After 19 really solid, enjoyable books, this one tanked for me. It's still ok, hence my 3 stars, but comparatively speaking, nowhere near as good as the book that came before it.

Contributing to my general disappointment was the feeling that Haines just never got a handle on the plot. It's a really interesting one about Indian burial mounds, archeology and curses, but it never gelled and in fact went somewhat around the bend in terms of incredulity, character angst, and abuse of dues ex machina. The series has always had a light touch of the paranormal in Jitty, the ghost that haunts Sarah Booth, but the author charges past the lightly paranormal line, and blazes right into unbelievable miracles, and then she throws in some science fiction just to really stomp on any believability the plot may have had going for it.

I didn't hate it, and it's not generally bad; it's just not anywhere near as complex and interesting an instalment as previous books have been. Everyone gets a phone-it-in in a long running series, and it took Haines 20 books before she cashed hers in. I'm confident that should there be a 21, it will be back to the high standards of previous books.

I read this book for Halloween Bingo's New Release square. ( )

I wanted to give it 4 stars but it felt unnecessarily complicated. No one tells the truth, half the characters aren't who they say they are. I want Tinkie and Sarah Booth to move with more intention and less chasing chickens. Love the basic mystery though with its macabre haunted hill. The Bailey family members are haunted by their own bad choices. ( )

If you enjoy a Southern cozy complete with a dig site, ancient ghosts, murder and suspense, you'll flip over this book! The publisher's blurb is pretty good, but doesn't make it sound quite as interesting as I found it. The characters are very interesting and I had no trouble keeping up even though I haven't read any others in this series. I loved it but don't want to do a summary or spoilers. Just read it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from St Martin's Press. Thank you! ( )

hb