"Mr. Elkins never fails to enlighten and entertain....His only failing is that he makes us wait too long between books"  Washington Times

"Shows the forensic anthropologist in fine form . . . a total success."  Publishers Weekly

"Good Blood is in the right vein."  Associated Press

Gideon Oliver professor of physical anthropology at the University of Washington, prefers old bones to new; the more ancient the better. But his forensic brilliance, which has proven vital to police forces the world over and has made him famous as the Skeleton Detective, has a way of getting him involved in murders of the contemporary kind.

It was supposed to be a much-needed Italian holiday from grueling academia for Gideon. True, his wife Julie is there to help their friend Phil Boyajian run a guided bicycle-and-kayak tour of the Italian Lake District, but Gideon himself is looking forward to a few days' rest and recreation. So when Phil invites the couple to his wealthy family's idyllic island estate in Lake Maggiore, the Olivers accept with enthusiasm. But the luxurious surroundings, breathtaking views, and sumptuous food come at a steep price.

The family padrone's only child, Achille, has been kidnapped. Soon after, nearby construction workers unearth some hastily buried human bones, which the formidable Colonel Caravale of the local carabinieri calls on Gideon to examine. Chilled by the thought that the bones might be Achilles', the family also requests Gideon's assistance, anticipating the result with a mixture of dread and cautious hope. Accepting the task is the only gracious thing to do and, besides, Gideon finds that being on his own with nothing to do while Julie is working is less than satisfying. So he sets out to identify the bones--and along the way, exposes some extraordinary deceptions that lay bare the malignant, long-hidden secrets at the heart of a highborn family.