Bone Hash

An Archaeologist Aideen Connor Mystery #1

by Skye Griffith

In the vast untamed desert of northern Arizona, Aideen Connor signs on as lead archaeologist at Moenkopi Ridge hoping to find peace after witnessing her husband’s violent death. Instead, she stumbles into a mystery as ancient and dangerous as the land itself. Shortly after she arrives, Aideen’s team uncovers a “bone hash,” human bones showing evidence of prehistoric cannibalism. Her job takes on a darker turn when a brutal murder shocks the residents of the nearby Hopi Reservation. Unsettling connections begin to emerge between her excavation and the crime.
Trust from the local community fractures, threats escalate, and Aideen’s world begins to unravel. First her boss blames her when the entire bone hash is stolen. Then local Native Americans accuse her of disrespecting their ancestors. Violent threats against her ensue: a sheep is killed, viciously eviscerated and left under her residential trailer. A photo of her dead husband is stolen from her bedroom and stuck in its blood. All threats point to a grim reality: someone wants her gone.
As her desperation grows, Aideen turns to Frank Nakai, the BLM Special Agent assigned to the case. But Frank’s presence is as complicating as it is compelling, leaving Aideen torn between grief and her unexpected attraction. When Frank is ordered to return to his office in Santa Fe, Aideen must navigate a maze of buried truths with only her dog, Dakota for companionship. Every clue leads her closer to danger and the secrets buried at Moenkopi Ridge. Secrets that could cost her more than her career—they could cost her life.

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller

284 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2025

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series featuring archaeologist, Dr. Aideen Connor. In Bone Hash, she is the lead archaeologist for a dig located on Indian land in Arizona. As she and her team unearth prehistoric bones that show signs of cannibalism, Aideen must also deal with a dangerous man in a black hat. Luckily, she has ruggedly handsome Frank Nakai—special agent with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)---on her side. Aideen will need his help when the bones go missing, and when her life (and her dog, Dakota) is imperiled.

This was a good read. It will be interesting to see how this series progresses. Finding a large collection of bones was an interesting way to get into the excavation of the pueblo, and what we learn from such endeavors. This comes at the time when my favorite series--forensic archaeologist, Ruth Galloway by Elly Griffiths, has made her last appearance. I’m looking forward to book two.

I would like to thank Artemesia Publishing and LibraryThing for the opportunity to read and review this mystery novel.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging fun to read mystery about an archeologist leading a dig site in Arizona near Winslow. The twists and turns are interesting although it was fairly easy to see some of the end that was coming although not all of it. The book reminded me a lot of the writings of Tony Hillerman and Margaret Coel who are both authors I have enjoyed reading in the past. I recommend this to anyone who likes this kind of work.

[Sue Hinkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since seeing Indiana Jones, I’ve Ioved a great archaeological mystery and this one is a terrific page turner! Terrific characters, engaging plot and vivid sense of place in the Southwest. Highly recommended.

[Linnea Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archaeologist Aideen Connor, haunted by the tragic death of her husband, must find strength to overcome challenges in her quest to uncover secrets from the ancient past in Bone Hash by Skye Griffith. The murder mystery/suspense captures the harsh, unforgiving beauty of the American Southwest as Aideen starts her life anew as the lead archaeologist at Moenkopi Ridge, an Ancestral Pueblo settlement. However, Aideen awakes to danger when a stranger barges into her motel room seeking a photo of an native woman he left behind. She escapes his clutches and reports the incident to tribal policemen. When she drives to the archaeological dig, the stranger rams her mustang off the road.

Incidents at the archeological site becomes deadly when a bone hash showing signs of cannibalism from the past is uncovered by Aideen’s archaeological team but then is stolen. As Aideen faces other threats to her career and life, she struggles to connect the web of events: murder of a Hopi woman, deadly intruders at the dig, and illegal drugs hidden among stored artifacts. Ultimately, she must delve into her tragic past to save her career and her life in a riveting climax full of twists.

Author Skye Griffith masterfully weaves the Southwest landscape into the story to help create suspense. Creatures lurk everywhere in darkness, ready to strike like her adversaries. The meticulous details of various tribal enforcement agencies and archaeological digs add depth and reality to the story. The action scenes are heart-pounding, particularly the climax. The twists will keep you turning the pages to find out how the various incidents are connected.

The narrative is told from the first-person perspective of Aideen, a spunky and resilient woman who meets challenges head-on. Even so, she sometimes shows her vulnerability due to her husband’s untimely death that she was unable to prevent. She has formed a strong bond with companion dog, Dallas, whom she rescued. Their interplay blends smoothly in the plot line and adds to poignant moments. The climax and ending resonate with me because Aideen uses the tragedy of her husband’s death to gain strength and overcome threats to her life and career, so she can move forward. The epilogue promises more stories about Aideen in the future.

Set in the Southwest, Bone Hash is a gripping, multi-layered mystery/suspense with a memorable archaeologist sleuth that fans of Tony and Anne Hillerman might enjoy. Highly recommended.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

There's a lot to like in this debut mystery, set in the southwest and starring archaeologist Aideen Connor. Connor is recuperating from her husband's sudden accidental death a year ago, still having nightmares and some survivor guilt. She escaped to supervise a dig in Arizona near Winthrop, hoping the remote and quiet location would help her troubled spirit.

But it turns out it's anything but quiet. They make a major discovery which is going to draw a lot of publicity and upset the local Native American population. Connor takes her treatment of artifacts and bones very seriously and is trying hard to be ethical. But the discovery is stolen before word gets out.

In the meantime, the first night she is there, a man attempts to break into her motel room and they have a violent confrontation. A local Hopi woman is murdered. And more weird things are happening at the dig site -- including having her dog messed with and having a dead smelly sheep carcass stuffed under the trailer. During the course of reporting these various incidents, she meets BLM investigator Frank Nakai. Connor finds herself leaning on him and appreciating his presence.

Great setting, lively plot, well-depicted characters. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tracy]

This debut novel by Skye Griffith is absolutely terrific! From the moment I started reading, I could not put this book down until I had finished. The author's masterful tale about protagonist Aideen Connor, lead archaeologist at a dig in Arizona, weaves together suspense, the murder of a Hopi woman, a unique discovery at the dig site with cultural ramifications that resonate throughout the book, and a series of unrelenting attacks by a mysterious stranger who tracks Aideen at every turn. While she struggles to deal with her grief over the tragic loss of her husband a year prior and cope with the cascading set of events which threaten her co-workers, her job, and even her life, she is fortunate to have back-up from her loyal rescue dog, Dakota, and a BLM agent who believes in her and attempts to help her unravel the connections which have caused her life to take such a drastic turn. The villains are well-disguised and the red herrings extremely clever. The ratcheting up of the tension and action in this mystery was superbly done right until the very last chapter. I cannot wait for the second book in the series as Aideen is a smart, tough, kick-ass heroine, and I eagerly await her further exploits!

[Bonnie F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bone Hash, by Skye Grifith. Publisher Artemesia Publishing, 2025

An intriguing blend of mystery and archeology, grounded in the dry and sandy Southwest near Taos, New Mexico, this debut novel catches your attention from the beginning. Its energetic style and its puzzles hold you until its grand finale when you can relax your tensed muscles. Protagonist Aideen Connor is new on the job, and she’s tossed headfirst into a thriller when her crew discovers a collection of human bones and indications of ancient cannibalism, a “bone hash.” Then a member of a nearby reservation is murdered, dragging in federal officials, disturbing local populations, and threatening ever-greater impacts. Aideen is no remote, uninvolved boss, and she soon finds herself and her intelligent, courageous dog Dakota in danger as victims. Her unexpected emotional response to a BLM Special Agent sweetens the rewards once the case is solved. You’ll close the cover, looking forward to the next whodunnit from a refreshing new talent.

[Cynthia Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope there is a series planned, because I loved Aideen's gritty determination and smarts. (Loved Dakota too!) I learned a lot about the complex challenges of archeological sites especially in this region. I love novels that give me a strong sense of place and teach me something about a field I know nothing about. Skye gave a great sense of the setting. In every chapter, I could feel the heat and see the mesas.

This was a page-turner. The suspense kept me guessing even when I wasn’t reading. I recommend this for anyone who loves mysteries, great female protagonists, and wants a virtual trip to the desert southwest.

[Margaret Mizushima · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Aideen Connor signs on as lead archeologist for a dig in the Arizona desert, she has no idea that secrets revealed will threaten her life. After discovering a “bone hash” that reveals evidence of prehistoric cannibalism, Aideen and her beloved dog Dakota are terrorized by a killer who wants to keep secrets at the dig hidden. Griffith shares archeological details that bring this story to life, and her writing kept me glued to the page from beginning to end. Grab a copy of this book and find a comfortable seat. You’re going to be there for a while.

[Carolyn Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, an interesting story but the author tries to pack in too much in too short of a time period. In less than a week, the narrator is attacked, is in a car chase and almost totals her car, has her trailer broken into at least twice, her dog is attacked twice, there are trespassers at the archeology dig she supervises, she is fired, there is a murder in a nearby Hopi village, and then she is again assaulted and left to die in a crawl space. Oh, and she starts to fall in love. Too many plot points, too many characters.

[Mary VanderWall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bone Hash is a great read!
Skye Griffith is not only an accomplished writer and story teller, she has taken the time to thoroughly research her topic and provide a history lesson that enhances this fascinating mystery. The story moved along quickly, each chapter thoroughly connecting the one before with the one after. This made it impossible to stop reading at the end of a chapter!
Her ability to introduce a complex topic, build tension, reach a crescendo, and deliver an exciting conclusion, shows her amazing skills.
I highly recommend Bone Hash!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like mysteries in a Southwest setting, you'll enjoy this novel. Aideen Connor is the lead archaeologist at a remote site in Arizona. When her crew discovers evidence of ancient cannibalism, the controversy stirs up danger. Aideen and her dog are put through many page-turning crises. Enter handsome BLM agent Nakai. Will Aideen figure out who wants her out of the way of their schemes? And can she heal her broken heart and guilt over her husband's death?

[Rita A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young, redheaded archeologist Aideen Connor is a strong character in this mystery/thriller. I also enjoyed the settings in New Mexico and Arizona, including the dig Aideen leads as she works to gain the respect of her colleagues. The fast-moving plot puts Aideen and her heroic female rescue dog, Dakota, in serious danger. A touch of romance is nicely worked into the plot without overpowering it. This novel is a standalone, but I would happily read another novel featuring Connor and Dakota on a dig, if the author would write one!

[Kathy Oberle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, this mystery drama kept me on the edge of my seat and I read late into the night to finish it! It was all there...intrigue, location, suspense, characters, romance, interesting information... a simmering stew of satisfaction. I'm looking forward to following Aideen as she travels to France!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is engaging, easy to read and a combination of mystery, history and northeastern Arizona native american culture, the Hopi tribe, circling around an archeology dig. I was drawn to the characters and wanted them to suceed and to survive. It's a fun read, I look forward to the continuation of this series.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well thought out mystery with nonstop action. Beautifully set in New Mexico and Arizona, the archeology and Native American subplots add to the intrigue. I’m looking forward to the next adventure of Aideen and her dog Dakota.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is smart, suspenseful, emotional without ever feeling like it’s trying too hard.
Actresses are going to fight for the role of Aideen. And Dakota, the dog? Protect her at all costs!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

New mystery author siting her story in the Southwest

Good debut novel. I’m sure we’ll be hearing from Skye again and I look forward to reading as her writing style develops.

[M T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing descriptions of colorful southwest landscapes. Just enough intrigue and imagination to keep reader engaged.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was well-written with good dialog and action. It helped that it was a mystery that involved archeology, the Southwest, a dog, and a smart lady- some of my favorite things. I think most mystery readers would like it.