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Aurora Teagarden #2
A Bone to Pick
Unabridged, 1 audio sound file, 6 hours 13 minutes
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Second in the #1 New York Times bestselling author's Aurora Teagarden mystery series.
Aurora "Roe" Teagarden's fortunes change when a deceased acquaintance names her as heir to a rather substantial estate, including money, jewelry, and a house complete with a skull hidden in a window seat. Roe concludes that the elderly women has purposely left her a murder to solve. So she must identify the victim and figure out which one of her new, ordinary-seeming neighbors is a murderer- without putting herself in deadly danger.
6 pages, Audiobook
First published November 1, 1992
970 people are currently reading
7976 people want to read
About the author
Charlaine Harris
190 books37.1k followersCharlaine Harris has been a published writer for over forty years. Her first two books were standalones, followed by a long sabbatical when she was having children. Then she began the Aurora Teagarden book, mysteries featuring a short librarian (eventually adapted for Hallmark movies). The darker Lily Bard books came next, about a house cleaner with a dark past and considerable fighting skills.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
Tired of abiding by the mystery rules, Harris wrote a novel about a telepathic barmaid that took at least two years to sell. When the book was published, it turned into a best seller, and DEAD UNTIL DARK and the subsequent Sookie books were adapted in Alan Ball's "True Blood" series. At the same time, Harris began the Harper Connelly books. Harper can find the bones of the dead and see their last minute.
When those two series wound to a close, the next three books were about a mysterious town in Texas, called Midnight.
A change in publisher and editor led to Harris's novels about a female gunslinger in an alternate America, Lizbeth Rose. The Gunnie Rose books concluded with the sixth novel.
She's thinking about what to write next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,394 reviews
July 6, 2012
The one thing that bothers me about this website is that everyone feels the need to add a synopsis of the book; I can easily find that elsewhere. My main purpose for using this website is to find books that might appeal to me and find out what other people's perceptions are of the book, not an exaggeratory 20 paragraph synopsis.
Now that I have that off my chest I can say that Charlaine Harris is one of the best, light and fun authors out there. I seem to find myself reading her books in the summertime when we're all looking for something entertaining to read. If you're looking for something that could be nominated for "This generation's next great classic" you won't find it here, and I don't believe that Ms. Harris is intending it to be. Charlaine Harris does however have a variable vocabulary so it isn't entirely a bird book (fly right through without having to think). So if you're looking for something with a good story line, humour, mystery, entertaining and with a smidge of romance, Ms. Harris always delivers.
August 10, 2019
After reading A Bone to Pick, I am sure that I just do not like Aurora as a character and this series as a whole. Aurora is self centered and annoying. The actual story is a bit boring and doesn't make me want to continue the series at all, it just came off as a bland story that seems to be written for little old women who could possibly be offended by the real world and people of color. This series feels like it is written for a very conservative homogeneous audience. The two mentions of black people in the community inched toward being offensive.
Since I really enjoyed the Sookie Stackhouse books, and even pretty much enjoyed the Midnight, Texas books I am very disappointed that Harris wrote books that made me feel this way. Thank goodness I found the entire series at the extremely discounted cost of ten cents each. I can donate them to Goodwill and not feel that I wasted anything other than my own time, which was bad enough. I have books from two more of her series that I am now hesitant to pick up because of this one.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
Since I really enjoyed the Sookie Stackhouse books, and even pretty much enjoyed the Midnight, Texas books I am very disappointed that Harris wrote books that made me feel this way. Thank goodness I found the entire series at the extremely discounted cost of ten cents each. I can donate them to Goodwill and not feel that I wasted anything other than my own time, which was bad enough. I have books from two more of her series that I am now hesitant to pick up because of this one.
Where you can find me:
•(♥).•*Monlatable Book Reviews*•.(♥)•
Twitter: @monicaisreading
Instagram: @readermonica
Goodreads Group: The Black Bookcase
November 5, 2023
3.5
After a long year of reading cozies, I’ve definitely found one to stick with.
Apparently the Hallmark Channel offers movie versions of this series— watched half of one at my Mom’s house recently— not overly impressed (casting just didn’t work for me). But it made me want to check out the source material.
Funnily enough, I read the first one years ago (these pre-date cell phones), called it cute and slightly silly… and never picked up another one. Probably because it didn’t compare to my fave Harris series — True Blood.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 of the series. There’s still a whole lot of cute but our heroine has developed a bit more backbone since I last met her. And it was a fun, quick read— plus- I never guessed the crazy ending. A plus for any style of mystery!!
After a long year of reading cozies, I’ve definitely found one to stick with.
Apparently the Hallmark Channel offers movie versions of this series— watched half of one at my Mom’s house recently— not overly impressed (casting just didn’t work for me). But it made me want to check out the source material.
Funnily enough, I read the first one years ago (these pre-date cell phones), called it cute and slightly silly… and never picked up another one. Probably because it didn’t compare to my fave Harris series — True Blood.
However, I was pleasantly surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed book 2 of the series. There’s still a whole lot of cute but our heroine has developed a bit more backbone since I last met her. And it was a fun, quick read— plus- I never guessed the crazy ending. A plus for any style of mystery!!
September 23, 2012
The second in the Teagarden series. I liked this as much as the first one. Laugh out loud moments. Very fast paced. I didn't have a clue who did the deed.
Many things changed since the first book. Especially in Roe's love life. (I was disappointed a little by that) Then Roe finds out she was included in a friend's will. She's ecstatic until she makes a gruesome discovery.
Many quirky characters, some implausible conversations and events, but I don't think cozy mysteries should be analyzed too closely. Overall a A -
Many things changed since the first book. Especially in Roe's love life. (I was disappointed a little by that) Then Roe finds out she was included in a friend's will. She's ecstatic until she makes a gruesome discovery.
Many quirky characters, some implausible conversations and events, but I don't think cozy mysteries should be analyzed too closely. Overall a A -
May 14, 2015
I was disappointed in this one. A murder mystery where the heroine never tries to investigate anything? I listened to the audiobook version, and I swear nothing happened on discs 2-4. Disc 1 was exciting as she found a skull in a house, and then the rest of the skeleton was unearthed. Then nothing happened. (She thought a lot about her new inheritance and decided to quit her job, she started dating someone new and spent a lot of time picking out outfits for their 2 dates, she shopped for a bridesmaid dress for her best friend's wedding, her mom and new stepdad came back from their honeymoon, and a lot of time was spent clearing things out of her new house and her decisions on what to do with them. Nice nightgown? She'll keep it! All other clothes? Let's donate them to the SA. Extra pots and pans in the kitchen? Donate them to a local church. Now it's time to go through boxes containing 7 years' worth of receipts!)
May 21, 2025
YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
Esta segunda entrega de Los misterios de Aurora Teagarden ha resultado ser de nuevo una lectura superfluida, que me he leído rapidísimo y he disfrutado mientras leía.
No obstante, reflexionando al respecto con objetividad, en cuanto a libros de misterio, no es de los más destacables, porque no ha habido mucho caso ni investigación 😅. Prácticamente, no hay pistas a lo largo de la historia, ni la protagonista tiene una verdadera lista de sospechosos... Simplemente, se resuelve todo de un plumazo al final y, mientras tanto, vamos viendo el ir y venir de una Aurora un poco perdida e indecisa.
Yo creo que ese es realmente el objetivo de esta segunda entrega: ir conociendo mejor y con calma a nuestra protagonista. En este libro, Aurora está en una especie de punto muerto y reflexiona mucho acerca de su trabajo, su vida amorosa y de qué quiere hacer con su futuro. Además, hay que tener en cuenta que esta serie está escrita en los 90 y se nota. Hay pensamientos o actitudes que hoy en día no nos encajan del todo bien, pero hay que comprender el contexto del libro.
Sin embargo, el hecho de que este libro deje el misterio un poco en segundo plano también ayuda a ubicarse un poco mejor en el pequeño pueblo de Aurora y a tener más claro quién es quién entre los secundarios, porque reconozco que en la primera entrega fue algo que me dejó algo abrumada (sobre todo porque son bastante diferentes de los de las películas, que me resultaban más familiares).
En conclusión, está bien como libro dentro de una serie que nos permite conocer mejor a nuestra detective aficionada de turno y, además, insisto en que se lee en un suspiro. No obstante, en este caso en concreto, es mejor no ir con grandes expectativas en cuanto al misterio.
Esta segunda entrega de Los misterios de Aurora Teagarden ha resultado ser de nuevo una lectura superfluida, que me he leído rapidísimo y he disfrutado mientras leía.
No obstante, reflexionando al respecto con objetividad, en cuanto a libros de misterio, no es de los más destacables, porque no ha habido mucho caso ni investigación 😅. Prácticamente, no hay pistas a lo largo de la historia, ni la protagonista tiene una verdadera lista de sospechosos... Simplemente, se resuelve todo de un plumazo al final y, mientras tanto, vamos viendo el ir y venir de una Aurora un poco perdida e indecisa.
Yo creo que ese es realmente el objetivo de esta segunda entrega: ir conociendo mejor y con calma a nuestra protagonista. En este libro, Aurora está en una especie de punto muerto y reflexiona mucho acerca de su trabajo, su vida amorosa y de qué quiere hacer con su futuro. Además, hay que tener en cuenta que esta serie está escrita en los 90 y se nota. Hay pensamientos o actitudes que hoy en día no nos encajan del todo bien, pero hay que comprender el contexto del libro.
Sin embargo, el hecho de que este libro deje el misterio un poco en segundo plano también ayuda a ubicarse un poco mejor en el pequeño pueblo de Aurora y a tener más claro quién es quién entre los secundarios, porque reconozco que en la primera entrega fue algo que me dejó algo abrumada (sobre todo porque son bastante diferentes de los de las películas, que me resultaban más familiares).
En conclusión, está bien como libro dentro de una serie que nos permite conocer mejor a nuestra detective aficionada de turno y, además, insisto en que se lee en un suspiro. No obstante, en este caso en concreto, es mejor no ir con grandes expectativas en cuanto al misterio.
April 29, 2018
I love intelligent, natural narration and dialogue, without excess description. If we follow how protagonists feel and only what they are doing generally: I am sold. Topics don't matter. “A Bone To Pick”, 1992, didn't even need a mystery. Familiar with Aurora Teagarden from a movie and the first novel, it is enjoyable to follow the acquisition of her house. An elderly mystery buff bequeathed it to her.
Aurora's Mother onscreen protests her sleuthing and makes nay-saying noise. The original Mrs. Teagarden is a cool cucumber. What draws me to Charlaine Harris's blessedly non-vampire series is that Aurora is thirty, so this is adult fare. A single lady now has the money to set out in pursuit of her true passions. It is lovely to watch people do that. Largely because the mystery motives and handling were weak; it was incidental to this journey. We have plenty of suspense and even a few taut scenes. The humour of Aurora's inner thoughts, her outright predicaments, and Charlaine's whole delivery are wonderful!
Romance comes up but true to real life, she doesn't need to score the first guy introduced. She has broken up with the first book's policeman, attended his wedding to another officer, and as only Charlaine would have it; delivers their baby! I was on an easy track to five stars. I nudged a little bit down is because the superfluous mystery is entirely unbelievable. Jane witnessed a crime and meddled, instead of alerting authorities. Willing Aurora to solve it in regretful retrospect became unnecessarily cryptic. There would have been little to solve if Jane had reported it. I prefer mysterious mysteries and the distant one that it contained did lean towards puzzle-solving. The rest of this novel was such a pleasure, that I am happy to read them all.
Aurora's Mother onscreen protests her sleuthing and makes nay-saying noise. The original Mrs. Teagarden is a cool cucumber. What draws me to Charlaine Harris's blessedly non-vampire series is that Aurora is thirty, so this is adult fare. A single lady now has the money to set out in pursuit of her true passions. It is lovely to watch people do that. Largely because the mystery motives and handling were weak; it was incidental to this journey. We have plenty of suspense and even a few taut scenes. The humour of Aurora's inner thoughts, her outright predicaments, and Charlaine's whole delivery are wonderful!
Romance comes up but true to real life, she doesn't need to score the first guy introduced. She has broken up with the first book's policeman, attended his wedding to another officer, and as only Charlaine would have it; delivers their baby! I was on an easy track to five stars. I nudged a little bit down is because the superfluous mystery is entirely unbelievable. Jane witnessed a crime and meddled, instead of alerting authorities. Willing Aurora to solve it in regretful retrospect became unnecessarily cryptic. There would have been little to solve if Jane had reported it. I prefer mysterious mysteries and the distant one that it contained did lean towards puzzle-solving. The rest of this novel was such a pleasure, that I am happy to read them all.
February 27, 2025
3,5. Una historia muy entretenida aunque el misterio queda en un segundo plano. Seguiré con la serie.
March 31, 2019
I really like this series. These early books were written in the early 90’s, but it’s not obvious except when talking about the phone. I like Roe, the main characters. She’s well written and reminds me a bit of Stephanie Plum. It’s unlikely so many murders would occur in a small town all involving Roe, but one must suspend belief for these little “cozy” mysteries to work. Can’t wait to read the next one.
July 14, 2025
3,25 ⭐
Mi cozy mistery del mes de julio fue la segunda entrega protagonizada por la bibliotecaria con ínfulas de detective, Aurora Teagarden.
En este caso, Aurora es sorprendida no solo por la muerte de una amiga, sino también por la herencia que le ha dejado y que no se esperaba para nada. Una herencia jugosa, pero que esconde un gran secreto, un misterio que ella siente que debe resolver, al margen de la policía.
Mientras lidia con su vida personal un poco desordenada, tratará de descubrir qué se oculta detrás de un macabro hallazgo en la casa que acaba de heredar.
Me ha gustado más este libro que el primero, quizá porque uno ya empatiza de otra manera con los personajes, igualmente, siento que es un poco lento a la hora de desarrollar la trama de intriga. Ya sé que es un cozy, pero el ritmo deja bastante que desear.
Entretenido, sobre todo porque el personaje de Aurora me cae muy bien. En cuanto al caso, los sospechosos y las conclusiones, un poco flojo a mi entender.
Lectura conjunta con el club #comelibros
Mi cozy mistery del mes de julio fue la segunda entrega protagonizada por la bibliotecaria con ínfulas de detective, Aurora Teagarden.
En este caso, Aurora es sorprendida no solo por la muerte de una amiga, sino también por la herencia que le ha dejado y que no se esperaba para nada. Una herencia jugosa, pero que esconde un gran secreto, un misterio que ella siente que debe resolver, al margen de la policía.
Mientras lidia con su vida personal un poco desordenada, tratará de descubrir qué se oculta detrás de un macabro hallazgo en la casa que acaba de heredar.
Me ha gustado más este libro que el primero, quizá porque uno ya empatiza de otra manera con los personajes, igualmente, siento que es un poco lento a la hora de desarrollar la trama de intriga. Ya sé que es un cozy, pero el ritmo deja bastante que desear.
Entretenido, sobre todo porque el personaje de Aurora me cae muy bien. En cuanto al caso, los sospechosos y las conclusiones, un poco flojo a mi entender.
Lectura conjunta con el club #comelibros
March 22, 2009
Aurora Teagarden is a lousy librarian and an irritating girl-woman. The mystery was good but she's so very irritating with her dating agita and less than humor-filled life. I know the reviewers say that these are full of humor but I don't see it. There's a level of seriousness at odds with the shallowness of the heroine.
The first 50 pages were hopeful as she mourns the death of an acquaintance and as she finds out this woman leaves her house with an amazing amount of money and a mystery in the form of a skull hidden inside. Missing the obvious at many turns, she suffers break-ins and more.
It's a good thing that eventually she stops being a librarian and becomes an financially independent busybody. I read the summaries of the rest of the series and I think I'll let other people find it as a source of enjoyment.
Bah.
The first 50 pages were hopeful as she mourns the death of an acquaintance and as she finds out this woman leaves her house with an amazing amount of money and a mystery in the form of a skull hidden inside. Missing the obvious at many turns, she suffers break-ins and more.
It's a good thing that eventually she stops being a librarian and becomes an financially independent busybody. I read the summaries of the rest of the series and I think I'll let other people find it as a source of enjoyment.
Bah.
November 23, 2018
I actually enjoyed this book a lot. The writing was great and is an easy read to fly through in a few hours. Definitely recommend.
April 30, 2009
Like some reviewers have mentioned, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries are not actually mysteries. Rather, these books are about Roe's life, with a little bit of a mystery thrown in, mostly in the end of the books. I personally didn't mind that. Charlaine Harris has that special talent of describing everyday life of an ordinary person (in this case, Aurora's) and lives and gossip of a small town in a very entertaining manner. Although this series lacks uniqueness of the supernatural world described in the Southern Vampire series, it is still very engaging, and I will continue reading it.
July 27, 2018
Charlaine Harris has a great way of exploring small towns that have something a little bit of "odd" about them. This series is c.25 years old so although there are some interestingly old fashioned ideas ( I guess the time period + the small town), it is great fun and Aurora is an easy character to like.
Not my favourite Harris series, but very enjoyable.
Not my favourite Harris series, but very enjoyable.
January 4, 2018
To describe this in one sentence, I would say: Aurora Teagarden’s everyday life with some mysteries thrown in the mix, she doesn’t even look for them, they’re just there, right in front of her eyes.
Other three things to say about this book, second in the series, from me to you, fellow readers, are:
First of all, I like the title. That’s actually the thing that made me want to start reading this one quickly, without taking a break after first book in the series. ‘A Bone to Pick’ instantly catches your attention, doesn’t it? Well at least, it did catch mine. Also, title was certainly better than ‘Real Murders’. Though quality, quantity, plot, “mystery” and so on, was pretty much on the same level.
Secondly, when you look for it, you can find some catchy quotes here and there, for example, one about Aurora and her love life – “I had learned long ago that it was better to be home
alone with a good book and a bag of potato chips than it was to be out on a date with someone who left
you cold” and it somehow fits with the one in first book (I feel like I’m making a comparison without even intending to) “Maybe I hadn't been a big dating success because I was a boring person, but possibly it had been because I had limited tolerance for all this preliminary maneuvering and signal reading.“
Lastly, I feel like the only thing I actually cared about in this book was Madeleine and her babies. I mean kittens. (Madeleine is a cat, in case you’re wondering.)
P.S: Don’t worry; no cats were harmed while making this book. Luckily!
Other three things to say about this book, second in the series, from me to you, fellow readers, are:
First of all, I like the title. That’s actually the thing that made me want to start reading this one quickly, without taking a break after first book in the series. ‘A Bone to Pick’ instantly catches your attention, doesn’t it? Well at least, it did catch mine. Also, title was certainly better than ‘Real Murders’. Though quality, quantity, plot, “mystery” and so on, was pretty much on the same level.
Secondly, when you look for it, you can find some catchy quotes here and there, for example, one about Aurora and her love life – “I had learned long ago that it was better to be home
alone with a good book and a bag of potato chips than it was to be out on a date with someone who left
you cold” and it somehow fits with the one in first book (I feel like I’m making a comparison without even intending to) “Maybe I hadn't been a big dating success because I was a boring person, but possibly it had been because I had limited tolerance for all this preliminary maneuvering and signal reading.“
Lastly, I feel like the only thing I actually cared about in this book was Madeleine and her babies. I mean kittens. (Madeleine is a cat, in case you’re wondering.)
P.S: Don’t worry; no cats were harmed while making this book. Luckily!
January 11, 2022
Wherever Jane was now, I was willing to bet she was looking at me and laughing. Me, with Jane's money and Jane's house and Jane's cat and Jane's skull.
Reading books after enjoying the adaptation is always hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes the book makes me love the story even more, but sometimes, like this one, I find that I prefer the adapted version. I've been watching the Aurora Teagarden movies for years, and I always enjoy them, so when I was able to pick up one of the books, I was excited to see what was in store.
Unfortunately, I didn't like this. There's language and content I wasn't expecting, and Aurora annoyed me, honestly. (like, girl... not being able to decide whether or not you're upset that Arthur is moving on with his life feels like a you problem, not one I need to spend chapters and chapters on) ((also please stop trying to "look sexy" for your date with the minister. it's weird.))
The actual mystery didn't seem to take up as much time as I feel like it should? (I mean, if I found a skull in my newly-inherited house, I think I'd spend more time actually thinking about it than Aurora does? but maybe that's just me?) And the ending was... so anti-climactic, pffft. (Lynn giving birth IN Aurora's hallway was the most dramatic part, that was... a lot)
So all in all, this wasn't a win. If you're a fan of the movies, I can't recommend it. Actually, I can't really recommend it at all, tbh. Oh well. 2 stars.
Reading books after enjoying the adaptation is always hit-or-miss for me. Sometimes the book makes me love the story even more, but sometimes, like this one, I find that I prefer the adapted version. I've been watching the Aurora Teagarden movies for years, and I always enjoy them, so when I was able to pick up one of the books, I was excited to see what was in store.
Unfortunately, I didn't like this. There's language and content I wasn't expecting, and Aurora annoyed me, honestly. (like, girl... not being able to decide whether or not you're upset that Arthur is moving on with his life feels like a you problem, not one I need to spend chapters and chapters on) ((also please stop trying to "look sexy" for your date with the minister. it's weird.))
The actual mystery didn't seem to take up as much time as I feel like it should? (I mean, if I found a skull in my newly-inherited house, I think I'd spend more time actually thinking about it than Aurora does? but maybe that's just me?) And the ending was... so anti-climactic, pffft. (Lynn giving birth IN Aurora's hallway was the most dramatic part, that was... a lot)
So all in all, this wasn't a win. If you're a fan of the movies, I can't recommend it. Actually, I can't really recommend it at all, tbh. Oh well. 2 stars.
May 24, 2017
Honestly I can't see why this is listed as a cozy mystery. There is absolutely no investigation by Aurora Teagarden. She finds a skull and re-hides it and doesn't investigate a damn thing. Oh she asks herself questions but doesn't actually ask anyone else anything. The book just plods along her boring little life and the murderer reveals himself in the last chapter. Aurora didn't actually have a darn thing to do with it. Definitely not a series I'd continue.
April 23, 2025
En esta nueva entrega la vida de Aurora está a punto de dar un cambio radical. La muerte de una conocida le convertirá en heredera de una suculenta herencia. Lo que no espera es que una anciana apacible esconda una calavera en su casa. Una casa que ahora es suya.
.
Es una novela un poco regulera. Si me gusta la trama dedicada a la vida personal de Aurora, con una nueva ilusión tras el desengaño de la novela anterior. Pero lo que es la trama policial con la calavera como protagonista se me ha quedado muy floja.
.
Al principio de la novela le da bastante importancia porque al final es el eje central, pero me da la sensación de que se diluye demasiado y la resolución es demasiado precipitada en las últimas páginas del libro.
.
Aún así, espero que la siguiente novela sea mejor porque Aurora es una protagonista que me encanta.
.
Es una novela un poco regulera. Si me gusta la trama dedicada a la vida personal de Aurora, con una nueva ilusión tras el desengaño de la novela anterior. Pero lo que es la trama policial con la calavera como protagonista se me ha quedado muy floja.
.
Al principio de la novela le da bastante importancia porque al final es el eje central, pero me da la sensación de que se diluye demasiado y la resolución es demasiado precipitada en las últimas páginas del libro.
.
Aún así, espero que la siguiente novela sea mejor porque Aurora es una protagonista que me encanta.
September 12, 2022
A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris is book 2 in the Aurora Teagarden Series and I enjoyed this more than book 1. I definitely will be continuing on to book 3! Very mild language – only 1 or 2 words and overall clean.
I had a lot of fun with this story! Aurora is the sole inheritor of a home and a 500,000+ fortune from a previous Real Murder Society Club Member who passed away. But what she finds in the home is more than she bargained for! Roe tries to solve the mystery behind what she found, while wavering in her love life, career and trying to figure out this crazy inheritance she’s been given.
This story was quirky, fun and very fast paced. I plan to continue on in the series.
I had a lot of fun with this story! Aurora is the sole inheritor of a home and a 500,000+ fortune from a previous Real Murder Society Club Member who passed away. But what she finds in the home is more than she bargained for! Roe tries to solve the mystery behind what she found, while wavering in her love life, career and trying to figure out this crazy inheritance she’s been given.
This story was quirky, fun and very fast paced. I plan to continue on in the series.
January 6, 2020
I'm really enjoying this series!
September 23, 2020
Como casi todas las novelas de esta autora, es entretenida y rápida de leer, el final un poco precipitado, pero aún asi te deja con ganas de saber más, sobre la protagonista.
June 3, 2022
What Is in the Blanket Bag?!
I feel like my review for the first book, Real Murders, could be reiterated here. It was an entertaining listen, and while I enjoyed the tweaks that Hallmark made to the made-for-TV series, the book stands on it's own feet just fine.
I like the twists, misdirection, and constant guessing about whodunit. I also like how we see Roe struggle with the current dynamics of her love life, or lack thereof, and the change in her former beau's status.
I borrowed a library copy of the audio book. The narrator is Therese Plummer who does a good job.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
I feel like my review for the first book, Real Murders, could be reiterated here. It was an entertaining listen, and while I enjoyed the tweaks that Hallmark made to the made-for-TV series, the book stands on it's own feet just fine.
I like the twists, misdirection, and constant guessing about whodunit. I also like how we see Roe struggle with the current dynamics of her love life, or lack thereof, and the change in her former beau's status.
I borrowed a library copy of the audio book. The narrator is Therese Plummer who does a good job.
Story: 4 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
August 27, 2012
I've never listened to an audiobook before, but my mum loves them, so thought I'd give this a go. It's a very different experience, but the major issues I had with this book were plot-related, so I don't think listening on audiobook affected my rating too much.
Aurora inherits a house and a giant bank account from her friend Jane, and then gets caught up in intrigue and suspense and whatever. Both boyfriends from Book 1 are out of the picture, and an Episcopalian contender comes in from left field. And the plot did not make sense to me, because it required some seriously convoluted leaps of logic that I just can't figure out.
Sigh. And then there's the pregnancy thing - I swear, I thought there was going to be some sort of reveal that the baby was conceived when Aurora and Detective Smith were still dating, but that never happened. Too much stuff. Too much!
As a sidenote, I really liked the woman reading the book, though I got mightily confused when everyone EXCEPT Aurora has a southern accent. Unfortunately, the actual plot was poorly thought out and too convoluted and as much as I wanted to read this Harris series, I find I'm wary of continuing. I really don't like putting down a book and feeling like the plot was full of holes.
Aurora inherits a house and a giant bank account from her friend Jane, and then gets caught up in intrigue and suspense and whatever. Both boyfriends from Book 1 are out of the picture, and an Episcopalian contender comes in from left field. And the plot did not make sense to me, because it required some seriously convoluted leaps of logic that I just can't figure out.
Sigh. And then there's the pregnancy thing - I swear, I thought there was going to be some sort of reveal that the baby was conceived when Aurora and Detective Smith were still dating, but that never happened. Too much stuff. Too much!
As a sidenote, I really liked the woman reading the book, though I got mightily confused when everyone EXCEPT Aurora has a southern accent. Unfortunately, the actual plot was poorly thought out and too convoluted and as much as I wanted to read this Harris series, I find I'm wary of continuing. I really don't like putting down a book and feeling like the plot was full of holes.
February 19, 2026
After the dramatic and dark finish to Real Murders, a few months later life in Lawrenceton, Georgia seems to be settling down. Then Aurora gets a surprising inheritance complete with the mystery of a creepy skull and the new neighbors across the street are her ex and his new- very pregnant- wife. A murder mystery finds Aurora once again.
Charlaine Harris writes smalltown, slightly dark cozy mystery with panache. I began the Aurora Teagarden series with book one, stepped away for several years and now I’m finally back to press forward and enjoy where the series takes me. While A Bone to Pick presents a new mystery for Aurora to solve and could be read out of order in a pinch, there are lots of references to the previous book and an understanding that the reader/listener knows the score already, so definitely a good series to get in order.
A Bone to Pick is a mystery, but it is also much more than that. Aurora is trying to solve the mystery her old Real Murders club friend, Jane left her by way of that skull and the inheritance, but she is also really struggling with her feeling that all her friends are moving onto into marriage or long-term relationships. Even her gorgeous Southern Lady mom has found happiness and marriage once again. It’s getting her down and handsome Robin the writer left town and stayed out of touch so she’s tentatively trying the dating scene once again with some one surprising and new. Though, the dating takes a back burner when the mystery heats up and lands her in danger once again.
Therese Plummer is sensational as the voice of Aurora and the rest of the Lawrenceton cast of characters. She draws one into the story so well, too.
All in all, A Bone to Pick was a fabulous listen and I’m really looking forward to picking up the next in the series. Definitely recommend these to those who like a grittier cozy mystery style.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 2.1.26
Charlaine Harris writes smalltown, slightly dark cozy mystery with panache. I began the Aurora Teagarden series with book one, stepped away for several years and now I’m finally back to press forward and enjoy where the series takes me. While A Bone to Pick presents a new mystery for Aurora to solve and could be read out of order in a pinch, there are lots of references to the previous book and an understanding that the reader/listener knows the score already, so definitely a good series to get in order.
A Bone to Pick is a mystery, but it is also much more than that. Aurora is trying to solve the mystery her old Real Murders club friend, Jane left her by way of that skull and the inheritance, but she is also really struggling with her feeling that all her friends are moving onto into marriage or long-term relationships. Even her gorgeous Southern Lady mom has found happiness and marriage once again. It’s getting her down and handsome Robin the writer left town and stayed out of touch so she’s tentatively trying the dating scene once again with some one surprising and new. Though, the dating takes a back burner when the mystery heats up and lands her in danger once again.
Therese Plummer is sensational as the voice of Aurora and the rest of the Lawrenceton cast of characters. She draws one into the story so well, too.
All in all, A Bone to Pick was a fabulous listen and I’m really looking forward to picking up the next in the series. Definitely recommend these to those who like a grittier cozy mystery style.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 2.1.26
February 9, 2025
Qué ganas tenía de continuar las (des)venturas de Aurora Teagarden. Adoro su nombre. Además, es una bibliotecaria diminuta y lleva gafas. Un icono.
La cuestión es que Aurora recibe una noticia inesperada cuyas bondades acaban algo descafeinadas cuando empiezan a pasarle cositas malas. A su vecina se le ha ocurrido encomendarle una misión "peculiar" y Aurora se enfrenta a situaciones comprometidas y algo esperpénticas para salir indemne.
Desde vecinos incómodos a objetos inexplicables pasando por bendiciones envenenadas y mucho exprimecocos para dilucidar el misterio que le ha caído encima. La verdad es que me he divertido mucho desde el principio por el humor inherente a la mala suerte de esta mujer y por algunos encuentros personales.
Me ha gustado conocer más cosas de la vida de Aurora. Esta chica puede ser algo ingenua enfrentándose a felinos, pero su instinto de sabueso provinciano le sirve para recoger datos de su entorno como un radar automático. La novela es sencilla, con toque de humor, mucha vida vecinal y un caso curioso de misterio doméstico que se resuelve por su propio peso mientras Aurora se cuestiona su vida entera, sus amoríos estancados y su lugar en el mundo. Ha sido curioso el contraste temporal desde que fue escrito.
El final ha sido estupendo y bastante loco. Un entretenimiento algo vintage que se lee en un día de calma.
La cuestión es que Aurora recibe una noticia inesperada cuyas bondades acaban algo descafeinadas cuando empiezan a pasarle cositas malas. A su vecina se le ha ocurrido encomendarle una misión "peculiar" y Aurora se enfrenta a situaciones comprometidas y algo esperpénticas para salir indemne.
Desde vecinos incómodos a objetos inexplicables pasando por bendiciones envenenadas y mucho exprimecocos para dilucidar el misterio que le ha caído encima. La verdad es que me he divertido mucho desde el principio por el humor inherente a la mala suerte de esta mujer y por algunos encuentros personales.
Me ha gustado conocer más cosas de la vida de Aurora. Esta chica puede ser algo ingenua enfrentándose a felinos, pero su instinto de sabueso provinciano le sirve para recoger datos de su entorno como un radar automático. La novela es sencilla, con toque de humor, mucha vida vecinal y un caso curioso de misterio doméstico que se resuelve por su propio peso mientras Aurora se cuestiona su vida entera, sus amoríos estancados y su lugar en el mundo. Ha sido curioso el contraste temporal desde que fue escrito.
El final ha sido estupendo y bastante loco. Un entretenimiento algo vintage que se lee en un día de calma.
April 4, 2015
a 3.5 for me.
I like the Aurora Teagarden series and I will likely read the rest of the series. It's not the best cozy series but it's fun and suspenseful. This series is more for starter cozy mystery readers because of how easy and breezy it is. I don't mean that in a bad way at all. I really like Charlaine Harris's writing and I especially love her Harper Connelly series. Before you even think of reading this one go read book 1 "Real Murders". :)
October 23, 2014
About the same as the first, maybe a shade better. It's a mystery. A little romance, but mostly a fluff book. For some reason, I find them very engaging, though. Off to read the next.
October 6, 2020
If I am completely honest, I was a little disappointed with this book. The one thing I really liked in the first book was that the story line felt unique. This one just felt like your average crime thriller.
The story follows Aurora Teagarden, after she inherits the house of someone who had also been a member of the real murders club. She finds a skull in the window seat of the house, and tries to work out who the victim and murderer are.
The one saving grace for me, was parts of Aurora’s life outside of the murder. I liked the unexpected updates of the lives of her friends/family in the first book. However, this book just didn’t have enough for me to truly love it.
I like the character of Aurora, and I liked seeing her human side when she had to deal with inheriting a cat too! But, I didn’t feel like the love story was a good match. I wasn’t rooting for them as a couple. The murderer and murder storyline just felt like a run of the mill idea. There wasn’t anything unusual or gripping about it.
That being said, it was an easy read and hasn’t put me off reading the next one in the series!
The story follows Aurora Teagarden, after she inherits the house of someone who had also been a member of the real murders club. She finds a skull in the window seat of the house, and tries to work out who the victim and murderer are.
The one saving grace for me, was parts of Aurora’s life outside of the murder. I liked the unexpected updates of the lives of her friends/family in the first book. However, this book just didn’t have enough for me to truly love it.
I like the character of Aurora, and I liked seeing her human side when she had to deal with inheriting a cat too! But, I didn’t feel like the love story was a good match. I wasn’t rooting for them as a couple. The murderer and murder storyline just felt like a run of the mill idea. There wasn’t anything unusual or gripping about it.
That being said, it was an easy read and hasn’t put me off reading the next one in the series!
October 7, 2018
Ahhhhh...I feel like I’ve gone back in time a few years. Finally finished a book in a day :) I enjoyed this Teagarden cozy a lot more than the first one. There seemed to be less characters and I even remembered those that had been in the first book. Again, it was another plausible whodunit. I hate those that tell you the culprit and all you can say is: What?!?!?! This series apparently doesn’t do that. Well, at least two of them don’t. Let’s see if she keeps it up throughout the remainder of them. Oh, and just as an afterthought - I do get a big kick out of Roe’s love life. Plain Jane Librarian and she already gone through a cop, a minister and a teacher lol
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