Melinda Leigh does it again! I have thoroughly enjoyed the books in the Widow’s Island series. The characters are well developed and the story line will pull you in from the very first page and hold you captive until the end. Though a novella, there is so much content that you find yourself so immersed that you are flipping through the pages quickly and not realizing that it’s a short read. Twists and turns keep you guessing and the relationship between Tessa, her sister, and her mother is heartwarming. Logan is an amazing man and I admire him greatly.

This is definitely one to put on your “to read” list if you like exciting edge-of-your-seat thrillers with satisfactory endings. I’m always up for reading one of the author’s books!

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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One of the strengths of the book is its well-crafted plot, which keeps the reader guessing and engaged until the end. The characters are also well-developed, with their flaws and motivations driving the story forward. Leigh's writing is suspenseful and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and tension that keeps the reader on edge.

However, the book can be formulaic at times, with some of the plot twists and character arcs feeling predictable and formulaic. Additionally, the romantic subplot between Lance and his love interest feels underdeveloped and rushed, detracting from the main plot. The resolution of the mystery also feels somewhat unsatisfying, with some loose ends and unanswered questions.

Buried Bones is the 7th book in the Widow's Island series and once again, we have Tessa front and center. Tessa and Logan are out for a hike in the woods, when she stumbles upon a body buried in a shallow grave. The skeleton is identified as Aurora Franklin, a young college student and aspiring actor, who had come to Widow’s Island for a summer job and disappeared shortly after. She was never reported missing as she and her parents were estranged and her best friend knew that she often stopped communicating when she was in a new relationship. Tessa and Logan begin to ask questions of her employer and landlord to try and piece together what happened after she arrived on Widow's Island. The investigation reveals a dangerous predator hiding in the Widow’s Island community and Tessa needs to find him/her before they strike again.

Once again, this novella is a short, fast read or listen filled with suspense. There are several suspects, but clues are sparse. Who wanted this vibrant, young woman dead? The break in the case comes from an unexpected source and Tessa needs to take care that she doesn't put herself in danger. This is one where I did guess who the murderer was as clues are uncovered. With Logan by her side, they are able to arrest the suspect and put him/her behind bars where they belong. Because this is a novella, the secondary characters are not well developed, but the main ones are as they have been involved in the previous books in the series. For this reason, I recommend you read them in order

Another great novella from Melinda Leigh. I couldn't put this down once I started it. The story can be read as a stand alone, but is much better if read in order.

This book is one of a series by the Author set on Widow's Island and can in my opinion be read as a stand alone

Deputy Tessa Black is on a morning hike when she stumbles across a half buried body - when identified as a young college student, working a summer job , Tessa wonders why no one has reported her missing - she had been dead for over a month .
With the help of her fiance Park Ranger , Logan Wilde. Tessa must navigate the past- finding hidden rape and murder victims ................. their small quiet Island has too many secrets , secrets someone will kill to keep hidden .

This book is in my opinion only of novella length but still enjoyable overall

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Tessa and Logan must race to find a murderer on Widows island. This is another great installment in the series. Melinda Leigh definitely didn’t disappoint with this one.

This book was not as intense as the lost bones but intriguing nonetheless. Logan was a ranger, who I find was too involved in the daily activities of the sheriff’s office. He made Tessa look amateurish with his constant presence. It had a great storyline, but it felt a bit rushed.

Melinda Leigh does it again with Buried Bones, and now I am a dedicated Widow's Island reader! I love Tessa and seeing her navigate the world around her and her relationships. Overall, this fits the trope I was expecting it to - it's a standard procedural with some romance, and I love it. I will happily read anything by Melinda Leigh.

This is the seventh book in the cosy crime Widow's Island series, which alternates the narrative between Cate and Tessa, two friends who investigate various bad events on the isolated community of Widow Island. In this installment, Tessa takes the reigns and ends up investigating the murder of a young woman who she discovers hidden in the undergrowth during a hike.

These are always quick and easy reads, fast paced and full of action, which doesn't shy away from some dark topics. This is no different, and Tessa soons find herself wrapped up in the secrets of the islands inhabitants again. You do have to suspend your disbelief a little bit though. For such a small community they have an awful lot of murders, and a hell of a lot of strangers turning up on the island at one time or another. There's always a lot of convenient revelations and clues too, and in this case we also have a few red herrings that aren't ever cleared up - such as the guy looking for Aurora at the tour office. I also find the character development sometimes a little lacking. The suspects are always a little over the top, there's no subtlety involved when you're writing a complete story in 100 pages, however overall I enjoyed this for what it is.

Buried Bones by Melinda Leigh
Publisher: Montlake
Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Romance
Published: October 19, 2021

Buried Bones is the seventh book in the Widow's Island series by Melinda Leigh. This crime drama can easily be read as a standalone book. I have not read the previous books in the series and was easily able to read this one.

I loved how fast paced this book is! I read it in one sitting and could not put it down! The characters are great, so likable and interesting. The story was incredible! I loved trying to solve the mystery! The suspense was awesome!!!

I highly recommend this book to crime drama fans.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I needed to read a suspense story with mystery swirling around. I have read a few Melinda Leigh books and knew I can count on her to get me there! She did not disappoint! I loved all aspects of this story.

Buried Bones is a story about a small town and folks that pull together to solve a mystery. There are some shady folks, so when a mysterious death hits the town, there were some suspects I thought that was behind it. Melinda's writing will always make you feel like you are right there. The characters are relatable and you can feel their emotions while you are on this wild coaster ride. The goose bumps I would get from time to time made this story surreal.

I love getting lost in the story and have a surge of emotions go through me. Buried Bones is a story that will have you on edge the entire time!

Tessa and Logan must race to find a murderer on Widows Island. Great characters who have developed throughout this series and a fast paced plot.

I really enjoy the characters in this book, it is the relationships and growth of the characters throughout the novellas that really makes this series of books. You quickly become attached to them and want to see how all their lives and connection progress. In this book Sheriff Tessa Black and Park Ranger Lincoln Wilde are trying to get the details of their wedding finalized but they once again become embroiled in a grizzly murder investigation.

A dead college student, a mother with dementia, and a sister who's keeping secrets are all the premise behind Melina Leigh's newest Widow's Island book.
When a body of a young girl is found, Deputy Tessa Black begins an investigation that leads her down the path of migrant summer workers on the tiny island. What she finds is a hidden past of rape and murder no one expected to find on the peaceful little island.
As usual, the characters are the mainstay in a Melinda Leigh book and all of them- even the secondary and walk-ons are perfect for the setting and plot. Leigh seamlessly weaves the everyday life of Tesas- she's getting married, and caring for her ailing mother and teenaged sister -with murder most foul.
Excellent addition to the series.
4 stars

While it had all the makings of a meaty murder mystery, it was only a nouvella which meant the ending felt rushed. Otherwise, it was well written and fast paced with interesting characters. I think it could have been more developed since some bread crumbs were not followed up on.

I love Melinda Leigh's writing and this book was no exception. Even though it’s only a short story I was hooked from beginning to end. There are so many lovable characters and I just loved the small Island life.

I was a bit sceptical about how you could have an interesting murder plot and mix in some romance in only 100 pages but it really does work. It was a great pace and I had no idea who it was. This is the first book I’ve read in the series but I will definitely be going back for the rest

I received a copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliot are writing a series of novella called Widows Island . Melinda Leigh characters are Tessa Black deputy of Widow island. The characters comes to life in each story of murder and mystery.

The author is able to pack a punch in so few pages. Each story builds on each other the characters grow and the community the author's create become real and walk right off the pages.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Buried Bones.

The Pacific Northwest’s scenic, isolated, and atmospheric Widow’s Island is disturbed once again when an unearthed body turns up during the height of the tourist season. This tandem-written series between Melinda Leigh and Kendra Elliott remains rock-steady with the clever, quick novellas that are engaging installment after installment.



Buried Bones is the seventh novella in the Widow’s Island series. The books work best in order as there is a character and relationship arc spread throughout the series though, each does contain a standalone mystery.



Tessa and Patience are hiking to the top of Crone Mountain for some sister time when they come across a decomposed body just off the trail. With the help of her fiancé, forest ranger, Logan Wilde, Tessa tracks the evidence to a killer.

Tessa’s life has definitely taken a strong turn for the better lately as Logan has helped her with her mom suffering from Alzheimer’s and her teen sister. She is learning to balance work and a private life which includes wedding preparations. Logan is doing better with his PTSD, too. But, something is up with Patience- she’s too quiet. Unfortunately, this new homicide has to be dealt with first.



I’ve likely said this before, but this series is addicting and is a wonderful blend of island- small town setting, engaging characters, and strong plotting. There is a good blend of romantic suspense, but in this one, they focused on the mystery more. The mystery wasn’t twisting, but it was satisfying and especially after that breath-stealing climax. I’m glad that the next release comes shortly and I can dive right back into the Widow’s Island world.



In summary, I devoured it swiftly and want more. Those who enjoy well-thought mystery and character development with a keen attention to setting should give these quick-read romantic suspenses a go.

Tessa is out on a hike when she comes across a dead body. After identifying the body as a college student on the island for a summer job, Tessa follows the meandering clues to find out who killed her.

I love this series so much! I love the characters and Widow's Island. I'm loving the development in the relationships between all of the characters. I loved following Tessa as she was investigating the death. I was so sure that everyone she talked to was guilty! I love Melinda Leigh so much and cannot wait to read what's next!

I love this series. These novellas are so good. You are sucked in from the beginning and cannot turn the pages fast enough. I thought the plot was amazing and so believable. Tessa Black is an interesting character and I cannot get enough of her books. I look forward to the next.