"Another gripping mystery full of skullduggery and a likable hero."

Professor Gideon Oliver is back in all his forensic anthropological glory. This time he's along for the ride as his wife, Julie, has been sweet-talked into helping his best friend, Phil, as a tour guide with his "Travel on the Cheap" flock. Arriving at Phil's old familial stomping ground in Italy, they find chaos has broken out. Vincenzo, titular head of the family, discloses to Phil that someone has just kidnapped his son, Achille.

Days later, after suffering through the boredom of the tour group biking around Lake Maggiore and longing for something anthropological in nature, Gideon's wishes are answered. Contractors unearth human bones at one of Phil's family's sites. Col. Caravale, of the Stresa police force, asks for Gideon's help in identifying the remains and the "Skeleton Detective" goes to work. When Vincenzo successfully ransoms Achille, someone tries to steal the bones, and Gideon finds himself somewhat of a target. The race is on to discover just what happened, and who did it. If anyone can get the skeletons to talk, it's Gideon.

Elkins has penned another gripping mystery, full of mischievous skullduggery coupled with his very likable, down-to-earth hero, Gideon. With his camera-like ability to capture snapshots of both country and culture, Elkins takes the reader on an amazing holiday tour. Also, he satisfies mystery buffs and puzzle-solvers alike. Witty interplay and dialog are unparalleled fun. I eagerly sought out OLD BONES, his Edgar Award-winning book, to continue my journey on the cheap.

Reviewed by Anne Barringer
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted February 1, 2004

Summary

Even on an Italian holiday, anthropologist Gideon Oliver and his wife can't seem to find any R & R. They're guests of Mrs. Oliver's colleague on an idyllic island. But the breathtaking view and sumptuous food come at a price. The padrone's only child, Achille, has been kidnapped, bones have been found... and Gideon must mix business with pleasure.