Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner
Skeleton Crew
Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Beverly Connor
Class/Genre: Mystery Forensics Archaeology
Series: Lindsay Chamberlain # 4
Cumberland House, Oct 1999, $20.95, 352 pp.
In 1558, a storm off the coast of colonial Georgia sinks the Estrella de Espana of the Spanish Galleon. One individual survived the shipwreck. His diary has led to a modern day archeological excavation on the ocean floor. Georgia University sponsors the underwater dig led by Professor Francisco Lewis, chair of the schools Anthropology and Archeology Department.
Archeologist Dr. Lindsay "Angel of Death" Chamberlain specializes in bones found at sites. Soon after joining the team, she learns that they search for a second Spanish vessel that allegedly was loaded with treasures and reportedly sunk near the Estrella. Word leaks out about the sunken treasure, which leads to a rash of pirates, fortune hunters, tourists, and other unsavory types invading the area. The Estrella crew must watch their backs as someone wants the professionals removed anyway possible. Lindsay, who has experience in resolving criminal cases, begins to sleuth not realizing that she will soon move to the top of the list for eradication.
SKELETON CREW is one of the best amateur sleuth tales of the year. Observing Lindsay piece together what occurred on the Estrella from the diary's extracts is a fascinating glimpse at modern day solving of historical mysteries. Beverly Connor creatively alternates between the sixteenth century and the present era. That difficult technique succeeds as each exciting subplot supplements the other and ultimately adds leagues to the superb story line. The "Chamberlain" mysteries are all entertaining, but this one is the best
Harriet Klausner
Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner
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