What do you think?
Rate this book
Hetty Fox Mystery #1
Bones & Boxes
Facing a ghost, a dead body, and a cat, Hetty Fox has her hands full. Recently widowed and new to to town, she also must find her place among a village of strangers. That effort is how she discovers her first dead body. It also launches her into her first murder investigation.
But her effort to track a killer gets muddled as ghost and cat compete for her attention. Then there’s her daughter, Megan. How is Hetty to track a killer without tipping her off? Finally, mix in a clever killer, and Hetty finds herself truly challenged in this lighthearted, mystery novella
But her effort to track a killer gets muddled as ghost and cat compete for her attention. Then there’s her daughter, Megan. How is Hetty to track a killer without tipping her off? Finally, mix in a clever killer, and Hetty finds herself truly challenged in this lighthearted, mystery novella
136 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2015
94 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 24, 2019
OK, maybe 2.5 stars but Goodreads doesn't allow it. The plot was something between feeding the cat and thinking of Andrew: is he real or just a product of my imagination. That's it. And it was easy to find the killer. Pity!
August 19, 2017
Sixty year old Hetty was a mystery buff and, along with her black cat aptly named 'Blackie' and the ghost of her college fiancé, she found herself in the middle of a real live murder mystery to solve. It began one night when a friend called on Hetty to accompany her while she checked on another friend. To Hetty's horror, she found the friend's body lying on the kitchen floor. Hetty and her two unusual helpers, using their sleuthing powers, try to find the killer.
A fun book to read by the fireplace with a steaming cup of hot cocoa beside you and a cat curled at your feet.
A fun book to read by the fireplace with a steaming cup of hot cocoa beside you and a cat curled at your feet.
April 14, 2018
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book about retired Hetty moving from Chicago to a small town to be near her daughter. It was fun watching Hetty come to grips with the fact that her life now included the ghost of her fiance that died 30 years ago. Watching the jealousy between the ghost and cat added a lot of humor to the story.The clues to the murders were well presented. The reasoning to decide who could be a suspect were also were also well done. All in all this is a book that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys cozy mysteries.
I enjoyed this book about retired Hetty moving from Chicago to a small town to be near her daughter. It was fun watching Hetty come to grips with the fact that her life now included the ghost of her fiance that died 30 years ago. Watching the jealousy between the ghost and cat added a lot of humor to the story.The clues to the murders were well presented. The reasoning to decide who could be a suspect were also were also well done. All in all this is a book that I would recommend to anyone that enjoys cozy mysteries.
June 21, 2020
Bones & Boxes, by Anna Drake, is the first of her "Hetty Fox" mystery series. The main character is Henrietta 'Hetty' Fox, recently widowed.
Hetty has moved to a small town in Illinois to be near her daughter, Megan. There, she settles in and begins making new friends. Hetty shares her home with her cat, Blackie. When Andrew, the ghost of her first love, appears, she fears she is losing her mind. Andrew, however, seems real, and even Blackie reacts to him. Hetty's life gets more complicated when her friend, Rose, asks her to come along to check on another friend, whom Rose hasn't heard from. Hetty suffers the misfortune of finding Carrie's dead body. After police determine she was murdered, Hetty turns her love of mystery novels into her own investigation. Carrie was rumored to have inherited a fortune from a woman she took care of, but if that was the case, why was she living in such poor circumstances? Hetty knows enough to follow the money, and she is helped in her cause by Andrew, who can spy on the suspects without any of them being the wiser. Can Andrew help her, though, when her investigation lands her in the sights of a killer?
Two words: Ho Hum
Story is told in Hetty's first person pov, but I never got a real sense of her character. Her investigative techniques were ham-handed and only angered the people whom she questioned. Apparently, Hetty doesn't know the meaning of the word subtle. Most of the plot/narrative was consumed with the investigation, which didn't help me get a sense of the characters. In addition, editing was poor. One character's last name seemed to alternate between 'Pratt' and 'Prat', while other names were confused.
I suppose if you're looking for mindless entertainment, this story would appeal. I didn't care for it. Below average read, two stars.
Hetty has moved to a small town in Illinois to be near her daughter, Megan. There, she settles in and begins making new friends. Hetty shares her home with her cat, Blackie. When Andrew, the ghost of her first love, appears, she fears she is losing her mind. Andrew, however, seems real, and even Blackie reacts to him. Hetty's life gets more complicated when her friend, Rose, asks her to come along to check on another friend, whom Rose hasn't heard from. Hetty suffers the misfortune of finding Carrie's dead body. After police determine she was murdered, Hetty turns her love of mystery novels into her own investigation. Carrie was rumored to have inherited a fortune from a woman she took care of, but if that was the case, why was she living in such poor circumstances? Hetty knows enough to follow the money, and she is helped in her cause by Andrew, who can spy on the suspects without any of them being the wiser. Can Andrew help her, though, when her investigation lands her in the sights of a killer?
Two words: Ho Hum
Story is told in Hetty's first person pov, but I never got a real sense of her character. Her investigative techniques were ham-handed and only angered the people whom she questioned. Apparently, Hetty doesn't know the meaning of the word subtle. Most of the plot/narrative was consumed with the investigation, which didn't help me get a sense of the characters. In addition, editing was poor. One character's last name seemed to alternate between 'Pratt' and 'Prat', while other names were confused.
I suppose if you're looking for mindless entertainment, this story would appeal. I didn't care for it. Below average read, two stars.
July 31, 2017
This was a short cozy mystery, but it really fell flat. There seemed to be some background missing, like why Hetty had a ghost haunting her. She seemed too comfortable with it, like it wasn't new, but there wasn't much information provided about it.
The middle bulk of the story was decent, with some good sleuthing happening, but the ending was very short and rushed, and kind of obvious.
Overall, the story had more good idea than bad, but the execution fell short. Too rushed, with too little detail provided.
The middle bulk of the story was decent, with some good sleuthing happening, but the ending was very short and rushed, and kind of obvious.
Overall, the story had more good idea than bad, but the execution fell short. Too rushed, with too little detail provided.
October 18, 2017
If you haven't read a cozy mystery before, you should know they are usually fun, quick reads and this novel is no exception. I found the story delightful and an interesting mystery. Meet Hetty Fox, a woman who is a widow, but not alone as an old boyfriend haunts her home. When Hetty is asked over to a neighbor's house she finds a dead body and the murder, mystery is on. I liked the author's writing style and the way she makes her characters fun, yet interesting.
January 6, 2020
What a turnabout
A new town, new friends, a dead body all make for a lazy day read or an evening of relaxing leisure ."Bones and Boxes " has an enjoyable cozey murder mystery in each nuance of each page. Anna Drake added a twist that will have you laughing and wandering if things will turn for the worse. I truly suggest you aquier this cozey mystery filled with charm so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😮🤔🙄 Kat
A new town, new friends, a dead body all make for a lazy day read or an evening of relaxing leisure ."Bones and Boxes " has an enjoyable cozey murder mystery in each nuance of each page. Anna Drake added a twist that will have you laughing and wandering if things will turn for the worse. I truly suggest you aquier this cozey mystery filled with charm so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😮🤔🙄 Kat
July 4, 2018
Who's the patsy?
Wow what a terrific start. Moving into a new place always proves stressful but add in a ghost and a murder and the blood pressure really soars. Can she unravel the truth and get to the killer? Can she make the ghost disappear? Was the move a good idea? She is a great character, down to earth and with plenty of common sense. Recommended
Wow what a terrific start. Moving into a new place always proves stressful but add in a ghost and a murder and the blood pressure really soars. Can she unravel the truth and get to the killer? Can she make the ghost disappear? Was the move a good idea? She is a great character, down to earth and with plenty of common sense. Recommended
March 6, 2018
I was given a copy of this free for a review. It was enjoyable and entertaining with some interesting characters. I would recommend this to anyone one who wants a easy read cozy mystery with a ghost and cat feuding for Hetty's attention.
November 27, 2018
Could have been good
This book could have been good. Fairly decent overall plot. A friendly ghost. A lot of murder. But the editing was horrible and the storyline was choppy. Also it was shallow overall. I don't recommend it.
This book could have been good. Fairly decent overall plot. A friendly ghost. A lot of murder. But the editing was horrible and the storyline was choppy. Also it was shallow overall. I don't recommend it.
August 9, 2020
Great 👍read!💖dinner every word in this novel!💖 Thanks so much! hope to read more of t heroine!
Excellent reading, enjoying this heroine so much! Love Hetty!💖 p!was continue her story!💖 would read every book on Hetty!💖Thanks so much!💖
Excellent reading, enjoying this heroine so much! Love Hetty!💖 p!was continue her story!💖 would read every book on Hetty!💖Thanks so much!💖
October 12, 2017
This book was cute. Predictable, but I liked the characters. And the writing was good. There were a lot of typing errors that were frustrating. Still looking forward to reading more of these books.
October 14, 2017
Highly recommend this cozy mystery. Very entertaining and - don't want to give anything away. Just know you'll love it!
November 7, 2017
Quick lighthearted read.
Great story but book is full of typos and mistakes. Needs
Someone to proofread. I liked the surprise ending. Betty is a good character.
Great story but book is full of typos and mistakes. Needs
Someone to proofread. I liked the surprise ending. Betty is a good character.
September 18, 2018
Bones & Boxes.
A good read that I would recommend to anyone that likes cozy mysteries. I love the Hetty Fox mysteries. This is a very entertaining book.
A good read that I would recommend to anyone that likes cozy mysteries. I love the Hetty Fox mysteries. This is a very entertaining book.
October 24, 2018
Good Story
Loved this mystery. It had twists and turns that had me guessing till the finish. A real who done it.
Loved this mystery. It had twists and turns that had me guessing till the finish. A real who done it.
December 13, 2018
Good read
I really enjoy these mysteries. Interesting characters, charming locale, great story line, and a ghost! What else could you ask for?
I really enjoy these mysteries. Interesting characters, charming locale, great story line, and a ghost! What else could you ask for?
December 17, 2018
Quite a few editing errors.
The kind of cozy I don't like.
The kind of cozy I don't like.
June 30, 2015
What a jolly read this was! Hetty Fox has moved to be near her daughter and her family. It is a small town and even though others think she shouldn't have moved, she enjoys it immensely. That is until she happens on a body of a woman unknown to her. Her newly made friend, Rose, asked Hetty to accompany her to check in on Carrie which resulted in Hetty being the one to find her body.
While Hetty is perfectly happy to stay at home, knit and enjoy the company of her cat, Hetty finds herself unsettled about finding Carrie. Something just was not right with it all. As Hetty tries to figure what to do, she begins thinking she may be going mad. She starts imagining Andrew, a long-ago love that died in his twenties. But is she really imagining him?
When all of the clues Hetty comes upon point in different directions, Hetty, with the help of friends new and old, solves the murder by the skin of her teeth!
I was really pleased with this book. It is the first in the Hetty Fox series and I do hope there will be many more. If you are looking for a pleasant cozy mystery to read, I do suggest you try this one.
While Hetty is perfectly happy to stay at home, knit and enjoy the company of her cat, Hetty finds herself unsettled about finding Carrie. Something just was not right with it all. As Hetty tries to figure what to do, she begins thinking she may be going mad. She starts imagining Andrew, a long-ago love that died in his twenties. But is she really imagining him?
When all of the clues Hetty comes upon point in different directions, Hetty, with the help of friends new and old, solves the murder by the skin of her teeth!
I was really pleased with this book. It is the first in the Hetty Fox series and I do hope there will be many more. If you are looking for a pleasant cozy mystery to read, I do suggest you try this one.
July 22, 2016
Would have been 3 but for the editing.
For a short story of 157 pages, this felt really dragged out in places. Still Hetty is likeable enough...(spoiler alert) though who didn't see Rose as the bad guy?! Thought that was so obvious...the only stone Hetty didn't turn over, even though she'd just met her. Anyway, Hetty recently moved to the small town and hasn't really met anyone except her nearby neighbor, who's also a mystery reader. When she and Rose discover the body of Rose's friend, she feels compelled to solve it...at all costs! Her former boyfriend (who died back when they were in their 20s) comes back to haunt/help (?) her, which is handy for her spying needs. And her cat doesn't like the ghost. Go figure.
Some issues throughout, that maybe indicate that editing software instead of a real person was used?
Location 1465 (pour instead of pore, yout instead of your)
Location 1552 "popularity clicks" instead of cliques
Location 1668 Mrs, instead of Mrs.
Location 2138 lIfe instead of life
Location 2198 "That cat need to learn..." instead of needs.
For a short story of 157 pages, this felt really dragged out in places. Still Hetty is likeable enough...(spoiler alert) though who didn't see Rose as the bad guy?! Thought that was so obvious...the only stone Hetty didn't turn over, even though she'd just met her. Anyway, Hetty recently moved to the small town and hasn't really met anyone except her nearby neighbor, who's also a mystery reader. When she and Rose discover the body of Rose's friend, she feels compelled to solve it...at all costs! Her former boyfriend (who died back when they were in their 20s) comes back to haunt/help (?) her, which is handy for her spying needs. And her cat doesn't like the ghost. Go figure.
Some issues throughout, that maybe indicate that editing software instead of a real person was used?
Location 1465 (pour instead of pore, yout instead of your)
Location 1552 "popularity clicks" instead of cliques
Location 1668 Mrs, instead of Mrs.
Location 2138 lIfe instead of life
Location 2198 "That cat need to learn..." instead of needs.
January 3, 2016
This book was just okay. There are a lot of mistakes in this book. Needs some editing. I felt the story was dragged out. And although the characters were likable, I just could not connect with them. Not a bad story, just not great.
May 21, 2018
Intriguing
I like reading murder mystery s that have many twists and turns. The idea of a ghost to help solve the crime, was a great twist. Anyone who likes murder mystery s should find this a good book to read.
I like reading murder mystery s that have many twists and turns. The idea of a ghost to help solve the crime, was a great twist. Anyone who likes murder mystery s should find this a good book to read.
January 14, 2017
This Is a Great One
I must admit I really like mysteries. Throw in a cat (I love cats), a ghost (not so sure about them) and a lady my age and it was a winner all around.
I must admit I really like mysteries. Throw in a cat (I love cats), a ghost (not so sure about them) and a lady my age and it was a winner all around.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews