The Bone Orchard

My Haunted Blender's Gay Love Affair, and Other Twisted Tales, Book 1

By: Abigail Roux

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 3 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A Haunted Blender Tale

After leaving a trail of terror and death in his wake, the notorious "Missouri" Boone Jennings finally meets his match in San Francisco when US marshal Ambrose Shaw catches up to him. The story of his capture, and the marshal's bravery, has already become legend back east by the time Pinkerton inspector Ezra Johns gets off the train from New York City to testify in the murderer's trial.

When Ambrose is unable to give witness to the evils he's seen, Ezra becomes their lone hope for putting Jennings in a noose. But if Ezra thinks that's his biggest problem, he's got plenty to learn about life - and the afterlife - in the spirited West.

Fortunately, Ambrose is there to assist, and more than happy to oblige Ezra - in the courtroom or the bedroom. He spent his life bringing justice to the Wild West, and if he has a say in it, that's how he'll be spending his death too.

©2014 Abigail Roux (P)2017 Riptide Publishing

Beginning and middle part is amazing, but the ending left you looking for the next chapter?

Overall this bite size novela started with so much promises and I really loved Ambrose and Ezra dynamic as partners in and out of bed, their chemistry and interaction with each other really immersed you into their adventure hunting down a serial killer ghost into eternity and beyond, but the ending happened quite abruptly, and it’s a shame that the author didn’t continue this story into a series or something, bcuz it’s has so much potential to be much more, the whole storyline can go with another installment of novela to tie up Ambrose and Ezra story and maybe finally giving an end to their whole purpose as a ghost stuck in that limbo in that hotel, and maybe finally getting that demonic Boone Jenning ghost delivers to Hell’s fire where he belongs😡

Overall I loved this book and really hope that the author will continue this novela with a second one in the future🙏🏻

Really great for fans of the author and others

The bone Orchard by Abigail route narrated by Nick J Russo is absolutely amazing! I remember loving this when I read the anthology and Nick does not disappoint. I loved his old time western drawl he used for Ambrose and the slightly frenetic voice he chose for Ezra. It was just exactly that nerd vibe that I had pictured in my head! The story itself is really amazing it has some paranormal elements that make it perfect for the season. The love story is amazingly sweet and for fans of the author there’s also a surprising twist and a visit from some of our favorite Sidewinder guys! (I don’t think that’s a spoiler anymore but there you go…)
This was funny, excitingc creative and very well narrated.

Highly recommended - this is definitely something you should go out and get!

5 of 5 stars

Old West Historical Paranormal Romance Entertained

I've come to the conclusion that I would likely read or listen to any books by this author. The Bone Orchard was the last of the author's books that I hadn't encountered and I was supremely excited to receive the audio version because its a blend of historical western, romance, paranormal, and modern. And, bonus, there is a fun crossover element with the Sidewinder characters. I'll let fans discover this fun little gem for themselves.

So, The Bone Orchard, was a novella-length piece that begins with a shootout between serial killing outlaw 'Missouri' Boone Jennings and US Marshal, Ambrose Shaw, in a saloon- quintessential western, right? But then it gets interesting when eastern Pinkerton agent, Ezra Johns arrives to give testimony that will see Jennings hang. Ezra soon discovers the man with the dangerous silver eyes who has been sharing his hotel room is none other than Ambrose Shaw.

Though this one shows a vengeful criminal that has to be stopped at all costs, the story has a lighter quality to it as well. The new partnership of Ambrose and Ezra was engaging as all this author's pairings are. There is a balance between opposites, respects for diverse skill sets, and smoldering passion. There is a sweet and tender quality even as the romance was fast and passionate.

The paranormal aspect of the story was a fun extra layer that adds complications to the action plot as well as the romance. This allows for the quirk where this can cross from historical to modern. I don't want to spoil it for others to discover what it is or how it works.

As I noted above, I enjoyed this story in audio format. What fun! I got to hear a favorite narrator, Nick Russo, demonstrate some flexibility by tackling the sounds of The Old West in his voice. Humor, grit, and engaging storytelling delighted my ears from start to finish.

All in all, this shorter piece did a great job of entertaining me with a genre blend, characters, and plot that had me wishing I could spend more time in Ambrose and Ezra's world or see them on other adventures together (even if this means altering some of this story to fit it all in, haha). This is for those who are looking for a quick and light, but entertaining m/m Western Paranormal Romance.

Great story

Really enjoyed this story, entertaining and hot! Nick J Russo did a fantastic job as always narrating. Loved how he brought the characters to life. Highly recommend it.

Spine Chilling

Oh, Man was this book good. Not what I had expected at all. The story is spine-chilling yet with a touch of romance tossed in to lighten it just enough.
Nick J Russo is always a good narrator. His voice is smooth and easy to listen to and he gives each character enough distinction you can easily tell who is speaking. I will admit I expected a little more eeriness in his narration but all in all the story and narration was great!
I cannot wait for another one of these twisted tales.

Old West ghost story with a sweet eternal m/m love

This is a pretty cool short story that kind of has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in.
Its the story of an old west lawman, Ambrose, who is after a really evil old west serial killer. The other man is Ezra who is a pinkerton man who comes to San Francisco to testify against the evil "Boone Jennings" who has murdered his way from coast to coast and is finally on trial in SF. Unfortunately the heroic Ambrose lost his life bringing the evil guy to justice. It never really explains the why or how of the ghost aspect, why Ezra is able to see Ambrose from the beginning. But as the story evolves the 2 men find 2 particular things in common, their blossoming feelings for each other, and their mutual goal of putting the horrible Jennings out of commission for good. Whether that task is in this life or the next.
The fun twist in the story is the appearance of the Sidewinders from Roux's Sidewinder series sans Ty (sad face). But it was awesome to see the boys again, even if just for a quick visit. I do love and recommend all of Abigail Roux's books, the Sidewinder and especially the Cut & Run series. Sadly she hasn't published anything new in several years now.
Nick J Russo was a terrific narrator, and brought the stories to life beautifully.

Surprising good old western ghost story

I really enjoyed this audio, it managed to fit a good deal of information into a short amount of time. It is indeed a ghost story handled in a way I cared about our characters and their mission. I would recommend and would definitely like to see more westerns from this author and it is always a pleasure to hear Nick Russo narrating.

Nice Touch

The narration was impeccable for the characters. Nice touch with the tie in at the end.

Great blend of the old west & ghostly romance

Audiobook Review October 2019:
Really not much more I can add to my previous reviews of this wonderful Roux novella. Still an amazing blending of old west and ghostly romance. Watching time move forward through the eyes of the ghosts, Ezra and Ambrose is an interesting take on progress. As for the narrator, Nick J Russo, well I can't say I've listened to an audiobook with his narration before but his voice is perfectly suited for the two lawmen and their evil enemy, Boone Jennings. Not sure which was more memorable, the deep-voiced Ambrose, the soothing-toned Ezra, or the evil cackling Jennings? He brings life to this amazing story that I look forward to re-listening to for years to come.

Re-Read Review July 2018:
I'm not sure what took me so long to re-read The Bone Orchard and I'm not sure what more I can say that I didn't say in my original review over 3 years ago. I grew up watching westerns(I still watch plenty actually😉) and even though Hollywood never shined a light on same sex connections of the era, Abigail Roux really helped me to remember what I loved about those old movies: good guys vs bad guys. Now for those who haven't read The Bone Orchard, I won't give anything away but I will say that Jennings may win a few battles throughout the pages but never count a US Marshal or a Pinkerton agent down, especially the ghostly variety. Despite Jennings evil ways that brought him to the hangman's noose, Orchard is a fun read that entertains. This is one I'll be re-reading for years to come.

Original Review April 2015:
In this Abigail Roux creation we have lawmen, outlaws, hanging, shootouts, all the elements of a great western and then of course we also have ghosts. Oh and for Roux fans, we also have a great little surprise treat near the end of the story. Knowing her work as I do and I never saw it coming, afterwards, I realized I should have had more of an inkling that it might happen, but I didn't and that made it all the more sweeter. Ezra and Ambrose have an instant connection that goes beyond their common lawmen occupation and it's just fun to watch unfold. In Marshall Ambrose Shaw you have the quintessential old west lawman, in Inspector Ezra Johns, you have the apparent bookish Pinkerton agent and you really don't expect their commonalities to go beyond the badge but boy does it ever. Throw in the evil ways of the outlaw Boone Jennings and you have the workings of a great western and of course love story doesn't go unnoticed. A perfect addition to your bookcase.