I liked the mystery story line in Bones and Roses, it develops into more than Tish, the main character, getting a trunk of bones and rose as mentioned in the blurb. There's no surprise as to whom they belong, but that's just the start. The mystery fizzled out in the end with the murder outing themself which is a big no-no for me.

I also appreciated that Tish had an unusual job for a mystery as a property manager which she actually works at (how many mysteries do the characters just seem to be able to abandon their jobs at will?). However, she and the other characters never really struck a chord with me. I did not mind that she was an alcoholic and that her personal experience with alcoholism and AA visits are part of the story. It seemed realistic and didn't detract from the rest of the story. I just didn't find them that interesting despite the quirky, earthy ex-cop and bon vivant best friend.

So, while there were no real negatives for me, I probably wouldn't have started book 2 in the series, Swimsuit Body, if I hadn't already been given a copy in exchange for my honest review from Netgalley as well.