An Edgar Award-winning mystery featuring the forensic anthropologist hailed as “a likable, down-to-earth, cerebral sleuth”–from the author of Switcheroo (Chicago Tribune).“With the roar of thunder and the speed of a galloping horse comes the tide to Mont St. Michel,” goes the old nursery song. So when the aged patriarch of the du Rocher family falls victim to the perilous tide, even the old … perilous tide, even the old man’s family accepts the verdict of accidental drowning.
But too quickly, this “accident” is followed by a bizarre discovery in the ancient du Rocher chateau: a human skeleton, wrapped in butcher paper, beneath the old stone flooring. Professor Gideon Oliver, lecturing on forensic anthropology at nearby St. Malo, is asked to examine the bones. He quickly demonstrates why he is known as the “Skeleton Detective,” providing the police with forensic details that lead them to conclude that these are the remains of a Nazi officer believed to have been murdered in the area during the Occupation. Or are they? Gideon himself has his doubts. Then, when another of the current du Rochers dies–this time via cyanide poisoning–his doubts solidify into a single certainty: Someone wants old secrets to stay buried . . . and is perfectly willing to eradicate the meddlesome American to make that happen.
Voted one of the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association’s 100 Favorite Mysteries of the 20th Century, and featuring “a thrilling final scene,” Old Bones will captivate fans of Kathy Reichs and Tess Gerritsen as well as readers of Aaron Elkins’s popular Alix London series (Publishers Weekly).
Old Bones is the 4th book in the Gideon Oliver Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.
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When I sat down to read this book, I wondered why I purchased it, because it is not the type of mystery that usually appeals to me. But I was hooked with the first page.
With the roar of thunder and the speed of a galloping horse comes the tide to Mont St. Michel,” goes the old nursery song. So when the aged patriarch of the du Rocher family …
Never received this book! Upset!
A mystery in a French setting with a forensic anthropologist – excellent.
Not my cup of tea. Would have helped to be familiar with France and the French language, which I’m not.
Ever so informative
Elkins writes two very different series, both wonderful. This is his forensic archeologist/anthropologist. The other series involves an art historian working in a museum, usually adventuring in Europe.
Professor Gideon Oliver is always coming across old bones when he delivers lectures around the world. In this book he is in France and it is always fun to read how he solves a murder by looking at a couple of bones.
I enjoy this series.
A great series. I like both the forensic anthropology stuff and the home life and friends of the main character. I’d be glad to meet them all.
Always fun to see what Gideon is up to!
i always enjoy the adventures of this scientist! Easy,absorbing, informative read.
I stayed up until midnight reading this book because I had to find out who’s guilty. The logical twists and turns, the atmospheric old French country home, and ties to World War 2 Resistance made staying up worthwhile.
interesting twists, good characters
I thoroughly enjoy this series. The stories move quickly, the location is always a critical part of the story, the characters believeable, and the solution carefully revealed. Read and enjoy.
This and all of the Aaron Elkins novels are well worth reading. His Gideon Oliver character is like an old friend.
Aaron Elkins’ books are always great reads!
I’ve read 3 of this series. I recommend all of them. They can be read in any order, but I prefer them in order.
Informative, yet fascinating.
I love the Bone Detective. I am not as fond of Aaron Elkins other protagonists but I am always ready to see what Gideon will get into. I also prefer my bones dry and old.
Aaron Elkins’ forensic anthropologist-cum-crime solver is charming and knowledgeable. These books are wonderful, and this is a great place to start the series.
Plotting, characters and twists and turns as well as information shared about forensic science makes this series enjoyable to read, informative and satisfying.