Customer Reviews

Ham Bones (Southern Belle Mysteries)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

HAM BONES shows that Sarah Booth and friends have what it takes to survive outside of Zinnia. Too many series grow stale over time, but like a fine wine, Carolyn Haines continues to improve. Snappy wit, intriguing characters, and more twists than the Mississippi River, HAM BONES is sure to satisfy anyone's hunger for a good mystery.

Sarah Booth Delaney (via Carolyn Haines) is a Southern Belle to her toenails, but as human as a fictional character can be. Sarah Booth is gritty, true to her heart and her raising, but screws up sometimes and doesn't necessarily learn from it. What Sarah Booth will do is make readers laugh, root for her, worry about her, and cheer when everything comes out more or less all right in the end, just as they would a dear friend. And flat-out fawnching for the next Bones book to find out what kind of a mysterious mess Sarah Booth will get herself into and (let's hope) out of next time.

I really loved Ms Haine's newest edition to the Sarah Booth Delaney mysteries. The twist and turns of the mystery were delicate and deceptive, and the new characters who are introduced into Sarah Booth Delaney's entourage of friends are quite unique and mysteriously charming. Carolyn Haines has given us another glimpse of how well Sarah Booth can adapt to her ever changing role as slueth and her hidden talent as a potential star of the stage. Gentleman's Mint Julep Mix

I have always had my own "policy," wherein I read every book that I purchase to the final page. The last four books that I have tried to read from some of my favorite authors -- Hiassen, Evanovich, Haines, George -- have been so wildly disappointing that I could not follow through to the end(s). I really have to believe that someone has taken over the underwriting of these books. What in the world happened? Specifically, with respect to "Ham Bones," Sarah Booth has morphed into a character who is no longer believable, or likeable. Ms. Haines, please send Sarah back to Zinnia.

Carolyn Haines has upped the ante again with her latest addition to the Bones series, Ham Bones. By weaving in a clever subplot involving a local performance of the play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Haines gives the reader even more interesting, hilarious, sometimes infuriating, yet all too human characters to enjoy. Of course, the regulars are still on hand, and the backdrop of the play provides a fitting showcase for the witty characters and snappy banter the series has become known for.

At last, a series author who knows how to spice up things to keep the reader interested! Series mysteries and thrillers are a treat, but too many authors get into a rut, churning out the same old tired plotlines over and over. With "Ham Bones," Carolyn Haines shows readers she is able to keep the fire going not only in Zinnia, Miss., but outside in the real world. This latest installment in the wonderful Delta series sets our heroine up for life in the world outside Zinnia, opening new doors for future challenges and reader enjoyment, showing that Sarah Booth and her Zinnia gang aren't just down-home flashes in the pan because they can hold their own anywhere. What could be better????!!!!!!

The story is set in Zinnia, Mississippi - in the Delta about two hours south of Memphis. Sarah Booth Delaney has been working for the past year as a PI in partnership with her longtime friend Tinkie, after returning from an unsuccessful try at acting in New York City. Her past catches up with her. Hurricane Katrina destroyed a planned venue for a play that is on tour around the country. As a last minute substitute, the venue was changed to Zinnia which has a large auditorium available. The play brings an assortment of Broadway actors into town - people that Sarah Booth had known and worked with in New York, including an ex-lover who is the leading man in the play, and who wants her to be an understudy.

Events take a sudden turn when a death occurs. Sarah Booth finds herself charged with murder, and arrested by the sheriff who had been a longtime love interest. She becomes involved with Tinkie in an investigation of the case to clear herself of the charges. At the same time, she is drawn into the production of the play and has a chance to be a star.

As a side issue, it is decision time for Sarah Booth. Will she stay in Zinnia where she has friends and strong roots, or will she look at a potential career in Hollywood (I know the feeling because I left home for a career somewhere else).

You will also meet the rest of the cast of characters in Zinnia, including the resident ghost, Jitty.

"Ham Bones" was a fun book to read as well as presenting a mystery with an unpredictable ending. The fun part is keeping up with Sarah Booths friends and their activities, especially Tinky. Somethimes Sarah Booth seems to be out of her element, and Tinky is usually the one to level the playing field of thinking. Sarah Booths love life seems to be out of kilter concerning Coleman, but new possibilities are just as uncertain. We see new dimensions in Sarah Booth when we find out the issues of her failed acting career. "She could'a been a contender". How unique, her nemesis plays her biggest curtain finale.

I'm a big fan of the cozy and I love this series. As a former L.A. (lower Alabama) country girl gone big city, I appreciate Sarah Booth's transformation. She's growing but without abandoning her roots. Jitty wouldn't let her do that! Awesome addition to the series. Carolyn Haines keep 'em coming.

I love this series set in the deep South, yet determined to break all of my pre-conceived notions about southern belles. Sarah Booth is intelligent, witty, snarky, and just plain-old-fun. So, if you're looking for a mystery that's satisfying and enjoyable, order up some delicious Ham Bones.