Bones of Evidence

Jayne and Steelie #3

by Clea Koff

Some secrets refuse to stay buried.A convicted serial killer has finally agreed to reveal where he buried thirteen women.

But when forensic specialists Jayne and Steelie are called in to identify the bodies, they make a horrifying discovery. What should be a cold case has a terrifying connection to a woman who has just gone missing.

Jayne and Steelie are in a race against time as their work puts them on a collision course with another killer – one who will stop at nothing to bury the truth forever.

A chillingly addictive thriller that will keep you guessing, perfect for fans of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs.

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

About the author

Clea Koff, who is mixed-race and Jewish, was born in 1972 to a Tanzanian mother and an American father, both documentary filmmakers focused on human rights issues. Her parents took her and her older brother, Kimera, with them around the world. She spent her childhood in England, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, and the United States.

By the time she was a teenager she had decided to study human osteology, which she did first in California. She earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Stanford University. Koff then went on to the master's program in forensic anthropology at the University of Arizona. She completed her masters degree in 1999 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, after combining her studies with working for the UN between 1996 and 2000.

As a 23-year-old graduate student studying prehistoric skeletons in California, Koff joined a small team of UN scientists exhuming victims of the genocide in Rwanda. Her job was to find evidence to bring the perpetrators to trial, and to help relatives to identify their loved ones. Koff captured the events in her memoir The Bone Woman, which was published in 2004.

Reviews

[Roroblu'sMum · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* A good book right up until the very rushed, anticlimactic baddie/ending.

I couldn't get into book 1 of this series - I think it was too much of an infodump, understandably, and it didn't move fast enough. I've picked up book 3 without a clue about events/what's happened so far, and had no trouble diving into a fluidly moving tale in some aspects but a bit meh in others (the Jayne-Scott romance).

This duo seems to run the only company in the US that does what they do, finding and identifying the long dead, working with paw enforcement. They're good at their stuff but not too clued in about checking unknown persons out - they were very trusting of the Aussie and his late sister's boyfriend. The whole thing with the baddie happened at about 70% of the tale gone, and felt totally anticlimactic and low key. I mean, the ladies were 30-somethings who'd worked with remains and law enforcement, yet didn't have self-preservation in mind? Or rather, only had emotional self-preservation in mind. Or maybe a bit of cowardice?

The intersex thing made for a decent secondary arc, and the Gene guy didn't get to run the main show entirely. But he did drop a bit of a red herring that rattled Jayne, but have no fear, readers, as Agent Ramos figured it out and all ends well for the romantic duo. Agent Ramos may well be looking at getting him some in the next book but whilst this was very readable tale, it didn't set my pants on fire, though his pants may well have found a long-dormant ember to fan.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers, for my reading pleasure.

[Jacquelyn Dohoney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all three of the books in this series and I think this one is my favorite so far. Part of it is because certain things in the personal lives of the characters are coming to a head. In saying this, I hope it doesn’t mean the series is coming to an end soon! The relationships between the characters is so well-formed, it really makes them jump off the page. They’re not just characters you root for, they’re also characters that oftentimes seem like real people. But one of the most interesting things about this book was the introduction of a character which I have honestly never seen before, and I read a lot. Of course, some people will vehemently disagree with me on this, and that’s fine. But I thought the introduction of an intersex character (called hermaphroditism when I was a kid) really drew me in. I had no idea that the condition (for lack of a better word) resulted in so many structural and skeletal changes. I found it absolutely fascinating to read about. And of course, this author would know about it far more than most. She’s literally seen it all; she’s a forensic anthropologist herself. Having been in the forensics industry and being a huge science junkie, I couldn’t get enough of it! And the story itself was equally fascinating. The tension was constantly ramping up between the characters personal lives and the two concurrent cases. A real page turner for sure and a must read if you are interested in forensics!

Huge thanks to Avon Books UK | Avon and NetGalley for sending me this ARC for review! All of my reviews are given honestly!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Jayne and Steelie series. I enjoyed the first book, but missed the second. I want to go back and read that one at some point, but it didn't spoil my enjoyment of this one in which a cold case heats up and puts the two forensics experts in danger. Jayne, Steelie, as well as the FBI agents they are working with travel to several locations in the U.S. on their newest cases.

Like the author, Jayne and Steelie are forensic anthropologists. The work the two women do in helping families of missing persons get closure by identifying remains is the highlight of these books. Their teamwork on the job and their friendship outside of work is enjoyable to read about. There is also a lot to learn about missing persons databases and some of the limitations of those systems that are illustrated by one of the cases Jayne and Steelie work on in this book. The procedural elements of the book are interesting. Even though I want the main characters to be happy in their personal lives, for me the romantic portions of the book were weak. Overall, however, the book kept my attention, and the cases were both informative and dramatic.

I received an advance copy of this ebook from Avon Books UK and NetGalley for review consideration. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Patricia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have now read all three of Clea Koff's novels about forensic Anthropologists Steelie and Jayne and they just keep getting better and better. Bones of Evidence tells of their search to find and identify the remains of the victims of serial killer and former FBI agent Gene King. King has history with Jayne and her FBI boyfriend Scott and takes great pleasure in psychologically tormenting them whenever he can despite being under lock and key. At the same time the team are asked to work on a 16 year old missing persons case from Australia. Alex, presumed by her family to be the victim of another serial killer. Once her brother reveals a vital piece of information to Jayne and Steelie they
work to unravel what actually happened to her remains, putting themselves in danger into the bargain. Add lots of interstate travel and their developing love lives and Bones of Evidence becomes another brilliant read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

[Pauline Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series following forensic anthropologists, Jayne and Steelie and FBI agents, Scott and Eric. Their full support and respect for each other is paramount but their easy banter makes their difficult jobs that much more acceptable. In Bones of Evidence, ex FBI boss Gene King has admitted being a serial killer and is now to show where the bodies were buried. After nearly being killed by him in the previous book, Jayne is somewhat wary of being near him but Scott and Eric go out of their way to ensure her safety. As their painstaking investigations get underway, some success is achieved but not before King manages to upset Jayne. A separate investigation into a missing girl gives the ladies a diversion for a while but as events come to a shocking conclusion, they all have to face the repercussions of the recent events and huge decisions are made. A fast paced book with very likeable characters who enhance the story. I very much look forward to reading the next in this brilliant series.

[Jeanne Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The novel brings to mind the Kathy Reichs books about Temperance Brennan, but this is nothing like that series. You get drawn immediately into the case our two forensic anthropologists are working on. I loved learning about the procedures they follow as they and the FBI evidence recovery teams are on a case recovering the remains of thirteen women killed by a serial killer. All involved in this recovery effort are trying to bring closure to the families of the missing women. During this process they find the remains of several other people and a young indigenous female. There is a romance in the story that I felt was a bit juvenile of ‘does he / doesn’t he love me’. A second case of a missing intersex person starts being investigated, which leads our anthropologists into some trouble. You could tell that the author has her own forensic experience. The detail and care shine through into our two anthropologists. This is the first of Ms. Koff’s books I’ve read, and I must seek out the first two. This book can be read as a stand-alone.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Bones of Evidence by Clea Koff

This is the first of Clea Koff’s books I have read, and I was drawn in straight away. When a convicted serial killer finally reveals the burial sites of thirteen women, the forensic team uncover an extra set of remains that do not belong to any known victim. At the same time a young woman goes missing, and the pressure quickly builds.

The author’s forensic experience shines through. The detail feels real, but it is written with care and respect, giving the investigation emotional weight. I liked the balance between past and present, and the way the evidence is used to slowly reveal the truth.

Jayne and Steelie are strong, believable leads whose partnership adds depth without distracting from the plot. The mystery is dark and gripping, and the steady tension kept me engaged throughout.

A compelling, thoughtful and atmospheric thriller. I will definitely read more from this series.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant and engaging!!

Trying to find and identify bodies from a convicted serial killer is going to take everything this team has. While their killer used to be federal agent, they are not supposed to have any personal contact with him, and that is something that he wants to change. In order to put the investigation off kilter, he is determined to do anything that he can.

While the team works to identify the many different remains, there are questions that remain, and another case that seems to be lingering on the periphery of this one.

I absolutely LOVED this book! Get ready for a book that is going to give you a good look into the forensic side of the investigations. I love that the author has a background in the sciences, and brings that to these cases. It makes them more realistic, and also, just a bit more perfect on the mystery side.
Dive in for another fantastic case from this duo!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went into this with decent expectations because the first book with Jayne and Steelie was fast paced, full of twists, and genuinely kept me hooked. Sadly, this one just didn’t land in the same way.
While it’s competently written, I never really felt pulled in. The plot felt fairly predictable and lacked the tension and surprise that made the first book so engaging. I kept waiting for a twist that never really came, and as a result the story never quite built momentum for me.
I picked this up purely because the previous book was so strong, but this instalment failed to get me excited or invested in what was happening. It wasn’t bad, just flat, and by the end I felt underwhelmed rather than satisfied.
Because of that, I won’t be rushing to pick up any more in the series. A disappointing follow up to what had been a very promising start.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Convicted killer Eugene King has agreed to disclose the disposal locations of his victims and Jayne and Steelie are called in as part of the team to identify the remains. King is still manipulating though and he causes the MOU with the FBI to be rescinded as well as trying to split up Jayne and Scott. Steelie is starting a romance with Matt, a police officer, and the team are hired to look into the disappearance of an Australian woman.
This is a very busy book in terms of plot. There are two major forensic investigations and lots of personal plotlines which could become confusing but it works well. The Jayne and Steelie team is strong as ever and the contrast between the locations in the desert and in Seattle work well. The relationships are contrasted incredibly well, a nascent romance and one hitting a bump. All in all a strong book.

[one.too.many.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third in a series, but can be read as standalone, main characters Jayne and Steelie are on a mission to identify remains of a serial killer’s victims. That serial killer is pointing out where he left the remains.

This is a police procedural crime fiction novel, or even more so forensic science novel. There are plenty of descriptions of these processes and it’s very interesting to hear.

I really enjoyed this. It’s got a variety of different themes in it that I enjoyed reading about and them being raised. I loved the characters and their connections.

It’s third in a series and it can be read as standalone but I’d have liked to have read the other two first to understand some more of the backstories. But I’d be keen to read more from this series.

This was great as audiobook too. It was a really quick read and listen, well rounded and enjoyable. I’d recommend!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant start, a great middle and a lovely ending.
Number three in this fascinating series which gives us a new take on the role of forensics courtesy of 32/1
Jayne & Steelie are back, their nemesis, though incarcerated, still manages to cause chaos for them, and the cases are still piling up to be solved.
While the main plots continue to intrigue, the subplots delight as we get to know the characters better.
A great read with a lovely nod to Michael Connelly’s Bosch, an all-time favourite of mine.
I'm totally invested in this series and looking forward to the next instalment.

[Christina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had not read the first two books in the series but it didn't matter, I caught up with the story very quickly, and was soon engrossed.
Jayne and Steelie are experts in their field, identifying human remains and bringing closure to families. Having worked in conflict zones all over the world they are now back in the USA helping the FBI.
A very good read, giving an insight into this field of work.

#BonesOfEvidence #CleaKoff '#NetGalley #AvonBooksUK

[Neville Townsend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jayne and Steelie are back for their third outing and it's an excellent read. Recovering bodies that a serial killer has revealed where they are, they find an extra body. Full of twists good characters I especially like the interaction between the main chracters. I found that I so enthralled that I forgot the time and it was the early hours. Thanks to Avon books and Netgalley for this review copy.

[Chrissie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Exciting story ,Jayne and Steelie are Forensic Scientists who are called in by the FBI to help recover and identify the remains that a convicted killer has finally revealed the burial site ,there are 13 bodies to find but they then discover extra remains and a young girl has gone missing .A fast paced compelling story, very enjoyable .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon books uk for this e-ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. I was instantly drawn in and didn’t want to put it down. I liked the authors writing style and the detail that was put into everything in the book. I really enjoyed the characters and the relationships between them, it made the reading experience so much more fun.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in the series, but can be read as a standalone book. All the usual characters are back again, so it’s just the characters for this book you need to get used to and they’re good, even the baddies! A good storyline that keeps you captivated as it unravels but nothing complicated. Definitely a book to recommend and read the others in the series too!

[Abbeigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Jayne and Steelie series and definitely the best so far! I love the way it gives ‘Bones’ vibes, and already looking forward to the next.

[Lori Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received through Netgalley to review, this is an honest review.

Thank you Avon Books UK for the approval to read this book.

Right from the beginning, Clea Koff sets Bones of Evidence to brilliant start and never lets the reader forget what's at stake for forensic specialists Jayne and Steelie brought on board as the more bodies surface; the more secrets and truths are discover and broken like mirror glass.

The delicate balance the authors takes with harrowing descriptive scenes with the dark realty of those individuals that have the complex task of giving a voice to those they can no longer speak for themselves.