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
|
The
Book |
Harper |
Jan
2008 |
Paperback |
0-06-075984-4
/ 978-0-06-075984-1 |
Suspense
/ Mystery |
NOTE: Warning: Relates grisly forensic details. |
The Reviewer |
Deb
Kincaid |
Reviewed
2008 |
|