I may be responsible for my reaction to P.J. Nelson’s All My Bones since I read the book in fits and starts over the Christmas holidays. Although I like the characters, the plot seemed a little disjointed. And, I still have the same complaint about the protagonist, Madeline Brimley. The amateur sleuth seems to go off half-cocked during her investigation, suspecting everyone. But, she does show a great deal of growth during the course of the story.
Madeline returned to Enigma, Georgia to run the Old Juniper Bookshop after the death of her Aunt Rose. She’s been dating a gardener, David Madison. Madeline has neglected the front yard. When she starts to dig it, along with Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, they uncover a skull. Although they notify Officer Billy Sanders, he turns the case over to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The GBI agents hope for a quick solution to the cold case.
The solution isn’t easy, although the GBI make an arrest. The victim was Beatrice Glassie, a rich, entitled pillar of the community. Although Bea disappeared six months earlier, even her sister, Idell, didn’t report Bea missing. But, Idell cared enough to accuse Gloria of the murder. And, the Glassies have enough clout that the pastor was arrested.
Gloria’s arrest doesn’t sit well with Madeline who insists Gloria wouldn’t kill anyone. Although the GBI and Officer Sanders warn Madeline not to get involved, she recruits several friends to poke around, and she questions everyone on her own short list of suspects. When Madeline thinks she has the correct solution, she sets up a confrontation with the suspect, with witnesses in attendance.
As I said, Madeline did show growth. Although she still randomly questions people, and goes all over the area to confront suspects, she shows more empathy with people, and she questions her own feelings and reactions. As much a I like the small town setting and the minor characters, I think I’m finished with this series. Madeline hits one of my pet peeves, a shop owner who leaves her shop in the care of a staff member, or even just closes it down, while she investigates. Her sudden changes of mood and ideas bother me. But, many friends like All My Bones. As I said, it just hit some of my pet peeves.
All My Bones by P.J. Nelson. Minotaur Books, 2025. 352p.
FTC Full Disclosure – My galley came from the publisher, via NetGalley, with no expectation of a positive review.
