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silenttwg's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Georgia Thackery takes on a summer role teaching creative writing at a university that takes an unexpected turn when her skeleton friend uncovers a body. Now they're trying to solve who killed his fellow gamer pal while navigating the difficulties of parenthood, small-town politics, and potentially becoming a target themselves.
I was introduced to this through a book club and didn't think about the fact it was part of a series. The skeleton relationship is probably explained early on, but even without that interesting friendship diced out, the writing was so straightforward I didn't have an issue setting aside my suspension of disbelief.
And that was the number one thing I loved about this. Each character was unique and had depth, and I loved the writing. You didn't feel that the author was intentionally hiding details to delay you figuring out the mystery. The characters spoke openly, like real people, and it was very relatable, even if one of those characters happened to be a skele.
I loved how you walked through each step of the investigation with the family, uncovering the clues as they were presenting (no surprises being hidden out of sight and pulled out at the last second) and if you're paying attention, you're able to figure it out.
I didn't like that we needed a villain monologue at the end but aside from that, I enjoyed how naturally everything else seemed to flow. Although I did read this for a book club and it was in the middle of a series, I enjoyed it enough I would like to snag the whole series.
A great choice for a cozy mystery and one that just leaves you feeling good, even if it begins with a decomposing corpse.
I was introduced to this through a book club and didn't think about the fact it was part of a series. The skeleton relationship is probably explained early on, but even without that interesting friendship diced out, the writing was so straightforward I didn't have an issue setting aside my suspension of disbelief.
And that was the number one thing I loved about this. Each character was unique and had depth, and I loved the writing. You didn't feel that the author was intentionally hiding details to delay you figuring out the mystery. The characters spoke openly, like real people, and it was very relatable, even if one of those characters happened to be a skele.
I loved how you walked through each step of the investigation with the family, uncovering the clues as they were presenting (no surprises being hidden out of sight and pulled out at the last second) and if you're paying attention, you're able to figure it out.
I didn't like that we needed a villain monologue at the end but aside from that, I enjoyed how naturally everything else seemed to flow. Although I did read this for a book club and it was in the middle of a series, I enjoyed it enough I would like to snag the whole series.
A great choice for a cozy mystery and one that just leaves you feeling good, even if it begins with a decomposing corpse.
theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
The Skeleton Makes a Friend by Leigh Perry is A Family Skeleton Mystery series. Georgia Thackery along with her daughter, Madison and best friend and skeleton, Sid are spending the summer in Overfeld, New Hampshire. Georgia is teaching a creative writing seminar as part of a high school enrichment program at Overfeld College. The three of them are swimming in the lake when Jen Cater shows up looking for Skalle Beinagrind. Skalle is a gaming friend of Jen’s from Runes of Legend who was bragging about his expertise as a private investigator. One of their fellow players, Erik Bloodaxe has gone missing and Jen wants to enlist Skalle’s help in locating him. Georgia quickly deduces that Jen is looking for Sid (use translator on Skalle Beinagrind). While Sid cannot meet with Jen in person (for obvious reasons), he does want to help locate their fellow player. Sid sifts through the online information on Erik to track down his real world identity. Erik works at Overfeld College, but he has played his last game. Sid and Georgia find him dead and it looks like he has been there for a few days which explains the malodorous stench in the building. The duo uncover problems at the college and the culprit has no intention of stopping his deadly game. Can the duo expose the killer in time?
The Skeleton Makes a Friend is a humorous cozy mystery with delightful characters. Sid is one of those characters that you cannot help but love. He is a skeleton with a quirky personality and a zest for life. He has been Georgia’s best friend since she was a little girl (he saved her life at a carnival). Thanks to the advent of Wi-Fi, Sid can now have online friends in addition to the Thackery family. The Thackery’s have come up with creative solutions that allow Sid to go out in the world (the bowling bowl tote bag is ingenious). Madison is back in this tale and she gets involved with the mystery. I just love the interactions between Georgia, Sid and Madison along with their creative curse words. The mystery is complex with misdirection. Readers get clues as Georgia and Sid investigate the victim, suspects and the college. While The Skeleton Makes a Friend is the fifth A Family Skeleton Mystery, it can be read alone. Georgia and Sid’s backstory is provided so new readers will not be lost. I thought The Skeleton Makes a Friend was well-written and plotted with developed characters. The story has smooth transitions and moves along at a brisk pace. I especially appreciate that there are no loose ends at the end of the story except where Georgia will work in the fall. The Skeleton Makes a Friend is a light and lively tale that will tickle your funny bone.
The Skeleton Makes a Friend is a humorous cozy mystery with delightful characters. Sid is one of those characters that you cannot help but love. He is a skeleton with a quirky personality and a zest for life. He has been Georgia’s best friend since she was a little girl (he saved her life at a carnival). Thanks to the advent of Wi-Fi, Sid can now have online friends in addition to the Thackery family. The Thackery’s have come up with creative solutions that allow Sid to go out in the world (the bowling bowl tote bag is ingenious). Madison is back in this tale and she gets involved with the mystery. I just love the interactions between Georgia, Sid and Madison along with their creative curse words. The mystery is complex with misdirection. Readers get clues as Georgia and Sid investigate the victim, suspects and the college. While The Skeleton Makes a Friend is the fifth A Family Skeleton Mystery, it can be read alone. Georgia and Sid’s backstory is provided so new readers will not be lost. I thought The Skeleton Makes a Friend was well-written and plotted with developed characters. The story has smooth transitions and moves along at a brisk pace. I especially appreciate that there are no loose ends at the end of the story except where Georgia will work in the fall. The Skeleton Makes a Friend is a light and lively tale that will tickle your funny bone.
littletaiko's review
5.0
I generally don't give five star ratings to cozy mysteries for some reason but his time I really couldn't find a reason not to. I loved everything about this fifth installment featuring adjunct professor Georgia, her teenager daughter Madison, Akita named Byron, and the star of the books, Sid the skeleton. I love the family dynamics, the humor, the mysteries, and the way the author keeps it fresh. Plus, I really would love to have a Sid in my life.
raeanne's review
5.0
I received this book for free from Great Escape Tours in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Oh, thank fuck it's Friday! Not only because ugh, work but I've got a sweet new review and giveaway for ya'll. Skeleton Makes a Friend is a cozy mystery told from the POV of a single working adjust mom, who takes care of her middle grade daughter and...an animated skeleton friend.
Everything else is perfectly normal contemporary setting. There's cell phones, MMORPG playing, and card tournaments at the local game shop and all that current jazz. But there's Sid the Skeleton. Able to assemble and disassemble himself, pick locks, make expressions, and can use his skull and hands as individual pieces!
It sounds weird. But it works and it doesn't feel weird.
Skeleton Makes a Friend is the fifth book in Family Skeleton Mystery series. I haven't read any of the other books, but you better believe I'll be going back to do so now!
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This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon
Everything else is perfectly normal contemporary setting. There's cell phones, MMORPG playing, and card tournaments at the local game shop and all that current jazz. But there's Sid the Skeleton. Able to assemble and disassemble himself, pick locks, make expressions, and can use his skull and hands as individual pieces!
It sounds weird. But it works and it doesn't feel weird.
About Skeleton Makes a Friend
About The Author:
Skeleton Makes A Friend Excerpt:
Sid unzipped the rest of the way, pulled himself out of the suitcase and back together, and tried
to turn the knob. “It’s locked.”
“Can you open it?”
“Easy peasy,” he said, pulling a set of lock picks from inside the suitcase. My locksmith sister
Deborah probably hadn’t realized that teaching my daughter Madison how to pick locks was
tantamount to teaching Sid. Madison had shared everything she’d learned with him, and he’d
promptly ordered his own picks online. “You really should learn to do this, Georgia. It’s not that
hard.”
Despite his assurance, it seemed to take an awful long time to get the door open. Or maybe it
just seemed like a long time because I kept looking down the stairs, worried that somebody
would hear us and come to see what was going on.
Finally there was a loud click, and Sid said, “Nailed it!” He opened the door, and cold air
streamed out.
“Brr!” I said. “Wouldn’t you know that a department with everybody on vacation would be the
one with overachieving air conditioners?” The window unit in my classroom had gone out
twice. “Not to mention the waste of electricity.”
“You can complain about it later,” Sid said. “Come on.”
I followed him into the human resources department, pulling the empty suitcase along.
There were four more closed doors: three offices labeled with names and one marked File
Room.
“Here we go,” Sid said, using his picks on one of the office doors.
This lock was easier to deal with, which was a relief, but unfortunately, the smell seemed to be
coming from that office. “I’m going in.”
“Remember what I said. Get in, look around fast, get out.”
“Got it.” He stepped inside.
Between the cold, the horrid stink, and the fear of being caught, I was hoping that Sid would be
swift, but I was surprised when he came out in under two minutes. “That was fast. Did you find
something?”
“Don’t go in there.”
“I wasn’t going to—”
Then I looked at him.
He shouldn’t have been able to look like anything but bone-colored, but somehow he seemed
paler than usual, and his bones were so loose he was nearly falling apart. “What’s wrong?”
“He’s in there. At least I think it’s him.”
“Did he see you?” I said stupidly.
He slowly shook his skull, and only then did I realize what it was we’d been smelling.
IMHO: Skeleton Makes a Friend
Skeleton Makes a Friend is the fifth book in Family Skeleton Mystery series. I haven't read any of the other books, but you better believe I'll be going back to do so now!
An easy five star read.
- Fun & funny. Actually laughed and guffawed and awed.
- LOVE Georgia's parenting, & her and Madison's relationship
- LOVE how Georgia's job isn't upper class monetarily or privileged. Not only does the nomadic nature make all the cases more interesting and diverse, but the uncertainly is very relatable for adults, especially single moms.
- It's current, but not in a cheesy try hard way. But in a way that authentically fits Georgia and shouldn't cause any vicarious embarrassment.
- Georgia and Sid make a great investigative team. They have an unusual relationship for sure, that's sweet and adorkable.
- There aren't any remarkably stupid or outlandish antics that stretch my willingness to believe or irritate me. Georgia is prudent and responsible, taking only calculated important risks.
- Handles rape and #MeToo VERY well. And ya'll know how strict I am on that kind of stuff.
- Did not know what would happen next at all, kept me reading and guessing all the way through.
- As someone who knows the value of internet friends and relationships, I really love and appreciate how that's handled as well. Cozy mysteries tend to run older than other genres which doesn't always lend itself well to such issues.
- Geek love & pride! (And Georgia gets her old Mom jokes in too lol)
- No problems reading it out of order, if you haven't read the rest like me.
Giveaway:
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This review was originally posted on The Layaway Dragon
annieb123's review
5.0
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Skeleton Makes a Friend is the 5th book in the Family Skeleton series by Leigh Perry. It's due out 6th Nov, 2018 from Diversion Books and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
I'm a huge fan of paranormal cozies and this series just keeps getting better. There is a large chunk of necessary suspension of disbelief going in; the main character Georgia has a best friend who's a walking talking skeleton. That being said, there are so many things to love about this series, here are a few:
The protagonist is smart, funny, nerdy and capable but she's not superwoman. She's very down to earth and in some ways vulnerable. She's very much an everywoman character and easily related to (and darned likable). If she were real, I'm pretty sure we'd get along very well. Would love to grab ice cream with her sometime! :)
The dialogue and plotting are spot on. I've read all of the books in the series so far and I've yet to read one bit of honestly clunky or unfortunate dialogue. The author is prolific and experienced and it shows. I've long said that quality is important and writing 'light' mystery or fantasy (or romance) is no excuse for shoddy work. This is a solidly readable, writerly, thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
The author makes some wry and unflattering observations about academia in the USA and she does a good job of describing the system in a lot of places without being strident. It is what it is.
There are a lot of topical in-jokes and references, so I'm not sure how this series will read in 20 years, but they're here now and they're delightful. I recommend this series and this book in particular without any reservations.
This is a very light read. I think it would be fine as a standalone, but I can heartily recommend the other books in the series as well. The language wouldn't make anyone blush. (Incidentally, Georgia and Sid (the skeleton) use alternate anatomy related curse words 'coccyx', 'ossified', 'sacrum', etc etc. it's just another quirky bit of the series).
Four and a half stars. I can't imagine it being better, honestly. I'm looking forward to more from Sid and Georgia (and co.).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Skeleton Makes a Friend is the 5th book in the Family Skeleton series by Leigh Perry. It's due out 6th Nov, 2018 from Diversion Books and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.
I'm a huge fan of paranormal cozies and this series just keeps getting better. There is a large chunk of necessary suspension of disbelief going in; the main character Georgia has a best friend who's a walking talking skeleton. That being said, there are so many things to love about this series, here are a few:
The protagonist is smart, funny, nerdy and capable but she's not superwoman. She's very down to earth and in some ways vulnerable. She's very much an everywoman character and easily related to (and darned likable). If she were real, I'm pretty sure we'd get along very well. Would love to grab ice cream with her sometime! :)
The dialogue and plotting are spot on. I've read all of the books in the series so far and I've yet to read one bit of honestly clunky or unfortunate dialogue. The author is prolific and experienced and it shows. I've long said that quality is important and writing 'light' mystery or fantasy (or romance) is no excuse for shoddy work. This is a solidly readable, writerly, thoroughly enjoyable mystery.
The author makes some wry and unflattering observations about academia in the USA and she does a good job of describing the system in a lot of places without being strident. It is what it is.
There are a lot of topical in-jokes and references, so I'm not sure how this series will read in 20 years, but they're here now and they're delightful. I recommend this series and this book in particular without any reservations.
This is a very light read. I think it would be fine as a standalone, but I can heartily recommend the other books in the series as well. The language wouldn't make anyone blush. (Incidentally, Georgia and Sid (the skeleton) use alternate anatomy related curse words 'coccyx', 'ossified', 'sacrum', etc etc. it's just another quirky bit of the series).
Four and a half stars. I can't imagine it being better, honestly. I'm looking forward to more from Sid and Georgia (and co.).
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
peggyemi's review against another edition
4.0
I have to say, I was surprised at how quickly I took to this series. I set a goal this year to read series that have been on the TBR pile for too long. I had heard plenty of great things about this series, and I had bought the first book at a library book sale, so it went on the list. I have managed to make my way through all the books to the most recent release. This has honestly become one of my favorite series in the genre. To start, it has a clever premise. Something that might sound a bit silly, works so well because this author has created some memorable characters and has imbued Sid with some many wonderful human qualities that the reader forgets sometimes that he is a skeleton. Add in Georgia and her daughter Madison and you have a trio of characters that are well developed, highly likable and engage the reader in each story. Then the author surrounds them with a great cast of secondary characters- some permanent and some revolving just for that story.
The mystery is well crafted. It has a fast-pace and a terrific plot. The author drops plenty of clues in her quest to mislead the reader as to the identity of the culprit and kept me guessing until the end.
This series hits everything on my list that I look for in a cozy mystery series and I have to say I am grateful that this author found a new home for these characters and their stories. It would have been a loss to the genre for them not to continue.
The mystery is well crafted. It has a fast-pace and a terrific plot. The author drops plenty of clues in her quest to mislead the reader as to the identity of the culprit and kept me guessing until the end.
This series hits everything on my list that I look for in a cozy mystery series and I have to say I am grateful that this author found a new home for these characters and their stories. It would have been a loss to the genre for them not to continue.
mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
Can you imagine having a skeleton as a friend?
Don't be surprised, Sid is Georgia Thackery best friend, the only curios thing is that Sid is a skeleton, who talks and moves like a human, without the skin...!
So when Sid and Georgia discover a body at the college Georgia is working part time, and Georgia discovers that Sid knew him, they couldn't resist to investigate the murder, discovering some deep secrets at the college they are working!
This had been an interesting read, let me say I am not used to read books where one of the main characters is a skeleton that talks and moves, but lucky for Georgia, even if sometimes he is the one that puts her in danger, he is ready to save her in the moments of need.
This book talks about gaming platforms and the connection between the gamers, because these people play together and even if is not planned they know each other and start a friendship, without knowing each other names, they share a connection. This connection will be the start of this case, when they start investigating the victim, they discover it was part of Sid's gang online, this will make them more motivated to discover the truth about the murder, but the killer's motive is quite twisted and the killer is ready to kill again to cover the truth!
This is the fifth book of Family Skeleton Mystery series, in the beginning is a little bit weird the skeleton situation, but after a few pages you get it and the story gets more interesting!
Ready for a curious case?
Don't be surprised, Sid is Georgia Thackery best friend, the only curios thing is that Sid is a skeleton, who talks and moves like a human, without the skin...!
So when Sid and Georgia discover a body at the college Georgia is working part time, and Georgia discovers that Sid knew him, they couldn't resist to investigate the murder, discovering some deep secrets at the college they are working!
This had been an interesting read, let me say I am not used to read books where one of the main characters is a skeleton that talks and moves, but lucky for Georgia, even if sometimes he is the one that puts her in danger, he is ready to save her in the moments of need.
This book talks about gaming platforms and the connection between the gamers, because these people play together and even if is not planned they know each other and start a friendship, without knowing each other names, they share a connection. This connection will be the start of this case, when they start investigating the victim, they discover it was part of Sid's gang online, this will make them more motivated to discover the truth about the murder, but the killer's motive is quite twisted and the killer is ready to kill again to cover the truth!
This is the fifth book of Family Skeleton Mystery series, in the beginning is a little bit weird the skeleton situation, but after a few pages you get it and the story gets more interesting!
Ready for a curious case?
staticdisplay's review against another edition
5.0
fun read! nice, summery setting; interesting characters; the mystery was pretty good (although I put the pieces together slightly ahead of the characters); there's a blend of humor and empathy in the characters' interactions... I've enjoyed this series a lot.
fauxpunk's review against another edition
4.0
These books are just so comforting and silly I love them
sarahthereader's review against another edition
4.0
Book Five in the Family Skeleton series by Leigh Perry: The Skeleton Makes a Friend. Only one more book to go. Part of me wants to put it off but I just can’t. I love this series so much.