A review by canada_matt
Dead Men's Hearts by Aaron Elkins

4.0

When asked to narrate a documentary on Ancient Egypt for a university donor, Dr. Gideon Oliver declines the request. After being strong-armed into it, he accepts and packs his bags to head over with his wife Julie tagging along. When they arrive, the local American archaeological team is scrambling to deal with the discovered remains of an ancient skeleton from their collection. How did it end up in a rubbish pile and what does it all mean? While Gideon heads out to begin his filming and narration, things heat up with the chair Horizon House (the US archaeological group) ends up tumbling and dying from his injuries. What looks like a case of inebriation and a perilous fall ends up being murder, at least to Oliver's eyes. While trying to track down the murderer, Oliver must liaise with the local police and determine what this man knew that was so explosive, all while trying not to die himself. A great mystery with the expected injection of humour and teachable moments.

Elkins pens the novel series regulars have been waiting for, full of expected jibes about anthropologists in Egypt and the wonders of the ancient world. The reader is treated to yet more wonderful moments of learning and discovery, all wrapped into a wonderful mystery. With some of the key characters back for another round, Elkins keeps his regulars happy and hopes to net new followers with this stellar novel.

Kudos Dr. Elkins on this great piece of work!