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Bone Secrets #4
Alone
9 hours, 40 minutes
RT Magazine 2014 Reviewers' Choice Finalist — Best Romantic Suspense
Suspense Magazine Best of 2014
One rainy night in the woods outside of Portland, Dr. Victoria Peres is called to the site of a haunting crime scene. Six beautiful young girls—all in white dresses and arranged in a perfect circle—have been left for dead. Only one girl, fighting for her life at a nearby hospital, has survived the carnage. Things get stranger still when Victoria and the police discover that the disturbing arrangement of the bodies—as meticulous as it is mysterious—is straight from the pages of a decades-old cold case. Victoria is called on to do what she does best, read the bones of the dead for clues…while dealing with the surprise return of her first love, medical examiner Seth Rutledge. Only this time she must figure out how the two cases, fifty years apart, are connected.
In the fourth book in her heart-pounding Bone Secrets series, bestselling author Kendra Elliot sends readers on a dark and thrilling journey as forensic anthropologist Victoria Peres races to solve a horrific new case while confronting the secrets of her past.
RT Magazine 2014 Reviewers' Choice Finalist — Best Romantic Suspense
Suspense Magazine Best of 2014
One rainy night in the woods outside of Portland, Dr. Victoria Peres is called to the site of a haunting crime scene. Six beautiful young girls—all in white dresses and arranged in a perfect circle—have been left for dead. Only one girl, fighting for her life at a nearby hospital, has survived the carnage. Things get stranger still when Victoria and the police discover that the disturbing arrangement of the bodies—as meticulous as it is mysterious—is straight from the pages of a decades-old cold case. Victoria is called on to do what she does best, read the bones of the dead for clues…while dealing with the surprise return of her first love, medical examiner Seth Rutledge. Only this time she must figure out how the two cases, fifty years apart, are connected.
In the fourth book in her heart-pounding Bone Secrets series, bestselling author Kendra Elliot sends readers on a dark and thrilling journey as forensic anthropologist Victoria Peres races to solve a horrific new case while confronting the secrets of her past.
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First published January 7, 2014
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About the author
Kendra Elliot
39 books6,348 followersAn Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
January 22, 2021
Another good addition to the series. I do enjoy these characters and continue to love getting all the background on Mason Callahan. Looking forward to later series books when he moves into the foreground. As for this one, it was nice to see a very human sick to the ice queen - Dr. Victoria Peres. Her background proved to explain a lot. Very nice second chance romance for her and Seth.
March 29, 2021
Für mich der schwächste Band der Reihe (sowohl die Romance, als auch der Fall). Aber ich mag die Crossover mit den anderen Reihe von Kendra Elliot!
September 28, 2017
Forensic Anthropologist Victoria Peres is called to a crime scene in the forest. Six teenage girls, all dressed in white, have been laid in a circle. All but one of them are dead. The case is reminiscent of a case nearly fifty years ago. Victoria must examine the bones from the cold case to see how they correspond with the latest victims. To do so, she must work with Medical Examiner Seth Rutledge who has returned to her life after two decades.
This story had an interesting mystery. Was it a mass suicide or were the girls murdered? The romance was just okay for me. I liked both the hero and heroine, but had a hard time with how the hero broke up with the heroine twenty years ago. I understood his reasoning, but didn't agree with it. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
This story had an interesting mystery. Was it a mass suicide or were the girls murdered? The romance was just okay for me. I liked both the hero and heroine, but had a hard time with how the hero broke up with the heroine twenty years ago. I understood his reasoning, but didn't agree with it. My rating: 3.5 Stars.
August 10, 2018
2.5 stars.
While the premise of this story's romance wasn't my favourite, the mystery was a bit more interesting. Maybe it's because this story didn't revolve around as it did in Buried or maybe it was the fact that the actual crimes were committed off page and none of the details were given. Whatever the reason, it worked for me. I was able to enjoy the solving of this crime and endure the suspense much better than with the previous book.
As for safety, this was a safe book. There wasn't any OP drama. The H made it clear to the h from the very beginning that he wanted another chance with her, so that was nice. The h also didn't take him back right away. She was honest and said that he'd really hurt her and didn't know if it was worth the risk to open herself up like that again. I loved her honesty and I loved that she recognized that she was still attracted to him, but that attraction wasn't everything. She was wonderful. However, I just don't know how strong the H will be when it comes to his ex-wife and child. He says that he'll never leave the h again, but the glimpse we have into his family's dynamic gave me pause. There was no epilogue to give me a glimpse of what life will be like for the MCs. I'm curious to see if they'll make it.
Having sensed a trend in Ms. Elliot's books, I do know that I won't be picking up any Kendra Elliot books unless I'm in the mood for at least one MC who is divorced and has an older child. That's just not my preference.
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While the premise of this story's romance wasn't my favourite, the mystery was a bit more interesting. Maybe it's because this story didn't revolve around as it did in Buried or maybe it was the fact that the actual crimes were committed off page and none of the details were given. Whatever the reason, it worked for me. I was able to enjoy the solving of this crime and endure the suspense much better than with the previous book.
As for safety, this was a safe book. There wasn't any OP drama. The H made it clear to the h from the very beginning that he wanted another chance with her, so that was nice. The h also didn't take him back right away. She was honest and said that he'd really hurt her and didn't know if it was worth the risk to open herself up like that again. I loved her honesty and I loved that she recognized that she was still attracted to him, but that attraction wasn't everything. She was wonderful. However, I just don't know how strong the H will be when it comes to his ex-wife and child. He says that he'll never leave the h again, but the glimpse we have into his family's dynamic gave me pause. There was no epilogue to give me a glimpse of what life will be like for the MCs. I'm curious to see if they'll make it.
Having sensed a trend in Ms. Elliot's books, I do know that I won't be picking up any Kendra Elliot books unless I'm in the mood for at least one MC who is divorced and has an older child. That's just not my preference.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2013
My final thoughts as I finished this book were this was a great example of overcoming adversity. The heroine, Victoria Peres overcame many during her life and as the book goes on you realize this woman really beat the odds.
We’ve met Victoria in previous books. She is a forensic anthropologist that has been nicknamed the ice queen and bone lady. She is perceived as being anti-social and unfeeling. But that is not the case and her walls begin to crumble at the site of a mass murder of young girls when one of the reason’s she sealed off her emotions, Seth Rulledge, shows up at the scene as one of the candidates for the medical examiner job that would make him her boss. Seth and Victoria were college sweethearts whose romance ended in heartbreak but Seth has vowed to make up for that now and hopes to win Victoria back.
The investigation of the murder of the young girls and its eerie similarity to one from the 60’s is treaded throughout the book with plenty of fascinating information on how a forensic anthropologist finds out who a person is just from bones and the inner workings of an autopsy but it was also a character story of how people overcome a bad childhood, relationship heartbreak and traumatic events to still succeed in life by being persistent and resilient and not letting circumstances or events knock them down for long and that in the end love, inspiration, faith and patience can finally pay off.
Mason Callahan and Ray Lusco with the Oregon State Police Major crimes are also back in this book and as always are a joy to read as they try to solve the case.
It may not seem like it from what I’ve written so far but this book did have plenty of suspense. From the moment the girls are found lying in a field all in white dresses and arranged in a perfect circle to the atrocious revealing of why, you are turning the pages and gasping as each clue is revealed.
I am never disappointed by Kendra’s stories and that was no different with Alone. I look forward to the next book from her.
We’ve met Victoria in previous books. She is a forensic anthropologist that has been nicknamed the ice queen and bone lady. She is perceived as being anti-social and unfeeling. But that is not the case and her walls begin to crumble at the site of a mass murder of young girls when one of the reason’s she sealed off her emotions, Seth Rulledge, shows up at the scene as one of the candidates for the medical examiner job that would make him her boss. Seth and Victoria were college sweethearts whose romance ended in heartbreak but Seth has vowed to make up for that now and hopes to win Victoria back.
The investigation of the murder of the young girls and its eerie similarity to one from the 60’s is treaded throughout the book with plenty of fascinating information on how a forensic anthropologist finds out who a person is just from bones and the inner workings of an autopsy but it was also a character story of how people overcome a bad childhood, relationship heartbreak and traumatic events to still succeed in life by being persistent and resilient and not letting circumstances or events knock them down for long and that in the end love, inspiration, faith and patience can finally pay off.
Mason Callahan and Ray Lusco with the Oregon State Police Major crimes are also back in this book and as always are a joy to read as they try to solve the case.
It may not seem like it from what I’ve written so far but this book did have plenty of suspense. From the moment the girls are found lying in a field all in white dresses and arranged in a perfect circle to the atrocious revealing of why, you are turning the pages and gasping as each clue is revealed.
I am never disappointed by Kendra’s stories and that was no different with Alone. I look forward to the next book from her.
April 13, 2015
Dr. Victoria Peres is an anthropologist with the Medical Examiners office. She is called out to a very strange crime scene. Six girls who all resemble each other are lying on the ground, each in a white gown, and each one of them very dead ... except for one. The survivor has been whisked away to the hospital.
There are no signs of violence .. no defense wounds, no obvious signs of trauma .... and no shoes and purses. This very much resembles another crime scene .... 20 years earlier. There are bones still in boxes that had never been identified.
It's up to Dr. Peres to ferret out what has happened and if the crime scenes are actually related or maybe there's a copy cat killer on the prowl.
One the personal side, Dr. Peres comes face to face with her potential new boss .. and he's no stranger.
Great ending to a really good series. This one was not the explosion of action that the others in the series had, but good, nevertheless.
There are no signs of violence .. no defense wounds, no obvious signs of trauma .... and no shoes and purses. This very much resembles another crime scene .... 20 years earlier. There are bones still in boxes that had never been identified.
It's up to Dr. Peres to ferret out what has happened and if the crime scenes are actually related or maybe there's a copy cat killer on the prowl.
One the personal side, Dr. Peres comes face to face with her potential new boss .. and he's no stranger.
Great ending to a really good series. This one was not the explosion of action that the others in the series had, but good, nevertheless.
October 11, 2014
Alone by Kendra Elliot is a 2014 Montlake publication.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last. One part romantic suspense and one part dark mystery thriller, I was interested from the first page to the last. Victoria is a forensic anthropologist working an eerie case where a mass killing of young girls whose bodies are left out in the open Portland wilderness mimics a long ago cold case. Has the killer somehow returned or is this some twisted copycat?
With Victoria's boss retiring a new man has been hired to replace him. Victoria is stunned to see Seth, the love of her life and the man who so broke her heart she has never been able to move on to a stable relationships since. Will the two of them be able to work together to solve this perplexing case?
At first I did not like Seth. His reasons for leaving “Tori” all those years ago, just didn't add up no matter how you spin it. He thought he was doing the honorable thing but in reality more lives were wasted when a lesson in “two wrongs don't make a right” takes eighteen long years of Tori and Seth's life with each other away. It is possible now they could start over, if Tori is able to take another chance.
Victoria has more on her plate to death with than Seth coming back into her life. This murder case will become personal for Tori in ways she would never have imagined. In the meantime, the case continues to stump investigators and the cold case must be connected to this current case because someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to tamper with the evidence. Plus, a young girl who was friends with one of the victims becomes close to Tori as the two bond over the case and some similarities in their lives. But this girl could find herself a target . Will Tori and Seth be able to get to her before the killer does?
This is a very nice blend of romance and suspense. I was glad Seth and Tori were able to move forward and work to resolved their issues. This part of the story is wrapped up in time for the couple to get down to the nitty gritty of the case and work as a team, and they made a great team as it so happens. The story is layered with tension and suspense as a super twisted serial killer is revealed. A dark tale with a psychological tint to it that will keep you riveted. Don't read this one alone at night. 4 stars
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be the last. One part romantic suspense and one part dark mystery thriller, I was interested from the first page to the last. Victoria is a forensic anthropologist working an eerie case where a mass killing of young girls whose bodies are left out in the open Portland wilderness mimics a long ago cold case. Has the killer somehow returned or is this some twisted copycat?
With Victoria's boss retiring a new man has been hired to replace him. Victoria is stunned to see Seth, the love of her life and the man who so broke her heart she has never been able to move on to a stable relationships since. Will the two of them be able to work together to solve this perplexing case?
At first I did not like Seth. His reasons for leaving “Tori” all those years ago, just didn't add up no matter how you spin it. He thought he was doing the honorable thing but in reality more lives were wasted when a lesson in “two wrongs don't make a right” takes eighteen long years of Tori and Seth's life with each other away. It is possible now they could start over, if Tori is able to take another chance.
Victoria has more on her plate to death with than Seth coming back into her life. This murder case will become personal for Tori in ways she would never have imagined. In the meantime, the case continues to stump investigators and the cold case must be connected to this current case because someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to tamper with the evidence. Plus, a young girl who was friends with one of the victims becomes close to Tori as the two bond over the case and some similarities in their lives. But this girl could find herself a target . Will Tori and Seth be able to get to her before the killer does?
This is a very nice blend of romance and suspense. I was glad Seth and Tori were able to move forward and work to resolved their issues. This part of the story is wrapped up in time for the couple to get down to the nitty gritty of the case and work as a team, and they made a great team as it so happens. The story is layered with tension and suspense as a super twisted serial killer is revealed. A dark tale with a psychological tint to it that will keep you riveted. Don't read this one alone at night. 4 stars
January 14, 2021
The plot revolves around a new case that is related to a 50 year old case. It also is Dr. Victoria Peres' story and they were both fascinating. Throw in a second chance love story, problematic ex's, teens making bad choices and really nasty baddies and you have a great suspense plot.
The prickly Ice Queen, Dr. Victoria Peres, is quick to slice and dice anyone who gets in her way. She has few friends and a driving passion for her job as a forensic anthropologist in the Portland Medical Examiner's office. When Dr. Campbell, the soon to be retiring ME, is called to a crime scene she and his daughter, Lacey, go along. The horror of five beautiful young ladies laid out in a circle is one that Victoria won't soon forget. One spot in the circle was missing as one of the girls was still alive, but barely. The scene was eerie in it's perfection.
Dr. Seth Rutledge is in town to interview for the ME job and is called to the scene to assist. The shock of seeing the bodies is only surpassed by the shock of seeing Victoria, the one he loved and lost almost 20 years ago. The meeting was chilly, to say the least, but there was still a spark smoldering between them.
When is is discovered that the current case is related to another identical unsolved case from 50 years ago, Victoria is determined to find the identities of the three remaining victims from that old case and give them justice. As she works with Seth, their past melts away and they reignite a passion that had never really died. The case turns very personal for Victoria as clues lead to a church her adoptive parents once belonged to.
The prickly Ice Queen, Dr. Victoria Peres, is quick to slice and dice anyone who gets in her way. She has few friends and a driving passion for her job as a forensic anthropologist in the Portland Medical Examiner's office. When Dr. Campbell, the soon to be retiring ME, is called to a crime scene she and his daughter, Lacey, go along. The horror of five beautiful young ladies laid out in a circle is one that Victoria won't soon forget. One spot in the circle was missing as one of the girls was still alive, but barely. The scene was eerie in it's perfection.
Dr. Seth Rutledge is in town to interview for the ME job and is called to the scene to assist. The shock of seeing the bodies is only surpassed by the shock of seeing Victoria, the one he loved and lost almost 20 years ago. The meeting was chilly, to say the least, but there was still a spark smoldering between them.
When is is discovered that the current case is related to another identical unsolved case from 50 years ago, Victoria is determined to find the identities of the three remaining victims from that old case and give them justice. As she works with Seth, their past melts away and they reignite a passion that had never really died. The case turns very personal for Victoria as clues lead to a church her adoptive parents once belonged to.
September 18, 2017
Alone
3 Stars
Forensic anthropologist, Victoria Peres is called in to assist when the bodies of several young girls are found in the woods and the case is connected to a decades old investigation. Victoria's life is made all the more difficult when the new medical examiner is revealed to be Seth Rutledge, the only man to ever get under Tori's skin. Can the two resolve their issues and work together to solve the case?
The mystery has potential, but is undermined by the tedious romance.
Victoria and Seth's second chances romance is not appealing mainly due to the lack of chemistry as well as the circumstances that led to their initial break-up. The reasons Seth gives for his actions are illogical and Victoria is far too forgiving given his choices. The fact that Seth puts a significant damper on their rekindled relationship.
The mystery seems more of an afterthought and Victoria's personal connection to the case is contrived. In addition, the information on the cult is lacking foundation and the writing is characterized by excessive retrospective telling and insufficient showing. There are also too many inconsistencies in characterization and plotting.
All in all, a disappointing installment in an otherwise entertaining series.
3 Stars
Forensic anthropologist, Victoria Peres is called in to assist when the bodies of several young girls are found in the woods and the case is connected to a decades old investigation. Victoria's life is made all the more difficult when the new medical examiner is revealed to be Seth Rutledge, the only man to ever get under Tori's skin. Can the two resolve their issues and work together to solve the case?
The mystery has potential, but is undermined by the tedious romance.
Victoria and Seth's second chances romance is not appealing mainly due to the lack of chemistry as well as the circumstances that led to their initial break-up. The reasons Seth gives for his actions are illogical and Victoria is far too forgiving given his choices. The fact that Seth puts a significant damper on their rekindled relationship.
The mystery seems more of an afterthought and Victoria's personal connection to the case is contrived. In addition, the information on the cult is lacking foundation and the writing is characterized by excessive retrospective telling and insufficient showing. There are also too many inconsistencies in characterization and plotting.
All in all, a disappointing installment in an otherwise entertaining series.
October 23, 2013
Wow. Just wow.
October 28, 2016
"Smart is sexy!"
- Me
I definitely enjoyed this more the second time around. During my Callahan & McLane comfort reread Seth Rutledge kept popping up, as medical examiners do in police dramas, and stealing my attention.
Tall, well spoken, competent, and good humored, Dr. Rutledge is downright distracting! So I had to go back and read his story. Alone was a problematic tale of broken hearts, clingy ex's, melodramatic teenagers, and crazed woman hating baddies. Pretty much how I picture the dating scene at 40.
Understandably I didn't care for this the first time around but Seth grew on me and I can see that these characters, baggage and all, fit well together.
Still, three stars. Let's not let sentiment turn to bullshit.
January 11, 2019
Dr. Victoria Peres has a reputation for being an Ice Queen that is focused on her work as a forensic anthropologist. She has a new case involving a group of young girls and her ex-boyfriend from college (Seth) is interviewing to be her new boss. Seth is recently divorced and hopes for a 2nd chance with Victoria. As they investigate the crime, they discover ties to Victoria's past.
This was another great suspenseful story. Things do get a little weird, which kept me on my toes, but the ending ties things together rather nicely. However, once again, the romantic plotline falls a little flat. I think the first book in the series set high expectations that the following books just couldn't compete with and that's ok. If I look at these as suspense books that someone will probably hook up in, instead of a romance that has a suspenseful crime aspect - then I am happier with my expectations being met.
This was another great suspenseful story. Things do get a little weird, which kept me on my toes, but the ending ties things together rather nicely. However, once again, the romantic plotline falls a little flat. I think the first book in the series set high expectations that the following books just couldn't compete with and that's ok. If I look at these as suspense books that someone will probably hook up in, instead of a romance that has a suspenseful crime aspect - then I am happier with my expectations being met.
July 2, 2016
Two-haiku review:
Six girls found in park
Fifty years ago same crime
Bone lady studies
Fourth book in series
Didn't love bone doc as much
But still enjoyed it
Six girls found in park
Fifty years ago same crime
Bone lady studies
Fourth book in series
Didn't love bone doc as much
But still enjoyed it
February 1, 2019
Loved this series by the author. It has the twists turns and mystery.
June 28, 2021
I was so excited to see that Victoria Peres, the Bone Lady, was the heroine this time. She always intrigued me in the previous books. Every time she was in a scene I often wondered what her story was. Kendra did not disappoint. Victoria's back story is complex and filled with emotional trauma. I always liked her before but this book made me love her. **Spoiler alert** There might be some who don't like how quickly she forgives and allows her ex to come back into her life, but for most women I know there is always that one person who can just shatter your walls no matter how hard you try to keep them up.
The criminal story of this book is fascinating and terrible as usual but with an unexpected familial element that made it hard to put this book down. I was surprised to find out that the new killer was acting on his own. It was predictable only in the sense that you knew that the killer or killers came from this specific family, but the way it played out was completely unpredictable. She makes you think that there are three generations of sick and twisted men killing these young girls but everything is not as it seems. Character development in this was great. I felt genuine panic for many of the characters at certain points because I had become invested in them and was afraid of what their fate might bring. I'm so happy I stumbled onto Kendra Elliot's writing. I intend to read all of her books.
The criminal story of this book is fascinating and terrible as usual but with an unexpected familial element that made it hard to put this book down. I was surprised to find out that the new killer was acting on his own. It was predictable only in the sense that you knew that the killer or killers came from this specific family, but the way it played out was completely unpredictable. She makes you think that there are three generations of sick and twisted men killing these young girls but everything is not as it seems. Character development in this was great. I felt genuine panic for many of the characters at certain points because I had become invested in them and was afraid of what their fate might bring. I'm so happy I stumbled onto Kendra Elliot's writing. I intend to read all of her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2018
This romantic suspense had chilling beginning and an exciting ending but I didn't care for the romance. I don't feel the hero made sufficient atonement. The heroine and her young neighbor both made some poor choices especially in light of books anti-chauvinism theme. Anthropologist Victoria is at a crime scene when her old flame Seth appears applying for medical examiners position.
September 13, 2013
As with all the previous Bones Secrets novels, Kendra Elliot keeps you on the edge of your seat with well written characters and a story line that leaves you breathless. It was refreshing to see the other side of the "Bone Lady", Victoria Peres. I wanted to press the pause button on life so I could finish Alone in one sitting. I highly recommend this novel as well as all novels in the Bones Secrets series. Thank you Kendra for another amazing journey with your characters. I am addicted!
April 4, 2022
I usually like Kendra Elliot's mysteries, particularly the Mercy Kilpatrick and Callahan and McLane novels. This is in her earlier Bone Secrets series. I have to believe that Kendra entered a contest with some other writers to see who could write and actually publish a book with the dumbest characters, most absurd and ridiculous plot and cheesiest romance. This one has them all. I cannot imagine any other book topping these three elements. The only thing this book had going for it was that it was free on Kindle Unlimited, but that does not give me back the time I spent reading it or the brain cells it infected.
July 26, 2018
3.5 Stars
The book follows the hunt for the killer of two murders spanning over twenty years. Victoria Peres the forensic anthropologist a minor character in the previous books. The candidate for her new boss position is an old love, named Seth. The book hunts for a killer who likes to arrange the dead. The books has some bumps that don’t make sense at some points. That is mirrored by a romance that is hot but uneven. I like the characters but thought the romance moved too quickly despite the characters past.
Good read just not the best in the series.
The book follows the hunt for the killer of two murders spanning over twenty years. Victoria Peres the forensic anthropologist a minor character in the previous books. The candidate for her new boss position is an old love, named Seth. The book hunts for a killer who likes to arrange the dead. The books has some bumps that don’t make sense at some points. That is mirrored by a romance that is hot but uneven. I like the characters but thought the romance moved too quickly despite the characters past.
Good read just not the best in the series.
January 8, 2023
Very dark. I enjoyed the story.
August 8, 2015
This was a very interesting romantic suspense...if you take the main characters out of it. In previous novels, Victoria Peres has been this strong, assertive woman, to the point of being frigid with it. I actually liked her in this light, but when Seth Rutledge comes to town, she's thrown into a tailspin, and begins to act totally out of character than what she had previously.
It is quite clear that Victoria and Seth have history, but I hated how she practically became a doormat around this guy. In their very first encounter in this book, he calls her "Tori" and I expected a scathing rebuke for it. Instead, she's speechless. As the book goes on, we learn some of that history between them, and I honestly couldn't bring myself to like the budding relationship between them.
The mystery held my attention throughout this book, and I was surprised at a few of the twists! While the book was good, I feel it is not the best in the series.
It is quite clear that Victoria and Seth have history, but I hated how she practically became a doormat around this guy. In their very first encounter in this book, he calls her "Tori" and I expected a scathing rebuke for it. Instead, she's speechless. As the book goes on, we learn some of that history between them, and I honestly couldn't bring myself to like the budding relationship between them.
The mystery held my attention throughout this book, and I was surprised at a few of the twists! While the book was good, I feel it is not the best in the series.
May 19, 2014
Disappointed
I was looking forward to reading Alone (a bone secrets novel) I have been looking for a new author on the topic of forensic anthropology. I have read books by well known authors in this genre and this book falls below the standards I am used to. The story line is believable, but becomes almost an afterthought through the entire book. If forensic anthropology is the main thread of the book then this thread was weak offering little information on the topic. Compressed together There was less than one chapter in the entire book on the topic. So if anyone's looking for a well researched book on forensic anthropology this is not the book to read. The characters are shallow, the interactions very predictable especially between main characters Victoria Peres Ph.D & Dr.. Seth Rutledge. The two had a past 18 yrs ago and this is the first time she has seen him since. Over the 18 yrs time she became the "Ice princess" closed, aloof, keeps to herself all to shield her heart from any more pain. Guess what in a mere 15 pages into book Seth who she has not seen in 18 years shows up at a crime scene interviewing for the Chief ME's position. Most of the book is spent on developing the relationship of the main characters and not much on the crime and almost nothing on forensics. I am glad I borrowed this from the library and did not buy it
I was looking forward to reading Alone (a bone secrets novel) I have been looking for a new author on the topic of forensic anthropology. I have read books by well known authors in this genre and this book falls below the standards I am used to. The story line is believable, but becomes almost an afterthought through the entire book. If forensic anthropology is the main thread of the book then this thread was weak offering little information on the topic. Compressed together There was less than one chapter in the entire book on the topic. So if anyone's looking for a well researched book on forensic anthropology this is not the book to read. The characters are shallow, the interactions very predictable especially between main characters Victoria Peres Ph.D & Dr.. Seth Rutledge. The two had a past 18 yrs ago and this is the first time she has seen him since. Over the 18 yrs time she became the "Ice princess" closed, aloof, keeps to herself all to shield her heart from any more pain. Guess what in a mere 15 pages into book Seth who she has not seen in 18 years shows up at a crime scene interviewing for the Chief ME's position. Most of the book is spent on developing the relationship of the main characters and not much on the crime and almost nothing on forensics. I am glad I borrowed this from the library and did not buy it
August 12, 2016
This is the fourth installment in Kendra Elliot’s debut series, Bones Secrets. The suspense encapsulated my complete attention. Kendra Elliot takes sinister and twists into a horrific tale that spans generations. I’ll admit that I was worried about a story featuring the forensic anthropologist, Victoria aka ‘the Ice Queen’. However, the author incorporated only subtle romantic undertones that felt very realistic to her character. Seth complements her perfectly. Another successful installment to the Bone Secrets series.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
March 19, 2015
A very good read, lots of action, twists and turns. We get to know the main anthropologist in the series, Dr. Victoria Peres. What a deep and troubled heritage she comes from, a far cry from what she made herself. To think that women should have a voice in daily matters or in any matters!
This series was a quick read and right up my alley - serial killers and all that encompass.
This particular book focused on a serial killer stretching across many years or is there more than one killer?
Highly recommend this series - well worth the read to those of you that like a good mystery, a hot scene or two and some angst mixed in.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars for this book.
This series was a quick read and right up my alley - serial killers and all that encompass.
This particular book focused on a serial killer stretching across many years or is there more than one killer?
Highly recommend this series - well worth the read to those of you that like a good mystery, a hot scene or two and some angst mixed in.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars for this book.
April 6, 2016
Review to come....
June 13, 2021
I didn't like the way Seth dumped Victoria or his reasons under the circumstances. Victoria is too forgiving after 20 years.
June 8, 2023
Alone is the fourth book in the Bone Secrets series. Victoria Peres is a forensic anthropologist working a case where five young girls are killed and their bodies left out in the Portland wilderness. Only one girl has survived and she may never be able to tell the story of what happened in that park. All the victims were naked, with dark brunette hair and blue eyes. It seems to mimic an old cold case from decades ago.
Dr. Peres has a reputation for being cold and professional. Her boss, Dr. Cooper, is retiring and and she is shocked to discover the new candidate to replace him Seth Rutledge, her first love from college and the one that got away when he dumped her to marry his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
Victoria always knew she was adopted but knew nothing about her biological parents. We learn a lot about her mysterious past as she and Seth work the case. As threats begin to target Victoria, the pair find themselves working together to solve the murders all while rekindling old feelings.
The Bone Secrets series is a great combination of romantic suspense and fascinating forensic science. I've read three of these in the last two months and they have some great plot twists. Some of the characters appear as secondary players in previous books. This can be read as a standalone bht you miss out on some of the background that fills out our main couple. Kendra Elliott writes great romantic suslense with plenty of twists along the way. If you're a fan of that genre, give this author a try. I've enjoyed every one of the books in all of her series.
Dr. Peres has a reputation for being cold and professional. Her boss, Dr. Cooper, is retiring and and she is shocked to discover the new candidate to replace him Seth Rutledge, her first love from college and the one that got away when he dumped her to marry his pregnant ex-girlfriend.
Victoria always knew she was adopted but knew nothing about her biological parents. We learn a lot about her mysterious past as she and Seth work the case. As threats begin to target Victoria, the pair find themselves working together to solve the murders all while rekindling old feelings.
The Bone Secrets series is a great combination of romantic suspense and fascinating forensic science. I've read three of these in the last two months and they have some great plot twists. Some of the characters appear as secondary players in previous books. This can be read as a standalone bht you miss out on some of the background that fills out our main couple. Kendra Elliott writes great romantic suslense with plenty of twists along the way. If you're a fan of that genre, give this author a try. I've enjoyed every one of the books in all of her series.
November 16, 2023
Alone was another amazing installment in the Bone Secrets series with a plot focused on two nearly identical crime scenes decades apart.
When Dr. Victoria Peres is called to a crime scene late at night, the last thing she expects to see is six beautiful young girls all in white dresses arranged in a perfect circle. Only one girl has survived and she's fighting for her life in the hospital while the police search for answers. After finding a connection to a decades-old cold case Victoria does what she does best, reads the bones of the dead for clues. When her first love, medical examiner Seth Rutledge, reappears she finds herself looking to the past in more ways than one.
I was intrigued by the premise of this one and found myself wondering what the connection would be between the two cases. The book opens with Victoria arriving at the crime scene and at first the police aren't even certain this is murder as the staging of the scene could very well imply mass suicide. The investigation was slow at that point as with no identification on the girls and so little to go on, the police don't have many leads. After the connection to the old case is found, the pacing really started to pick up and I wondered if this was simply a copycat or if the original killer was somehow back fifty years later. The plot went in several directions I wasn't expecting and the ending was well done with just the right blend of suspense and action.
Victoria's character has intrigued me since we met her in Hidden so I was excited to get her story. Add in the fact this is a second chance romance, a favorite trope of mine, and I was hooked. In previous books Victoria has been all about the work so it was nice getting to see a different side of her. Seth's return stirs up a lot of old memories for her and I was very curious to know what happened between them. We did get flashback scenes to when they were together the first time which was nice as we got to experience their romance rather than just being told about it. The chemistry between Victoria and Seth was fantastic and I was very happy with the direction their romance went.
Overall Alone was another great book in the series and I'm looking forward to picking up the final book in the series, Known, soon.
When Dr. Victoria Peres is called to a crime scene late at night, the last thing she expects to see is six beautiful young girls all in white dresses arranged in a perfect circle. Only one girl has survived and she's fighting for her life in the hospital while the police search for answers. After finding a connection to a decades-old cold case Victoria does what she does best, reads the bones of the dead for clues. When her first love, medical examiner Seth Rutledge, reappears she finds herself looking to the past in more ways than one.
I was intrigued by the premise of this one and found myself wondering what the connection would be between the two cases. The book opens with Victoria arriving at the crime scene and at first the police aren't even certain this is murder as the staging of the scene could very well imply mass suicide. The investigation was slow at that point as with no identification on the girls and so little to go on, the police don't have many leads. After the connection to the old case is found, the pacing really started to pick up and I wondered if this was simply a copycat or if the original killer was somehow back fifty years later. The plot went in several directions I wasn't expecting and the ending was well done with just the right blend of suspense and action.
Victoria's character has intrigued me since we met her in Hidden so I was excited to get her story. Add in the fact this is a second chance romance, a favorite trope of mine, and I was hooked. In previous books Victoria has been all about the work so it was nice getting to see a different side of her. Seth's return stirs up a lot of old memories for her and I was very curious to know what happened between them. We did get flashback scenes to when they were together the first time which was nice as we got to experience their romance rather than just being told about it. The chemistry between Victoria and Seth was fantastic and I was very happy with the direction their romance went.
Overall Alone was another great book in the series and I'm looking forward to picking up the final book in the series, Known, soon.
December 14, 2019
Audible. Also available to borrow ebook/audio via KU. This is one of those books that’s less expensive to buy the ebook & add-on the audio ($6.98 for both at the time of this review).
This is a second-chance romance where former college sweethearts and forensic medical examiners, Victoria Peres and Seth Rutledge are working to solve two mass murder mysteries. What I love most about this series is that while the romance is good, you could remove it all and still have a *really* good book. This book is no exception and a solid 5 stars. Something I could listen to several times and still enjoy.
I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about Tanya Eby as narrator. I think of her as purely a romance narrator and I wasn’t sure how she would be handling mystery/suspense and such a large cast of characters to portray. Yeah, shame on me because she was fantastic and I don’t have a single complaint. I’m actually super excited that she’s narrating the last book as well.
This is a second-chance romance where former college sweethearts and forensic medical examiners, Victoria Peres and Seth Rutledge are working to solve two mass murder mysteries. What I love most about this series is that while the romance is good, you could remove it all and still have a *really* good book. This book is no exception and a solid 5 stars. Something I could listen to several times and still enjoy.
I’ll be honest, I was a little nervous about Tanya Eby as narrator. I think of her as purely a romance narrator and I wasn’t sure how she would be handling mystery/suspense and such a large cast of characters to portray. Yeah, shame on me because she was fantastic and I don’t have a single complaint. I’m actually super excited that she’s narrating the last book as well.
August 13, 2017
While I really like this author, I can't help but feel this book could have been so much more. I felt there was too much focus on relationships between the characters and too little on the mystery that should have been the core of the book. In the past I've really loved this series for the mix of romance and mystery but this one just didn't hit the right balance. The mystery -- six young girls dead in a ritualistic manner -- had such potential but it ended up kind of blah. I'm sure I'll continue to read this author, but I didn't feel this was one of her stronger books.
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