Sophia Rose Reviews: Below the Bones by Kendra Elliott, narrated by Christine Williams

 Today Sophia Rose reviews a romantic suspense perfect for this time of year.
 Take it away!

Below the Bones by Kendra Elliott, narrated by Christine Williams

#5 Widow’s Island

Romantic Suspense

Publisher:  Brilliance Audio

Published:  10.27.20

Time:  2 hours 29 minutes

ISBN:  1799727068

Rating: 5

Narrator: 5

Format:  MP3

Source:  Brilliance Audio

Sellers:  Amazon / Audible / Barnesand Noble

Add To: GoodReads  

 

GoodReads Blurb:

A former FBI special agent must come out of retirement to solve a murder in the fifth novella in the Widow’s Island series from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kendra Elliot.

Former FBI special agent Cate Wilde is a new bakery and bookstore owner—and retirement is now complete with a doctor boyfriend. Although she struggles with PTSD, the sweet life she’s living is a far cry from the gruesome work she left behind six months ago.

But when skeletal remains turn up on Widow’s Island—and the MO of the killer is too familiar to Cate—the dream comes to an abrupt end. What if the case she solved eight years ago isn’t as closed as she thought? Her hometown needs her, and despite her mental health and her boyfriend’s protests, she has no choice but to return to her dangerous past life.

Soon Cate is in a desperate race to stop a cold-blooded murderer from killing again, once and for all…only this time, she’ll have so much more to lose.

 

Sophia Rose's Review:

The previous novella closed out a big series arc and I was excited to see that there was going to be more in the series.  A whiff of atmosphere, gripping suspense, compelling characters, and a stellar narrator make each new release a treat to anticipate.

 

Below the Bones is fifth in the Widow's Island series.  It has a few series spoilers in it and ongoing personal/relationship plot threads so I would recommend reading/listening to it in order.

 

Cate has been enjoying her peaceful life on the island between running her bookstore and her bakery and sharing a relationship with Henry.  However, her old life was full of danger and adrenaline, mental and physical challenges, and offered a different kind of fulfillment.  When human bones are found and a serial killer's MO becomes obvious, she is pulled into a new case. 

 

I really enjoyed how this provided a thrilling mystery, but also explored a personal conflict and a romantic relationship for Cate.  These are some of the best-developed novellas that I've read/listened to.  The case was exciting and it was neat to have Cate and Tessa both working it and also not stint on including several other familiar island faces.  The big climax was as intense as ever.

 

Christine Williams has narrated earlier books in the series and I like her way of voicing her characters and narrating the story showing she was very much in tune with it all.

 

In summary, another fabulous entry in the series and I can't wait for the next installment.  Those who enjoy moderately thrilling romantic suspense should give this series a go.

 

My thanks to Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

 

Author’s Bio:

An Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 8 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller list eleven times.

She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her family and three cats. She's fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and dreams of living every day in flip flops.

*New series!* THE LAST SISTER and THE SILENCE

The BONE SECRETS NOVELS: HIDDEN, CHILLED, BURIED, ALONE, KNOWN and VEILED (a novella).

The CALLAHAN & McLANE novels are a spin-off of the Bone Secrets books. VANISHED, BRIDGED, SPIRALED, and TARGETED.

The MERCY KILPATRICK series, a spin-off of the CALLAHAN & McLANE series, A MERCIFUL DEATH, A MERCIFUL TRUTH, A MERCIFUL SECRET, A MERCIFUL SILENCE, A MERCIFUL FATE, and A MERCIFUL PROMISE.

She also writes the Widow's Island and Rogue River novellas with Melinda Leigh.

2014 International Thriller Writers finalist, a three time Daphne Du Maurier winner, and a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice finalist.

Website:  https://www.kendraelliot.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKendraElliot

Sophia’s Bio:

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.

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GoodReads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13418187.Sophia_Rose