Cathy C. (cathyskye) - , reviewed on 8/3/2010 + 2306 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

First Line: "His head isn't on straight."

Forensic anthropologist and former human rights investigator Diane Fallon is now director of the RiverTrail Museum of Natural History in Georgia. She's hoping that the new line of work will help her to forget the South American nightmare she found herself in as a human rights investigator uncovering mass graves.

It isn't long until Detective Frank Duncan tracks her down for help. A bone has been found in the woods that may relate to a missing persons case. Diane finally agrees to his request, and shortly after her investigation begins, a family is murdered. Little does she know that this one small bone is going to put her life in danger once again.

Diane is the type of person who's good at anything to which she puts her mind. She also has a wide range of interests--anything from the Thai Elephant Orchestra to caving. One scene in particular has Diane fighting for her life. The scene was swift and scary, and I liked it-- not because Diane was in jeopardy, but because she was capable of using her head even though she was scared to death.

The story was also a strong one. Time after time, I thought I had it figured out only to discover that I really didn't. Connor also didn't use an interesting profession as a hook to persuade readers to read only to abandon the hook a few pages in. (Something that really irks me.) Throughout the book, Diane is a museum director and a forensic anthropologist, and I learned quite a bit (painlessly) about both professions.

Strong, interesting main character, fast-moving, well-plotted action... I'm already looking for the second book in the series. If you've enjoyed books by Aaron Elkins, Patricia Cornwell or Kathy Reichs, you might want to give Beverly Connor a try.

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