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Morgan Dane #3
Bones Don't Lie
Shocking evidence hits close to home for attorney Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger as Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s acclaimed series continues.
Private investigator Lance Kruger was just a boy when his father vanished twenty-three years ago. Since then he’s lived under the weight of that disappearance—until his father’s car is finally dredged up from the bottom of Grey Lake. It should be a time for closure, except for the skeleton found in the trunk. A missing person case gone cold has become one of murder, and Lance and attorney Morgan Dane must face the deadly past that’s risen to the surface.
For Lance, the investigation yields troubling questions about a man he thought he knew. But memories can play dirty tricks. For Morgan, uncovering each new lie comes with a disquieting fear that someone is out there watching, because someone is killing every witness tied to this decades-old crime. Morgan and Lance follow in the shadows of a relentless killer and walk right into the cross fire.
Private investigator Lance Kruger was just a boy when his father vanished twenty-three years ago. Since then he’s lived under the weight of that disappearance—until his father’s car is finally dredged up from the bottom of Grey Lake. It should be a time for closure, except for the skeleton found in the trunk. A missing person case gone cold has become one of murder, and Lance and attorney Morgan Dane must face the deadly past that’s risen to the surface.
For Lance, the investigation yields troubling questions about a man he thought he knew. But memories can play dirty tricks. For Morgan, uncovering each new lie comes with a disquieting fear that someone is out there watching, because someone is killing every witness tied to this decades-old crime. Morgan and Lance follow in the shadows of a relentless killer and walk right into the cross fire.
341 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2018
About the author
Melinda Leigh
42 books21.2k followers#1 Wall Street Journal and #1 Amazon bestselling author Melinda Leigh is a fully recovered banker who learned that writing books is way more fun than analyzing financial statements. Melinda’s debut novel, SHE CAN RUN, was nominated for Best First Novel by the International Thriller Writers. Since then, she has garnered numerous writing accolades, including two RITA® Award nominations and an induction into the NJ Romance Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have sold more than 15 million copies across the world. Melinda loves martial arts, rescue dogs, and sea turtles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,255 reviews
March 12, 2018
Bones Don’t Lie by Melinda Leigh is the third installment of the Morgan Dane series. The series is probably best classified as romantic suspense as the main characters are slowly forming a romantic connection but the books focus way more on the thrills and suspense and are not full of the steamy moments known in that genre but a cleaner read.
Each book in the series has featured a new case for the main characters to become involved in investigating so it would be possible to understand on their own. However the series is best enjoyed from the beginning to get the full character building the author has done as events between them do carry over from book to book.
In Bones Don’t Lie a car has been pulled from a lake that is found to have belonged to Lance Kruger’s father who had disappeared from his life more than two decades before leaving him to begin caring for his mother as a boy. It’s immediately thought that the bones within the vehicle would belong to the missing man but instead end up belonging to a female victim.
Morgan knows that this case is hitting Lance very hard but after two decades of not knowing he wants nothing more than answers from himself and his angoraphobic mother who were devastated at his father’s disappearance. But not only do the pair need to find answers to this decades old case Morgan seems to have gained a stalker when some things begin occurring to her.
I have been following the Morgan Dane series from the beginning and still absolutely love every book so far in this series. Morgan and Lance make such a great combination with Morgan’s law experience and Lance being a P.I. and I love that their relationship continues to grow with each book.
To go along with a great, strong lead couple in this series is always a pretty good investigation to follow along and try to solve. There’s just the right amount of questioning suspects, following clues and forensics to give it a realistic feel with some great twists and turns along the way. So with another great addition to the series I’d still recommend checking these out to any fans of this genre.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Each book in the series has featured a new case for the main characters to become involved in investigating so it would be possible to understand on their own. However the series is best enjoyed from the beginning to get the full character building the author has done as events between them do carry over from book to book.
In Bones Don’t Lie a car has been pulled from a lake that is found to have belonged to Lance Kruger’s father who had disappeared from his life more than two decades before leaving him to begin caring for his mother as a boy. It’s immediately thought that the bones within the vehicle would belong to the missing man but instead end up belonging to a female victim.
Morgan knows that this case is hitting Lance very hard but after two decades of not knowing he wants nothing more than answers from himself and his angoraphobic mother who were devastated at his father’s disappearance. But not only do the pair need to find answers to this decades old case Morgan seems to have gained a stalker when some things begin occurring to her.
I have been following the Morgan Dane series from the beginning and still absolutely love every book so far in this series. Morgan and Lance make such a great combination with Morgan’s law experience and Lance being a P.I. and I love that their relationship continues to grow with each book.
To go along with a great, strong lead couple in this series is always a pretty good investigation to follow along and try to solve. There’s just the right amount of questioning suspects, following clues and forensics to give it a realistic feel with some great twists and turns along the way. So with another great addition to the series I’d still recommend checking these out to any fans of this genre.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 29, 2020
It’s been 23 years since Private Investigator Lance Kruger’s father, Victor, inexplicably disappeared. Rumors swirled over the years about what may have happened, from running away to escape his issues at home to things more ominous. It’s been a mystery that’s troubled Lance throughout his life as he was only a boy when his father left. Now, his car was located at the bottom of nearby Grey Lake with remains in the trunk. Lance’s worst fear seems to have come to fruition as he and fellow Private Investigator Lincoln Sharp, who was the police detective assigned to Victor’s case at the time, search for answers.
We finally get the resolution to Victor Kruger’s disappearance, which has hovered in the background since Lance was introduced to the Scarlet Falls series and featured here in this one. It didn’t disappoint and lived up to my expectations, actually surpassing them. There are a host of suspects served up, all viable and not gratuitous red herrings. But nothing prepared me for the outcome, which was a delicious twist.
This was an exciting story worthy of the gradual lead up over the last several books. I opted to listen to this series, one of my better decisions as Cris Dukeheart has developed into a great storyteller and keeps the tension high. I got hooked at the prologue and never let go. It’s an excellent story with the most thrilling climax. Be prepared to be surprised.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
We finally get the resolution to Victor Kruger’s disappearance, which has hovered in the background since Lance was introduced to the Scarlet Falls series and featured here in this one. It didn’t disappoint and lived up to my expectations, actually surpassing them. There are a host of suspects served up, all viable and not gratuitous red herrings. But nothing prepared me for the outcome, which was a delicious twist.
This was an exciting story worthy of the gradual lead up over the last several books. I opted to listen to this series, one of my better decisions as Cris Dukeheart has developed into a great storyteller and keeps the tension high. I got hooked at the prologue and never let go. It’s an excellent story with the most thrilling climax. Be prepared to be surprised.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
February 9, 2018
Check out all of my reviews at: http://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
BONES DON’T LIE (Morgan Dane #3) by Melinda Leigh is another thrilling addition to this series!
One mystery that has influenced Lance Kruger’s life for the past twenty-three years was the disappearance of his father, Victor Kruger when he was just a boy. His mother’s mental instability completely collapsed and he took on more responsibility than any child should.
Lincoln Sharp, Lance’s current partner in their P.I. firm has always carried the burden of the unsolved case from his years as the detective assigned the case. He took the fatherless Lance under his wing and helped with his mother. Sharp is called to the scene of a car being pulled from the bottom of Grey Lake. It is identified as belonging to Lance’s father. They do not find Vic, but they do find a female skeleton locked in the trunk.
For Lance, this development causes more questions than answers and also has Lance questioning if his memory of his father is accurate. As Sharp, Lance and Morgan all work to find the truth of what happened all those years ago, some witnesses are being caught in lies and others are being killed for the information they have. To add to the suspense, Morgan is also receiving threats from an unknown source.
Ms. Leigh keeps making this series a must read for me. The plotting is fast paced and the dialogue is realistic. The warmth and love between all of the characters makes you want to keep returning to check up on them. The emotional growth and love between Morgan and Lance is wonderfully satisfying and heart-warming. I was completely surprised by the killer, which makes this book even more fun for me. I am looking forward to many more books in this series to come.
Thanks very much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
BONES DON’T LIE (Morgan Dane #3) by Melinda Leigh is another thrilling addition to this series!
One mystery that has influenced Lance Kruger’s life for the past twenty-three years was the disappearance of his father, Victor Kruger when he was just a boy. His mother’s mental instability completely collapsed and he took on more responsibility than any child should.
Lincoln Sharp, Lance’s current partner in their P.I. firm has always carried the burden of the unsolved case from his years as the detective assigned the case. He took the fatherless Lance under his wing and helped with his mother. Sharp is called to the scene of a car being pulled from the bottom of Grey Lake. It is identified as belonging to Lance’s father. They do not find Vic, but they do find a female skeleton locked in the trunk.
For Lance, this development causes more questions than answers and also has Lance questioning if his memory of his father is accurate. As Sharp, Lance and Morgan all work to find the truth of what happened all those years ago, some witnesses are being caught in lies and others are being killed for the information they have. To add to the suspense, Morgan is also receiving threats from an unknown source.
Ms. Leigh keeps making this series a must read for me. The plotting is fast paced and the dialogue is realistic. The warmth and love between all of the characters makes you want to keep returning to check up on them. The emotional growth and love between Morgan and Lance is wonderfully satisfying and heart-warming. I was completely surprised by the killer, which makes this book even more fun for me. I am looking forward to many more books in this series to come.
Thanks very much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2018
Don’t mistake Bones Don’t Lie for a romantic suspense cozy despite the loving families, the sweet romance and the stalwart friends. This is a hard-hitting heart-breaking thriller with plenty of terrifying moments.
Morgan Dane has returned to Scarlet Falls after being widowed two years ago. She has returned with her three young daughters to live with her father. After a career as a prosecutor who has joined the dark side as defense attorney, taking an office in the private investigation firm belonging to Lincoln Sharp and her new lover Lance Kruger.
Sharp has been a father figure and a mentor to Lance Kruger ever since his father went out to the store and never returned twenty three years ago. Sharp was also the lead police investigator on the case. This was his bête noire case, but he has never given up hoping to solve it; or on his guidance of Lance nor his friendship with Lance’s damaged mother.
Lance’s father’s car is pulled from a local lake, and it looks like a long-standing mystery might be solved. Instead the mystery is just beginning, putting all that Lance and Lincoln have believed, and the lives of witnesses and loved ones in jeopardy.
Morgan is determined to help Lance and Lincoln despite being stalked once again.
Leigh presents the reader with a terrifying and surprising end. You “are a better (wo)man than I am, Gunga Din” if you can figure out the killer.
I say this is a thriller, not a cozy, but I do want to sink myself in the lovely Dane family, I want to hang with Lance and Lincoln. I’d even drink one of Lincoln’s green concoctions.
Leigh does a lovely job with her characters.It always great to see returning characters from the other Scarlet Falls/Morgan Dane books. Leigh treats most of her characters with sensitivity and gentleness. Have a hankie ready when Morgan and her daughters visit her late husband's grave on his birthday.
Leigh writes her criminals and miscreants fully developed too, but with their sins at the forefront. I will admit to finding Kruger’s re-examination of his relationship with Morgan and her daughters to be disturbing and sad; especially when he finds himself coming up short.
An enjoyable addition to the Morgan Dane series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
.
Morgan Dane has returned to Scarlet Falls after being widowed two years ago. She has returned with her three young daughters to live with her father. After a career as a prosecutor who has joined the dark side as defense attorney, taking an office in the private investigation firm belonging to Lincoln Sharp and her new lover Lance Kruger.
Sharp has been a father figure and a mentor to Lance Kruger ever since his father went out to the store and never returned twenty three years ago. Sharp was also the lead police investigator on the case. This was his bête noire case, but he has never given up hoping to solve it; or on his guidance of Lance nor his friendship with Lance’s damaged mother.
Lance’s father’s car is pulled from a local lake, and it looks like a long-standing mystery might be solved. Instead the mystery is just beginning, putting all that Lance and Lincoln have believed, and the lives of witnesses and loved ones in jeopardy.
Morgan is determined to help Lance and Lincoln despite being stalked once again.
Leigh presents the reader with a terrifying and surprising end. You “are a better (wo)man than I am, Gunga Din” if you can figure out the killer.
I say this is a thriller, not a cozy, but I do want to sink myself in the lovely Dane family, I want to hang with Lance and Lincoln. I’d even drink one of Lincoln’s green concoctions.
Leigh does a lovely job with her characters.It always great to see returning characters from the other Scarlet Falls/Morgan Dane books. Leigh treats most of her characters with sensitivity and gentleness. Have a hankie ready when Morgan and her daughters visit her late husband's grave on his birthday.
Leigh writes her criminals and miscreants fully developed too, but with their sins at the forefront. I will admit to finding Kruger’s re-examination of his relationship with Morgan and her daughters to be disturbing and sad; especially when he finds himself coming up short.
An enjoyable addition to the Morgan Dane series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.
.
October 7, 2022
A twenty-three year old murder newly discovered. A woman being stalked. A son determined to find out what happened to his father. And a murderer intent on keeping his secrets hidden…even if it means committing more murders.
Twenty-three years after Lance Kruger’s father Vic disappeared, a breakthrough occurs when his old sedan is pulled from Grey Lake. Never believing that Vic would choose to run to the grocery store and simply vanish, the discovery should provide closure for Lance and his mother, Jenny. However, the skeleton in the trunk transforms a missing person’s case to one of murder. Determined to learn what happened to his father, the private investigator decides to examine what took place that fateful night in 1994 with the help of his partners, Morgan Dane and Lincoln Sharp. But as the threesome get closer to answers, witnesses to what occurred over two decades ago begin to die. How many people will the murderer kill in order to bury his secrets? And will Lance, Morgan, or Sharp be among them?
In the third installment of the Morgan Dane series, Bones Don’t Lie, Melinda Leigh has crafted yet another fast-paced consistently suspenseful story that digs deeper into who each of the main characters (Lance, Morgan, Sharp, and Jenny) are and how the past has molded them into the people they’ve become. The many twists and turns in the plot kept me reading this book, but it was the increasing depth of all of the characters that grew over the past three books that kept me hooked. It demonstrates how well Leigh knows the human experience, from grief and depression to the profoundness of love. The dialogue is authentic and helps to further the story, but what I loved the most about this volume was that I absolutely did not guess who the murderer was. I usually pick up on enough clues in Leigh’s books to get an inkling of who the killer is, but this one provided not only a shocking twist, but one that was well-developed and worked perfectly in the story. This is easily my favorite book by Melinda Leigh so far, which is saying something, and I highly recommend it. Rating of 5 stars.
Twenty-three years after Lance Kruger’s father Vic disappeared, a breakthrough occurs when his old sedan is pulled from Grey Lake. Never believing that Vic would choose to run to the grocery store and simply vanish, the discovery should provide closure for Lance and his mother, Jenny. However, the skeleton in the trunk transforms a missing person’s case to one of murder. Determined to learn what happened to his father, the private investigator decides to examine what took place that fateful night in 1994 with the help of his partners, Morgan Dane and Lincoln Sharp. But as the threesome get closer to answers, witnesses to what occurred over two decades ago begin to die. How many people will the murderer kill in order to bury his secrets? And will Lance, Morgan, or Sharp be among them?
In the third installment of the Morgan Dane series, Bones Don’t Lie, Melinda Leigh has crafted yet another fast-paced consistently suspenseful story that digs deeper into who each of the main characters (Lance, Morgan, Sharp, and Jenny) are and how the past has molded them into the people they’ve become. The many twists and turns in the plot kept me reading this book, but it was the increasing depth of all of the characters that grew over the past three books that kept me hooked. It demonstrates how well Leigh knows the human experience, from grief and depression to the profoundness of love. The dialogue is authentic and helps to further the story, but what I loved the most about this volume was that I absolutely did not guess who the murderer was. I usually pick up on enough clues in Leigh’s books to get an inkling of who the killer is, but this one provided not only a shocking twist, but one that was well-developed and worked perfectly in the story. This is easily my favorite book by Melinda Leigh so far, which is saying something, and I highly recommend it. Rating of 5 stars.
March 12, 2018
Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) provided by the Author and Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an fair and honest review.
The Morgan Dane Series is one of those rare breeds that delivers a fantastic mystery plot while growing a sweet romantic relationship. Sorry, you romance fans, this one is strictly PG, but the mystery more than makes up for the missing hot romance.
Lance Kruger has spent the last 23 years wondering what happened to his father, Vic Kruger. Lance's friend and partner, Sharp, has lived with this case for that long too, first as the Detective on the case and then as a PI. After Vic's disappearance, Sharp looked out for Lance and his mother but couldn't provide the one thing they needed most - closure. Now Vic's car has been recovered, but the skeleton found in the car submerged in Gray Lake isn't Vic. Instead of a missing person's case, now it's a murder case.
With each new piece of evidence or witness it becomes clear that someone is tying up the loose ends, permanently. Time is running out and Lance and Morgan are faced with nothing but lies and deceptions as a murderer methodically covers his tracks.
The Morgan Dane Series is one of those rare breeds that delivers a fantastic mystery plot while growing a sweet romantic relationship. Sorry, you romance fans, this one is strictly PG, but the mystery more than makes up for the missing hot romance.
Lance Kruger has spent the last 23 years wondering what happened to his father, Vic Kruger. Lance's friend and partner, Sharp, has lived with this case for that long too, first as the Detective on the case and then as a PI. After Vic's disappearance, Sharp looked out for Lance and his mother but couldn't provide the one thing they needed most - closure. Now Vic's car has been recovered, but the skeleton found in the car submerged in Gray Lake isn't Vic. Instead of a missing person's case, now it's a murder case.
With each new piece of evidence or witness it becomes clear that someone is tying up the loose ends, permanently. Time is running out and Lance and Morgan are faced with nothing but lies and deceptions as a murderer methodically covers his tracks.
June 11, 2019
What can I say...I just love Lance Kruger and Morgan Dane. They are my favorite PI team as of the first book in the series. They are like family now 😉 and I am not sure what will happen when I get to the last book in the series 😭. If you’re looking for some suspense/mystery read/audiobook I highly recommend Morgan Dane Series ! Now I am off to listening to the next book “What I’ve Done” 🎧
October 18, 2022
مثل دو کتاب قبل سرگرمکننده بود و ترجمه هم با وجود تحتاللفظی بودن قابلقبول و روانه.
September 1, 2018
4.5 Stars!
Bones Don't Lie was an exciting and fast-paced read with amazing characters and a plot that will keep you guessing from start to finish.
For twenty-three years, Lance Kruger has lived with the consequences of his father's disappearance. When his father's car is pulled from the bottom of Grey Lake it should be what finally leads to closure after all these years except for the fact a skeleton is found in the trunk. Now a missing person's case is a murder investigation forcing Lance to question everything he thought he knew about his father. When Lance and attorney Morgan Dane begin investigating the case, it becomes clear someone is willing to do anything to keep these secrets buried as every witness begins turning up dead. As Lance and Morgan dig deeper into the case, they will soon find themselves targeted by a killer.
Morgan has to deal with a new prosecutor who takes an immediate dislike to her when she refuses to be bullied by him. Also, someone Morgan previously put away in Her Last Goodbye receives parole and she is understandably worried about her family considering the man vowed retribution. She continues to be able to handle herself and gets a bit exasperated when Lance tries to step in to help her.
Lance takes more of a central role in this book as the case is about his father. He struggles with telling his mother about the new development in the case, worried about how she will react. When she reacts better than he expected, he has a hard time accepting her response and continues to worry. Lance never stops to think about how the case is affecting him and he tends to isolate himself as he doesn't want to be a burden. Until Morgan pushes him, he tries to deal with everything alone and he particularly has a hard time leaning on Morgan.
A number of side characters from the previous books returned. Morgan's family isn't given as much of a central role in Bones Don't Lie as this book was more so tied to Lance, but they do still make several appearances. Sharp, Lance's boss in the PI firm, returns again to help out with the case and he's more involved than previous books as he was the one who originally investigated Lance's father's disappearance. Lance's mother returns although she understandably doesn't help with the case this time around. Sheriff King from book two, Her Last Goodbye, returns as he's in charge of looking into the skeleton found in the trunk of the car. He butts heads with Lance, Morgan and Sharp again as he dislikes what he sees as them interfering in the investigation.
The investigation into the skeleton found in the trunk of Lance's father's car was quite interesting and went in several directions I didn't expect it to. Lance definitely struggled with the investigation as he's tied so closely to it and Sharp and Morgan had to reign him in several times. I was ultimately very surprised by who the killer was as it was someone I never would have expected. Also the ending of this book was fantastic and full of tension with some action-packed scenes.
Bones Don't Lie has been my favorite book in the Morgan Dane series thus far and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series releasing later this year. I would highly recommend this series for fans of romantic suspense with more of an emphasis on the thriller aspect.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Bones Don't Lie was an exciting and fast-paced read with amazing characters and a plot that will keep you guessing from start to finish.
For twenty-three years, Lance Kruger has lived with the consequences of his father's disappearance. When his father's car is pulled from the bottom of Grey Lake it should be what finally leads to closure after all these years except for the fact a skeleton is found in the trunk. Now a missing person's case is a murder investigation forcing Lance to question everything he thought he knew about his father. When Lance and attorney Morgan Dane begin investigating the case, it becomes clear someone is willing to do anything to keep these secrets buried as every witness begins turning up dead. As Lance and Morgan dig deeper into the case, they will soon find themselves targeted by a killer.
Morgan has to deal with a new prosecutor who takes an immediate dislike to her when she refuses to be bullied by him. Also, someone Morgan previously put away in Her Last Goodbye receives parole and she is understandably worried about her family considering the man vowed retribution. She continues to be able to handle herself and gets a bit exasperated when Lance tries to step in to help her.
Lance takes more of a central role in this book as the case is about his father. He struggles with telling his mother about the new development in the case, worried about how she will react. When she reacts better than he expected, he has a hard time accepting her response and continues to worry. Lance never stops to think about how the case is affecting him and he tends to isolate himself as he doesn't want to be a burden. Until Morgan pushes him, he tries to deal with everything alone and he particularly has a hard time leaning on Morgan.
A number of side characters from the previous books returned. Morgan's family isn't given as much of a central role in Bones Don't Lie as this book was more so tied to Lance, but they do still make several appearances. Sharp, Lance's boss in the PI firm, returns again to help out with the case and he's more involved than previous books as he was the one who originally investigated Lance's father's disappearance. Lance's mother returns although she understandably doesn't help with the case this time around. Sheriff King from book two, Her Last Goodbye, returns as he's in charge of looking into the skeleton found in the trunk of the car. He butts heads with Lance, Morgan and Sharp again as he dislikes what he sees as them interfering in the investigation.
The investigation into the skeleton found in the trunk of Lance's father's car was quite interesting and went in several directions I didn't expect it to. Lance definitely struggled with the investigation as he's tied so closely to it and Sharp and Morgan had to reign him in several times. I was ultimately very surprised by who the killer was as it was someone I never would have expected. Also the ending of this book was fantastic and full of tension with some action-packed scenes.
Bones Don't Lie has been my favorite book in the Morgan Dane series thus far and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series releasing later this year. I would highly recommend this series for fans of romantic suspense with more of an emphasis on the thriller aspect.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
March 17, 2018
Well thank the heavens. This book actually satisfied my reading palette. It wasn’t as predictable as I expected it to be. Though I figured it out, I didn’t right away. Kudos. I like Morgan and Lance and look forward to more of their adventures. Though I miss Mack’s brother. I loved him the best. This isn’t a sexy times book and honestly I don’t mind one bit. Give me plot and adventure over smut any day. Though smut done well with an excellent plot is good at any time.
December 27, 2021
We finally get resolution with Lance's missing father. Have to say the reveal was a shocker. Solid book in the series. And I found myself holding my breath a few times while reading.
"Bones Don't Lie" follows Lance and Morgan after Lance is contacted when the sheriff finds his father's car in a river. Bones are found in the trunk of the car. But when DNA comes back to reveal the bones belong to a young woman who went missing around the same time, the question remains where is Lance's father, and did he have something to do with this. With people who knew Lance's dad and the young woman end up murdered, the question remains who is doing this and why.
I love reading about how well Lance and Morgan work together. This book was a lot. You had to deal with Lance closing himself off and his real fear that he didn't know his father. When someone close to him ends up hurt, Lance worries that whoever is behind his father's disappearance my not be done yet.
I don't want to get into the case too much, but there are a few times I did laugh. Favorite scene was the fed up wife and her gun. And of course when Morgan and Lance realize that something is wrong and have to go running for their lives. Great conclusion to Lance's missing father I thought.
"Bones Don't Lie" follows Lance and Morgan after Lance is contacted when the sheriff finds his father's car in a river. Bones are found in the trunk of the car. But when DNA comes back to reveal the bones belong to a young woman who went missing around the same time, the question remains where is Lance's father, and did he have something to do with this. With people who knew Lance's dad and the young woman end up murdered, the question remains who is doing this and why.
I love reading about how well Lance and Morgan work together. This book was a lot. You had to deal with Lance closing himself off and his real fear that he didn't know his father. When someone close to him ends up hurt, Lance worries that whoever is behind his father's disappearance my not be done yet.
I don't want to get into the case too much, but there are a few times I did laugh. Favorite scene was the fed up wife and her gun. And of course when Morgan and Lance realize that something is wrong and have to go running for their lives. Great conclusion to Lance's missing father I thought.
March 16, 2018
Wow. I love this series!
Lance Kruger has been haunted by the disappearance of his father 23 years ago when he was only 10. His mom has mental health issues and he’s been protecting and taking care of her since then. Lance is such a solid guy. He’s a hottie, physically fit, reliable, loyal, caring, big hearted, sincere, yet also has a slight touch of the alpha protective male.
Lincoln Sharp, Lance’s current partner in a PI firm, was the cop on the case. He was relentless looking for Lance’s dad. He recognized that Jenny, Lance’s mom, had issues and he took Lance under his wing. Lincoln’s organic outlook and insistence on protein shakes and bars and total disgust of sugar and unhealthy eating had me laughing a couple times.
Lance’s dad’s car is discovered at the bottom of the lake with bones in the trunk. They have the first break in the case. Lincoln, Lance and Morgan jump right in re-investigating the case, going over everything again with a fine tooth comb.
I kind of thought I knew who the murderer was from the beginning based on a few things said. I was right. Still Ms. Leigh takes us on quite the adventure ride to get all the answers.
I just love Morgan and Lance as a couple. Morgan has had her share of heartache. Lance isn’t sure he’s the right person for her. When Lance tries to leave Morgan out of his turmoil and chaos, she digs her heels in. There’s not much romance in this story but the relationship evolving and growing is engrossing. Heartfelt conversations, realistic expectations, the importance of just being there emotionally and physically in person, for each other and the balancing act that requires. Sigh.
I love all the members of Morgan’s family, Lance and his mom, Lincoln. Just a great group of people. I’m always sad when I finish the book and start anticipating the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
Lance Kruger has been haunted by the disappearance of his father 23 years ago when he was only 10. His mom has mental health issues and he’s been protecting and taking care of her since then. Lance is such a solid guy. He’s a hottie, physically fit, reliable, loyal, caring, big hearted, sincere, yet also has a slight touch of the alpha protective male.
Lincoln Sharp, Lance’s current partner in a PI firm, was the cop on the case. He was relentless looking for Lance’s dad. He recognized that Jenny, Lance’s mom, had issues and he took Lance under his wing. Lincoln’s organic outlook and insistence on protein shakes and bars and total disgust of sugar and unhealthy eating had me laughing a couple times.
Lance’s dad’s car is discovered at the bottom of the lake with bones in the trunk. They have the first break in the case. Lincoln, Lance and Morgan jump right in re-investigating the case, going over everything again with a fine tooth comb.
I kind of thought I knew who the murderer was from the beginning based on a few things said. I was right. Still Ms. Leigh takes us on quite the adventure ride to get all the answers.
I just love Morgan and Lance as a couple. Morgan has had her share of heartache. Lance isn’t sure he’s the right person for her. When Lance tries to leave Morgan out of his turmoil and chaos, she digs her heels in. There’s not much romance in this story but the relationship evolving and growing is engrossing. Heartfelt conversations, realistic expectations, the importance of just being there emotionally and physically in person, for each other and the balancing act that requires. Sigh.
I love all the members of Morgan’s family, Lance and his mom, Lincoln. Just a great group of people. I’m always sad when I finish the book and start anticipating the next one!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
December 17, 2020
Twenty-three years ago, Lance Kruger's father went out for milk and never returned. The police investigated the disappearance but never found him. Now his father's car has been pulled out of Grey Lake; the skeleton of a woman found in the trunk. Private Investigator Lance Kruger along with Attorney Morgan Dane, probe into the past to find out what exactly happened to Lance's father and whose body was in the trunk.
The third book in the Morgan Dane series was hard to put down. Since the first book in the series, we've been wondering what happened to Vic Kruger. Was he murdered? Did he walk away from his wife and son to start a new life? This story did not disappoint. I never would have guessed the identity of the victim in the trunk or who killed her. I highly recommend this book. My rating: 5 Stars.
The third book in the Morgan Dane series was hard to put down. Since the first book in the series, we've been wondering what happened to Vic Kruger. Was he murdered? Did he walk away from his wife and son to start a new life? This story did not disappoint. I never would have guessed the identity of the victim in the trunk or who killed her. I highly recommend this book. My rating: 5 Stars.
April 14, 2018
"Bones Don't Lie" is book 3 in the Morgan Dane series by Melinda Leigh. Twenty-three years ago when Lance Kruger was ten years old, his father Victor Kruger went missing, and there were no clues why. Until a car was brought out of a local lake belonging to Victor Kruger that trigger events that affected, Lance Kruger, Morgan Dane, Lincoln Sharp and Jennifer Kruger lives forever. The readers of "Bones Don't Lie" will follow the twist and turns in Lance, Morgan and Lincoln investigation.
I enjoyed reading Bones Don't Lie. I am so pleased that I found this series. I loved the characters Morgan Dane, Lance Kruger and Lincoln Sharp and the way they intertwine with each other. "Bones Don't Lie" is well written and researched by Melinda Leigh. I like that Melinda Leigh ensures that I am engaged and have closure with her plot of "Bones Don't Lie".
The readers of "Bones Don't Lie" will learn about how it affects people when you do not know what happens to love ones. Also, "Bones Don't Lie" will highlight for readers that you can balance work and family as a single mum.
I recommend this book.
I enjoyed reading Bones Don't Lie. I am so pleased that I found this series. I loved the characters Morgan Dane, Lance Kruger and Lincoln Sharp and the way they intertwine with each other. "Bones Don't Lie" is well written and researched by Melinda Leigh. I like that Melinda Leigh ensures that I am engaged and have closure with her plot of "Bones Don't Lie".
The readers of "Bones Don't Lie" will learn about how it affects people when you do not know what happens to love ones. Also, "Bones Don't Lie" will highlight for readers that you can balance work and family as a single mum.
I recommend this book.
August 21, 2018
Whew boy! Bones Don't Lie was one heck of a read as Lance's past is brought front and center with the discovery of a vehicle that's been sitting in a lake for 20 years.
The Gist: Lance's father disappeared decades earlier without a trace. Until now. His vehicle has been found in a lake and holds even more questions than answers. And might very well put Morgan and Lance in danger.
I continue to enjoy Morgan and Lance. They just fit as a couple. It was nice seeing things advance a little more with this edition. Seeing him with her daughters. With everyone getting closer and dealing with issues. It was just...nice. They're good people, too. Work well together on and off the job. Have nice chemistry.
The mystery was...something. So many elements. So many deaths. Some nice twists and dramas. I didn't figure it all out and was a bit surprised in the end. Got my hands sweating a couple times, too.
The narration was really good. I've settled in to Dukehart and really am enjoying her narration. Flow, pacing, characters. She does a great job (I still don't like the kids voices, though lol but that's probably just me). I listened at 1.0x speed
The Gist: Lance's father disappeared decades earlier without a trace. Until now. His vehicle has been found in a lake and holds even more questions than answers. And might very well put Morgan and Lance in danger.
I continue to enjoy Morgan and Lance. They just fit as a couple. It was nice seeing things advance a little more with this edition. Seeing him with her daughters. With everyone getting closer and dealing with issues. It was just...nice. They're good people, too. Work well together on and off the job. Have nice chemistry.
The mystery was...something. So many elements. So many deaths. Some nice twists and dramas. I didn't figure it all out and was a bit surprised in the end. Got my hands sweating a couple times, too.
The narration was really good. I've settled in to Dukehart and really am enjoying her narration. Flow, pacing, characters. She does a great job (I still don't like the kids voices, though lol but that's probably just me). I listened at 1.0x speed
June 20, 2024
Another winner!!
February 8, 2018
Melinda Leigh’s 'Morgan Dane' books are always gripping and suspenseful, locking you down with a twisty case and protagonists who work together so well that you can’t help but love them. I’ve enjoyed every one of those as much as I loved Morgan and Lance, and Leigh certainly doesn’t disappoint with ‘Bones Don’t Lie’, with a case that strikes too close to home for Lance.
Every time I think Leigh can’t do any better, she manages to surprise me once again, starting with pushing Morgan/Lance (somewhat) quietly to the top of my best fictional couples list. Individually, Lance and Morgan are fascinating, complex characters; together, their connection to each other simply feels like a solid entity that is the only constant in this maelstrom. In fact, the tense, unfolding murder mystery is contrasted with the respect and love Morgan/Lance had for each other, even as their slowly maturing relationship is tested with a significant discovery linked to Lance’s unresolved past.
The romance is slight, given that Lance and Morgan are already involved, so the focus in ‘Bones Don’t Lie’ is solely on the murder mystery which is, in itself, remarkable and creepy in its own right as it makes you question all you know about law enforcement and the contradictions so inherent in human personalities.
Still, I inhaled every line that detailed Morgan/Lance’s interactions—Leigh infuses so much depth and subtlety in crafting these characters—that it’s merely a foregone conclusion that this pairing would only come out stronger and better for it. I love Morgan’s unwavering sense of justice, her own protectiveness towards her children as much as I love Lance’s ability to listen and pull back while not compromising his own integrity and honour. Reading about the other characters in the Scarlet Falls series made me only giddier, though that merely reinforces just how much I need more of Morgan and Lance.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
Every time I think Leigh can’t do any better, she manages to surprise me once again, starting with pushing Morgan/Lance (somewhat) quietly to the top of my best fictional couples list. Individually, Lance and Morgan are fascinating, complex characters; together, their connection to each other simply feels like a solid entity that is the only constant in this maelstrom. In fact, the tense, unfolding murder mystery is contrasted with the respect and love Morgan/Lance had for each other, even as their slowly maturing relationship is tested with a significant discovery linked to Lance’s unresolved past.
The romance is slight, given that Lance and Morgan are already involved, so the focus in ‘Bones Don’t Lie’ is solely on the murder mystery which is, in itself, remarkable and creepy in its own right as it makes you question all you know about law enforcement and the contradictions so inherent in human personalities.
Still, I inhaled every line that detailed Morgan/Lance’s interactions—Leigh infuses so much depth and subtlety in crafting these characters—that it’s merely a foregone conclusion that this pairing would only come out stronger and better for it. I love Morgan’s unwavering sense of justice, her own protectiveness towards her children as much as I love Lance’s ability to listen and pull back while not compromising his own integrity and honour. Reading about the other characters in the Scarlet Falls series made me only giddier, though that merely reinforces just how much I need more of Morgan and Lance.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
July 28, 2022
Well, I sure didn't see that coming. The villain knocked me for a loop. Great job, Ms. Leigh!
June 1, 2021
یه جوری به مورگان و لنس عادت کردم که وقتی این مجموعه تمام شده سخت به زندگی عادی برمیگردم.
January 1, 2021
Bones Don't Lie
4 Stars
23 years following his disappearance, Victor Kruger's car is discovered at the bottom of Gret Lake. Finally, his son, PI Lance Kruger, will get the explanation he has always sought. However, the investigation soon raises more questions than answers as witnesses are targeted by a vicious killer determined to keep their secrets in the past.
Once again Leigh provides a solid and entertaining mystery as readers learn the truth of what happened to Lance's father. The details are heartbreakingly sad, but it is good to have closure and resolution.
The investigation itself is pretty straightforward, and it is possible to guess the villain's identity once the clues start adding up. That said, Leigh needs to ramp up her research with regard to some of the procedural elements as there are still inconsistencies in her writing.
Overall, a fast-paced and entertaining read, and I look forward to reading the next one.
4 Stars
23 years following his disappearance, Victor Kruger's car is discovered at the bottom of Gret Lake. Finally, his son, PI Lance Kruger, will get the explanation he has always sought. However, the investigation soon raises more questions than answers as witnesses are targeted by a vicious killer determined to keep their secrets in the past.
Once again Leigh provides a solid and entertaining mystery as readers learn the truth of what happened to Lance's father. The details are heartbreakingly sad, but it is good to have closure and resolution.
The investigation itself is pretty straightforward, and it is possible to guess the villain's identity once the clues start adding up. That said, Leigh needs to ramp up her research with regard to some of the procedural elements as there are still inconsistencies in her writing.
Overall, a fast-paced and entertaining read, and I look forward to reading the next one.
April 18, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
An old car dredged from a lake digs up an old case and fresh pain for private investigator Lance Kruger. It's his father's car and it has bones in the boot. Lance always knew that when his dad went out to the grocery store when he was a child but never came back that something terrible happened to him; he would never have abandoned his family. However, that all seems to come into doubt when the bones in the back of the car turn out to be female. Could his father have murdered some one and than run away? Lance and Morgan dig out the case file and do what they do best; find the truth, no matter how painful it is.
I adore this series, it has a little bit everything; great characters, a little romance and a thriller/mystery plot line that keeps it all interesting. Bones Don't Lie is no different, only this time the case was something a lot more personal and something we have heard spoken about a lot in the previous two books; Lance's father disappearing. Finally we get to the bottom of the mystery in this book.
As I am at heart a romance fan, what I loved about this book was the relationship development between Lance and Morgan. Although they are already a couple this book really helped solidify this as the tables are turned and Lance is the one who needs Morgan's help and support as they investigate his dad's case. I loved seeing the murder and mayhem broken up by glimpses of their family lives and slowly seeing theirs meld together.
But, it is the thriller story line and the mystery of the body in the boot that intrigued me. I loved seeing this all unfold as multiple suspects are offered up for us readers to consider, as witnesses reveal their lies and skeletons start rattling in closets. I enjoyed trying to figure out the whole story and I even got some of it right.
I really enjoyed this book, Leigh is a fantastic writer who manages to combine her thrillers with a little romance and family life without compromising on either. I highly recommend you go to book one and give this series a try.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Suzanne❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
September 26, 2018
Bones Don’t Lie by Melinda Leigh is the third installment of the Morgan Dane series and the best so far. This series touches so many genres from crime, romance, suspense and even family relationships/dynamics thrown in. Each book in the series has featured a new case for lawyer, Morgan and P.I.s Lance Kreuger and his boss to investigate. This book is Lance's story. I would suggest that the reader start at the beginning of this series as there is a lot of character development and information about their back stories that are important to fully enjoying this book.
The book opens with a car has being pulled from a lake The car belongs to Lance's father, a man who has been missing for over 20 years. In the trunk is a body, a woman's body. Who is it and where is Lance's father? Morgan knows that this case is a tough one for Lance to get involved in, but she knows he will not step aside. He wants to finally get closure regarding his father's disappearance for both himself and his homebound (agoraphobic) mother, Jenny. As they start asking questions, it becomes apparent that Morgan has a stalker. She finds out that someone they put in jail in a previous story, has been set free, so now she has another thing to worry about.
I am really enjoying this series. Morgan and Lance are a great team, a lawyer and a retired police officer. I enjoyed the storyline that has Morgan and Lance developing a relationship and his acceptance by her girls. He is becoming the strong male figure in their lives and not only is this benefiting the girls but Morgan and Lance as well. The case/crime they are investigating is interesting. How do you find out what happened over twenty years ago? There are a few deaths that follow in their wake and several scary moments, that had me on the edge of my seat. There were just enough twists to make it interesting and the culprit was hidden in the open, as is often the case. I have been listening to this series via Kindle Unlimited and the narration is wonderful. It is easy to determine which character is speaking and the action is intensified with the voice. I definitely recommend this series to lovers or Romantic Suspense, Crime and Private Investigator stories.
The book opens with a car has being pulled from a lake The car belongs to Lance's father, a man who has been missing for over 20 years. In the trunk is a body, a woman's body. Who is it and where is Lance's father? Morgan knows that this case is a tough one for Lance to get involved in, but she knows he will not step aside. He wants to finally get closure regarding his father's disappearance for both himself and his homebound (agoraphobic) mother, Jenny. As they start asking questions, it becomes apparent that Morgan has a stalker. She finds out that someone they put in jail in a previous story, has been set free, so now she has another thing to worry about.
I am really enjoying this series. Morgan and Lance are a great team, a lawyer and a retired police officer. I enjoyed the storyline that has Morgan and Lance developing a relationship and his acceptance by her girls. He is becoming the strong male figure in their lives and not only is this benefiting the girls but Morgan and Lance as well. The case/crime they are investigating is interesting. How do you find out what happened over twenty years ago? There are a few deaths that follow in their wake and several scary moments, that had me on the edge of my seat. There were just enough twists to make it interesting and the culprit was hidden in the open, as is often the case. I have been listening to this series via Kindle Unlimited and the narration is wonderful. It is easy to determine which character is speaking and the action is intensified with the voice. I definitely recommend this series to lovers or Romantic Suspense, Crime and Private Investigator stories.
April 9, 2019
I like this series. Melinda Leigh weaves a good mystery, and she doesn't shy away from gore and evil.
I love the characters.
Every woman would be happy to have a Lance in her life, am I right?
And Morgan Dane is definitely a fearless advocate. But, and I have to say it as a fellow lawyer, lawyers, especially criminal lawyers, don't just handle one case at a time, unless they're death penalty post-conviction relief lawyers or something of that nature. That would be nice, wouldn't it? So, of course, Morgan is this bad-ass lawyer with plenty of time to personally interview witnesses, hound the prosecution, and help her clients through all their troubles. She has all the time in the world, seemingly. One of the things I hate most about lawyering is the necessary multitasking and the high volume caseload you need to take on just to make a crappy living. And also, Morgan never actually does any real legal work. She's really just an investigator. So maybe I live vicariously through her when I read these books. They're not realistic, but I love them.
I love the characters.
Every woman would be happy to have a Lance in her life, am I right?
And Morgan Dane is definitely a fearless advocate. But, and I have to say it as a fellow lawyer, lawyers, especially criminal lawyers, don't just handle one case at a time, unless they're death penalty post-conviction relief lawyers or something of that nature. That would be nice, wouldn't it? So, of course, Morgan is this bad-ass lawyer with plenty of time to personally interview witnesses, hound the prosecution, and help her clients through all their troubles. She has all the time in the world, seemingly. One of the things I hate most about lawyering is the necessary multitasking and the high volume caseload you need to take on just to make a crappy living. And also, Morgan never actually does any real legal work. She's really just an investigator. So maybe I live vicariously through her when I read these books. They're not realistic, but I love them.
April 11, 2018
Meh or less
Amazon gives no clue that this is a romance novel. It is listed under mysteries. I don’t read romance novels because, obviously, I don’t like them. This one is probably no worse than many of them but it is a very poor excuse for a mystery/thriller. Very politically correct-everyone eating protein bars and drinking green smoothies when they aren’t explaining to each other how in love they are. I know there is a market for this kind of thing, but I’m not it. I feel I got ripped off. I would never buy something like this.
Amazon gives no clue that this is a romance novel. It is listed under mysteries. I don’t read romance novels because, obviously, I don’t like them. This one is probably no worse than many of them but it is a very poor excuse for a mystery/thriller. Very politically correct-everyone eating protein bars and drinking green smoothies when they aren’t explaining to each other how in love they are. I know there is a market for this kind of thing, but I’m not it. I feel I got ripped off. I would never buy something like this.
June 6, 2019
Amazing storyline and it hook you up since the beginning. A must read mystery fiction.
October 19, 2019
Incredible! My favourite of the series so far!
February 18, 2024
Boy was this an amazing ride Melinda Leigh had me on. I couldn’t trust anyone. I need more, so on to book 4.
April 28, 2018
This is book #3 in the Morgan Dane series which has quickly become a favorite of mine. I love the characters of Morgan and Lance, their families and their friends. And the added plus is in each book there is a well developed suspense plot.
In this one, when Lance's father's car is pulled from a lake, the mystery of his father's disappearance gets new clues and a renewed effort by Morgan and Lance to discover what happened to his father. As they follow up on new clues as well as question old investigation trails, they get closer to the real truth. And as they get closer, witnesses get murdered.
The suspense was real and I had a hard time putting this one down. I definitely look forward to more books in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an ARC of this book.
In this one, when Lance's father's car is pulled from a lake, the mystery of his father's disappearance gets new clues and a renewed effort by Morgan and Lance to discover what happened to his father. As they follow up on new clues as well as question old investigation trails, they get closer to the real truth. And as they get closer, witnesses get murdered.
The suspense was real and I had a hard time putting this one down. I definitely look forward to more books in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for an ARC of this book.
December 14, 2018
Why are they getting worse?!
I was so looking forward to this book since it was going to be the story of Lance's dad. But I was left feeling, "that's it?"
May contain spoiler *****************************
Okay how many times is Morgan going to get chocked? It's like the writer can't make up her mind, is Morgan so week she gets chocked every book? Or is she so strong that she is a threat to everyone and that's why she gets stalkers?
It's getting repetitive and when Morgan fell not once but twice while running from the killer, I was so done.
The ending was so bland and yes I know some crimes are senseless, but I don't feel this was the way to go. Three books for that?
I will be finishing up the series, but just as my last review for part 2, I only recommend this book if you are reading the series.
I was so looking forward to this book since it was going to be the story of Lance's dad. But I was left feeling, "that's it?"
May contain spoiler *****************************
Okay how many times is Morgan going to get chocked? It's like the writer can't make up her mind, is Morgan so week she gets chocked every book? Or is she so strong that she is a threat to everyone and that's why she gets stalkers?
It's getting repetitive and when Morgan fell not once but twice while running from the killer, I was so done.
The ending was so bland and yes I know some crimes are senseless, but I don't feel this was the way to go. Three books for that?
I will be finishing up the series, but just as my last review for part 2, I only recommend this book if you are reading the series.
April 8, 2018
This series keeps getting better and better! Bones Don’t Lie is the 3rd book in the Morgan Dane series. Morgan Dane is an attorney and single Mom. After her husband died in Iraq 2 years ago she returned home to be close to her family. Lance Kruger is a private investigator and Morgan’s boyfriend. Lance has always wondered what happened to his father that went missing 20 years ago. He never believed his father would’ve just left him and his mom. A car has been pulled from a lake that belonged to Lance’s father. Bones are found in the trunk and thought to be his father but end up being the bones of a 20 year old female that went missing the same night Lance’s father. Definitely did not see this end coming!
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