Book Review: Carved in Bone

Reviewed By: Molli Struebing

Carved in Bone     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Jefferson Bass
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Forensics
Series: Body Farm Mysteries # 1
Harper

There is a patch of ground in Tennessee dedicated to the science of death, where human remains lie exposed to be studied for their secrets. The real-life scientist who founded the “Body Farm” has broken cold cases and revolutionized forensics…and now he spins an astonishing tale inspired by his own experiences.

Renowned anthropologist Dr. Bill Brockton has spent his career surrounded by death at the Body Farm. Now he’s being called upon to help solve a baffling puzzle in a remote mountain community. The mummified corpse of a young woman dead for thirty years has been discovered in a cave, the body bizarrely preserved and transformed by the environment’s unique chemistry. But Brockton’s investigation is threatening to open old wounds among an insular people who won’t forget or forgive. And a long-buried secret prematurely exposed could inflame Brockton’s own guilt – and the dangerous hostility of bitter enemies determined to see him fail….by any means necessary.

This book is an absolute must read if you like forensics, anthropology and a good murder mystery. The creator of the “Body Farm” has spun a mesmerizing tale, but in language anyone can understand. Of particular interest was WHY you have to lift a child’s fingerprints within 48 hours of their disappearance. Something I’d never heard mentioned before. So, who is the 30 year old mummy Dr. Brockton is called in on? And what is its connection with the local small town sheriff, his brother, the other deputy and the viet nam veteran who lives in the woods? There are murder attempts, sabotage, a star struck grad student, and an ending you will not see coming at all!

Molli Struebing

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Molli Struebing