As the Olivers prepare for a European quasi-vacation, tragedy strikes in France and Gideon is summoned to change his itinerary. Bones turn up and his expertise is sought to help solve the case. Interestingly enough, all the suspects are a group of archeologists he planned on visiting as part of his book research, later in the vacation. Gideon and Julie head for France, where things begin to unravel and a series of events leaves Gideon flat on his back and others murdered and decomposing. With the help of Inspecteur Joly, a friend (and character in a previous novel), Gideon and Julie begin piecing things together. Will they discover who’s behind the Neanderthal hoax and these recent murders, or will sleeping dogs continue to lie?Elkins brings the reader back to France, where Dr. Oliver engaged in an interesting family murder saga early in the series. Armed with more forensic and anthropologic knowledge, the reader is treated to a new and energetic Oliver who seeks to help as best he can. The reader learns more than just about bones and the injuries that occur to them, but also about some of the gastronomical treats France has to offer and a slice of humour that crosses the language barrier. Another great novel that will have readers scrambling to devour as much as Elkins has to offer.Kudos Dr. Elkins for this. Always a treat to see what Gideon Oliver gets himself into.
What do You think about Skeleton Dance (2001)?
Gideon Oliver is planning a nice European vacation/working trip with his wife when a friend asks him to stop by and give his opinion on a skeleton found in a cave in France. Gideon agrees and is soon involved with a bunch of colleagues who have been tangled up in a hoax involving Neatherthal man. The discovery of the body is soon followed by an attack on Gideon himself, and he realizes that the murderer must be someone he knows.I liked the mystery part of it. I even liked the forensic part of it. But the dialogue was written in a way that bugged me. Gideon and his wife talk as if they are always 'on camera'. It didn't sound natural to me, and after a while, it really bugged me. It's probably a lot more noticeable since this was an audiobook, but it still kept me from really getting into the book.
—Cindy
