A murder at a costume party. A boat full of suspects. What will she do when a body drops and the masks stay up?Pet psychic Jolene could use a break from hiding her flawed powers. So when her cop crush and his lie-detecting dog invite her to a masked Policeman’s Ball on a boat, she dives in head-first. But the problems from her past return when the officer of the year turns up dead.Working to lay … turns up dead.
Working to lay bare the murderer, Jolene discovers both the man who broke her heart and the woman who cursed her are onboard… and engaged to be married. But her troubled history threatens to blow her cover as she combs through a conga line of potential culprits — including the ghost of a deceased sea captain.
Can Jolene expose the cop’s killer when she’s still under a crippling curse?
Game of Bones is the third book in the playful Magic Market paranormal cozy mystery series. If you like charming characters, surprising twists and turns, and enchanting seaside settings, then you’ll love Erin Johnson’s mystical tale.
Buy Game of Bones to pull back a villain’s veil today!
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*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
A fantastic addition to this magical series! We start with Jolene getting ready for the Policeman’s Ball where she is going with Peter as well as Daisy. She is surprised when she gets there once she sees some ex-coworkers of hers as well as the ex-fiance and the woman her cursed. Being a masked ball she thinks she is safe from discovery at least before a cop is found murdered making them all suspects. An interesting mystery evolves from there with one really surprising solution. I especially enjoyed the growing relationship between Peter and Jolene. Even Daisy is being a tad bit nicer at times though she is still hilarious with her witty comebacks. A highly enjoyable read for fans of magical cozy mysteries. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Very entertaining
I listened to the audio version.
Such a fun story and the narration lifts this story to the next level.
Ooh, Jolene is in a right pickle. At the policeman’s ball there are people from her previous life… who could out her as a lowly shifter… Snakes! This is not going as it should!
A lot is happening, and not all to do with the investigation! Jolene’s life is never boring! And neither is this book. Fast-paced as ever, full of humor and very entertaining. Will Daisy sniff out the truth?
This review is for the audio book.
Wow I love this series. I was really looking forward to this book coming out, having listened to the previous two books and listened to the preview at the end of the last one I was excited to listen to this book. It didn’t disappoint. The characters are what makes it such a fun and quirky series (and a must listen) and I really like the way the relationship between the two characters is developing and of course the fun with the animals. The mystery was good and I didn’t work out who the killer was. Can’t wait for the next book to come out to see what more trouble Jolene can get herself in.
Jolene has trouble saying no to the handsome cop which is why she finds herself attended the policeman ball, the ball her ex co-workers and ex fiance will also be attending. The only good thing is, is it is a masquerade ball and down on her luck pet psychic Jolene looks a lot different now compared to her high powered lawyer suits. Nobody will recognise her, right. If only that was the worst thing she had to worry about. While at the party the officer who is being recognised for his brave work is murdered and Jolene finds herself once again acting as a consultant for the police. She can’t possible keep her two worlds apart as she investigates, especially as one of the first people that needs interviewing is her old boss. Torn between helping the handsome cop and keeping her secret Jolene must pull of a miracle, to bad she is the only one in Bejumere that can’t use magic.
I really like the narrator she is so bubbly that you can’t help but get swept up in the story too.
OMG so loved reading this third book in the series of the paranormal book! Jolene’s adventure with the handsome cop that she has been crushing on, he invites her to the Police Man’s Annual Ball she’s so nervous and excite all rolled together about going!
Can you believe that they picked an old pirate ship to have the event at and some rumors are that it’s haunted, then it all started to go down hill for Jolene when she sees her old boss from the law firm she worked at, her ex-fiancé and the woman who cursed her!
Thank goodness it was a masquerade ball so no one knew who she was……that was until the murder and everything went south!
You won’t regret purchasing this book, it’s s a fantastic sleuth of an adventure with Jolene, Peter and Daisy dog!
Game of Bones is The Magic Market Mysteries’ latest installment and may be the best yet.
The mystery of who killed Officer Davies is the one Jolene and Peter set out to solve in Book 3. It’s a bit difficult for the investigative duo to get fully into their work, at the beginning, as there is also the need to prove the death is even a murder. However, this team trusts their instincts and set out to uncover the truth of the matter. We meet a handful of suspects and as the story progresses we find several motives as well. The mystery collides with Jolene’s past when another suspect emerges, one who knew her well in her lawyer days. These encounters with Jolene’s past are informative but are they relevant to the mystery… hmmm… Mix them in with the red herrings and real clues and you’ve got a well-paced, well-plotted mystery to sink your teeth into.
Character development is strong in this installment as we delve into Jolene’s backstory, meet some of the key players in her old life and see her struggle with how to reconcile past with present. We have the chance to see Jolene at her brashest and her most vulnerable all within this story. It’s also entertaining to see how Peter struggles to cope with the many sides of Jolene and how he tries to be patient and understanding, even when he knows she’s being less than honest with him. The romantic tension increases, as does the tension created by Jolene’s secret keeping.
Series arc: The bigger series is arc is explored in more detail in Book 3 as well. We meet the leader of the underworld and find out that the curse cast on Jolene may not have been a simple revenge plot after all…
Game of Bones by Erin Johnson is the third book in Magic Market Mysteries. Jolene Hartgrave attending the masked policeman’s ball with Officer Peter Flint and his partner, Daisy (she is a police officer with an official badge). Jolene is surprised to find her old boss, fiancé, and the evil woman who cursed her also in attendance. She has yet to tell Peter that she is a shifter as well as a lawyer who was cursed by a jealous co-worker, so she does her best to avoid them (employs evasive maneuvers). But then the officer of the year is found floating in the water beside the ship. Peter and a reluctant Jolene team up to unmask the killer. Game of Bones can be read as a standalone if you are new to this paranormal mystery series. This is another humorous tale featuring Jolene, Peter and Daisy. I admit that I am puzzled by Jolene at times. I do not understand her lack of hygiene. I want to see Jolene move past what happened to her. She has been just existing instead of living. It is also time for Jolene to be upfront with Peter. Peter needs to know the truth soon or their relationship will be dead in the water. I love the snark between Daisy and Jolene. It is humorous, but I feel bad for Daisy. I was tickled that Heidi took charge to make sure that Jolene looked fabulous for the ball. Game of Bones has a fun mystery with good clues to aid readers in solving the crime. In addition to the mystery, Jolene is summoned to see Ludolf Caterwaul, head of the Shifter Underground. Jolene also gets an opportunity to confront her past and get some much needed answers. Game of Bones is an amusing tale with quirky characters, a unique world, and a merry mystery.
The Policeman’s Ball is a masquerade and that is the only reason Jolene has decided to accompany Peter. She has no desire to run into the people she’s sure will be there. Those like her former Boss, her ex-fiancé and the person who cursed her.
Peter doesn’t seem very happy to be in attendance either, he doesn’t particularly care for the Officer of the Year or his cronies. He catches them harrassing a rookie before the dinner.
Things were going fine for Jolene until she runs into Eve in the ladies room. That could have been a disaster, but it was avoided when a woman gushed over Eve’s engagement ring. Seems Eve not only took Jolene’s job but also her fiancé.
Now we’ve got two people who really don’t want to be at this function, and then things fall apart when said Officer of the Year fails to show at the podium, and the Rookie says someone’s been murdered. There’s a bit of a difference in location when the body is found in the water.
Jolene doesn’t get away with this tactic for long, and she actually does have a conversation with her ex and Eve. The interaction only serves to raise questions in Peter’s mind.
Although she gets some time away from him, Peter once again enlists her aid in his investigation. Unfortunately, it isn’t an official one.
Jolene’s past is coming out in pieces and she really needs to deal with both parties and find it in her heart to tell Peter the truth.
There are more than a few surprises in this one including a summons to the Shifter King.
Plenty of ups and downs, twists and turns as Jolene figures a good part of the mystery out.
I am already reading the next book.
Jolene may think it’s a lame ability, but talking to animals comes quite in handy with her continuing exploits. What exploits you ask? Read the book! It’s actually quite fun to read, IF you have imagination and an open mind. I just wish Jolene would trust her policeman with all her secrets. Seems to me, he has proven himself over and over. I definitely recommend this book and the first two others of the series.
Very suspenseful, Jolene makes peace with her past
Book 3 is another great book in this series. I read it in every free moment I had. Each character is unique and well developed. The plot is enjoyable. Jolene is having to learn how to trust. Peter gives her a lot of chances. She does some risky things in this book. Will and Heidi continue to provide backup for Jolene. This story kept me on the edge of my seat with worry for Jolene. The story was intense. Daisy is getting more credit for how smart she is. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, paranormal, or pet stories. I look forward to reading book 4.
Did I say I love these books? Shell yes, I did. Jolene and Peter are off to the policeman’s ball in this book and it’s a date. Thank goodness, it’s a masquerade, because Jolene runs into her former fiance, former boss, and the ‘beach’ who cursed her. The winner of the policeman’s award of the year never makes it to the podium to accept because he’s being fished out of the sea. Jolene and Peter start to investigate but run into trouble with their relationship (personal and professional) because she is lying about a number of things which, Daisy, the lie-sniffing dog continues to rat her out. Speaking of rats, Ludoff (sp? – listen to audio) the head shifter has finally gotten wind of Jolene working with the police and threatens Peter if she doesn’t help him. What will she do? Is it time to come clean with Peter? You’ll have to read it to find out. I can’t wait to read #4.
Game of Bones by Erin Johnson is a tale of confronting the past and starting a new.
Who had the motive to kill the Officer of the Year?
Jolene
Jolene Hartgrove’s past comes back and smacks her in the face in this adventure. Her secondary goal is to keep her secret from Peter. That is hard to do when a truth sniffing dog is around. She does her best with what she has to do and figures out who and why without Peter. Peter and Jolene get into some fights. Although she is forced into telling him the truth, she still holds out about her being a shifter.
There are so many things that happen to Jolene throughout the entire story, and it makes me feel a bit bad for her. However, at least she is getting better, though.
The Mystery
The mystery finds Jolene and Peter trying to figure out who had the best motive and opportunity to kill Officer Davies, the Officer of the Year. The tricky thing is that the police aren’t investigating it as the crime as it is ruled accidental. Everything that they are finding is off-the-books, and who knows if anyone will believe them.
Five Stars
Game of Bones by Erin Johnson is another great mystery that I had a bit of a tough time figuring out until two clues happened. Ms. Johnson did a terrific job writing this one. I love Jolene, Peter, and Daisy. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it to all paranormal cozy mystery readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Game of Bones by Erin Johnson.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Jolene is a ball of sass, and I love her. This next installment left me with a bit of mixed feelings. Some parts of the story were a bit too out of the believably realm, or too rushed.
While the main plot mystery was fantastic, and a good ‘bad people will be exposed’ story, Jolenes personal coming to terms moments were lackluster. I was surprised at her ‘cursed story’ and had a hard time believing it. In the sense that if shifters are feared/hated, how did a room full of people not blab to the island, and how was she able to just walk back in there without the cops being called? idk, this ponder pulled me way out of the story. (i am an overthinker though!) The follow ups with Zale and the other lady were also a let down emotionally. This incident was a corner stone to who Jolene is now, and it just didn’t hold as important on the page I guess. All of the revelations were perfect story wise, just the reveal and reaction fell flat for me.
I love the progression Jolene & Peter are making with their friendship and trust issues. They make a great team, (daisy too!) I’m excited to see what Peter does in the next books, and how the underground will pull at Jolene.
I love this world Erin has built, and am so glad to be exploring the poor side of it, compared to the previous series. I would love to see more on the politics on how the shifters are hated on, and where they are taken when caught or whatever. I am secretly pulling for Jolene to make strides in Shifter Rights.
A ghost, a pirate ship, and Jolene’s past!
This series just keeps getting better! There is a death at the Policeman’s Ball. Is it murder or just an accident? Did the ghost of the Pirate captain have anything to do with it? Can Jolene keep away from her former co-workers at the party? The residents of the fish tank seem somewhat muddled about it all when Jolene questions them. We learn more about Jolene’s past, but will she tell Peter? Can’t wait for the next book!!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
So never we never did find the ghost captain but Jolene did get closer to her fella.This just keeps getting better and better.
Jolene is going to the Police all with Peter and she is very excited. But then, a murder happens and Peter and Jolene will be mixed in a very dangerous position and their lives will be in the lines while they try to find the perpetrator, and the will need each other. Will Jolene finally trust Peter enough to tell him her Secret? Great story.