The Bone Riddle

Alexa Glock Mysteries #4

by Sara E. Johnson

Cape Kidnappers, New On a cliff overlooking the ocean and one of the largest gannet bird colonies in the world, American CEO Harlan Quinn has built his Plan B, a lavish estate, complete with an underground doomsday bunker. When the cleaning staff finds a body within, it appears the victim died of natural causes, but advanced facial decomposition leaves him unidentifiable. It can't be Quinn, according to his property manager/mistress and his wife back in the states, both of whom insist that the tech mogul is in Germany on business. But the uncooperative wife will not allow the police to search the main house for signs that the billionaire was on site, and so forensic odontologist Alexa Glock is called in to identify the body via dental records. Teeth never lie; the victim is indeed Harlan Quinn. All that's left is an autopsy to determine the cause of death. But something odd in the deceased's mouth sets Alexa and the team on a new track, to find Quinn's murderer. As they work to narrow the suspect field, a second homicide, and a stolen cache of weapons from a locked room in the bunker, ramp up the investigation and the risk to Alexa's life. Will she be able to solve this particular riddle before she becomes victim #3?

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Suspense

Audio CD

Published June 13, 2023

About the author

Sara E. Johnson is a mystery writer who spent nine months exploring wondrous New Zealand. Everywhere she snooped, there was a mystery that needed writing.
Molten Mud Murder, Sara's debut novel, will be published September, 2019 by Poisoned Pen Press. It is the first in the Alexa Glock Mystery series set in New Zealand.
Sara lives in Durham, North Carolina with her husband Forrest and golden doodle Beaufort. She is a part-time educator and full time snooper. She is the current president of Triangle Sisters-in-Crime and a member of the North Carolina Writers' Network.

Reviews

[PamG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara E. Johnson’s fourth book in the Alexa Glock Forensics Mysteries series, The Bone Riddle , blends state-of-the-art forensic technology, a beautiful setting, suspense and a mysterious death along with a bit of romance between Alexa and Detective Inspector Bruce Horn. It is set in Cape Kidnappers and nearby Hastings, New Zealand.

Overlooking a huge gannet (large seabird) nesting colony, American businessman Harlan Quinn has built a luxurious estate that includes an underground bunker. The cleaning staff find a body inside with facial decomposition making him unidentifiable. Both Quinn’s property manager and his wife say he is in Germany on business. If it’s not Quinn, who is it and how did they get into the locked bunker? Quinn’s wife won’t allow the police to check the house to see if there are signs that the billionaire was on site. Forensic odontologist Alexa Glock is called in from Auckland to identify the body via dental records. More discoveries lead to ramping up the investigation and bringing in additional back-up police help including Bruce.

The characterization is well done for the most part. Readers get a great feel for the several of the characters including Bruce as well as new Detective Inspector Mic Steele and several of her team. The one quibble I have with the characterization is how Alexa can automatically believe something she is told that affects her personal life without going to the source and seeking the truth. That bothered me for most of the last third of the book.

From the gannet colony to the dramatic coastal views to the bunker to the forensic technology, I was transported to New Zealand. The idea of a traveling forensic investigator was unique. The book has a good mix of suspense, action, and police investigation. It also did a great job of portraying how locals might feel about foreigners building mammoth estates and adversely affecting local wildlife.
Phenomenal world-building and diverse characterization blended with a well-written narrative making this a novel that I advanced through effortlessly. The storyline is compelling in this unsettling thriller that has some alarming moments. With twists and turns, the story builds momentum and suspense. Themes include death, family, gangs, technology, a bit of romance, and much more. The real-world issues added depth to the narrative.

Overall, this was a story that intrigued me. The author did a great job of building suspense throughout the story and weaving the threads together. I look forward to seeing what is next for Alexa. Readers of mysteries, crime thrillers, and police procedurals will likely enjoy this series. By reading the series in order, the character growth and the relationships that develop over time are better understood. However, this novel can be read as a stand-alone.

Poisoned Pen Press and Sara E. Johnson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via Net Galley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for June 13, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 3.78 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

[Madeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to like forensic science for this one because there is some very technical stuff included. There is also murder, suspense, New Zealand and the Māori people and a little humor.

Somehow the author weaves in a bit of romance and also surprises you with poignant prose and very thoughtful, tender ideas expressed. I liked that.

Others have mentioned the silly things that Alexa sometimes did. I gave her a pass on those as I felt it was part of her character although I wanted to shout at her at times.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it for those who like to learn about forensic science and suspense.

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa Glock is called in to help assess a scene at a bunker located at Cape Kidnappers. The bunker is owned by an American billionaire, Harlan Quinn, and is next to a high end resort/golf club and a huge gannet colony.

There is some confusion as to the identity of the dead man, particularly as Quinn’s wife and admin tell local police the man is in Germany for business. Also, his wife refuses to send dental records for her husband over to New Zealand.

Alexa contacts Quinn’s local dentist in the closest town to the Cape for records, and conclusively identifies the dead man as the billionaire.

This is just the start to a confusing case, which is determined eventually to be a murder, based on another clue found in one of the Quinn’s teeth. Pretty soon, mistresses, a LOT of guns, and a biker gang all figure in the case.

Alexa’s private life is intruding during the case in that DI Bruce Horne wants to take his and Alexa’s relationship to the next level. This has her off balance, and then she receives news that has her questioning Bruce, her lack of friendships and a longterm romantic partner. We’re left wondering what’s next both professionally and personally for Alexa once the case is solved.

There was plenty of action, peril and suspense in this fourth Alexa Glock mystery. I was fascinated by the forensic techniques and the twistiness of the murder case.

I was a little alarmed by how quickly Alexa could turn on someone, and her lack of understanding of her own issues with making and maintaining relationships.

I enjoyed this entry, and would say it could be read as a standalone, though I enjoyed it more for having read the previous book in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa is requested to check out a Bunk where someone had died. She needs to keep her wits this time especially with all of the people she is working with. She is also thinking about going to Scotland and only her brother knows really why she wants to leave working in New Zealand to go to work in Scotland. In the meantime while she is checking out the forensics of the person who died and finds a match. She also finds out that this person had several mistresses along with a wife and child. Looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bone Riddle is the fourth in the Alexa Glock Forensics Mysteries series and my first adventure with author Sara E. Johnson. Well, she has me sold! Set in New Zealand with its unique vocabulary and interesting residents, this novel fascinated me from the beginning to the end. Alexa Glock is an American forensics odontologist living and working in New Zealand. Her current case is baffling...a body has been discovered in a bunker but so badly decomposed it offers up few clues. Until his mouth is closely examined, that is. Maggots speak volumes in forensics, too. The corpse is thought to be that of American billionaire Harlan Quinn who owned a luxurious estate complete with bunker and it takes some doing to prove as many roadblocks stand in the way. But after the who and when there is also the why, how and what. Murder isn't the only storyline. Cue DI Bruce Horne and Alexa's relationship.

Science, forensics and the rich New Zealand atmosphere are my favourite aspects. The connection to gannet colonies grabbed me, too. I did not realize that the country is a haven for the wealthy who snap up land and bunkers. The only slight drawback for me is that Alexa seems unusually naive when it comes to knowledge about the country she has moved to. Perhaps it's because I am an expat and an avid researcher. Many will find her endearing!

If you are particularly drawn to procedurals in a dramatic setting with the main focus on science, this is your wheelhouse. I really sank my teeth into the odontology and entomology and learned a lot! Procedurals are not usually my cup of tea but this was a pleasant exception.

My sincere thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this fascinating novel.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance copy of The Bone Riddle, the fourth novel to feature travelling forensic odontologist Alexa Glock, set in Kidnappers Bay on New Zealand’s North Island.

A body has been found in a luxury underground bunker on an estate owned by tech billionaire Harlan Quinn. The face is too decomposed to make a visual identification, so Alexa is asked to use her skills to identify him. The initial cause of death is thought to be natural causes until Alexa finds an anomaly in his dentition and it becomes clear that the unidentified man was murdered.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Bone Riddle, which is an old fashioned murder mystery with enough going on to keep the reader turning the pages. It is told from Alexa’s point of view, so the reader can get immersed in her investigation and try to beat her to the solution. I failed miserably, but, to be fair to my poor attempts at crime solving, the crucial information about motive was not revealed until the debrief.

The novel is easy to read with clear, concise prose and an interesting plot that holds the reader’s attention. There are strategic reveals, red herrings and a bit of personal turmoil, alongside the uncovering of related crimes and the menace of a gangland funeral and its attendees. It’s all go with plenty of forward momentum and puzzles.

Harlan Quinn is an American who has bought himself a slice of New Zealand with his riches. This allows the author to rant about the laws that allow this and the mindset of these incomers. It would appear that mega rich Americans see New Zealand as a safe haven in the case of an apocalypse or any kind of life threatening event to the planet. They are doomsday preppers on an opulent budget. Weird or what? Especially as it’s a real thing.

I have not read this series before and didn’t know what to expect. I was captivated by the strong characterisation and found Alexa very likeable. She has a few tics and I wondered if she is on the spectrum, given her poor social skills and love of scientific articles. Still, the reader gets to know her thoughts, worries and insecurities and her wavering romance with DI Bruce Horne.

The Bone Riddle is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Anne, Unfinished Woman · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT

Alexa Glock is sent to investigate the body of a man in a bunker on the property of Harlan Quinn, an American who is following the path of others buying property in New Zealand, and installing bunkers to protect from future catastrophe. It is located at Cape Kidnappers, on top of a huge colony of Gannats. He has a window in the cliffs that observes the birds nesting habits and the sea below. He is not able to be identified by facial recognition and Alexa is a forensic odontologist and will determine it is Quinn by his teeth. One of his teeth also appears to be pink, which will often denote a lack of oxygen. It will be determined that there was a large amount of carbon monoxide in the bunker.

Also living on the estate is Lynn Lockhart who manages Black Reef and is Quinn's lover. She believes he is going to leave his wife for her, and that he has given her the cottage in which she lives. He is also having a relationship with the manager of "The Retreat", Katrina Flores, of which Lockhart is unaware. He has recently begun a new company, having left Q and G Biologics, and believed to have stolen a formula for a new treatment for diabetes. He had been in partnership with Amit Gupta. His wife who lives at their home in San Jose thinks he is meeting with clients in Europe. Also muddying the investigation is the conflict with local bird conservationists who are fighting the invasion on wealthy outsiders buying land and disturbing the birds.

As Alexa solves the case, revealing that Amit Gupta pushed Lockhart off the cliffs, and had killed Quinn, she is attacked and finds herself climbing down the cliffs to get away from Gupta.

This was a trippy story once again. Alex is having an affair with DI Bruce Horne, who will take over the case when the local DI Micala Steele had domestic problems. His kids are visiting and Alexa doubts that she is ready to take on kids. The story leave her having applied for a teaching position in Scotland and questioning her relationship with Horne.

At the time of the case a funeral for a member of a gang called the Curs, a motorcycle group is meeting.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Ms. Johnson has penned another exciting entry into the forensic investigator Alexa Glock series. I was a little confused about Alexa’s demeanor in this novel. She didn’t quite strike me as competent as she was in the last book. I was slightly disappointed, but then her attitude improved. (Shrug?) Ms. Johnson has created some great characters and provides sufficient background to flesh them out. I really appreciate the inclusion of the local New Zealand dialect in the story. I find it both informative and refreshing.

Very wealthy American CEO Harlan Quinn has built a lavish bunker at Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand. When a body is discovered in the bunker, Alexa determines that it is Quinn. Who killed him? Why?

So begins a lengthy and twisty investigation led by Alexa’s love interest Bruce. Of course, Alexa cannot stay out of the search for the killer. She finds herself in trouble several times. Outlaw bikers and the local gannets seem to have it out for her.

The best suspect has an airtight alibi. Or, Do they? But let’s don’t forget about the other potential suspects. When another person is murdered, the tension ratchets up.

I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for forwarding to me a copy of this fine book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** Publishing June 13, 2023******

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Bone Riddle is the 4th in the series of the Alexa Glock Forensics Mysteries, but can easily be read as a stand alone.

Set in New Zealand, Alexa Glock is a forensic investigator whose speciality is odontology (teeth). She always gets herself in unexpected situations while investigating, which makes for a fun and entertaining read!

Alexa Glock is investigating a female skull found in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. As she was in the middle of this investigation, Alexa was informed she is needed to investigate another death, but this time it was in a bunker and thought to have been a wealthy CEO. Is it what it seems? What will be uncovered? Will Alexa be able to uncover the truth?

Sara Johnson does a great job of immersing the reader into her stories, so it feels like you are right there along with Alexa. This makes for a great page-turning mystery that keeps you guessing until the end! I loved all the facts about New Zealand and the forensic investigation! So fascinating! A perfect book to take on your next vacation!

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press, I was provided an ARC of The Bone Riddle by Sara E. Johnson via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the latest Forensic Odontologist Alexa Glock mystery our protagonist is called in to identify a corpse found in a survivalist bunker. The bunker is on the estate of American billionaire Harlan Quinn. Quinn's wife says her husband is in Germany, but Alexa is able to identify the corpse as Harlan Quinn through dental records. It is determined that he was strangled and Alexa begins to investigate the murder with her boyfriend DI Bruce Horne. There are multiple suspects including his wife, his mistresses and the locals who are upset with Quinn's destruction of the land.

The author gives us well developed characters, an intriguing whodunit, some romance (between Alexa and DI Horne) and the beautiful New Zealand landscape. Although this is the fourth installment in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I would recommend reading the others in the series to get a sense of how Alexa became a "traveling Odontologist " and the previous adventures she has had. The entire series makes for a great read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC. The review is my own.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my day they called them bomb shelters, now they're called bunkers. Still underground fortresses. Still only for the uber rich. Still nutz.
Alexa Glock is a forensic odontologist living and working in New Zealand on a visa from the US. She has issues and PTSD, plus is becoming involved with a DI she has worked with.
I love the realistic detailing of this beautiful country including hiking trails and violent weather (even better than watching Brokenwood!).
Fast paced and with lots of things to learn about forensic processing that is pretty much technologically nearly the same anywhere with electricity and the internet (great research efforts by author!), policing in a country other than the US, and fascinating characters. Loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bone Riddle is the 4th book in the Alexa Glock forensics mysteries and while you don’t need to read the previous 3, it might help to get down the other characters (I did not do this).

Alexa Glock is a forensic odontologist - she looks at facial structure and teeth to solve crimes. She’s been tasked to solve the murder of an American billionaire who lives on a lavish estate with an apocalyptic bunker. Things go a bit sideways with another murder and theft and it’s suspenseful throughout.

The most interesting (and true!) bit was that this is set in New Zealand and there have been many billionaires from the US that have been buying lavish estates and installing bunkers because they see New Zealand as a safe space.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this eARC. The Bone Riddle comes out June 13.

[Christa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexa Glock is an American forensic odontology expert living in New Zealand. She is called in to investigate the case of an American billionaire found dead in his doomsday bunker. With no obvious cause of death and no one even aware that he was in the country, every small clue is important. This is the 4th installment in the series and as in previous books, there is a lot of interesting forensic detail and police procedure. There is also a good supporting cast of new and recurring characters and Alexa's fraught personal relationships add another layer of complications . However my favorite part of these books is all of the background information about the history, landscape, and culture of New Zealand and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I continue to enjoy this series. I kept reading late at night and early in the morning to satisfy my interest in the plot.

In this story we learn about bunkers, and how Americans and others are buying up property in New Zealand.

I am at times frustrated with Alexa Glock, and hope that she continues to evolve and grow into a more confident individual. Her competence is never questioned, she knows a lot about odontology, but her people skills are lacking.

We also see what influence street gangs have in the area.

I am putting in my request for a stay at The Retreat. Sounds divine.

I bought a copy since it was not available from my public library. I look forward to book five.

Loved the map!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forensic scientist Alexa Glock is asked to assist an investigation by identifying a body found in a luxurious bunker. Although Alexa is a specialist in teeth, in this story she gets to do all sorts of forensic analysis; some of it - such as collecting a palm print from fabric - quite state-of-the-art. In the background story, we find that American billionaires are buying land in New Zealand to have these bunkers constructed so that they can survive the apocalypse. Many kiwis are not enthused about this trend, especially when the construction takes place near a wildlife habitat. Alexa is a great character as a forensic scientist. However, the author requires her to be a little dumb when it comes to country music and self-preservation.

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Bone Riddle. It isn't often I pick up a mystery, and when I do I feel like my mother. This time, I am glad that I did.
Johnson is a wonderful writer, I felt in-tune with the characters especially Alexa. I found her generally agreeable and the dynamics she held with other characters were intricately developed.
The crime that Glock takes to solving in this mystery is pretty interesting. The suspects, unknowns, and plot twists aren't overwhelming but are just enough to keep you engaged. The scene was well set, a large wealthy property in New Zealand by the water, surrounded by gannets. Both serene and creepy at once.
After The Bone Riddle, I find myself considering diving into some of Johnson's other books. If you enjoy mystery, don't neglect this upcoming release!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

American forensic odontologist Alexa thought she would only be in New Zealand for one case but she's building a life, including a romance with Bruce, a detective, In this latest installment of the series, she's called in when a body is found in a bunker at an estate owned by Harlan Quinn, an American billionaire. His wife says it's not him but Alexa's exam says it is. So who killed Harlan? And why? It's a well crafted mystery with good characters and I'm a fan of the New Zealand setting, That said, this likely will be best enjoyed by those who have read one of the earlier books, Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC, I'm looking forward to the next one.

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the shadow of New Zealand's rugged cliffs, where gannets soar and secrets lie buried, "The Bone Riddle" unfolds—a tantalizing blend of science, suspense, and a dash of romance.

Forensic odontologist Alexa Glock is no stranger to unraveling mysteries hidden within the enamel and roots of teeth. But when she's summoned to Cape Kidnappers, a place where the ocean crashes against ancient rock formations, she encounters more than just a lifeless body. Beneath the sun-kissed skies, a corpse with an enigmatic secret awaits her—a secret that defies decay and challenges her expertise.

[Susan Underbrink · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley and Poisened Pen for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is my first time reading this author. This is the 4th in a series. It can be read as a stand alone but it could have used an introduction. Maybe reading the others would give you information on the main character. I didn't understand her creditionals. Her role was also a little confusing. I did enjoy the story and I love learning about New Zealand. I would read this author again. 3.5 stars

[Mark Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the last entry in the Alexa Glock series (until later this year!). As usual, Alexa is stumbling on the edge of disaster in both her professional and personal lives, while enjoying expat life in New Zealand.

If you have read 1-3, I don't think you will be disappointed in #4. Personally, I would recommend reading these in order, although they all do okay as standalones. Still, if you read them in order I think you'll get a better feel for Alexa's personality, as well as seeing how it develops as she reacts to the craziness in her life.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

⁴44Pg 83 Tightness in her calves reminded her that she'd turn thirty eight next month. She would miss being a prime number. Indivisible. There was aways forty-one to look forward to.
Pg 140 home is where the case is.
NC State T-shirt
Pg 159. Zoom with Quinn's wife
Pg 171 A woman in a male-domimated field
Pg 184 Zoom didn't work.
Pg 207. Science is aways true
Pg 265 story about comb and watch chain. NC wrote it. Henry Somebody.
Maybe if I'd read the 1st book, I bemote committed to the character, but

[Linda Cromartie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara Johnson always delivers a good mystery, in this case a locked room mystery--with the room being a private underground bunker for a wealthy man to survive any catastrophic disaster. Fallout shelters for Armageddon. There was everything you might need to know about the ultra-rich as well as information about gannets, a threatened bird. I did miss treks into the interior of New Zealand, where the Maori continue to thrive.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book i read in this series and won't surely be the last as it kept me turning pages and guessing.
A solid mystery full of surprises, an interesting MC
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book. It’s definitely more forensic science-based than other mysteries I’ve read (which I like). Has the perfect balance of murder mystery-related suspense and a light sprinkle of love interest.

[John Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well crafted, plenty of possible baddies, subplots in abundance, plus glimpses of New Zealand culture and natural history all make this a satisfying read with an ending that promises more. It's the first of the series I've read and made me want to read the others.

[Raymond Parish · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author provides one more complex, riveting mystery, complete with another impressive window into the landscape and culture of New Zealand. Her main character, Alexa Glock, an American, is the perfect participant-observer: smart, impulsive, endlessly curious, fallible...human.

[Robyn Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man's body is found in a bunker at a billionaire's exclusive estate. Is it the reclusive tech mogul, Harlan Quinn, himself? And if so, how did he get there and who killed him? Another great New Zealand mystery starring forensic scientist, Alexa Glock.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/19/2023 Was the heroine supposed to be unlikeable on purpose? Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

makes my teeth tingle...;)

[Faith Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love this series, this one did not capture my interest as much as the others