Book Review: Skeleton Dance

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Skeleton Dance     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Aaron J. Elkins
Class/Genre:   Mystery
Series: Gideon Oliver # 10
Morrow, Apr 2000, $23.00, 246 pp.

Forensic anthropologist Professor Gideon Oliver and his wife Julie are on vacation when his old friend Inspector Lucien Jolly asks for his help. The finding of bones in caves near Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is the norm as this locale is the center of numerous prehistoric finds including skeletons. However, these bones are human remains of the late twentieth century.

Gideon was planning to come to the area to do research on hoaxes for his book. He changes his schedule and arrives at the famous site. Gideon begins an investigation into the modern bones. Other murders soon follow as Gideon gets closer to the truth that prove scientists can be as cold blooded as the extinct species they study.

The return of Professor Oliver will please fans of anthropologic mysteries. His current tale, SKELETON DANCE, is an intriguing story that will entertain fans with its red herrings turning it into a difficult puzzler. The story line is slower than the Edgar Award winning OLD BONES although the novel remains fun to read. Action gurus should pass, but anyone who relishes a cerebral mystery will gain much pleasure from Aaron Elkins’ latest who-done-it.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner