Elkins returns with his second novel in the Gideon Oliver series, adding just as much panache as his debut novel, but switching the focus to the United States. While working in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Oliver is called to assist with a case in a Washington rainforest, where two hikers went missing six years earlier and a young woman recently disappeared. When the body of the hikers surface, odd injuries leave Oliver wondering who could have done such a thing. Ancient tool marks appear to be the only explanation, but when Dr. Oliver comments on the possibility of a Bigfoot, the press goes to town. Working with a park ranger, Oliver tries to deduce what and who might have caused such brutal injuries, while using his expertise in anthropology to offer as many teachable moments as possible, the murderer soon becomes apparent, but can it be? Elkins takes the reader down many paths and into numerous possibilities before all is resolved by the end.Elkins forged the way for future books of this nature to flourish; be they Jefferson Bass or Kathy Reichs, to name but two. The idea of using bones and anthropology to decipher what happened to bodies is more interesting than it seems on the surface. While Elkins adds cultural anthropology into the mix, the reader is treated to another level of intrigue and added moments of ‘ah ha’ and wonder. Elkins uses his abilities to portray Oliver as both a bumbling academic, but also a man with primal needs and urges. This mix makes for a more relatable character, while still giving the air that something can be learned by listening to what the fine doctor has to say.Kudos, Dr. Elkins for your continued work to entertain, teach, and leave the reader thoroughly addicted to what else you have on offer.
This was a Christmas gift, and a welcome one, since I had read the first book in Aaron Elkins’s other series about Chris Norgren, and liked it quite a bit.Gideon Oliver is a different protagonist from museum curator Chris Norgren – he’s a forensic anthropologist. I liked Gideon. He has a tendency to lecture, but he’s passionate about his work, and able to laugh at himself when needed.In this book, he’s consulted by his detective friend John Lau, to examine some bones that John thinks might be the remains of a hiker who vanished years ago on a trail in Olympic National Park in Washington State. The mystery revolves around the unusual murder weapon, and who could possibly have been wielding it.There were lots of good characters to interact with Gideon – besides John Lau, there is the competent, down-to-earth, park ranger Julie, and Gideon’s eccentric mentor, Abe Goldstein. The rainforest atmosphere is so strong that it also becomes a character, with varying moods – sometimes threatening and sometimes fun and sometimes annoying. Elkins does a great job of mixing interesting anthropological information with the mystery.
What do You think about The Dark Place (2005)?
The second title in the "Skeleton Doctor" series--although the jacket says it's a "Professor Gideon Oliver mystery." It definitely shows its age: some of the terminology is decidedly non-PC, and the pages are turning yellow. They have that darker-on-the-edges patina that only 20-year-old acid-based paper can have.But the story...well, it was ok. Actually, it was pretty contrived--there's an 'undiscovered' Indian tribe still living in the woods in Oregon?? The plot was quite formulaic--Gideon has to find a chick to sleep with in both books so far (to keep those romance-oriented female readers, don'tcha know).But I like the guy. I like the rest of the characters. I like the pacing. And I like the forensics, even if CSI has completely made the whole discussion passe. I'll soldier on, because I like the nitty-gritty bone-work.
—Cat.
I have bought multiple copies of books before but generally I haven't actually bought books that I have already read. They are usually just sitting on my shelves. Not this time though! I must have read this years ago. But it didn't sound familiar until I got through +90% of the book. It wasn't until they climbed on top of the boulder that I said to myself, "Haven't I read this before?"It was the second book in the series and it was the book where the Skeleton Detective met his second wife. But I haven't really read this series in order. It just didn't really seem to carry over from one book to another. Maybe the first time I read about Ishi and about him being the last of the Yahi I didn't realize that this had been a true person. And he also speaks of him in another book which got me to pick up Wild Men: Ishi and Kroeber in the Wilderness of Modern America by Douglas Cazaux Sackman and he uses events that happened to the Yahi. For instance, I read there that they would take things from people's houses but they would leave something in exchange - like a basket or something. And, sure enough, that story was in this book. And who knew there were documentaries on You Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIC5z...). And I was intrigued by the thought of a rainforest in Washington state and found this on You Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGrtv...) this afternoon. It sure gave me a better idea of what Olympic Park looks like.
—Jan C
I enjoyed this book, though not as much as the first book in the series. This installment is truly best read after reading the first story, as there's little time spent reacquainting the reader with the carryover characters, nor with explaining basic plot points such as why our protagonist should be considered a credible authority in his field. The first book is important to understand the relationships and motivations driving this second story.I'm enjoying these quick, easy reads and am jumping straight into the third installment...
—Bradley
