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Gideon Oliver #15
Uneasy Relations
The Edgar® Award-winning author of Little Tiny Teeth returns with his professor of forensics, Gideon Oliver, a.k.a. the Skeleton Detective.
No one does it better than Aaron Elkins, ( San Diego Union-Tribune ) and this time, Gideon Oliver will be up on the Rock of Gibraltar, where he'll inspect his oldest bones yet. But a killer's loose…
Around 25,000 years ago, did the Neanderthal live peacefully with his smarter, handsomer cousin, the Homo sapiens? The answer, recently found in the Rock of Gibraltar, left everyone speechless…
Buried ceremoniously, high in a cave, lies the skeleton of a human woman, clutching the skeleton of a part-human, part-Neanderthal child. Fascinated, Professor Oliver jumps at the chance to attend a conference near there. But two deaths, possibly murders, have rocked Gibraltar. As Oliver tries to piece things together, he's about to fall for some deadly tricks. After all, unlike the Gibraltar Boy, he's only human…
No one does it better than Aaron Elkins, ( San Diego Union-Tribune ) and this time, Gideon Oliver will be up on the Rock of Gibraltar, where he'll inspect his oldest bones yet. But a killer's loose…
Around 25,000 years ago, did the Neanderthal live peacefully with his smarter, handsomer cousin, the Homo sapiens? The answer, recently found in the Rock of Gibraltar, left everyone speechless…
Buried ceremoniously, high in a cave, lies the skeleton of a human woman, clutching the skeleton of a part-human, part-Neanderthal child. Fascinated, Professor Oliver jumps at the chance to attend a conference near there. But two deaths, possibly murders, have rocked Gibraltar. As Oliver tries to piece things together, he's about to fall for some deadly tricks. After all, unlike the Gibraltar Boy, he's only human…
278 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2008
51 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Elkins
54 books336 followersAaron J. Elkins, AKA Aaron Elkins (born Brooklyn July 24, 1935) is an American mystery writer. He is best known for his series of novels featuring forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver—the 'skeleton detective'. The fourth Oliver book, Old Bones, received the 1988 Edgar Award for Best Novel. As Oliver is a world-renowned authority, he travels around the world and each book is set in a different and often exotic locale.
In another series, the protagonist is museum curator Chris Norgren, an expert in Northern Renaissance art.
One of his stand-alone thrillers, Loot deals with art stolen by the Nazis and introduces protagonist Dr. Benjamin Revere.
With his wife, Charlotte Elkins, he has also co-written a series of golf mysteries about LPGA member Lee Ofsted. They shared an Agatha Award for their short story "Nice Gorilla".
Aaron and Charlotte live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
Japanese: アーロン エルキンズ
Series:
* Lee Ofsted (with Charlotte Elkins)
Series contributed to:
* Malice Domestic
In another series, the protagonist is museum curator Chris Norgren, an expert in Northern Renaissance art.
One of his stand-alone thrillers, Loot deals with art stolen by the Nazis and introduces protagonist Dr. Benjamin Revere.
With his wife, Charlotte Elkins, he has also co-written a series of golf mysteries about LPGA member Lee Ofsted. They shared an Agatha Award for their short story "Nice Gorilla".
Aaron and Charlotte live on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
Japanese: アーロン エルキンズ
Series:
* Lee Ofsted (with Charlotte Elkins)
Series contributed to:
* Malice Domestic
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
July 29, 2008
I've read all of Aaron Elkin's books featuring Gideon Oliver, who is a forensic anthropologist, and I've very much enjoyed most of them. This is no exception- generally well plotted with genial characters. Not quite as good as some of his earlier novels, but better than the last one that I found a little disappointing. If you're squeamish about knowing with cadaver skulls do when exposed to high heat, this is probably not the book for you. But it's not particularly graphic; everything is described quite scientifically. And Dr. Oliver is a lovely character, as is his wife Julie. The "theory of interconnected monkey business" is a favorite of mine and carried throughout the series. This particular book takes place in Gibraltar.
December 27, 2008
I always enjoy reading about Gideon Oliver, modest forensic anthropologist known to some as the "Skeleton Detective." He, like Ms. Marple, always seems to be in the area where someone is murdered, or a skeleton is discovered in circumstances suspicious only to Gideon and his ultra-sharp eye/mind. Well written, with fun characters and much wit.
October 29, 2020
This book counts as the 17th Gideon Oliver book I have read recently, leaving only one left for me to enjoy. I have liked the science, the characters and the travel guide aspects of all these books. This one takes Gideon and Julie to Gibraltar for a conference where Gideon is scheduled to deliver a paper. Due to his publisher's enthusiastic promotion of upcoming book picked up by the media with hints that Gideon Oliver was going to expose archaeological hoaxes, a series of threatening events transpire.
It is a difficult puzzle to work out who is behind threats, but a policeman Gideon had befriended in an earlier adventure is on hand to assist. Unfortunately another attendee dies before they can determine who the murderer is.
Loan from Friend (Thank You!)
It is a difficult puzzle to work out who is behind threats, but a policeman Gideon had befriended in an earlier adventure is on hand to assist. Unfortunately another attendee dies before they can determine who the murderer is.
Loan from Friend (Thank You!)
May 3, 2019
"Before the sun set on the last Neanderthal around 25,000 years ago, was he living peacefully with his smarter, handsomer cousin the Homo sapiens? Or did the two always fight? Anthropologists and Paleolithic archaeologists debated these questions for years. Then a spectacular find at the Rock of Gibraltar left everyone speechless ...
"Buried ceremoniously in a cave, the skeleton of a human woman lies clutching to her breast the skeleton of a part-Neanderthal child. Like much of the world, Professor Oliver finds Gibraltar Woman and Gibraltar Boy fascinating -- and jumps at the chance to attend a conference celebrating the anniversary of the discovery.
"But not everyone's in a festive mood. Death has been stalking the excavation site like an ancient curse, rocking Gibraltar. A woman working on the original dig met her end in a landslide. A famous archaeologist at the conference burns to death in his bed. Despite the certainty of the Royal Gibraltar Police force that the two deaths were accidents, Gideon has his suspicions.
"As he tries to piece things together, Gideon's in for some nasty surprises. Someone has set his sights on the Skeleton Detective, who's about to fall for a few deadly tricks. After all, unlike Gibraltar Boy, he's only human ...
~~front flap
One of the better books in this series, imho. That opinion is based on the subject matter, H. sap sap vis-a-vis H. Neanderthalensis. So much we don't know and so much more we now know than we did even a decade ago. It's now known that the Rock of Gibraltar was probably the last refuge area for Neanderthals (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/scienc...), so the purported paleoarchaeological find that's the subject of this mystery is intriguing.
And of course there's the usual fresh array of wonderful characters: Ivan S. Gunderson, a self-made millionaire and amateur, self-taught archaeologist who owned the Europa Point Cave site, conducted a dig with mediocre results and then gifted the site to the Horizon Foundation for Anthropological Research, which also dug the site, and discovered the First Family. Gunderson is now in his 90s and is slowly succumbing to Alzheimer's.
And then there's Fausto Sotomayor, Detective Chief Inspector of the Royal Gibraltar Police force. "Independently wealthy, no more than five feet five, quick-moving and quick-talking, rail-thin, with small (even for his size) hands (fingernails buffed and manicured) and feet (toenails buffed and pedicured?), he dressed in silk shirts and trim, expensive, perfectly tailored suits, and exuded a lithe, oddly graceful cockiness -- Jimmy Cagney with a Latin accent -- that clearly set the teeth of his bigger, slower, less fashion-conscious colleagues on edge." What a grand creation!
As usual, our Gideon's life is quickly in danger, and no one can figure out why. And after a murder or two of other archaeologists at the conference, it begins to look more and more serious. And also as usual, Gideon is up to his neck in solving the mystery. It's an exciting adventure -- you'll enjoy it.
"Buried ceremoniously in a cave, the skeleton of a human woman lies clutching to her breast the skeleton of a part-Neanderthal child. Like much of the world, Professor Oliver finds Gibraltar Woman and Gibraltar Boy fascinating -- and jumps at the chance to attend a conference celebrating the anniversary of the discovery.
"But not everyone's in a festive mood. Death has been stalking the excavation site like an ancient curse, rocking Gibraltar. A woman working on the original dig met her end in a landslide. A famous archaeologist at the conference burns to death in his bed. Despite the certainty of the Royal Gibraltar Police force that the two deaths were accidents, Gideon has his suspicions.
"As he tries to piece things together, Gideon's in for some nasty surprises. Someone has set his sights on the Skeleton Detective, who's about to fall for a few deadly tricks. After all, unlike Gibraltar Boy, he's only human ...
~~front flap
One of the better books in this series, imho. That opinion is based on the subject matter, H. sap sap vis-a-vis H. Neanderthalensis. So much we don't know and so much more we now know than we did even a decade ago. It's now known that the Rock of Gibraltar was probably the last refuge area for Neanderthals (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/scienc...), so the purported paleoarchaeological find that's the subject of this mystery is intriguing.
And of course there's the usual fresh array of wonderful characters: Ivan S. Gunderson, a self-made millionaire and amateur, self-taught archaeologist who owned the Europa Point Cave site, conducted a dig with mediocre results and then gifted the site to the Horizon Foundation for Anthropological Research, which also dug the site, and discovered the First Family. Gunderson is now in his 90s and is slowly succumbing to Alzheimer's.
And then there's Fausto Sotomayor, Detective Chief Inspector of the Royal Gibraltar Police force. "Independently wealthy, no more than five feet five, quick-moving and quick-talking, rail-thin, with small (even for his size) hands (fingernails buffed and manicured) and feet (toenails buffed and pedicured?), he dressed in silk shirts and trim, expensive, perfectly tailored suits, and exuded a lithe, oddly graceful cockiness -- Jimmy Cagney with a Latin accent -- that clearly set the teeth of his bigger, slower, less fashion-conscious colleagues on edge." What a grand creation!
As usual, our Gideon's life is quickly in danger, and no one can figure out why. And after a murder or two of other archaeologists at the conference, it begins to look more and more serious. And also as usual, Gideon is up to his neck in solving the mystery. It's an exciting adventure -- you'll enjoy it.
Read
November 15, 2020Another great story in this intriguing series!
December 4, 2009
Gideon Oliver, world renowned forensic anthropologist known to most of the world as the “Skeleton Detective” wonders if the near death experiences he has suddenly been having are really just accidents or if the “Law of Interconnected Monkey Business” might have more to do with it.
He and his Park Ranger wife Julie are attending a conference at the Rock of Gibraltar celebrating the anniversary of the famous discovery of the remains of a part-Neanderthal child “Gibraltar Boy”. Although remarkable, the discovery was tainted by the loss of Sheila Chan, a colleague who was buried under tons of the ancient earth while working on the dig.
As Gideon and Fausto, a former student and now the areas Chief Inspector, try to piece together the past as well as the present things seem to go from bad to worse. Ivan Gunderson, a famous archeologist credited with finding Gibraltar Boy is consumed in a mysterious fire that leaves more questions smoldering than answers and Gideon must pick through the remains of his old friend to help solve the mystery of what is really going on.
Aaron Elkins does an outstanding job of intertwining his cast of nerdy, idiosyncratic, scientific characters in this Mediterranean setting laden with Barbary Apes and Neolithic remains. He takes us down the winding path of intrigue while keeping our deductive senses peaked.
A very good read for Gideon followers and for those new to the series who like a bit of forensic anthropology thrown in to their mystery reading.
This book review was written for Armchair Interviews at http://www.armchairinterviews.com/
He and his Park Ranger wife Julie are attending a conference at the Rock of Gibraltar celebrating the anniversary of the famous discovery of the remains of a part-Neanderthal child “Gibraltar Boy”. Although remarkable, the discovery was tainted by the loss of Sheila Chan, a colleague who was buried under tons of the ancient earth while working on the dig.
As Gideon and Fausto, a former student and now the areas Chief Inspector, try to piece together the past as well as the present things seem to go from bad to worse. Ivan Gunderson, a famous archeologist credited with finding Gibraltar Boy is consumed in a mysterious fire that leaves more questions smoldering than answers and Gideon must pick through the remains of his old friend to help solve the mystery of what is really going on.
Aaron Elkins does an outstanding job of intertwining his cast of nerdy, idiosyncratic, scientific characters in this Mediterranean setting laden with Barbary Apes and Neolithic remains. He takes us down the winding path of intrigue while keeping our deductive senses peaked.
A very good read for Gideon followers and for those new to the series who like a bit of forensic anthropology thrown in to their mystery reading.
This book review was written for Armchair Interviews at http://www.armchairinterviews.com/
August 23, 2008
Falling off the Rock of Gibraltar is not a laughing matter, as Gideon Oliver will testify to.
When Gideon and his wife Julie travel to Gibraltar for the Annual conference of the International Paleoanthropoligical Society they have a lot of surprises awaiting them. Gideon is known as the Skeleton Detective and there is a lot of detecting to do on Gibraltar.
The anniversary of the discovery of the skeleton of a human woman clutching the skeleton of a part-Neanderthal child is going to be celebrated by the attendees of this conference. The story of Gibraltar Woman Gibraltar Boy is one that has fascinated people since the initial discovery. Ivan Gunderson who funded the original excavation was to receive several awards during the conference.
Not long after Gideon and Julie arrive in Gibraltar strange things begin to happen and Gideon begins to have doubts about the death of Sheila Chan who died at the site in 2005. Gideon confers with his old friend Fausto who is a detective on Gibraltar. The more information Gideon and Fausto dig up the more certain they are that there is something very bad going on in Gibraltar.
Uneasy Relations is the latest in the Gideon Oliver series. This is the first book I’ve read in this series so I have a lot of catching up to do. I learned a lot of new words and a lot about Gibraltar. The author kept me guessing right up to the end of the book.
When Gideon and his wife Julie travel to Gibraltar for the Annual conference of the International Paleoanthropoligical Society they have a lot of surprises awaiting them. Gideon is known as the Skeleton Detective and there is a lot of detecting to do on Gibraltar.
The anniversary of the discovery of the skeleton of a human woman clutching the skeleton of a part-Neanderthal child is going to be celebrated by the attendees of this conference. The story of Gibraltar Woman Gibraltar Boy is one that has fascinated people since the initial discovery. Ivan Gunderson who funded the original excavation was to receive several awards during the conference.
Not long after Gideon and Julie arrive in Gibraltar strange things begin to happen and Gideon begins to have doubts about the death of Sheila Chan who died at the site in 2005. Gideon confers with his old friend Fausto who is a detective on Gibraltar. The more information Gideon and Fausto dig up the more certain they are that there is something very bad going on in Gibraltar.
Uneasy Relations is the latest in the Gideon Oliver series. This is the first book I’ve read in this series so I have a lot of catching up to do. I learned a lot of new words and a lot about Gibraltar. The author kept me guessing right up to the end of the book.
December 9, 2014
4 1/2 stars for another great Gideon Oliver mystery from Aaron Elkins.
In this one, Gideon and Julie travel to Gibraltar for an anniversary celebration of a great archeological discovery - Neanderthal woman and child. Coincidently, a publicity stunt by Gideon's publisher has Gideon delivering a keynote speech that will turn the archeology community on their heads. Of course, that isn't true, but there is a great deal of expectation once Gideon and Julie arrive around this speech. And of course, almost as soon as Gideon arrives, he has an accident. Was it intentional or truly an accident. More attempts at accidents follow, and eventually, a death. Are they connected? And why are they happening?
Loved how Elkins threads the study of bones and archeology into his books, without turning them into stiff scientificish tomes. I've read many of his books, the good thing is that you do not need to read them in order - you can enjoy them as stand-alone books (of course, it helps to read the first couple in order to get the gist of who 'the skeleton detective' is.
In this case, good dialog, the settings were aptly described, and the book flowed well. One gets a sense of who the various characters in the books are with his descriptions and the corresponding dialog. Highly recommend this one. Great mystery, plausible ending.
In this one, Gideon and Julie travel to Gibraltar for an anniversary celebration of a great archeological discovery - Neanderthal woman and child. Coincidently, a publicity stunt by Gideon's publisher has Gideon delivering a keynote speech that will turn the archeology community on their heads. Of course, that isn't true, but there is a great deal of expectation once Gideon and Julie arrive around this speech. And of course, almost as soon as Gideon arrives, he has an accident. Was it intentional or truly an accident. More attempts at accidents follow, and eventually, a death. Are they connected? And why are they happening?
Loved how Elkins threads the study of bones and archeology into his books, without turning them into stiff scientificish tomes. I've read many of his books, the good thing is that you do not need to read them in order - you can enjoy them as stand-alone books (of course, it helps to read the first couple in order to get the gist of who 'the skeleton detective' is.
In this case, good dialog, the settings were aptly described, and the book flowed well. One gets a sense of who the various characters in the books are with his descriptions and the corresponding dialog. Highly recommend this one. Great mystery, plausible ending.
February 6, 2014
When Gideon and Julie head over to Gibraltar to take part in a symposium, things begin to go wrong from the get-go. Surrounded by archeologists set to discuss the Gibraltar Woman and Gibraltar Boy, prehistoric remains that could promote the idea that the Neanderthal and Homo Sapiens co-mingled, Gideon soon finds out that some will do all in their power to silence critics, including murder. After a close call with death, Gideon begins sleuthing and discovers some interesting clues when a body is found within the rubble of a torched home. How does it relate to a slain woman two years earlier and does someone have eyes on Gideon as their next victim?
As always, Elkins does a great job in showing how versatile his writing can be. While repeating some of the basic tenets of the trade from one book to the next, the reader is always treated to new and interesting teachable moments. There is so much to learn, and new discoveries replace those presented in earlier novels, which only adds another layer to the reader's enjoyment.
Kudos Dr. Elkins for another successful and interesting novel. I am eager to see how much more Dr. Gideon Oliver has within him to keep the novels fresh and new.
As always, Elkins does a great job in showing how versatile his writing can be. While repeating some of the basic tenets of the trade from one book to the next, the reader is always treated to new and interesting teachable moments. There is so much to learn, and new discoveries replace those presented in earlier novels, which only adds another layer to the reader's enjoyment.
Kudos Dr. Elkins for another successful and interesting novel. I am eager to see how much more Dr. Gideon Oliver has within him to keep the novels fresh and new.
September 20, 2013
I always enjoy Aaron Elkins, and don't know how I missed this one, given it was published in 2008 and I thought I had read them ALL. Guess I need to go back to my library and see if there are more. The protagonist, Gideon Oliver, forensic anthropologist is unassuming, brilliant, easy to get along with and has interesting friends and doesn't use cusswords. I highly recommend this author and his various series to folks who enjoy well written, engaging mysteries that are not bloody dark psycho thrillers nor nosy flatly written stereotyped cozies. (I like some cozies but there are an awful lot of poor ones out there)
January 1, 2011
Another fantastic little page turner by one of my favorite mystery authors. There isn't much cerebral about Elkins other than the fat that he's a damn good writer with a sense of humor. I like his books primarily because there's precious little in them that offends me in any way and they are fun to read.
Gideon Oliver and his wife Julie are the principle characters and they once again are permitted to play off one another in a delightful plot in an exotic location. This is a great airplane or fireplace read.
Have fun.
Gideon Oliver and his wife Julie are the principle characters and they once again are permitted to play off one another in a delightful plot in an exotic location. This is a great airplane or fireplace read.
Have fun.
March 22, 2014
Aaron Elkins is a master and I have so far loved everything he has written. This time Gideon is in Europe - the Gibraltar area to celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of a Homo sapiens woman clutching a part-Neanderthal child. This is quite an astonishing find and the archaeologists and anthropologists are in high spirits until someone begins killing them off!! I felt from the beginning it was an unlikely legitimate find, but that didn't keep me from reading it. This is the 10th in the series, so if you haven't read any of Elkins books, start with "Fellowship of Fear."
September 27, 2014
Readers of Aaron Elkins know exactly what they are going to get. A pleasant mystery, at least one recently dead body, bones--old or ancient, the delightful Skeleton Detective and interesting information you probably didn't know. This book is the same--except for one personal thing. This time Professor Gideon Oliver (Skeleton Detective)explained some things about our evolution that touched on a problem I have. I feel slightly better although nothing will change for several thousand/million years. Born too soon. Many of you were too.
July 15, 2016
Forensic anthropologist, Gideon Oliver, gets together on the island of Gibraltar with a group of friends to celebrate the finding of Gibraltar Woman and Gibraltar Boy several years earlier. As Gideon begins to visit with his friends he finds himself in the crosshairs and a suspicion begins to niggle at his brain. Could the bones that were found and dubbed Gibraltar Woman and Gibraltar Boy have been an elaborate hoax? If so, could one of his friends have carried it off?
A very entertaining and informative series with great characters.
A very entertaining and informative series with great characters.
August 31, 2012
I'll always be a fan of the Gideon Oliver series. Elkins writes intelligently, weaves an excellent plot, AND has a sense of humor. The descriptions of the features of various characters are sometimes hysterically funny as I envision them from the description. These are stand alone books, but starting from the beginning of this series makes Gideon Oliver and his wife seem like old friends. Good fun.
January 3, 2012
A fun character driven mystery. This book contains a finely crafted mystery that can be guessed at with the clues or can be be allowed to unfold either way it is quite satisfying. The writing style allows the narrative to flow unhindered and makes it an easy book to immerse yourself in. This is definitely a book that can be read on public transportation or on vacation.
July 2, 2021
Peripatetic anthropologist Gideon Oliver, in the tiny British Crown Colony of Gibraltar, discovers, to his chagrin, that a key skeletal remain—a kind of “missing link” between Neanderthals and “modern” Homo sapiens sapiens--is not what he thought it was. But if it’s not the missing link, what is it? And who benefits from it being interpreted as if it were? Moreover, who would go to such great lengths as getting someone killed—including almost Oliver, on a pleasant hike up to a tourist-destined overlook—to prevent the truth from coming out? As are all Gideon Oliver mysteries, plotted around human skeletal remains and peppered with the usual array of Oliver’s delightful anthropological colleagues brimming with camaraderie; with tourism-accompanying-work; and with sights, smells and tastes of place, this narrative has us guessing about what kind of mischief is afoot in this Mediterranean rock awash in Spaniards, Brits, macaques, and prehistoric profundity.
April 27, 2019
The first part of the book was a bit slow moving but then it picked up a bit. Gideon is in Gibraltar for a talk and finds himself to be somehow connected to two deaths. One of a well liked older man and the other of a young graduate who was part of an excavation. There is some reason that the two deaths are somehow connected to a dig that happened that a number a years ago with the discovery of the Gibraltar Woman and boy which is based on a human woman holding a part Neanderthal child.
What is interesting is that in this book Gideon disproves that there was any mixing of Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals but as we now now there was mixing with the two species.
What is interesting is that in this book Gideon disproves that there was any mixing of Homo Sapiens and Neanderthals but as we now now there was mixing with the two species.
February 8, 2020
One of my favorite series.
I love this series. The characters are engaging, the mysteries are very entertaining - I just love everything about these books. Every time I start one it is like getting into comfy PJ's & visiting with old friends. The relationship between Gideon & Julie is so sweet. Having lost his first wife suddenly he realizes & is appreciative of how lucky he is to have found Julie. And she is down to earth enough to keep him grounded when his "Skeleton Detective" reputation starts to go to his head. The books are entertaining , the mysteries are intriguing & the characters are endearing.
I love this series. The characters are engaging, the mysteries are very entertaining - I just love everything about these books. Every time I start one it is like getting into comfy PJ's & visiting with old friends. The relationship between Gideon & Julie is so sweet. Having lost his first wife suddenly he realizes & is appreciative of how lucky he is to have found Julie. And she is down to earth enough to keep him grounded when his "Skeleton Detective" reputation starts to go to his head. The books are entertaining , the mysteries are intriguing & the characters are endearing.
June 25, 2025
While attending the annual conference of the International Paleoanthropological Society in Gibraltar, Gideon Oliver a, professor of physical anthropology, has the strong suspicion that someone is trying to murder him. Is it one of the other conference attendees and if so why? He suspects that it may have to do with an article claiming, incorrectly, that he is going to expose a scientific fraud at the lecture he will be giving at the conference. Two possible attempts are made prior to his talk and none after but who wanted him dead? As Gideon, his wife and his police buddy Fausto try to solve the mystery, the reader is treated to an interesting education in anthropology.
October 10, 2020
Another enjoyable visit with the Skeleton Detective and his wife, Julie, this time in Gibraltar, where Gideon is to make a speech, at an archaeological conference. Five years earlier, he was involved in the identifying of an apparently mixed Neanderthal and human child. But a series of suspicious events make Gideon wonder if someone is trying to kill him. But why? And what connection could this have to Gibraltar Boy? Recommended.
January 8, 2021
One of half a dozen series I give a five to.
I enjoy the forensic and bone knowledge I get. I like the relationship between Gideon and his wife. And I like the way specific clues are followed up to a conclusion. No violence and no suspense. My kind of book. Ok there is some...but not a lot. People get along together. It is pleasant to spend time with them. I’d like to meet them some day.
I enjoy the forensic and bone knowledge I get. I like the relationship between Gideon and his wife. And I like the way specific clues are followed up to a conclusion. No violence and no suspense. My kind of book. Ok there is some...but not a lot. People get along together. It is pleasant to spend time with them. I’d like to meet them some day.
May 28, 2017
I really like this well researched series that teach about forensic anthropology and various anthropological settings. This time the setting is discoveries of evidence of early man in Gibraltar. The characters offer interest and delight, as always. Be aware the protagonists' attitude toward sex (in this case married) is frank, sensual, but not explicit.
June 19, 2023
This is a review of the entire Gideon Oliver mystery series.
Uneasy Relations is the fifteenth of an eighteen-book mystery series with forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver, Ph.D. as the protagonist. I started with Dead Men’s Hearts (#8 in the series) and liked it enough I started collecting individual books as they came on sale, saving them until I could read the entire series in one fell swoop. The day came when I had almost the entire series, so I bought the last two and settled in for two weeks of reading. Roughly 250 pages each, they are quick reads; some days I could get through two.
Elkins is an anthropologist, and his knowledge of the human body is apparent. As a physician, I enjoyed the science and the anatomy of Gideon’s forensic work with the police and FBI. He visits several foreign countries as well as some of the United States, and these locales seem accurately depicted to this world traveler. There is some romance, rather old-fashioned and staid, but Gideon is that kind of guy. He marries the woman in question and they remain happily married through the series.
Some books, of course, were better than others (I thought Dying on the Vine set in Tuscany, was probably the weakest), but overall, the series rates a solid four stars and are a predictably fast, interesting read with widely varied locales and plots.
Uneasy Relations is the fifteenth of an eighteen-book mystery series with forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver, Ph.D. as the protagonist. I started with Dead Men’s Hearts (#8 in the series) and liked it enough I started collecting individual books as they came on sale, saving them until I could read the entire series in one fell swoop. The day came when I had almost the entire series, so I bought the last two and settled in for two weeks of reading. Roughly 250 pages each, they are quick reads; some days I could get through two.
Elkins is an anthropologist, and his knowledge of the human body is apparent. As a physician, I enjoyed the science and the anatomy of Gideon’s forensic work with the police and FBI. He visits several foreign countries as well as some of the United States, and these locales seem accurately depicted to this world traveler. There is some romance, rather old-fashioned and staid, but Gideon is that kind of guy. He marries the woman in question and they remain happily married through the series.
Some books, of course, were better than others (I thought Dying on the Vine set in Tuscany, was probably the weakest), but overall, the series rates a solid four stars and are a predictably fast, interesting read with widely varied locales and plots.
April 10, 2018
Much like the rest of them. It's an easy read, interesting mystery. That said, of all of them, this might have been the most predictable. That doesn't take away from the mystery or the entertainment, but overall, not my favorite. Still worth the read.
April 8, 2021
Worth Reading
All the books in this series are filled with interesting facts. The writing is clear and professional. I didn’t find typos, so don’t think there were any. I recommend Elkins mystery novels highly.
All the books in this series are filled with interesting facts. The writing is clear and professional. I didn’t find typos, so don’t think there were any. I recommend Elkins mystery novels highly.
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September 29, 2021Fascinating, and not too gory. Just a bit scary from time to time. And sprinkled throughout with humor.
As I'm not going to Gibraltar at any time soon, I appreciate the vicarious experience
I 'll be reading more of this series.
As I'm not going to Gibraltar at any time soon, I appreciate the vicarious experience
I 'll be reading more of this series.
March 3, 2018
Nice understanding read. Sort of the facile feel of a Wodehouse set in America, or in this case Gibralter. Good wit and humor about it. I'm hooked for the series.
May 13, 2019
Learned about Gibraltar....and never guessed the killer!
April 16, 2020
One of the best in the series
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - for me it rates near the top in the Gideon Oliver series. Lots of twists and turns, It kept me guessing up to the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book - for me it rates near the top in the Gideon Oliver series. Lots of twists and turns, It kept me guessing up to the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews