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Rating: 
Summary: Elkins has a way with bones!
Review: And the tide comes rushing in. Not your usual tide, however, but the one that graces the shores of Brittany/Normandy where Oliver Gideon, world famous "Doctor Bones" is giving one of his lectures. This tide takes the life of Guillaume du Rocher, gentried man and local hero of the Resistance movement during the war. Gideon is called in when, the next day, skeletal remains are discovered in the du Rocher celler (readers know that Gideon's specialty is unveiling the secrets of the bones; he is to skeletons what Kay Scarpetta is to pathology!). This particular skeleton, he determines, is that of a young man who had died some 50 years earlier, believed to have been a member of the Resistance. In addition, the scorched remnants of a Nazi officer murdered in 1942 serve to complicate the matter. This indeed is a conundrum for the "skeleton detective." What follows, too, is the lurking suspicion--nay, even knowledge--of collaboration (dreaded word to the Frnech!) during the Nazi occupation! Oliver is up to the challenge, however, as he methodically, painstakingly, scientifically unravels the story. He understands full well that some stories are better remained buried! What is unearthed here, in particular detail but in a fascinating manner, starts a chain reaction: Gideon hmself is threatened and the principal heir to the du Rocher estate is poisoned Of course, owing to its setting, World War II espionage, intrigue, deceit, and, yes, murder are principle ingredients. Elkins is quite good at pacing the suspense, of which there is plenty. Certainly, his detective credentials seem in order (Gideon Oliver appears in a series of books). "Old Bones" won the l987 Edgar Award as the best mystery of the year, and it is no wonder. (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)
Rating:
Summary: Elkins has a way with bones!
Review: And the tide comes rushing in. Not your usual tide, however, but the one that graces the shores of Brittany/Normandy where Oliver Gideon, world famous "Doctor Bones" is giving one of his lectures. This tide takes the life of Guillaume du Rocher, gentried man and local hero of the Resistance movement during the war. Gideon is called in when, the next day, skeletal remains are discovered in the du Rocher celler (readers know that Gideon's specialty is unveiling the secrets of the bones; he is to skeletons what Kay Scarpetta is to pathology!). This particular skeleton, he determines, is that of a young man who had died some 50 years earlier, believed to have been a member of the Resistance. In addition, the scorched remnants of a Nazi officer murdered in 1942 serve to complicate the matter. This indeed is a conundrum for the "skeleton detective." What follows, too, is the lurking suspicion--nay, even knowledge--of collaboration (dreaded word to the Frnech!) during the Nazi occupation! Oliver is up to the challenge, however, as he methodically, painstakingly, scientifically unravels the story. He understands full well that some stories are better remained buried! What is unearthed here, in particular detail but in a fascinating manner, starts a chain reaction: Gideon hmself is threatened and the principal heir to the du Rocher estate is poisoned Of course, owing to its setting, World War II espionage, intrigue, deceit, and, yes, murder are principle ingredients. Elkins is quite good at pacing the suspense, of which there is plenty. Certainly, his detective credentials seem in order (Gideon Oliver appears in a series of books). "Old Bones" won the l987 Edgar Award as the best mystery of the year, and it is no wonder. (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Old Bones was a little disappointing. While the technical aspects were interesting, the plot was rather transparent and the overall scene was hackneyed. How many mysteries need to take place at a family gathering in an old country estate while key characters are getting bumped off or threatened? The characters were predictable and the coincidences were unbelievable. This was my first experience with Aaron Elkins, and it will probably be my last.
Rating:
Summary: Old Bones Never Die
Review: Professor Gideon Oliver is in France attending a conference where he is giving a series of lectures on forensic anthropology. He is accompanied as usual by his friend, former military intelligence officer and current FBI agent John Lau. Gideon is invited to help the police in the investigation of skeletal remains found in the basement of the du Rocher chateau. Members of the clan have gathered there in answer to a summons from the family patriarch, Guilliame du Rocher. Guilliame's untimely demise by accidental drowning leads Gideon to a current mystery and an old one dating back to World War II. Elkins does a good job of describing the tensions, greed and rivalries resulting from the reading of Guilliame's will. The plot is intricate but easy to follow as Gideon explains each step of the crimes' solutions to John Lau enroute. I understand why the author won an Edgar Award for this book.
Rating: 
Summary: A little cliched at times, but overall solid
Review: This book is one of the rarities these days. A book categorized as a mystery, that actually is. "Old Bones", was an enjoyable read that read quickly, only taking a few days of moderate reading. Sure the gathering of a family with strained relationships, decades after some troubling event and all sharing some family secret, is a common theme in mysteries, but it works here, just as it has in so many other novels. What makes this book most intriguing is the setting of Mont St. Michel and you'll find yourself caught up in the mystique. While the mystery isn't that complicated, nor the solution that shocking, there are definite elements of the story that can't help but make you appreciate the book. This book sold me enough on reading another Aaron Elkins book down the road.
Rating:
Summary: A little cliched at times, but overall solid
Review: This book is one of the rarities these days. A book categorized as a mystery, that actually is. "Old Bones", was an enjoyable read that read quickly, only taking a few days of moderate reading. Sure the gathering of a family with strained relationships, decades after some troubling event and all sharing some family secret, is a common theme in mysteries, but it works here, just as it has in so many other novels. What makes this book most intriguing is the setting of Mont St. Michel and you'll find yourself caught up in the mystique. While the mystery isn't that complicated, nor the solution that shocking, there are definite elements of the story that can't help but make you appreciate the book. This book sold me enough on reading another Aaron Elkins book down the road.
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