I will admit, I have been trying to read this book for about 6 months now. It isn't that the story or the writing is bad, it is just that the first 13, to me were just really slow and didn't really leave me wanting to turn the pages. There were just small bits of exciting things, like the crime scene and the accurate description of the Body Farm, but other than that there was a lot of talking and setting up the plot for the remainder of the book. After chapter 13, things started to pick up the pace a bit and more interesting things were beginning to happen. However, after that it all seemed to be a bit rushed, especially when it came to finding the second crime scene and the ultimate killers. This book was also weird for me because it began with one plot which then warped into another. I was a little upset however, that the first plot which was the first crime that was being handled was not really given the attention that it deserved. The story fizzles out and the killer is announced with no frills. I really didn't even realize what was happening until the words were uttered by the killer and those who were confronting her or him. The second crime took the main-stage, but also seemed to fizzle out at the end as well. It was like the author had to finish the story in the last 100 pages and did so as quickly and eloquently as possible.I did love the detail that was put into the story. The forensic details are fascinating, as well as the details surrounding the crime. I love when stories like this one include lots of anatomical lingo and identifies bones and features of the human correctly. This was an enjoyable book to read since it did take me back to my forensic anthropology course. I also loved the detail that was put into the prison and legal system. If one did not understand those systems, this book paints a wonderful image of how all the works and really works to de-villanize that system, especially the prison booking system which I had no idea about before reading this.I would have wished for a more quicker paced beginning and then a longer ending, rather than the slow beginning and quick ending. None the less, after the 13th chapter, I was left turning page after page and not wanting to put it down. I remember I was falling asleep, but made myself continue reading because I couldn't and wouldn't put it down. I am sure I would read another novel in this series, especially if they all have as good of insights as this one had.
Anthropologist Dr. Bill Brockton, founder of Tennessee's world-famous Body Farm for forensic studies, is accused of murder. I enjoyed this story. I took off one star because the author engaged in one of the things I find most irritating in a work of entertainment, he got on his soapbox and ridiculed other people's cherished beliefs. In here there is a scene where Dr. Brockton lectures his college class on how ridiculous it is to believe in creation, and that all the evidence points to evolution. He picks on two "poorly designed" biological characteristics of the human body, too many teeth for our small mouths and weak abdominal wall at the belly button resulting in hernias, as evidence of evolution not design.My understanding is that a person starts with an underlying BELIEF about whether supernatural phenomenon such as Biblical miracles like creation, a worldwide flood, or resurrection from the dead are real and true or not. If you do not believe that these supernatural events are possible then you must interpret the evidence you find in science by naturalistic methods such as evolution. But, if you believe in these supernatural events then you have no problem with the Biblical record of events and may interpret the evidence in that light. So, as an example, where Dr. Brockton interprets too many teeth for our too small mouths through his naturalistic filter he sees it as evidence that we evolved. A person who interprets the same evidence through a supernatural filter and matches is against the Biblical record will see evidence that the Bible is correct that man was created perfect and then degenerated (same explanation for the weak abdominal wall). So in effect each of these two would be INTERPRETING the same evidence in a different way according to their underlying belief system, and the logic of each would be internally consistent with their own beliefs. So, in effect both are being logical and I don't see that there is any reason for either of them to ridicule the other as being stupid or illogical.And that is way too much thinking for a book that is supposed to be entertainment.
What do You think about Flesh And Bone (2007)?
This is # 2 in the series by Jon Jefferson and Dr. Bass. A terrific writing team as far as I'm concerned. I can't say enough about their macabre style and twisty turns that, so far keep me guessing till near the end. Bass is just the guy you want on your team, to investigate anyt death, no matter how wierd. He is represented by Dr. Bill In the books, and his students are hanging on his every word as well they should be.Dig in...lol to the boneyard at University of Tennessee Anthorpology Research Facility also known as the Body Farm, and you won't want to leave.most who move in NEVER do.
—Eyehavenofilter
I *really* wanted to like this book- especially after Dr. Brockton's anti-creationism rant. LOVED IT. but...I've enjoyed one of Dr. Bass' non-fiction books and looked forward to combination of fictional elements with a clinical expertise. Unfortunately, the fiction side of the writing team falls back on such trite cliches and repetitive descriptions such as "idling through the gate/driveway/road" among others. Really? Every single building is a block shape? Wow. I would imagine that Knoxville re
—Kelly
This is the second in the series. The premise is good but when the authors stray off track to throw in their red herrings with the evolutionists v. creationists I actually found myself a bit revulsed. I am not strong for either side, am not religious and am far from being a scientist. I believe people should be able to make up their minds based on information provided. I get really frustrated when either side gets rabid about their position and that's what happens here thus, the 3 stars. I did like how they brought in the defense attorney and seemed to make way for him to become more of a recurrent character....or maybe not?
—Shannon
