Bones and Roses

What happens when a popular writer decides to switch from women's fiction and YA to MYSTERY???

All her many fans are in for a rollicking good time! Chills, thrills and, the occasional spills--literally--pepper this book through the life and adventures of its heroine, real estate manager Tish Ballard. A recovering alcoholic with a mentally challenged brother, an eccentric best friend, an antagonistic schoolmate (who happens to be the chief of police) and a penchant for finding trouble wherever it hides makes life VERY intriguing.

Bones and Roses will keep you hooked, so don't expect to get much done around the house until you've read to the very last page. The suspense factor is taut without being gory, so those readers who tend to get squeamish--never fear. This series introduction will definitely have you anticipating the next installment!

I confess that this is my first novel by Eileen Goudge, but BONES AND ROSES (read in one afternoon-evening) hooked me immediately. This is an unexpected, but fascinating, interweaving of cozy mystery with serious backdrop. Protagonist Tish Ballard is " anti-hero": a recovering (= currently non-drinking) alcoholic, former real estate broker, now owner of a property management business; dragging on in a relationship not right for either partner, grieving her mother's abandonment 25 years earlier, and caring for her schizophrenic brother.

There's so much to love about this novel, so many plot convolutions; and unlike many cozies, when the author lifts the curtain, that's not the Wizard we see, but ugly reality--past and present.

A special thank you to INscribe Digital and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Eileen Goudge is back, stronger than ever with BONES AND ROSES, the first book in her exciting new Cypress Bay Mysteries series. Filled with lovable characters, razor sharp humor, and tons of drama for a page-turner mystery charmer!

In Northern California and the seaside town of Cypress Bay, readers meet the vacation rental queen, Leticia “Tish” Ballard, the former real estate broker, and recovering alcoholic, presently the owner of her own company, Rest Easy Property Management. She gave up the suits, and hectic life of real estate sales for flip flops and a more laid back lifestyle, where she takes care of the owner’s homes and prepares them for the guest arrival.

Currently, Tish is dating Daniel (comfortable, not sizzling), enjoys spending time with her BFF Ivy, and taking care of her very high IQ troubled adult brother, Arthur (he is a riot). However, her head begins spinning when she is left with a storage unit with a mysterious trunk filled with skeletal remains and opens up a past, and a crime (s), never solved.

Of course, while she puts herself front and center of the investigation, she has to come face to face with her old high school sweetheart, and lead detective, Spence, plus a number of other eccentric characters as she races to find the real killer as her life is on the line—keeping you guessing until the end with a nice twist.

As usual, Goudge is a master at character development, and storytelling, with obstacles coming in every direction for an engaging and satisfying read. I was blown away by the inspiration for the book and the events taking place in the author’s own life at the time of writing.

Wow, what can I say, I fell in love with author, Eileen Goudge years ago, and have been a faithful follower since. I will never forgot the day I purchased the Woman in Red, in Florida, which was my first book by Eileen. Something about the front cover was so intriguing—it pulled me in and was hooked. Immediately afterward, started Garden of Liesand worked my way up the list. After reading eighteen of her books, you could say I am a fan, and was delighted to receive an ARC of Bones and Roses. I loved it!

In addition to being a talented writer, Eileen is genuine, and speaks from the heart. She uses her tragedies and turns them into something wonderful. If you have ever communicated with Eileen via email, or Goodreads, via her blog, or read her postings, you will come to know a special and unique person. I speak for all the fans and readers out there – Thank you for being you! You are an inspiration and your words come alive on the page, with stories to warm hearts, and characters to remember, long after the book ends.

I loved Tish, Bradley and Arthur, and especially the vacation rental real estate storyline, as I have managed real estate, vacation rentals, cottages, hotels, and B&B inns for years, and there is always something exciting going on, and life is never dull!

Cannot wait to read the second book in the Cypress Bay Series: SWIMSUIT BODY, (3/1/15) and after reading Goudge’s blog, she describes her outspoken heroine, Tish Ballard, (yeah) will be once embroiled in solving a murder, this one of a world-famous movie star whom she found “tanning” posthumously by the swimming pool at one of the homes she maintains as owner of Rest Easy Property Management, in Cypress Bay, California. Maybe she will put out her sign for her second business, a PI. Yummy!

If you are new to Eileen Goudge books, you are in for a treat! I would highly recommend all her books, and visiting her website to learn more about this extraordinary author.