Flesh and Bone
A Body Farm Novel #2

by Jefferson Bass

      This second book from the writing team of Dr. Bill Bass, of The Body Farm fame, and journalist Jon Jefferson delivers another enjoyable murder mystery. When a male karate teacher is found tied to a tree in a state park, wearing a blond wig, bustier, and makeup, anthropologist and forensic scientist Dr. Bill Brockton works with colleague Dr. Jessamine "Jess" Carter, Chattanooga’s medical examiner, to solve the crime. Mixing a little pleasure with business, Brockton explores romance with the classy Jess Carter as well. 

In Flesh and Bone we are introduced to transvestite Miss Georgia Youngblood, who in addition to adding humor and spice to the story, also proves to be an ally of Dr. Brockton when he is accused of murder. Toss in the mix a disgruntled medical examiner with an axe to grind, a sleazy - but skilled - defense attorney whom Brockton feels compelled to retain, and a publicity-seeking fundamentalist Christian lawyer who causes Brockton grief over an unwise classroom tirade. Oh, and let’s not forget the parents of a little boy who was molested years ago by the murder victim.  

We once again get to enjoy the characters of Miranda Lovelady, Brockton’s diligent grad assistant, and his good friend Art Bohanan, a cop working for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  

The writing is exceptional, without a single dull paragraph. The pacing is perfect, and the plot is irresistible. If you enjoy learning facts and trivia along the way, this book provides that as well. On the other hand, the subplots were a little weak, and I found the protagonist, Brockton, arrogant and boorish - characters’ statements notwithstanding. I wanted to like him more, really. Perhaps, as the characters become more fleshed out in upcoming books, he’ll grow on me. After all, he is the hero. 

I’m excited about this new series of murder and suspense. I have read the nonfiction books written about the Body Farm and enjoy seeing that information contributing to these Jefferson Bass books. Flesh and Bone is not formulaic, and I hope each Jefferson Bass mystery stays just as intriguing and unique. Well done!

Reviews of other titles in this series

Carved in Bone #1 [review 1] [review 2]
Flesh and Bone #2
The Devil's Bones #3
Bones of Betrayal #4
The Bone Thief # 5 [review 1] [review 2]
The Bone Yard #6 [review 1] [review 2]
The Breaking Point #9
Without Mercy #12