by
Aaron Elkins
ISBN: 0-7887-4867-X Order from: Recorded Books
An amusing mystery with appealing protagonist, it has interesting bits of scientific color, but goes fairly lightly into motivations of most characters.
Reviewed by David on November 15, 2003
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Sleuth)
Synopsis: This is an unabridged recording of Skeleton Dance. Professor Gideon Oliver is taking a sabbatical, and in the process of writing a book on scientific follies and hoaxes, visits his old friend Inpector Joly. While Gideon is enticed by the site of the infamous Kayak Man Hoax, Joly hopes for Gideon's help with the unidentified bones found in an ancient cave.
As mysteries multiply, the two find strange connection between the hoax three years ago and the newly found bones.
Full Review: A pleasing and well-moving plot of this mystery almost conceals the oversimplifed portrayal of police investigation as well as rather shallow description of the suspects.
On the positive side is the appealing nature of Gideon, his wife Julie (whose name bears an unfortunate resemblance to the Inspector's in this narration), and the well-integrated humor of the plot.
Some of the best elements are the snippets of forensic science as well as paleontology deftly embedded in the narrative. The conclusion is well-handled, and the novel succeeds in entertaining the reader.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6; Originality: 5;
Copyright date 2000, Recorded Books, 2000, Audio cassette, 6 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-4867-X Order from: Recorded Books