This was my first book by this author. I enjoyed it immensely. Anytime I can learn something new, it's a good read. The setting in Mexico made it all the more interesting. He didn't take us to some known location, but instead took us to a province that would be unknown to the average American and immersed us in the unique culture. If you're looking for a classic mystery style that presents you with a series of clues and invites you to solve the crime, this is a good one. I thought I had it figured out but he caught me and threw in a nice twist. Although this is #16 in the Gideon Oliver series, it is only the second book of this series I have read. I started with "Dying on the Vine", set in a part of Italy I love, which I really enjoyed, and picked up this book based on its Mexican setting. One thing I really love about Aaron Elkins' books is his exquisite detailing of local cuisine - his writing make me hungry! Was he a food critic at one point? I'll have to investigate. "Skull Duggery" is no exception here, with the superb local cuisine given as much loving description as the bones so beloved by the protagonist, Gideon Oliver. Mind you, this series is not going to be for everyone. Students of archaeology and forensic science will love the detailed descriptions of skeletons (and in this book, mummification) and methods of murder, but others might find the detail to be overwhelming. The level of detail appeals to me, along with the intricate plot with its wonderful twists. The only criticism I have is that sometimes character development goes by the wayside in favor of those detailed descriptions of the skeletons.
What do You think about Skull Duggery (2009)?
Hmm. Elkins certainly has the formula down. Needs to punch the plot up a bit, though.
—lnpozmanter
One of Elkins' best. The twist at the end was great. I didn't see it coming.
—kmkersey
Entertaining murder mystery that takes place in Oaxacua.
—shabreezy
