the hippie generation. Thoroughly enjoyed the story from beginning to end!
Wonderful description of California. What a rat race to unravel the mystery of the old house and the hippie generation. Thoroughly enjoyed the story from beginning to end!
May 27, 2023
Fun read
I have read all of the Jedi Howard mystery series. I will continue to read each new book upon release.
I have read all of the Jedi Howard mystery series. I will continue to read each new book upon release.
June 7, 2023
A great mystery worth reading
June 13, 2023
This was a great mystery. I enjoyed the how it kept you guessing and the detective was very thorough in her analysis.
July 5, 2023
Hopeful for 15
Started reading Jeri Howard series a couple of years ago, thoroughly enjoy the series. Will look into Dawsons other book, and hopefull for more.
Started reading Jeri Howard series a couple of years ago, thoroughly enjoy the series. Will look into Dawsons other book, and hopefull for more.
October 16, 2023
Good story
This was a good story that kept my interest until the end. Lots of historical details too. It was a fun read.
This was a good story that kept my interest until the end. Lots of historical details too. It was a fun read.
April 18, 2024
i cant believe im so lucky to get this last of the series i like ebook free! im so excited to read it
the pi now has her boyfriend the hiker writer living with her
his friends have a aunt who moved into sr housing and is going to sell her house so they are helping clean out her Victorian house , she already has a buyer but it sounds very fishy
they find a box with the bones of 2 dead people
the nephew hired her to find out whos bones they are and she thinks something is up with the house. all the renters moved out at once and she thinks the aunt was beaten, not that she fell and is scared and thats why she moved out and is selling
she figured out not only whos bones those were, but anther couple had gone missing and she found out they were connected and killed in the house. she also figured out their bones were on a ship that went to LA and they were id' and back with family
im sad this is the last of the series?
the pi now has her boyfriend the hiker writer living with her
his friends have a aunt who moved into sr housing and is going to sell her house so they are helping clean out her Victorian house , she already has a buyer but it sounds very fishy
they find a box with the bones of 2 dead people
the nephew hired her to find out whos bones they are and she thinks something is up with the house. all the renters moved out at once and she thinks the aunt was beaten, not that she fell and is scared and thats why she moved out and is selling
she figured out not only whos bones those were, but anther couple had gone missing and she found out they were connected and killed in the house. she also figured out their bones were on a ship that went to LA and they were id' and back with family
im sad this is the last of the series?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2025
Exciting riveting murder detective story
Private detective finds old bones in a locked trunk in a house owned by a friends aunts house.. Two couples were missing during time of serial killer rampage. The aunt was being paid by a real estate mogul for placement in a senior living center. Twist and turns envelop our stubborn receive leading to the identity of all four sets of bones of the missing children.
Private detective finds old bones in a locked trunk in a house owned by a friends aunts house.. Two couples were missing during time of serial killer rampage. The aunt was being paid by a real estate mogul for placement in a senior living center. Twist and turns envelop our stubborn receive leading to the identity of all four sets of bones of the missing children.
August 21, 2025
Another excellent mystery in this engaging series
Jeri and her fiance' are helping friends clear out an elderly relative's house, so it can be sold. Jeri opens an old footlocker and makes a startling find - two moldering skeletons!
Investigating a decades-cold crime is never easy, but our intrepid heroine is determined and persistent. The tale is fascinating and the ending satisfied my sense of justice. Enjoy!
Jeri and her fiance' are helping friends clear out an elderly relative's house, so it can be sold. Jeri opens an old footlocker and makes a startling find - two moldering skeletons!
Investigating a decades-cold crime is never easy, but our intrepid heroine is determined and persistent. The tale is fascinating and the ending satisfied my sense of justice. Enjoy!
January 17, 2024
What a story
I have never read anything by Janet Dawson but I can tell you this I will certainly read more of this series. Jeri Howard is a PI who takes on a case and stays with till it is solved. She has what my granny called spunk and grit.
I think it's a good book and I think people who read it should enjoy it.
Thanks happy reading.
I have never read anything by Janet Dawson but I can tell you this I will certainly read more of this series. Jeri Howard is a PI who takes on a case and stays with till it is solved. She has what my granny called spunk and grit.
I think it's a good book and I think people who read it should enjoy it.
Thanks happy reading.
July 18, 2025
good read
Jeri Howard mysteries are always great reads. So many local descriptions that make me think I could drive right up to them and order a coffee or pastry. The descriptions are so very detailed, they are a delight to read. Having lived in the Bay Area for 30 years or so, I am familiar with many of the locations she writes about.
Jeri Howard mysteries are always great reads. So many local descriptions that make me think I could drive right up to them and order a coffee or pastry. The descriptions are so very detailed, they are a delight to read. Having lived in the Bay Area for 30 years or so, I am familiar with many of the locations she writes about.
May 15, 2023
On the edge of my seat, waiting to see what happened to Monk and Sunny and who’s bones were in the footlocker. What a delightful tour of the west coast as well! Thank you for your superb research and writing.
May 3, 2025
Could have been a lot shorter!
Way too much time spent on stupid descriptions buildings, people ANF food! The story almost got lost in unnecessary trivial things, so much so that it was hard to keep reading
Way too much time spent on stupid descriptions buildings, people ANF food! The story almost got lost in unnecessary trivial things, so much so that it was hard to keep reading
February 7, 2024
great book
I love these books. Book 14 was just as good as book 1. I hope there are many more. Please keep writing Ms Dawson
I love these books. Book 14 was just as good as book 1. I hope there are many more. Please keep writing Ms Dawson
September 2, 2025
Very good story. However, I found it a bit too descriptive of the areas. One lost track of the main story.
September 22, 2025
an all night read
I couldn’t put this book down though I was so sleepy I could barely keep my eyes open. Great plot and wonderful imagery.
I couldn’t put this book down though I was so sleepy I could barely keep my eyes open. Great plot and wonderful imagery.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews