I've been familiar with Dr. Baden's work for years, thanks to his HBO series and non-fiction forensic books. I read the first book in the series a couple of years ago and, although it had some flaws, I enjoyed it. Based on the other reviews of Skeleton Justice I had low expectations for the second book in the series. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Yes, for a book authored by a notable forensic scientist with a main character in the same profession, it does lack in forensic details. But, it's not promoted as being a forensic novel, it's suspense. Sure, Skeleton Justice is far from the best book I've ever read and I had no problem putting it down when I had other things to do. Despite this, I enjoyed it. I liked the main characters regardless of the flaws in their development. I liked the relationship between Manny and Jake, although I wished that had been explored more. The motivations behind the Vampire was original. Overall, it was a nice way to pass the time. If you liked Remains Silent then you'll like this book. I know I'll be reading the next installment.
New York has a new killer on the loose who ether induces his random victims unconsciousness. At first he left them unharmed, drawing just a vial of blood from them but lately his attacks have become more vicious and he's left his victims tortured and dead.
Deputy chief medical examiner Jake Rosen seems to be drawn to case, eager to find the connection between the victims.
Manny Manfreda is a civil rights lawyer. Her newest case involves a teenager who's taken into custody after a makeshift bomb exploded under a mail box and wounded a passing by federal judge. With Jakes brother Sam's help Manny tries to uncover why only her client was taken into custody but not the boys who were with him.
When the boy later vanishes, witnesses Sam's just talked to are found dead and a strange connection between the Vampire and the bombing is found, it soon becomes clear that someone wanted Jake and Manny on the cases for a reason.
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I'd like to give this novel the name of the biggest disappointment of the year. I just can't find anything positive in this suspense novel.
I'd expected so much more and got what most would consider a cozy novel, lacking the forensic science for the most part. Not that it isn't mentioned but wouldn't you expect from a forensic expert at least some interesting details ? Fact is, the forensic pathologist in this novel doesn't really do much of the work and when he does, you learn about it in a short sentence.
The characters are just sad, not even funny. There is not much development during the novel and I didn't really care for them at all. Nor did I think the protagonists were very clever but mere average investigators.
Skeleton Justice is the second (Remains Silent being the first) installment in a series I won't follow up with. It really must be nice to have friends like Cornwell, Rule and Reichs in the business. They'll recommend you, probably without having read what you've written.
Deputy chief medical examiner Jake Rosen seems to be drawn to case, eager to find the connection between the victims.
Manny Manfreda is a civil rights lawyer. Her newest case involves a teenager who's taken into custody after a makeshift bomb exploded under a mail box and wounded a passing by federal judge. With Jakes brother Sam's help Manny tries to uncover why only her client was taken into custody but not the boys who were with him.
When the boy later vanishes, witnesses Sam's just talked to are found dead and a strange connection between the Vampire and the bombing is found, it soon becomes clear that someone wanted Jake and Manny on the cases for a reason.
-
I'd like to give this novel the name of the biggest disappointment of the year. I just can't find anything positive in this suspense novel.
I'd expected so much more and got what most would consider a cozy novel, lacking the forensic science for the most part. Not that it isn't mentioned but wouldn't you expect from a forensic expert at least some interesting details ? Fact is, the forensic pathologist in this novel doesn't really do much of the work and when he does, you learn about it in a short sentence.
The characters are just sad, not even funny. There is not much development during the novel and I didn't really care for them at all. Nor did I think the protagonists were very clever but mere average investigators.
Skeleton Justice is the second (Remains Silent being the first) installment in a series I won't follow up with. It really must be nice to have friends like Cornwell, Rule and Reichs in the business. They'll recommend you, probably without having read what you've written.
