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javamamanc's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
maidmarianlib's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoy how his expertise with skeletons really helps him to figure out the mystery and to solve it even without any other clues. Talks about the food they eat a lot, which makes for a rich atmosphere for the setting but can get a little tedious. Not a lot of character development which would be typical for one so late in the series, but overall a fun mystery.
canada_matt's review against another edition
4.0
When the Olivers head down to Mexico on vacation, trouble and mystery come along as well. Visiting the family hacienda at which Julie worked in her teen years, Gideon and Julie agree to take things easy and enjoy the company of family. However, when a mummified body turns up, the authorities seek the assistance of The Skeleton Detective to shed some light on the mystery. Lo and behold, it’s murder and Gideon is more than eager to help crack open the case. One body leads to two and a full-on mystery leads to troubles within the hacienda. How do these bodies tie together and how could the local ME be so wrong in his official determination all those years ago? Gideon must get to the bottom of this.. but beware of someone lurking in the shadows to silence him forever.
While the locales might be somewhat repetitive, Elkins uses the return of previous characters to keep the reader highly enthralled in the tale. With his successful story writing techniques, Elkins uses the narrative (and dialogue) to both entertain and educate. Dr. Gideon Oliver is a wonderfully refreshing academic-type, complete with his eccentric nature and strong-mindedness. While some of the teachable moments seem forced, “So, Gideon, what is a coma?” the majority of the learning the reader will undertake can be seen as useful and academic, complete with Latin and technical phraseology.
Kudos, Dr. Elkins for another great novel!
While the locales might be somewhat repetitive, Elkins uses the return of previous characters to keep the reader highly enthralled in the tale. With his successful story writing techniques, Elkins uses the narrative (and dialogue) to both entertain and educate. Dr. Gideon Oliver is a wonderfully refreshing academic-type, complete with his eccentric nature and strong-mindedness. While some of the teachable moments seem forced, “So, Gideon, what is a coma?” the majority of the learning the reader will undertake can be seen as useful and academic, complete with Latin and technical phraseology.
Kudos, Dr. Elkins for another great novel!
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