Great book! I love this series and this book was no different. The plot was serious and addressed a hard issue. However, it remained fun and lively. The characters are well written and have distinct personalities. Sara Booth is a wonderful, strong heroine and I loved watching her solve the mystery of this book. Also, Harold and Roscoe who are interesting side characters got some great book time in this story! The book is still fresh and a fantastic read after all the other books!

When a visiting professor of literature Dr. Alala Diakos is accused of murdering a chronic domestic abuser, Sarah Booth is called to investigate. Tinkie, about to give birth to her much wanted baby, is sidelined for most of the investigation. When it turns out three professors, known abusers, are dead, Dr. Diakos' firebrand feminist speeches make her a suspect. Sarah Booth finds herself deep into a plot to curtail women's . A scary concept in this political climate of discord. An excellent addition to the series

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press (Minotaur Books) for this ARC.

You can rely on Carlyn Haines to write wonderful cozies. I loved this last installment in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. Sarah Booth has a new client, Dr. Alala Diakos, a visiting professor of Greek literature, and a staunch feminist. It seems everywhere Dr. Diakos goes, men with a history of abusing women die.

It's up to Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Sheriff Coleman, and all the animals to solve 3 murders and protect Dr. Diakos from being framed or worse, becoming a victim or herself. As always, Sarah, Tinkie, and the pets always catch the culprit.

If you have never read this series, you are in for a treat, there is a reason this is book #23. Things to know.... book takes place in rural Mississippi. Sarah Booth has her own Haint/ghost who delivers veiled messages. The dogs are the best at uncovering clues and Tinkie finally has her baby - not a spoiler as she's been pregnant lol.

So far, I have to say this book has been one of my favs in the series.

Murder, mystery, and mayhem - that is what you will find in the Carolyn Haines book and every one she writes. I wish I could visit Zinnia, MS more often but the anticipation of the next visit keeps me thinking about Sarah Booth and Tinkie and all their friends and animals. This is a must read if you enjoy a spectacular cozy. Definite beach read!!

I received an ebook ARC from Netgalley and this is my voluntary, honest review.

Independent Bones (A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery) by Carolyn Haines
Publsiher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Publication Date: May 18, 2021

Independent Bones is the 23rd book in A Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery series by Carolyn Haines. I have only read one other book in the series and found this easy to read as a standalone mystery.

I enjoyed this story. Overall, I found this to be very interesting. The mystery was well designed and made the story fascinating. I enjoyed getting to know the characters better.

I would recommend this book to cozy mystery fans. One of these days I'll be reading the other 20+ books in the series!

I'm so grateful to Carolyn Haines, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

It comes as a bit of a shock to me that I have been reading this series since 1999. Why have I gotten old while the partners in a detective agency and best friends Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie Richmond are barely into their mid-thirties. Two takeaways, I have loved this series for a long time, and I’ve gotten old. Dang.
An Ole Miss visiting professor on a sabbatical, Dr Alala Diakos settles in Zinnia, MS, a little town in the Mississippi Delta, to write a book and to stir up controversy. Her trouble is that she might now qualify as a serial killer as there are two bodies in her past and it doesn’t take long for another body to join the count. The town “Earl” is found shot in the heart just like the bodies found at the two Universities where Dr Diakos worked as a visiting professor. Oops. Another commonality, all three men were serial abusers of women. Serious “Earls”, in fact.
Dr Diakos hires Sarah Booth and Tinkie to prove her innocence. Proving her innocence is not so easy, especially since Dr Diakos advocates that women defend themselves from men who abuse them. She offers shooting lessons. Umm, no, not when you might be shortly crowned “serial killer”. Gotta love her.
Sarah Booth lives on the family plantation, Dahlia House, with her boyfriend Sheriff Coleman Peters. She also lives with the ghost of an enslaved woman, Jitty, who managed to form a bond of necessity during the Civil War with a distant Booth great grandmother.
Jitty has the ability to leave the plantation and to transform herself into any persona she wants to. Jitty’s theme during Independent Bones is outlaw women or very strong women of the Old West. Carolyn Haines imparts some fascinating history lessons concerning women’s struggles for equality throughout the book, most through the earnest Jitty.
Tinkie Richmond, the perfect example of a Delta Daddy’s Girl, married to Oscar Richmond, the town banker and richest man in Zinnia. Tinkie has managed to overcome her “raisings” and has turned Oscar into the perfect husband. Tinkie is also twenty months pregnant, or so she feels.
Independent Bones is a darker book than usual, tackling the subject of men who abuse women, and the guns and camo crowd who are organizing to support throwback politicians. Those who can’t stand to see independent women making their own health care and financial choices just to name a few areas of contention. Mississippi is considered fertile ground for their misogyny. Don’t believe me; check out which big case the Supremes have just accepted from Mississippi.
Haines has always done a lovely job of scattering whimsy throughout her books, even this more serious book. How about The Moody Blue’s Tuesday Afternoon for an exotic dancer’s music?
This is a series that has kept its charm through 23 books, never getting stale or repetitive. I highly recommend this book and the preceding books.
My only quibbles with Independent Bones the stupid and or dangerous moves Sarah Booth makes. Moves that could cause her to wake up dead, or to end up in jail or losing her P.I. license. Oh wait, male P.I.s do the same things. Silly me, it’s almost if I have different standards.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Sarah Booth Delaney's sleuthing skills are put to the test once more when a visiting professor creates a bit of a ruckus at the local campus, and is then involved in a murder. The professor claims to be innocent and wants Sarah's help clearing her name. Sarah isn't convinced either way, but with the help of her bestie, Tinkie, she's determined to solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice.

Love, love this cozy mystery series. Sarah Booth Delaney and Tinkie are fun and funny and always up for solving a murder. And the rest of the townsfolk add additional depth and interest to each book. Highly recommend.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

In Independent Bones, the 23rd installment on the Sarah Booth Delaney series, Carolyn Haines once again delivers with this clever mystery. As someone who has been reading the entire series since book one, I can say that I look forward to each and every book because I love these great characters and Haines' witty writing style.

This time around, Zinnia is a hotbed of action. Tinkie is very, very pregnant and Sarah Booth is terrified that her friend and partner is going to pop out her baby any moment, possibly when they're investigating their newest case: Dr. Alala Piakos, a visiting professor from Oxford is a suspect for murder after a wife abuser she had an altercation with is found shot. Dr. Piakos is very outspoken for women's rights and against a patriarchal society, which doesn't go over so well with a lot of men, especially some of the less enlightened men of the South like Curtis, the dead wife abuser. There are also two other men in the doctor's past who've been killed in similar ways who also had reputations for mistreating women, so Alala is the prime suspect unless Sarah Booth and Tinkie can find evidence that proves their client is innocent.

I really enjoyed this one and found the theme of the novel to be especially relevant to the times. I've always liked how Haines incorporates social issues into her novels, and I thought this one was important since it dealt with how men (some) still treat women as if we live in the nineteenth century when that's just ridiculous but don't get me started!

Once again, I loved immersing myself in the fictional world of Zinnia, MS, and spending time with characters that I've grown to love over two decades! This might be the 23rd book in the series, but the characters are still growing, changing, and they don't feel stuck in a rut like some characters in some other series that I can think of but won't name. Haines is a great storyteller and if you haven't read any of the other books yet, that's okay because this book can be read as a standalone as Haines has written it in a way that you're not left feeling lost in the dark.

I can't wait until the next book-as always when reading this series, I feel like I'm headed home, which is a great feeling when reading!


Thank you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

Independent Bones by Carolyn Haines is from one of the most amusing cozy mystery series out there: Sarah Booth Delaney Mysteries. Sarah Booth is a frustrated actress. Having discovered that there was no place for her on Broadway, she has returned home to Zinnia, Mississippi where she has become a successful private investigator, along side her partner, Tinkie Bellcase Richmond, alternately as known as the Queen Bee of the Delta. While Sarah Booth is straightforward, often to the point of rudeness, Tinkie is the quintessential Southern lady, using her feminine wiles to get her answers. Don't make the mistake of messing with her, though. Between them they have two cats and two dogs, who assist in every investigation. Tinkie is pregnant, about-to-burst pregnant. That isn't stopping her, despite her husband, Oscar's', and Sarah Booth's best efforts. Today find them at a dedication of the part their friend, Harold Erkwell has gifted to the community. Dr Alala Diakos is the speaker and rather than focus on the park, she is focused on her agenda: women and their place in the world. The place erupts into chaos when a particularly unattractive man backhands his wife. Sadly, he ends up dead that night, and Dr Alala ends ups the primary suspect and hires Sarah Booth and Tinkie to prove her innocent.

Not that Sarah Booth's boyfriend, Sheriff Coleman wasn't a good investigator and would never be less than fair. Another thing that makes this series special is the sporadic appearance of a ghost, Jitty. Jitty has been part of the family for years, and while she can't tell Sarah Booth things she needs to solve her cases, she can hint and hint she does, always in the guise of a historical character. It is beyond amusing. As are most mysteries, this one is convoluted and the solution is very surprising, encompassing many threads, all laid out expertly by Haines. Of course, the dogs play a vital part, as does Tinkie, despite the efforts to keep her down. Spousal abuse is one topic touched upon in this book, in an eye-opening way. Terrific book. I loved it!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Independent Bones by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #independentbones

Sarah Booth and the gang, both human and animal, are back in another exciting mystery back in their home town of Zinnia, Mississippi. Excitement is building for the new playground that is being unveiled however not everyone is focused on the playground. Dr Alala Piakos, a professor visiting from Oxford is generating a lot of attention as well, and not all of it is positive. Her impassioned speech about Women's rights and equal pay has some members of this southern community enraged. Loudest among the opposition is Curtis, a man with a bad reputation for sending his wife to the emergency room when she "forgets her place." As tensions mount on both sides, Sarah Booth becomes uneasy and after finding a rifle hidden in the bushes, she decides to fill her boyfriend, Sheriff Coleman in on the situation. Coleman arrives on the scene and after viewing the rowdy crowd, he decides to offer Alala police protection, an offer she firmly refuses. However when Curtis is found dead, suspicion quickly falls on Alala and she approaches Sarah Booth for help in proving her innocence. Tinkie, who is due any day now, is more than eager to lend a hand, as are the rest of their friends and family in the tight knit community. However suspects abound and they will need to tread carefully to avoid incurring the wrath of certain passionate members of the small town of Zinnia.
Independent Bones is the 23rd book in the long standing and beloved Sarah Booth Delaney detective series. Set in the fictional southern town of Zinnia, Mississippi, Independent Bones is chock full of all the southern snark, humor, zany antics, manners and grace fans have grown to appreciate and look forward to with each new addition to the series. Haines never shies away from difficult hot topics and it is no different this time as she conquers women's rights, an issue that still divides the nation, particularly in the south. With her usual deft hand, she manages to bring to light important components and perspective to consider on each side of the issue without drawing any political lines. The mystery was tightly plotted and expertly woven into the story, with plenty of clues, suspects, twists and turns. While I love each member of the tight knit community, I believe Tinky stole the show. Her southern charm and manners started to slip in the most comical way as her due date grew ever closer. I highly recommend Independent Bones as well as the rest of the books in the series for cozy mystery lovers who like their murder mysteries with a side of southern sass.

Independent Bones is book 23 in the Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery series by Carolyn Haines.

This had a very heavy theme of domestic violence and suppression of women, but it timely and is very well written. Sarah Booth is investigating the murder of a man known to abuse his wife while trying to keep a very pregnant Tinkie close to home and safe. The dogs and cat were very helpful with the investigation and added some humor to the book. Jitty was a variety of interesting characters from the past. There were a lot of suspects and I didn’t figure out out who the murderer was until Sarah Booth did.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Sarah Booth is back and there's a lot going on. Tinkie is close to giving birth. There's a visiting professor in town and she's stirring people up. A man is murdered and it links to previous murders. I love the fact that Ms. Haines doesn't shy away from blending modern day issues into her plots. Harold and Roscoe blew me away this time. This series' trademark of strong female characters, community, and a good dose of humor are present to give readers a great escape. I've read every book in this series over the years and this one is as fresh as the first. I love the romance between Sarah Booth and Coleman. It just keeps getting better.
Picking up a book in this series is a visit with old friends. I always finish one with a smile on my face. I can't wait for whatever comes next!

Wow, I can't believe I waited until book number 23 to finally read one. I have a few in my TBR. I want to read them now. I think I tripped over Jitty as I am not a fan of paranormal and quit reading previously. I have learned to accept her lessons as interesting and not think about the ghost issue. This was an engaging and timely subject. Some laughs along the way to solving the mystery. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

An enthralling mystery that seamlessly intertwines with some of today's important social issues. Dr. Diakos uses a park opening to give a speech on her aggressive views on how to handle domestic abuse and soon after when a known abuser is found dead she becomes a top suspect. She hires PI's Sarah Booth and Tinkie to find the real killer but they are concerned that she might actually be guilty.

I have read all 23 books in the Sarah Booth Delaney series. Each one has its own tone so book #23 is as original as book #1. I really enjoy the diverse cast of characters and Sarah Booth's wit. Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

Here we are with the 23rd mystery featuring Sara Booth Delaney, Jitty, Tinkie, CeCe, Harold and his dog, Roscoe and her boyfriend, Coleman. The rest of the regular cast is here, too. This time the PI pair of Sarah Booth and Tinkie are involved in a case os spousal abuse and several homicides which may or may not be connected. A feminist professor has arrived in town and boy, does she poke the hornets nest with her speech in the new park. Fists start flying and the police arrive to sort it out. Then Roscoe, the devil dog, leads Sarah Booth to a sniper's nest and its sights are set on the professor. Soon enough Professor Alala Diakos is under police scrutiny and she turns to Sarah Booth and Tinkie to help clear her name. Will the case be solved before Tinkie has her baby?
This series is a cozy that doesn't shy away from serious topics and this one is no exception. The dead man at the center of the park dust up was a long time and well known wife beater but his wife stuck with him. He was also a member od a group of men who would see all women back in the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant, with no rights unless a man decided to give her some. Independence isn't easy to get or to keep. Though this is a serious subject the relationships between the cast of regular characters and the humor along with the various animals lighten things up. As usual, any visit to Zinnia, Mississippi in the company of Sarah Booth et all is a great escape, like visiting old friends.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Sarah Booth and Tinkie return in another edition of this series. It’s fall and Tinkie is at the end of her pregnancy. Sarah Booth and Coleman have settled into a good relationship. Dr. Alala Diakos is visiting as she is writing her book. She’s a rabblerouser and strongly encourages women to defend themselves against abusive males. Unfortunately, she is a murder suspect in more than one murder. Sarah Booth and Tinkie need to find the real murderer before someone else is killed.

Another Sarah Booth mystery and there’s a lot to like. I thoroughly enjoy this series and hope for many more to come.

Reading a book in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series is like coming home to visit old friends. This visit has private investigators, Sarah Booth and Tinkie, working to solve murders, find their dear friend Harold (along with his Hound from Hell - Roscoe) and clear their latest client, all before Tinkie has a life-changing event!

Carolyn Haines has the wonderful writing ability to weave a compelling mystery with a storyline that features real world issues, as seen through the cases of two best friends who go through life's ups and downs throughout the series. The main characters are opposites, relatable and genuine and I always enjoy the humor that the long-time friends share. The mystery has twists and turns and the ending was exciting, heartwarming, funny and typical Sarah Booth and Tinkie! All the gang is here - Cece, Millie, Coleman, Oscar, Harold and my very favorite - the irresistible ghost, Jitty. Jitty's portrayal of women throughout history and their struggles was thought-provoking and fit the mystery perfectly.

I'm looking forward to another trip to Zinnia!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Interesting characters and a mix of an intense and current topic , intriguing story line, investigators, , friendships, mystery and strong women. Sarah Booth and Tinkie, her co-worker and friend, are investigators and are on a case to protect a female professor giving a speech on female rights. She has some dedicated followers but also many enemies. The story takes place in Mississippi. Will they be able to keep her safe?
This story is a little more intense and deals with a more sensitive subject than other books I've read by this author. There is some humor and I love how the animals are included.
All in all, it made for an interesting read.

Sarah Booth is back again. Her partner in their investigative agency, Tinkie is about to give birth and there's a professor of Greek studies with a decidedly feminist bent in town who is stirring up... everyone. At a talk that Alala Diakos is giving, the local prototypical wife abuser calls her out and it causes a scene. Then Sarah Booth finds a gun that was pointed at Alala while she was speaking. But the professor is not the one to die, instead, she becomes the prime suspect in the abuser's murder. It doesn't help that she's been linked to at least two other murders where the man was similarly of the mind that women belonged in the kitchen.
Sarah Booth will have to be careful because it seems that there is a group getting together who aren't afraid to use any means possible to make sure that their idealized vision of history becomes everyone else's present. And she is setting herself right in their sights.
I think these books have always been a little preachy but this one is even more so. It's a topic that I agree with but was fairly heavy-handed. I am happy that Tinkie had her baby and look forward to seeing how this changes (or maybe doesn't) the dynamic between our protagonist and one of her best friends.

Three stars
Follows Garland of Bones
This book comes out
ARC kindly provided by St Martin's Press
Opinions are my own

A cozy mystery that takes place in Zinnia, Mississippi. There is a bit of backstory with the characters and I was lost at times because this is my first book in the series. That said, Sarah Booth and Tinkie make for a fun PI duo and the mystery brings out plenty of motives and suspects, with some laughs along the way. I wish I read earlier books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.