My first Gideon Oliver Mystery and first time reading this author. Frankly, I was quite surprised how much I enjoyed the book. The lead character, Gideon Oliver aka Skeleton Detective is a forensic anthropology professor. His wife Julie is a park ranger in Washington State's Olympic National Park. Gideon accompanies his wife to the remote Isles of Scilly off the Cornwall coast. Julie is part of a consortium of ecological experts with very differing views and many heated debates. Gideon is simply looking forward to touring around nearby sites and not getting involved in the consortium beehive.But, everything changes when a 'newer' bone turns up at a local museum. And, as Gideon and local law officials are trying to determine the bone's origins, another murder happens on this quiet island.The Skeleton Detective uses bone wear and tear AND other methods to solve the mystery. Some details and explanations were out of my limited knowledge on the subject. However, it was very interesting to read how this science is used.Bottom line, if you like mysteries, the story is entertaining and the scientific detail is not too gruesome or wordy. In fact, it may be interesting enough to hold your 206 human bones' attention.
Unnatural Selection by Aaron Elkins.Gideon Oliver never fails! Julie has been invited by Vasily Kozlov to his castle on the Isles of Scilly for an annul meeting of fellows. Gideon is Julie's guest for the week of discussions as well as disagreements. The first discussion group allows Gideon some time alone and he goes off to explore the lush environment outside the castle. Gideon prods along the beach and turns up a bone, but not just any animal bone. this bone once belonged to a human. He goes to the police station and is introduced to Constable Robb a young lad fresh out of college. Later Sergeant Clapper joins in the conversation and the first mystery begins. Who did this bone belong to and how did it arrive buried on the beach. However, Gideon has a much more macabre point of reference...this bone has been dismembered. and if it has been dismembered then there was a murder.This is about my 14th book in the Gideon Oliver series. Let me first highly recommend this book to any serious mystery lover. It's more than another mystery...it's an evolving story of Gideon and his wife Julie-old friends and new friends as well as a classroom learning experience presided over by THE SKELETON DETECTIVE.
What do You think about Unnatural Selection (2006)?
Bones. Aaron Elkins makes the study of bones simply fascinating. I agree totally with one professional critic who states: "Elkins' plotting is devious, and the forensics information is thoroughly terrific." I also agree with another critic who says: " Will satisfy your craving for genteel entertainment." The Gideon Oliver series is a joy to read - smartly written, lots of dry humor, interesting facts and wonderfully developed characters and plots. And, you get to travel the world with Gideon Oliver and his wife, Julie! Fun books!
—Gayle
