Elkins's writing skills are superb, his research impeccable, and his plots intriguing....Gideon is a likable protagonist, and spending time in his company is always pleasant.  Elkins has established himself as a master craftsman both in the Oliver series and in his stand-alone thrillers."  Booklist

"In Edgar-winner Elkins's solid 12th whodunit to feature forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver (after 2004's acclaimed Good Blood), Oliver's Hawaiian vacation turns into a busman's holiday....Oliver's deductions will remind classic mystery readers of archetypal scientific sleuth Dr. Thorndyke, and his three-dimensional personality and humor will continue to attract first-timers."       Publishers Weekly

"Gideon Oliver is back.  For his fans, that's the only thing that needs to be said....Elkins' fabled wit is on sparkling display in this fast-paced, intriguing entry....Elkins is a master....His science is for real, and his writing is brisk and entertaining. Oliver is one of the best characters in all of contemporary mystery fiction."   Oregon Statesman-Journal

"Stylish . . .Elkins's wide angle view of the spectacular adds a stunning perspective." New York Times Book Review

There's a family plot unfolding in the northern uplands of Hawaii--on the magnificent 11,000-acre spread of ranching heir Axel Torkelsson.  After going missing ten years ago, the small private plane of Axel's late Uncle Magnus has finally been found in a remote lagoon, hundreds of miles south of Hawaii.  So too have Magnus's few and scattered skeletal remains, retrieved by divers and now handed over to the only man who can fit together the pieces of this mystery...

But this time Gideon's forensic work yields more questions than answers about the past.  Questions about the long-ago execution-style murder of Magnus's brother...about a deadly dispute betwee rival ranching syndicates..about a mysterious will that benefits--as well as incriminates--its heirs...and most disturbing of all: questions as to the true identity of the corpse in the lagoon.  But if it isn't Uncle Magnus...

As lie upon lie is revealed, as secret upon secret is exposed, Gideon's only hope is to let the bones of the dead condemn the living--before the living take revenge.

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