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Old Bones

Aaron Elkins

287 Pages
2014

Old Bones

Open Road Media

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Old Bones - Summary

In this atmospheric mystery set at Mont St. Michel, forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver finds himself entangled in a deadly web of family secrets when what appears to be an accidental drowning leads to the discovery of decades-old remains hidden beneath a chรขteau's floor. As he applies his expertise to uncover the truth about a skeleton potentially linked to Nazi occupation, another death by cyanide poisoning suggests someone is willing to kill to keep the past buried. Oliver must race against time to connect the historical dots before he becomes the next victim in this masterfully crafted tale that bridges World War II history with present-day murder.

Key Themes

1

The Weight of Historical Truth

The novel explores how the burden of historical events ripples through generations, showing how the Nazi occupation of France left indelible marks on families and communities that continue to influence deadly decisions in the present.

2

Scientific Method vs. Family Mythology

Through Oliver's meticulous forensic work, the story demonstrates how scientific analysis can strip away layers of carefully constructed family narratives, revealing uncomfortable truths that challenge long-held beliefs and expose murderous deceptions.

3

The Price of Preservation

The lengths to which people will go to protect family reputations and maintain social standing forms a central theme, illustrating how the desire to preserve status can lead to increasingly desperate and deadly choices.

FAQ's

Unlike many WWII mysteries that focus primarily on the war period, this novel skillfully uses forensic science to bridge past and present, creating a unique narrative that shows how historical events continue to have lethal consequences decades later.

As a forensic anthropologist, Oliver brings a distinct scientific perspective to solving crimes, relying on his expertise in analyzing human remains rather than traditional detective work, offering readers both education and entertainment.

The Mont St. Michel setting is crucial, as its unique tides and isolated location create both atmospheric tension and plot-critical elements, while the French location provides essential historical context for the Nazi occupation storyline.

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