Dr. Bill Brockton, who represents Dr. Bass’s counterpart, is asked to solve the strange mystery of a mummified young woman who’s been found in a cave. The cave's unique environmental chemistry makes it difficult for Dr. Brockton to pinpoint who she was but, while researching, Dr. Brockton finds the answer could be closer to the community than originally thought.

Carved in Bone should not be read by the faint of heart. The details of the dead bodies can spark a reader’s imagination. What this reader really enjoyed were the scientific details throughout Carved in Bone. Again, the scientific details are due to Dr. Bass’s interest and career in forensic science.

Dr. Bill Brockton’s characterization is on target with what readers would anticipate a forensic scientist would be like. He did an excellent job with Dr. Brockton’s struggles in getting over his wife’s death, solving mysterious deaths, teaching, and holding off students’ affections.

Carved in Bone is overall a great read. The mystery is well developed and all the pieces fit together nicely.