Sarah Booth Delaney and all her friends are back in this Christmas mystery. Sarah and her friends were excited to spend part of the holidays at the annual Elvis Festival, which brings Elvis impersonators to Mississippi from all over the world.
However, Sarah and Tinkie are hired to investigate the theft of a jeweled belt worn by the King himself.
I love the character and the plot, they keep the reader very entertained! 4 stars.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is number 28 in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series. Sarah Booth is half of Delaney Investigations agency, the taller sassier half. Her dedicated daddy’s girl bff Tinkie Richmond is the other half. Together with their family, friends, and loves; they are the best Southern sleuths you may ever encounter. I have been reading these slightly sharp cozies (a little swearing and a little sizzle) for over 15 years and they do not disappoint. Sarah Booth is an amazing character and from the series starter to now, she has undergone such a range of emotions, suffice it to say that she “has come a long way, baby.” Do not worry if you are just now giving this series a try, all of the books offer plenty of backstory so you will never feel lost. You will want to be like me and go back and start at the beginning to see how it all started, with a family plantation in need of repairs and mortgage payments in arears and the kidnapping of a little dust mop dog named Chablis.

It is Christmas in the Delta and the sleuth crew of Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Millie, and CeCe are headed to Tupelo, Mississippi for the first annual Elvis Christmas event. Not even Vegas has as many Elvis’s and the girls are just wanting to have fun. Their guys and pets will meet up with them in a few days but not before the detective agency is hired to locate a $3 million dollar Elvis inspired belt. This isn’t the first time that the ladies have their holiday/vacation plans hijacked for a case, but usually it involves murder. While I have not read all of the books in the series, this is the first one that I have come across that did not involve a dead body. Not that there aren’t plenty of near misses, threats of bodily harm, and sketchy suspects to keep you turning pages.

The mystery is well spun and the suspects are quirky and all share one thing in common, they have love/hate relationships with the owner of the belt, one Grace Land. Yes that is her name given to her by her mom, not an awkward name to saddle a kid with at all…There is an Adonis of an artist who made the belt, the insurance agent who wrote the policy for the piece, the assistant mayor who has dreams of being a Vegas Elvis, a fellow Hollywood show star with pugs, the Sheriff, and possible participants from Grace’s reality show. The only one who seems to have anything good to say about Grace is a mechanic. Even Sarah Booth is ready to quit this gig when she suspects that no one is being honest with them, especially Grace.

All in all this was a light-hearted Christmas mystery with a fun location/event incorporated into the story line. The red herrings had me going in so many directions that I just wasn’t sure who the crook was/were until the big reveal. This was an enjoyable story that made my Christmas season bright, so to Ms. Haines I say, “thank ya, ah thank ya very much.”

Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends operate a private investigation agency. And the friends plan to take time off and live it up in Tupelo during an Elvis impersonation weekend before Christmas. The only problem is the theft of an expensive Elvis belt. Owner Grace Land hires the agency to find her missing belt. In the process, the women encounter an untruthful client, secretive insurance agent, devious detective, popular TV host, sexy designer, and several other shady characters. The women follow all the leads in a circle until their loved ones join them. Together, the friends may solve the crime.
I like the Elvis angle of this story. I would attend this event in my mom's honor!
Perhaps because this is #28 in the series (and the first book I've read), I didn't connect to any of the characters. But the author includes pelnty of backstory that kept me up to speed with all the relationships.
And the mystery wasn't engaging. The author tells rather than shows the action, and I felt like I was looking in from outside rather than being part of the mystery.
I also didn't like the violence. For example, Sarah Booth wants to carry a gun and at one point says, "He was too tall and strong for me to kill him, but I could probably break a few fingers."
The book contains plenty of sexual innuendo, too, including a character who likes prancing around naked.
Although the premise of the book is interesting, I didn't really care for the story and wouldn't read more books in this series.

Sarah Booth, Tinkie, Cece, and Millie are set to enjoy the Christmas holidays at the Hound Dog Hotel in Tupelo, Mississippi. Their significant others will be along in a day or two. In the meantime, they can enjoy the Elvis impersonators who have overtaken Tupelo. There’s a bit of “Love Me Tender” on every street corner with “Hunka Hunka Burning Love” in the air. The sheer number of sequins and rhinestones could almost blind a person.

The biggest attraction (at least the one not in a white jumpsuit), is a jeweled belt, a perfect replica of the belt Elvis wore when he performed in Las Vegas. It’s valued at three million. There are security guards watching over it, alarms on the case, and still there’s worry something might happen to it. The woman who owns the belt is named Grace Land. Her mother was a huge Elvis fan, in case you can’t tell.

Against all odds, the belt is stolen. Grace hires Sarah Booth and Tinkie to find the thief and hopefully, recover the belt before it’s melted down for the gold and the jewels sold a few at a time.

It would help if anyone told the truth, including their client. Either Grace’s mother died years ago or she’s alive, the belt was insured or maybe not, the artist who designed it may or may not hold a grudge against Grace who didn’t pay for his work or he might be in love with her. The local Sheriff might be on the up and up or he might just be as bad as the people he arrests. It’s another working holiday but they’re running out of patience with their client—and just about everyone in Tupelo who isn’t ‘Elvis.’

This is book 28 in the series. Jitty, the ghost only Sarah Booth can see, manages to tag along to Tupelo and make several appearances in the form of various stars like Wayne Newton and Cher. Tinkie’s baby is on her first holiday road trip and the men even bring the dogs along to celebrate with everyone. Cece gets a big break, Millie falls in love with every Elvis who sings to her, and really, it would be a fun vacation if not for that darn stolen belt.

Look for book 29, Doggone Bones, to publish in May, 2025, available for pre-order now.

Blue Christmas Bones

This book was such a fun holiday read. The Elvis-themed vibe added a unique and entertaining twist that kept me smiling throughout. It was also great catching up with Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and the gang—their antics and camaraderie always make for an enjoyable adventure. The story’s playful tone and offbeat charm made it a perfect holiday mystery. Fans of Elvis, humor, and lighthearted whodunits will find this a delightful treat!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC.

Blue Christmas Bones is book 28 in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series. I've read the last few books in this series so it isn't necessary to have read the previous books.

If you are an Elvis fan, then you will love this book. Sarah Booth and her friends are in Tupelo, Mississippi for an Elvis impersonation Christmas Festival. She and Tinkie, her partner in the private eye business, are supposed to be on vacation but when a $3 million jewel-encrusted Elvis belt goes missing they are on the case.

I think because of the emphasis on Elvis, the book doesn't feel as Christmasy. There are mentions of Christmas but it isn't the total focus.

I liked that there isn't a murder. I have long felt that cozy mysteries were a little pigeonholed as murder mysteries when there are plenty of other crimes they could feature. I've read a few other Christmasy cozy mysteries and they have also shied away from murder and did a different crime like a missing person. I liked that this book features a robbery and no dead bodies. It just changes things up a little.

The characters in this series are a little more quirky than I usually read in cozy mysteries. It's not that they aren't realistic it is just that they rely a little too heavily on stereotypes. But they are still fun to hang out with.

If you are looking for a fun read during the Christmas holidays, this is a great one to pick up.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Saturday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2024/12/blue-christmas-bones-by-carolyn-haines.html

A holiday "girls" trip to Tupelo, Mississippi, an Elvis Impersonator Contest, theft of a priceless jewel encrusted belt, Jitty everywhere, Maylin's first Christmas and murder makes for a holiday Sarah Booth and Tinkie won't soon forget!

I love this series! A "keep you guessing mystery, a setting that's pure Southern charm and characters that are strong, smart and kind make for a mystery you won't be able to put down!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington. The opinions in this review are my own.

This is the 28th book in the author's Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series but it's the first one I read. I especially enjoyed the goings-on at the Christmas time Elvis fest in Tupelo as well as Sarah Booth and her friends participating in the various events. That whole Elvis thing was a hoot.

Unfortunately, I had a hard time keeping the mystery plot and characters straight. I was confused and felt like there was a lot of repetition in the story. I think it's best for me to start at the beginning of the series and got more accustomed to the characters and such. I can certainly understand the attraction of this series and will certainly give it another chance.

I'd recommend this book to friends who love mysteries but would suggest starting at the beginning of the series.

Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends can’t help falling in love with Christmas this year, which they plan to spend celebrating the King of Rock n’ Roll at the annual Elvis Festival in Tupelo. The main attraction is an Elvis impersonator competition, drawing impersonators from all over the world to honor the king. But before the revelry can get underway, a priceless jewel-encrusted replica of a belt once worn by Elvis is stolen from its display case, and Sarah Booth and Tinkie are roped into one of the biggest heists in the history of Mississippi. Soon suspicious minds are lurking around every corner, with one eyewitness even claiming to have seen Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s long deceased and highly questionable manager, prowling around the festivities. Sarah Booth will have to find the devil in disguise or she might just end up singing Jailhouse Rock herself.

I love, love, love this series! Sarah Booth and Tinkie along with their friends get roped into a case on Christmas AGAIN! This is the 28th in this series, yet the writing and stories continue to be fresh with each new installment. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this latest installment.

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for my honest review.*

Sarah Booth, Tinkie, and all the friends have headed to Tupelo for the first Christmas Elvis Presley festival to see the sights and experience the impersonators and events. When the replica of a jewel encrusted belt is stolen from the special display, Sarah Booth and Tinkie are hired to find the belt and culprit and there is no shortage of suspects. But the biggest suspect is turning out to be the owner of the belt!

What a cast of characters! I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters in the last book from Haines that I read and figured it might have been a one off, but I don't think it is! So many Elvis impersonators trying to get seen and the guy who has the TV show relating to Streisand in some way with his dogs that are menaces that he doesn't even leash. So much Elvis information included as well.

I quite enjoy this series and need to read from the first book! Some things can be a little convoluted, but in all honesty, what isn't convoluted in a book? The pacing is good and the characters are a hoot.

Another fun mystery with Sarah Booth and her friends! Sarah Booth and her friends are on vacation to celebrate Christmas at the annual Elvis festival in Mississippi! Instead, their vacation is cut short when a priceless item is stolen. Sarah Booth and Tinkie find themselves dealing with a difficult client, many suspects, and as usual, a haint who has followed Sarah Booth from back home.

Since they are in a new town, they have to deal with a different sheriff who seems to be running things differently than they are used to. The client is not the only person who makes it difficult to find out what really happened! The story moved at a good pace that allows the reader to follow along and feel as though they are really experiencing Christmas with Elvis!

The author blends Christmas along with Elvis history to make this a fun read for readers who enjoy those topics. It was nice to learn some new facts about Elvis as well!

I was invited to read this book by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

There is nothing better than a cozy mystery and this one truly hit the spot. I absolutely loved it. It was fun and easy to read and I really enjoyed using this as a quick break from fantasy. Easy to follow and easy to get swept into, Haines makes this a book you will want to enjoy with an afternoon cuppa and a blanket. Definitely check this out!

Sarah Delaney is back. This is book 28 in her series and I've read most of them. Sarah is a sassy middle aged lady that isn't afraid to face life. this year's Christmas is almost derailed. Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends can’t help falling in love with Christmas this year, which they plan to spend celebrating the King of Rock n’ Roll at the annual Elvis Festival in Tupelo. The main attraction is an Elvis impersonator competition, drawing impersonators from all over the world to honor the king.
But before the revelry can get underway, a priceless jewel-encrusted replica of a belt once worn by Elvis is stolen from its display case, and Sarah Booth and Tinkie are roped into one of the biggest heists in the history of Mississippi. Soon suspicious minds are lurking around every corner, with one eyewitness even claiming to have seen Colonel Tom Parker, Elvis’s long deceased and highly questionable manager, prowling around the festivities. Sarah Booth will have to find the devil in disguise or she might just end up singing Jailhouse Rock herself.

Yay! Another Sarah Booth Delaney Christmas book. I enjoy this series but the Christmas ones are some of my favorites. Once again Sarah and friends are headed for a Christmas getaway. This time they are headed to Tupelo for the Elvis Christmas celebration. Of course, they can't go anywhere without stumbling into a mystery that has to be solved. This was a fast read and it captured my attention from the first few pages. There were a few extra twists and turns but it kept me guessing. This is a great book to get you in the holiday season!

This is an enjoyable Christmas mystery with a lot of Elvis thrown in. Fans of the series will love it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

It’s Christmas time and Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends are thrilled to be spending it in the city of Tupelo, just a few hours’ drive away from their own hometown of Zinnia, Mississippi. The birthplace of Elvis Presley has decided to add a slate of wintertime festivities to match its annual summer celebration of the cultural icon. Sarah Booth and co are all huge fans:

QUOTE
I love Elvis. I inherited my addiction to Tupelo’s native son from my mama, who basically had an altar to the Mississippi icon. One of my best memories is sitting on the blue velvet sofa in the music room watching my parents dance to Elvis classics. I’d never heard anything more romantic than his love ballads. His appearance on TV shows–my mother had purchased the entire collection–reeked of wholesome sexuality. He was a man ahead of his time and completely unprepared to deal with the fame that dropped on him like an anvil. Generous to a fault, he was easy pickings for some of the unethical people drawn to his life.
END QUOTE

It’s not just the proliferation of Elvis impersonators, exhibits and themed attractions that have drawn Sarah Booth there. Her friends have roped her into joining them in various competitions that involve either knowing tons of trivia about The King or performing to his music. It’s looking to be loads of fun… until a valuable replica belt gets stolen almost right out from under their noses. Adding insult to injury, the culprit is most likely the person who’d been seen wandering around the exhibit hall dressed as Colonel Tom Parker, the manager whom Sarah Booth firmly believes exploited her idol.

This would merely be an unfortunate event if the belt’s owner, the evocatively named Grace Land, hadn’t caught wind that Sarah Booth and her partner Tinkie Bellcase Richmond are some of the state’s foremost private investigators. Though they’re supposed to be on vacation, Sarah Booth and Tinkie agree that they can’t just let someone spoil the Elvis festivities in this way, so agree to take on the case.

They regret it almost instantly. Reality TV star Grace is a handful, and not opposed to lying to make herself look good. Worse, she has dozens of enemies, largely due to her high-handed nature around town and on her show. Anyone could have wanted to take her down a peg or two by stealing the belt. But when events take a deadly turn, Sarah Booth and Tinkie will have to start investigating who might hate Grace enough to kill:

QUOTE
While everyone else was busy, I ducked behind the thick curtains with Robbie and went to the back of the stage. There were ropes and levers and mechanical things used to set lights or bring the curtains up and down. There were moving dollies to change scenery. A longing for the stage hit me hard. I loved the trappings of the theater, but I was looking for something in particular. What I found was a pulley with a bit of severed rope still on it. I picked up the end of the rope. The rope was cleanly cut, except for one bit that was frayed.
END QUOTE

With foul play clearly afoot on what should be the most wonderful time of the year, will Sarah Booth be able to figure out whodunnit before someone gets hurt for real?

Series fans and Elvis fans will be rooting for Sarah Booth and co to get to the bottom of this mystery, and bring the thief and wannabe killer to justice. This was actually my first experience with the protagonist’s namesake series, and I was struck by how lovely and warm-hearted she and her friends are in defending and celebrating the differences of others. The twenty-eighth book of the series showcases its diverse main characters with both charm and aplomb. I was rooting for them all, but especially for theater-loving Sarah, whose complex background lends her a wonderfully relatable depth and humanity.

Try as they might, Sarah Booth and Tinkie cannot make it through one Christmas getaway without stumbling upon a case. They are in Tupelo for the Elvis impersonators Christmas event when an expensive replica of his famous belt is stolen from the arena where the events are being held. The owner is beside herself and even more so when she discovers the belt was not covered by insurance because her premium was not paid.

This is but the start of a complex series of relationships that swirl around the owner who hires them to find her belt. Rehearsing and performing in a couple of the contests proves less of a hindrance than the scarcity of truth in Tupelo. They are told assorted stories. Whom to believe when everyone lies, including their client. Luckily, they have their intrepid posse who help investigate. Her boyfriend Colman also needs to get involves because the local police do not seem to be doing anything to help solve the mystery.

I just love the Deep South feel of this series. The characters are interesting and the story is always entertaining. Five purrs and two paws up.

Blue Christmas Bones is a fun cozy mystery centering around an Elvis-themed Christmas festival in Tupelo. When an invaluable jewel-encrusted Elvis belt is stolen from a local socialite-become-Hollywood-reality star, Sarah Booth Delaney and her friends are determined to quickly solve the case before their much-earned Christmas vacation is ruined. With a snarky, uncooperative client, Sarah Booth faces not only a frustrating mystery but also a vacation filled with drama, angst, Elvis-music, and the threat of murder. Overall, Blue Christmas Bones was a nice, holiday cozy mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Carolyn Haines for providing this advance reader copy (ARC) of the story. I'm providing my honest review below.

As this is book 28 in the Sarah Booth Delaney mystery series the author must have a devoted following. This is my first encounter with the writer and series and it's a shame that I don't feel the same way. I never clicked with the characters, found myself apathetic. I liked the book PR blurb about the Elvis Christmas festival in Tupelo, I'm from Memphis so Elvis is always fun. Even an abundance of Elvi couldn't keep me turning pages. I began to skip around to speed up the story. Going over and over the same information discovered with the same formula wasn't entertaining but convoluted which became tiresome; I skipped a few chapters and found I hadn't missed much action. I did appreciate the Elvis themed events and Sippi, what a lovely image I came up with in my mind.

#NetGalley #BlueChristmasBones #CarolynHaines #MinotaurBooks #SarahBoothDelaney #mysteryseries #Elvisfestivle #murdermystery

It is Elvis mania in Tupelo, Mississippi this Christmas in Blue Christmas Bones. And best friends Sarah Booth and Tinkie are here for all of it.

With Elvis impersonators everywhere, a replica of the belt from his famous white jumpsuit is on display. The belt was crafted with $3 million worth of jewels and gold so security cameras and armed guards are on hand to protect it. Alas, it is somehow stolen anyway.

As co-owners of the Delaney Detective Agency, Sarah Booth and Tinkie, who really just want a fun vacation, are roped into the investigation. With no help from the at best incompetent, and at worst crooked, local sheriff, they must hurry to find the belt before it is broken up and sold. Their only lead is a creepy Colonel Parker lookalike lurking around.

Put on a comfy Christmas sweater, Elvis pompadour is optional, and just roll with this improbable but humorous cozy mystery. Reading Blue Christmas Bones is a unique and enjoyable way to get in a holiday mood. 4 stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advanced review copy.