Rock-a-bye Bones by Carolyn Haines ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I'm always on the lookout for another great cozy mystery series. I haven't read other books in this series, but I decided to give it a try as I like series that can be read in any order.

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May 2016; Minotaur Books; 978-1250085160
audio, ebook, print (352 pages); cozy mystery

I don't usually write a full review of the audiobooks I listen to unless it was specifically sent to me for a review. However, in 2016 when Rock-a-bye Bones was published I had requested and was granted access to an ARC through Netgalley. However, then I had a horrible problem with paying attention to when books would be archived. The galley was archived before I got a chance to download it. I've been a little at a loss as to what audiobooks to listen to so I thought I would check my digital library for books that I requested but didn't get to read. Not many of the books are available but it did give me the chance to check out this cozy mystery series.

Rock-a-bye Bones could be read on its own, more or less. There wasn't a problem sorting out the characters and their relationships. However, I think the chemistry between characters would have been stronger if I had bonded with the characters over, at least a few, previous books. I might see if the library has book 1 to see if that helps me connect to the characters.

The mystery was interesting. A baby is left on the doorstep of the local PI and Sarah Booth Delaney is determined to find the mother.

It's not often I find a cozy mystery that I would also classify as southern fiction. But Rock-a-bye Bones definitely had the feel of southern fiction. This element might also explain why I didn't absolutely love the book. I'm not a big fan of southern fiction. I did enjoy the story and I think I could come to love the characters, which is why I'm willing to pick up a book or two from earlier in the series.

The only problem I really had about the plot was Tinkie's reaction at the end. Tinkie looked after the baby while Sarah Booth looked for the mother. Tinkie has always wanted a child but hasn't been able to have one. While upset at the prospect of having to hand the baby over to the grandmother while the search for the mother continued, she was willing to. So why the 180 at the end? It felt like uncharacteristic drama. If it was just so the author could add a layer to the missing mother mystery, I think there would have been a better way.

Overall, it was a good cozy mystery and the series has potential to being added to my to-read list of cozy mysteries. The audiobook was well done and easy to follow.

Buy Rock-a-bye Bones at Amazon

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Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour. 

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