Southern mysteries are always welcoming, like southerners themselves. These characters are like visiting family.

I have not read any of the previous Sarah Booth Delaney (this is book TWENTY in the series--WOW!) and in some small ways, I felt like I was missing out on some back story. However, the plot for this book in and of itself was fully contained, which was excellent. I enjoyed how sharp this book was--I could tell that Carolyn Haines is the type of author to research her settings and make sure her characters are standing on solid ground. I will definitely be reading more from this series. I am so glad I picked this up!

I loved every part of this story. I love mystery, paranormal, and romance and this book had all that and more. I thought that the relationship between Sarah Booth and her friends was amazing to read and enjoy and the romance and love between her and Coleman was fantastic. Thank you NetGalley.

I highly enjoyed this book. It had a good premise and a unique plot. I love the characters and was glad to see their consistency. The writing was fluid and able to draw the reader in. I would've given book a higher rating but I felt that at end I had to suspend my belief. That was okay for me but I can see it being problematic for some readers. This book did not give away any plot twists and kept me guessing, which I liked. The writing created a spooky, mystical atmosphere which drove the book. I liked Tinkie's side story and felt that could have been explored a little more. I think this book really added to the series and continues to tell Sarah Booth's story.

A university archaeological team is setting up a dig in Sunflower County, and when someone is murdered, the Delaney Detective agency is hired to help clear a professor of murder charges. Something creepy is going on, including sightings of ethereal creatures in the night. Could the site be cursed, as some say? Is there treasure worth killing for hidden there? Sarah Booth and Tinkie aim to find out.

Involved plot with a boring (to me) base. Characters don’t seem to stay in character which makes keeping track of everyone a little tiring

I have read the Sarah Booth books from the beginning and they just keep getting better if that's possible. This is an entertaining southern mystery/cozy with murders, ghosts and more than enough suspense to keep you hooked from start to finish! As in all her books, this author paints such in-depth word pictures of the environment, weather, smells, that you almost feel like you are there. It isn't necessary to read this series in order but it does help explain some actions and behaviors of the characters if you do. Plus you will really enjoy it!
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy to read for review.

If you enjoy a Southern cozy complete with a dig site, ancient ghosts, murder and suspense, you'll flip over this book! The publisher's blurb is pretty good, but doesn't make it sound quite as interesting as I found it. The characters are very interesting and I had no trouble keeping up even though I haven't read any others in this series. I loved it but don't want to do a summary or spoilers. Just read it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press. Thank you!

I am a huge fan of Sarah Booth and Tinkie, and their detective work always seems to get results that are viable. However this twentieth book seemed a little confusing at times and also had less than their usual excellent detective work at times. While it was a fascinating subject, there seemed to be too much angst over where CeeCee had gone and way too much chasing around from Zinnia to Memphis and around the delta.

I do know from history of Indian Mounds in Illinois that this is a sensitive area of archaeology. I was surprised that there weren't more tribe members other than Peter trying to get the dig stopped, and was glad the author made this a significant point in the story.

One thing you can count on in any of the Sarah Booth Delaney books is wonderful descriptive writing about the region and the characters. I love the way the pets are treated like friends and equals in the detective business.

I have to recommend this book highly. It is packed with fascinating information and characters and an ending that will likely shock readers!

I would like to thank St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and Net Galley for allowing me to read this ARC book and allow me to present my own opinion of the book.

Game of Bones is Book 20, yes Book 20 in the Sarah Booth Delaney Series.

This long running series has remained relateable and an enjoyable read and this latest installment is no different.

Sarah and her friend Tinkie are back and Tinkie is as spicy as ever! I love the complex characters that the author has developed.

I really enjoy how the author ties up the case but also leaves an opening for more fantastic adventures to come in the future. That is a testament to the authors fantastic story telling ability; this book is part of a series but can also be read as a stand alone story.

As a testament to this author’s writing mastery, this long running series remains fresh, relatable, relevant, and best of all enjoyable entertainment. With its cast of unique characters...whose distinct personalities light up the pages...each story sweeps the reader into a world of phenomenal narratives.

With Sarah Booth’s sharp mind and deductive reasoning, and Tinkie’s spitfire personality, Game of Bones weaves together ancient mystique with modern day greed to take the reader on a twisted journey through one man’s madness that leads to tragedy. As the layers of the mystery are peeled away, the twists and turns drive the story’s rapid pace to an unexpected conclusion that only added to the mystique that blanketed the whole story.

As has been the case with each story’s ending, Ms Haines has neatly tied up Sarah Booth’s latest case, but left the door open, paving the way for more fascinating adventures.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Another great read in an amazing series! Sarah Booth and Tinkie are investigating one of their most difficult cases yet. No one is who they seem, the motive can't be determined, and the past is confusing the present. The archeological dig is an intriguing plot. The cast of characters are complex. The reveal is shocking. There is so much happening in this book. Highly recommended!