Do you like books revolving around white trash witch sisters? If you do, this book is for you!
And that cover - how pretty!

Root and Bone has a lot going on. It involves witches, goblins, werewolves, vampires, and ghosts. All of that was slightly too much for my liking, but the book still had some great qualities!
- Jewel saved this book for me, her firey disposition was entertaining and I identified with her "I don't give a f*ck attitude".
- The plot was fairly fast-paced, a lot is packed in the barely 300 pages.
- All of the magic scenes were fairly detailed, I applaud Raney on her attention to detail!

Unfortunately, there were some low points for me as well.
- While this does not affect the rating because it was an ARC, there were several grammatical errors. Mostly words in sentences they didn't belong. I'm hopeful these will be fixed before the book is officially released because it creates some confusion while reading.
- You don't really know when the book is based, mainly because you don't know how old the sisters are. Context clues are eluding to certain time periods, but we don't have any definitive answers as to the time period.
- A lot of it was really far-fetched, even for a fantasy book. It made it difficult for me to be absorbed into the writing.

My biggest issue with the book is I cannot tell which way the author wanted to go genre-wise. In some ways, it reads very much like a cozy fantasy. In other parts, it leans into an almost gothic novel. The man's penis is called a carrot and then the word wh*re is used four times in the span of a few pages. As soon as I wrapped my head around it being a cozy book I got hit with something that was a full 180.

"Root and Bone" by Jessica Raney follows the two Spencer Sisters, both witches living in the small town called Ames. The book is, from my understanding, set somewhere in the 50's or 60's and captures this vibe very well.

Not only does this book gives an insight into the tragic lives of the sisters with their personal problems, it also has a mysteries to solve when Ames is suddenly shook by brutal murder caused by supernatural hands.

The two sisters, reminding me personally a lot of the Winchester brothers from Supernatural just not quite, make it their mission to solve said murders and help the spirits of the victims.

Overall, it was a very enjoyable read and if you are a fan of witches, everything supernatural (werewolves, ghouls, ghost ...), tragic love stories, charming yet unsettling villains and crime stories --- then this book is without a doubt something you should put on your "TBR" list.

For me personally, I loved the growth of Leona and her overall story, she was the character I could best connect with.

Publishing date is the 14th of May, 2024.

Thank you NetGalley, Cursed Dragon Ship Publishing, LLC and Jessica Raney for allowing me to read the ARC to Root and Bone in exchange for my honest review.

Root and Bone was a good read, with the right amount of magic and mystery to keep me hooked.

I enjoyed the Spencer sisters, with little snippets into how they got into magic and their own individual attitudes towards how to use it. I also enjoyed their interactions. However, I wasn't 100% sure of their ages. There were mentions of their children, as well as their husbands, but they were very loosely mentioned and used as plot points. The romance between Leona and Cale was also endearing, but it did ruffle me a little bit when I found their backstory.

A main issue, however, was that the mystery was very well introduced, the plot point building very well, but alas, the reveal and ramifications felt a little rushed. There was hardly any interaction with the culprit, albeit some bad feelings and then, before you noticed, it was all over.

I also would have loved to know more about Granny Kay - prequel perhaps?

I received an ARC of this book. I thought this book was written and developed very well. The story line had a lot of tension and build up for the ending, and I thought everything worked well together. I liked the southern setting, and the informal dialogue, and I loved the sister’s relationship and banter. They were both strong women in their own right. Although I felt like I knew what was gonna happen to Cale, it still broke my whole heart. I also feel like there’s more to the story with Kay as well as the werewolves, so lots of open ended there for more books. I liked the detective setting and the mystery as well as the characters introduced. A couple of grammatical errors were found, but I think due to the informal dialogue they get passed over well and don’t take away from the story. Overall a really great book!

3.5 ⭐️ | Thank you to NetGalley and Cursed Dragon Ship Publishing for providing me with this early copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

The book is set in a small Appalachian town sometime after WWII and centers around Leona and Jewel, two sisters from a lineage of witches. They find themselves unexpectedly drawn into a murder mystery, and as they uncover the presence of magic, they feel compelled to assist the sheriff in cracking the case.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I particularly liked the use of short chapters, which made it easy to follow along. The story and characters were captivating, and the magic system added an intriguing layer. However, I felt that the setting could have been clearer. While it seemed to be in the 1950s or 1960s, it would have been helpful for it to be explicitly stated to better understand the characters' behaviors and speech.

Despite some rushed moments, particularly towards the end, the story remained engaging and kept me entertained. I found Jewel to be a standout character, though I wished there was more focus on her. Nevertheless, the bond between the two sisters was heartwarming and added depth to the tale.

I'm not sure if there will be another book, but I would really look forward to it. Especially because I’m hoping to see Cale make a comeback.

Thanks to NetGalley & Cursed Dragon Ship Publishing for the ARC.

Mystery, murder and the Supernatural in the Deep South. Initially this was giving Sookie Stackhouse vibes, with a few less vampires. Root and Bone follows the misadventures of the Spencer Sisters who are trying to solve the dark and disturbing murders that have befallen their small town.
I was a little hazy on the exact time frame that the story is set in as there wasn't a huge amount of cultural context, from the few clues provided it appears to be set in the 1950s or 60s.
At times, Leona & Jewel, The Spencer Sisters, felt a little flat as main characters. I was really frustrated with Leona's characterisation in regard to her relationship with her abusive husband. Domestic violence and the reluctance of women to leave a marriage, particularly during the 50s and 60s, was common, but Leona's actions and reactions to abuse needed further attention. Abuse is such a confronting and huge part of many people's lives, but it felt like it was very much on the periphery for Leona.

Given that this is the first in a new series, a little more time could have been spent on developing the characters and giving more texture to their world but, all in all, it was an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it to anyone who loves a bit of supernatural sprinkled in with their murder mysteries.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me get my hands on the ARC.
This book intrigued me enough to keep reading but I couldn’t quite relate to the characters enough to care deeply. I did love the sister’s dynamic though! With them being so different from one another the banter was fun to read. I just wish we saw more of Granny Kay, she intrigued me the most.

I felt that the magic system and overall world building could have been described more in depth and sooner into the story. For the first quarter of the book I was wondering why the 2 sisters were the only witches in town and couldn’t visualize or describe the town that they lived in. I think this would have made the story just a little richer.

If you like mystery with a little bit of magic I think you’d enjoy this!

3.5/5 stars

this book was full of plot and incredibly well written. it follows two sisters, Leona and Jewel.

Personally i think that while the book was well written and the plot was addictive, it felt a bit rushed in some areas. scenes that were meant to invoke anticipation and get you on the edge of your seat, lasted a paragraph or 2 max.

I absolutely adored leona and cale. they were definitely made for each other and i wish them all the best going forward. i would love to have a second instalment in this universe as the book has the option to go there. however if it is in fact a standalone, then the ending was perfect and isnt too much of a cliffhanger that youre left unsatisfied.

all in all, i adored this book and will definitely buy it once it officially comes out. it is a great read for people into the witchy, medieval, wearwolves and ghosts genre.

Witches, demons, magic, and ghosts. Theses are just a few of the amazements incorporated in the world of Root and Bone. You will find yourself falling in love next to Leona and screaming dirty words alongside Jewel. Cale is a sweetheart and probably the only man worthy of our Leona. I loved reading this and cannot wait for what is next.

“Root and Bone,” by Jessica Raney

Sisters Leona and Jewel come from a long line of witches who have magical powers. When a girl is murdered Leona and Jewel dig into the mystery to uncover who had done it. Newcomers come to the town which causes problems for the sisters along with them struggling with their own magic and fighting each other at every turn.

I loved the cover and that’s why I decided to read the book. Unfortunately, I didn’t vibe with the book much. These sisters are old enough to be married, go to bars, have been using magic for 20 years but they act like small children constantly. It just didn’t sit right with me and made it so I could not picture anything that was happening in the story. 2 out of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free copy, Netgalley.

Set in the small town of Ames, this book follows the Spencer Sisters as they navigate their magic, paranormal creatures that threaten their hometown, and fiercely protecting their own. This book is magical, witty, and humorous in the best of ways.

If you are new to fantasy, or want a light hearted, witchy read, then this is the book for you!

For me, there were a few aspects of this book that did not add up. I thoroughly loved the dynamic between the two sisters. It was lovely to see them counter balance each other and witness Leona grow in her confidence and fierce desire to protect the people she loves. However, these sisters come off as a extremely strong individuals, it's not entirely believable why they continue to stay with their husbands that mistreat them. It also felt at times that too much was going on. I understand the need to introduce the werewolves into the story - if this book was to continue as a series - but, it did feel like a lot of time was spent on the werewolves plot when more could have been given to the main struggle with the vampires. Because of that, I found myself confuddled at times.

Overall, the foundation of the story is super unique and interest pique-ing!

(found a few minor grammar mistakes - happy to elaborate offline if needed)

I thought this book was absolutely delightful despite the subject matter. I loved Leona, I loved Jewel and I loved the magic. Also, who knew that I was a sucker for a ghost romance?
It was a nice quick read and hit all the right beats. I liked watching Leona struggle with her dark side and occasionally giving in. It felt very realistic considering the power that she had.

My only minor quibbles were that the pacing was a bit choppy and Leona's husband seemed to only show up when the plot needed him to be there. I would have liked some more formal rules with the magic system as well but I loved these 2 ladies kicking butt.
I'd happily read a whole series of books starring these awesome sisters.

Reviews going live on 4/8 on Instagram, Goodreads and Storygraph

★★★★☆ (4 stars)

Root and Bone was - above all else - a LOT of fun to read. This is a gritty, humorous, captivating tale that’s perfect for those who love all things Supernatural.
The dynamic between the Spencer sisters is delightfully authentic and instantly gives us two polar-opposite protagonists to root for (pardon the pun). Raney has also masterfully crafted a host of well-developed secondary characters, all of whom play a compelling part of the wider plot.

Root and Bone offers a naturally engaging Appalachian dialect, and firmly grasps the tone of a classic “witchy” tale well. There was a perfectly cohesive blend of mystery, magic, horror, and even a touch of romance that had me excited to read on.

Whilst an entertaining read, I did note one small element of the novel that could use a little more love.

*some light spoilers from here*

The bodies and their tortured ghosts are wonderfully twisted and gory; however, I found the character of Levi was introduced as a mysterious, threatening entity who had the potential for a great deal of chaos and spookiness, but this eventually fell a little flat for me. I felt he was disposed of as a villain a little too quickly. A cult-like following of a monster (in this case, a Vampire in the form of false-prophet-esque preacher) opens up a whole host of opportunities for a villain, but I felt this was left to fizzle out so the other monsters in the book could take centre stage. I’d have liked to see more of the brothers and perhaps explored their motivations behind their following. I’d also like to hear more about the “whispers” and the unnamed character who I hope will feature more heavily in the second book.

Root and Bone is a love letter to magical mystery fans. I most definitely want more of the Spencer Sisters, and hope Raney will treat us to another instalment in the series soon.

(Huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book! The above opinions are entirely my own.)

So right off the bat, the book takes place some time in the 1950s, I think. World War II was briefly mentioned, more specifically when the Americans went to England for the war of '42, the poorhouse was mentioned and one of the main characters has a young daughter which is why I'm guessing sometime in the '50s. I think that should be mentioned somewhere in the summary so readers have good idea on why characters are behaving a certain way or why a cocktail is $1. Also, there should be a brief trigger warning of domestic violence, even if it's brief. One of the main characters get slapped by her husband hard enough to knock her to the ground, and some people could be very triggered by that. All of that happened in the first 3 chapters so please keep this in mind while reading. Trying to figure out the time setting was so confusing that I had to reread some places with the new knowledge in mind. Besides all of that, the book was really enjoyable. The characters had good and different personalities that didn't make it feel cringy or even forced. There was a little romance, supernatural and folk lore. The story line flowed nicely and the mystery was just *chef kiss*. There's a few things that I would change it I could, like mention what year it is, or even the general decade, and a brief trigger warning but I definitely would recommend. There's a little something for everyone and will reread this during spooky season.

I really wanted to like this one but it unfortunately wasn’t for me. My major problem was I couldn’t connect to the characters so I didn’t care to know what happened to them. I also found the plot wasn’t interesting and didn’t keep engaged. I really like the setting though and the author did a good job building the atmosphere. Overall, not my cup of tea, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad book, and hopefully it’ll find the readers who will love this.

Thank you NetGalley and Cursed Dragon Ship Publishing for this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

First thing first I loved the vibes the whole book had. What really set the mood was the small-town-vibes where nothing ever happens. Veryyy similar to the Riverdale Series (first seasons). The way the diner worked as socialization center was something I loved. That and the creepy vibes that the book was able to hold till the end, that was just amazing.

Other small thing I loved was (for me at least) the Top Gun reference GREAT BALLS OF FIRE that made me giggle as if hearing Mav and Goose singing it over and over again.

Now, I personally did find some small problems while reading it.

Taking out the punctuation errors that I found here and there and a sveeekers around chap 32 that I think it's supposed should be seekers the rest of the book seemed edited enough.

The main problem I had with this book was the Show-and-not-tell. At some point I thought I was reading a grocery list out loud without really getting pulled in by the writing, at times repetitive with the same descriptions over and over again regarding the same things. Yes, I get it that Galen Nolan has black fur when he's in werewolf form, and I got it that each time dark magic is mentioned Leona says she hates it. Yes I swear I got it, no need to go on and on without end by repeating it.

Another thing that set me off was the period change, past-present-past and present again chapter after chapter, all that could have been resolved by adding a date at the start of the chapter. Especially since we know the book is set more or less a decade after WWII.

Oh and even here about WW2, when Leona meets Cale for the first time she mentions that the US went to war against Germany and Japan, only that historically speaking it should be Germany, Japan and Italy. So small incorrect historical fact.

Now, I do understand that Leona is the main character, but it's not fair to cut Jewel from scenes where we know she's there. This first happened in the flashback when the sisters go flower-hunting and we're only shown the reaction to Leona's flower, but not a single word was directed to Jewel, especially since we'd just read about Jewel tearing a flower. In this case Jewel was completely forgotten, discarded even from the scene. This happened quite a few time throughout the book.

Taking about the characterisation. I won't say it wasn't well done, but I feel like I couldn't really bond with the characters. Leona is portrayed (and she is, just not always) as a strong woman, but for me strong women are someone that are able to make decisions quickly without breaking down and crying every single time their feeling get strained. Jewel and Cale were my favourite without a doubt and for different reasons. Jewel is someone unconventional within that time, someone who sees the world with different eyes and isn't afraid od showing it. Cale was just the cutest of them all, always trying to help, always stick around when he could and tried to never leave Leona alone.

Last few things that I didn't really appreciate:

•Who the hells calls a d*ck a carrot?!?! Like- What the? Come on >_>
•We were introduced to the character of Granny Kay, wish we'd seen more of her throughout the book.

Will I read book 2? Yes, yes because I'm sure there will be a book 2.

Am I hoping that Cale will come back and have his happy ending with Leona? Hell Yeah. I want them to raise their son and Peggy together, with her finally having a decent father to see her grow up.
3⭐️

Magical murder mystery is how I’d explain this book but it’s also so much more!!

Very suspenseful and witchy I was definitely entertained and couldn’t wait for the next page.

What a ride this book was! This was a really fun and entertaining read!
Think of the TV show "Ghost Whisperer". Then add two badass witches, a crazy warlock, gangster werewolves, cursed ghosts, a smelly ghoul and a vampire. Those are the characters you will meet in this book.

"Root and Bone" started out as a crime story, then developed into a crazy fantasy/horror/ghost story. There's actually room for a cute love tale in there as well.

Sisters Leona and Jewel are witches, and though their domestic lives are hard, they excel out in the field, fighting enemies and dealing with weird ghosts and creepy creatures. A local girl has gone missing, and the town sheriff turns to Leona for help. She can sense things others can't. In fact, Leona can see and talk to ghosts. It doesn't take long before the sisters locate the missing girl, and all hell breaks loose in the small town.

This book was pure entertainment, and I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an e-book copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Root and Bone, you have won my little heart over. This story was fun and entertaining and kept me hooked throughout. Set in a quaint small town, there is a brutal homicide that takes place and rocks the lives of the townsfolk. Feeling like Charmed meets Gilmore Girls meets cozy mystery, you better get settled for an enjoyable read.

Leona and Jewel live in the small town of Ames and know that the cops will not be able to solve this murder, thankfully Leona and Jewel are witches and know there are supernatural events tied to this murder. The author is able to write wonderful people in the town that you fall in love with and just want full chapters of their lives and what they're up to. There is a lot going on in such a short period of time that keeps the reader engaged. I do hope there will be more to this series as the author definitely built in aspects of the townspeople's past that could definitely have been delved into more.

There are some aspects that I feel fell flat and the ending felt a bit rushed, however it doesn't take away from the enjoyment of the read and would definitely still recommend this book to others. Thank you NetGalley and Cursed Dragon Ship Publishing for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review!

I had to DNF this one pretty early on which was unfortunate because I was super interested in this one, but I couldn’t get into no matter how hard I tried.