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Body Farm #9
The Breaking Point
Dr. Bill Brockton—founder of the University of Tennessee's macabre Body Farm—has enjoyed professional acclaim and personal contentment in the years since he once came close to losing his wife and son at the hands of a serial killer. The pioneering research done at the Body Farm, and Brockton's forensic expertise, have earned him respect, renown, and high-profile cases.
Now the FBI has asked Brockton to help identify the remains of a pilot killed in a suspicious, fiery plane crash. Are the charred bones indeed those of maverick humanitarian Richard Janus? And was the nighttime crash an accident, a suicide—or a murder?
But a storm is about to hit Brockton with cataclysmic force. First, he discovers he's landed in the middle of a nasty political battle. Then his identification of the crash victim is called into question, as is the future of his research facility. Reeling from these blows, he receives a gruesome threat from the killer who nearly murdered the Brocktons more than a decade before. But Brockton gets the most shocking news of all from his beloved Kathleen.
Will the legendary Dr. Bill Brockton be pushed beyond his breaking point?
Now the FBI has asked Brockton to help identify the remains of a pilot killed in a suspicious, fiery plane crash. Are the charred bones indeed those of maverick humanitarian Richard Janus? And was the nighttime crash an accident, a suicide—or a murder?
But a storm is about to hit Brockton with cataclysmic force. First, he discovers he's landed in the middle of a nasty political battle. Then his identification of the crash victim is called into question, as is the future of his research facility. Reeling from these blows, he receives a gruesome threat from the killer who nearly murdered the Brocktons more than a decade before. But Brockton gets the most shocking news of all from his beloved Kathleen.
Will the legendary Dr. Bill Brockton be pushed beyond his breaking point?
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2015
456 people are currently reading
3209 people want to read
About the author
Jefferson Bass
21 books1,169 followersJefferson Bass on FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/JeffersonBass...
Jon Jefferson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Bill Bass
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jefferson Bass is the pen name of Jon Jefferson, writer, and Dr. Bill Bass, renowned forensic anthropologist. Jefferson and Bass have collaborated on 2 nonfiction books and 6 crime novels; their 7th novel, The Inquisitor's Key, will be published in May 2012. Dr. Bass, founder of the University of Tennessee's "Body Farm," is an author on more than 200 scientific publications. Jefferson is a veteran journalist and documentary filmmaker; his two National Geographic documentaries on the Body Farm were seen around the world.
http://www.facebook.com/JeffersonBass...
Jon Jefferson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Bill Bass
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jefferson Bass is the pen name of Jon Jefferson, writer, and Dr. Bill Bass, renowned forensic anthropologist. Jefferson and Bass have collaborated on 2 nonfiction books and 6 crime novels; their 7th novel, The Inquisitor's Key, will be published in May 2012. Dr. Bass, founder of the University of Tennessee's "Body Farm," is an author on more than 200 scientific publications. Jefferson is a veteran journalist and documentary filmmaker; his two National Geographic documentaries on the Body Farm were seen around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
October 29, 2022
The book is well titled as the reader almost reaches the "Breaking Point" before they're finished with this one. Not that it's a bad story or that it's not as good as the past ones, it's that you feel like you are in the eye of a hurricane and being thrown into the path of a tornado only to be hit by a freight train traveling 100 mph. Way too much is happening at one time to our poor Bill Brockton. Too many horrible, surprises before the surprise that really didn't surprise me much by this point was delivered. It's a well-done mystery combined with a profound, tear producing story of undying true love. A beautiful, but not the usual type of journey we are accustomed to with this series.
April 17, 2024
There is a patch of ground in Tennessee dedicated to the science of death, where human remains lie exposed to be studied for their secrets. The real-life scientist who founded the "Body Farm" has broken cold cases and revolutionized forensics . . . and now he spins an astonishing tale inspired by his own experiences.
Jefferson Bass returns with a throwback novel that holds the thrills to which series fans are accustomed as it further educates all about the wonders of forensic anthropology. Tapping into both the wonders of the science as well as some significantly personal moments, Bass creates another great novel that is sure to keep the reader up well into the night to better understand all that is taking place. Bass proves his worth once more with this piece that has all the elements of a great novel.
After celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary, Dr. Bill Brockton, creator of the Body Farm, is summoned by the FBI and sent to the outskirts of San Diego. After bidding goodbye to his wife, Kathleen, Brockton heads west where he's asked to identify the remains of a well-known philanthropist, whose small plane crashed on a routine flight. As Brockton heads up the difficult identification of a body having been through tremendous force during the crash, media inquiries begin to cast the spotlight on the FBI and NTSB, demanding the results be made public. Brockton's discoveries lead to a positive identification, though it's rushed by those in power, which he delivers as the inter-agency politics heat up.
Talk of a drug delivery angle emerge as Brockton leaves the scene and heads back to the University of Tennessee and his loving wife, in the heart of Knoxville. Brockton's return is anything but calm, as a local reporter begins poking around the premise of the Body Farm and asks difficult questions regarding the humane treatment of the bodies on the premises. These inquiries succeed in getting local politicians to wonder about the need for the Farm and threats of massive funding cuts leave the University scrambling.
If that were not enough, a serial killer from Brockton’s past has him worried for his life, as well as that of Kathleen. When Kathleen delivers her own news, it is too much for Brockton to handle and he begins a swift mental and physical unravelling. With the case in San Diego blowing up and proving Brockton was completely wrong, he must face the music while juggling everything else and make it right, or face a permanent strain between himself and the Bureau. A wonderful story that fills gaps in the Bill Brockton narrative, entertaining as it teaches the reader more about the wonders of forensic anthropology.
When I began this novel, I could not wrap my head around why it had to be set in 2004 and not the current day. The more I read, the ingenious plan Bass had in setting the novel in this time period came to the surface. Much of Brockton's growth as a character takes place in this time period and this novel illustrates that better than any of the others. Kathleen and her struggles, as well as the constant queries about the necessity for the Farm are not lost on the attentive reader. With other crumbs useful for the novels set in the present day, Bass treats the reader to a thoroughly exciting and jam-packed novel. Perhaps too jam-packed, as some storylines fall silent in order to keep the book under 500 pages. If I could offer one suggestion, choose two storylines and focus on them. Write an additional novel down the road to return to the issues and add to the creation.
The plot developments are quite clear in this piece, touching on many personal aspects the series has hinted at since its inception. Both scientific and personal aspects prove the most surprising within this piece and exemplifies that Bass has a plan for everything. While there were moments in which the story was a little too diluted, Bass has a plan and I will keep reading to see what comes of it all. It looks as though the next novel is the last in the series, so I will have to soak it all up!
Kudos Mr. Bass, for checking all the boxes and providing the reader with the keys to the series’ foundations.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Jefferson Bass returns with a throwback novel that holds the thrills to which series fans are accustomed as it further educates all about the wonders of forensic anthropology. Tapping into both the wonders of the science as well as some significantly personal moments, Bass creates another great novel that is sure to keep the reader up well into the night to better understand all that is taking place. Bass proves his worth once more with this piece that has all the elements of a great novel.
After celebrating his 30th wedding anniversary, Dr. Bill Brockton, creator of the Body Farm, is summoned by the FBI and sent to the outskirts of San Diego. After bidding goodbye to his wife, Kathleen, Brockton heads west where he's asked to identify the remains of a well-known philanthropist, whose small plane crashed on a routine flight. As Brockton heads up the difficult identification of a body having been through tremendous force during the crash, media inquiries begin to cast the spotlight on the FBI and NTSB, demanding the results be made public. Brockton's discoveries lead to a positive identification, though it's rushed by those in power, which he delivers as the inter-agency politics heat up.
Talk of a drug delivery angle emerge as Brockton leaves the scene and heads back to the University of Tennessee and his loving wife, in the heart of Knoxville. Brockton's return is anything but calm, as a local reporter begins poking around the premise of the Body Farm and asks difficult questions regarding the humane treatment of the bodies on the premises. These inquiries succeed in getting local politicians to wonder about the need for the Farm and threats of massive funding cuts leave the University scrambling.
If that were not enough, a serial killer from Brockton’s past has him worried for his life, as well as that of Kathleen. When Kathleen delivers her own news, it is too much for Brockton to handle and he begins a swift mental and physical unravelling. With the case in San Diego blowing up and proving Brockton was completely wrong, he must face the music while juggling everything else and make it right, or face a permanent strain between himself and the Bureau. A wonderful story that fills gaps in the Bill Brockton narrative, entertaining as it teaches the reader more about the wonders of forensic anthropology.
When I began this novel, I could not wrap my head around why it had to be set in 2004 and not the current day. The more I read, the ingenious plan Bass had in setting the novel in this time period came to the surface. Much of Brockton's growth as a character takes place in this time period and this novel illustrates that better than any of the others. Kathleen and her struggles, as well as the constant queries about the necessity for the Farm are not lost on the attentive reader. With other crumbs useful for the novels set in the present day, Bass treats the reader to a thoroughly exciting and jam-packed novel. Perhaps too jam-packed, as some storylines fall silent in order to keep the book under 500 pages. If I could offer one suggestion, choose two storylines and focus on them. Write an additional novel down the road to return to the issues and add to the creation.
The plot developments are quite clear in this piece, touching on many personal aspects the series has hinted at since its inception. Both scientific and personal aspects prove the most surprising within this piece and exemplifies that Bass has a plan for everything. While there were moments in which the story was a little too diluted, Bass has a plan and I will keep reading to see what comes of it all. It looks as though the next novel is the last in the series, so I will have to soak it all up!
Kudos Mr. Bass, for checking all the boxes and providing the reader with the keys to the series’ foundations.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
August 26, 2019
The breaking point ⭐️
This reminded me of ‘Bones’ the tv show and I really liked it.
We follow Dr Brockton as he helps the FBI solve cases and helps their students learn a bit as well about bodies and different ways the people died.
This was really interesting and I throughly enjoyed the first half. Then it felt repetitive and I started to lose interest in the characters. But for the most part, I enjoyed it.
(Maybe if I started in order for the Body Farm series I would have connected with the characters better.)
This reminded me of ‘Bones’ the tv show and I really liked it.
We follow Dr Brockton as he helps the FBI solve cases and helps their students learn a bit as well about bodies and different ways the people died.
This was really interesting and I throughly enjoyed the first half. Then it felt repetitive and I started to lose interest in the characters. But for the most part, I enjoyed it.
(Maybe if I started in order for the Body Farm series I would have connected with the characters better.)
June 24, 2015
If I hadn't been so confused at first, I think I would have enjoyed this book more and given it a 4 1/2 or 5! I did not read the summary on this book as I don't usually do that on any book, actually though I think if I had it wouldn't have really helped me. I kept asking myself, "hadn't I read that Dr. Brockton's wife passed away already?" This is really bugged me and my mind kept wondering to the other books in the series. I think if I had known ahead of time that this book was taking a step back and giving us some information that we had not been told about Dr. Brockton's personal life before then my mind would have been able to stay with The Breaking Point instead of wondering if I had somehow missed something.
That being said, I love the mystery/who-dun-it part of this book, it really made you wonder. I really don't like bugs, but I find it very fascinating how bugs can actually help solve a crime: "Bad guys lie through their teeth. But bugs?" I pointed to the bloated face and the telltale maggots. "You can always believe them. Whatever they tell you, it's the truth."
That being said, I love the mystery/who-dun-it part of this book, it really made you wonder. I really don't like bugs, but I find it very fascinating how bugs can actually help solve a crime: "Bad guys lie through their teeth. But bugs?" I pointed to the bloated face and the telltale maggots. "You can always believe them. Whatever they tell you, it's the truth."
August 8, 2015
Having read all the previous Body Farm books (except for #7 which I didn't finish), I was afraid this one might bore me. Indeed, after I read Chapter 11, I thought about giving up. There were two or three subsequent things that struck me as odd as well, but I will not spoil the book for anyone. However, I continued on. Eventually, the pace picked up, a personal upheaval for Dr. Brockton was sensitively dealt with, and the investigation came to a conclusion. Not an excellent book, but it was satisfying and I'm glad I read it.
February 10, 2024
A small jet crashes into a mountain in Southern California not far from the Mexican border with a wealthy philanthropist/pilot. The FBI show up at Dr. Brockton's to request his services to help in the recovery of the body/bones he is willing to go as he knows the victim. Between all the government and state agencies no one can understand how the accident happened. This was a real page turner for me and I was very surprised by the answer. I've enjoyed all the books in this series that I have read so far. The Body Farm is a real place but the books are fiction.
October 16, 2016
The Breaking Point by Jefferson Bass.
This did not start off as I had expected in comparison to other books I've read in the body farm series. It did not capture my attention until well past half the book.
The the depth of uncovering the true identity of a body found in a plane crash and why it was being kept a mystery comes to light. Dr. Brockton is the chief investigator who finds even his body farm being brought into question. Threatening messages ensue as well as Brockton's credibility is hit from all sides.
The worst possible news hits home like a ton of bricks and saps the very strength from his existence.
The wait is over as we near the last 3 rd of the story. The concealed comes to the surface and all was not as we had been led to believe. It was worth the wait.
This did not start off as I had expected in comparison to other books I've read in the body farm series. It did not capture my attention until well past half the book.
The the depth of uncovering the true identity of a body found in a plane crash and why it was being kept a mystery comes to light. Dr. Brockton is the chief investigator who finds even his body farm being brought into question. Threatening messages ensue as well as Brockton's credibility is hit from all sides.
The worst possible news hits home like a ton of bricks and saps the very strength from his existence.
The wait is over as we near the last 3 rd of the story. The concealed comes to the surface and all was not as we had been led to believe. It was worth the wait.
November 23, 2016
This is a great book if you like forensic type books. Most people reading this book do, as it's the 11th or so in the series about the "Body Farm" in Tennessee. Bad puns aside (and the first three chapters or so I thought they bordered on annoying), this book is great reading. It's dense and satisfying. Well plotted, likeable characters and lots of real information to satisfy those who love learning when they read.
June 11, 2017
The ninth 'body farm' novel from the writing team known as Jefferson Bass, (Jon Jefferson- Dr. Bill Bass) is another gem from this series. "The Body Farm", proves to be a heart wrenching tale of greed, philanthropy and death. The nationally well respected forensic anthropologist Dr. Bill Brockton is summoned once again by the FBI to help identify the remains of a millionaire who crashed his plane into the mountains near San Diego. Brockton suffers from an incurable and mostly devastating malady known as Meniere's Disease. Meniere's Disease is vertigo running wild as the inner ear is at war with itself. Brockton runs the anthropology department at the U. of Tennessee. For this read Brockton's Meniere's is in a 'stable' place and episode free. Set in 2004 this prequel is an action packed suspense thriller. Having read most of the previous body farm books I knew this plot would be strong. Jefferson Bass weaves a jigsaw puzzle of events that push Bill Brockton to his wit's end. Confronting an angry widow along the FBI brass who suddenly turn on him, Brockton must lean on wife Kathleen heavily. However Kathleen is having some medical issues that make her push away Bill to some degree. When Bill's beloved body farm gets attacked from a local news crew who seem angry about veterans unclaimed bodies as subjects in the body farm the university and town begin to turn on Bill. Seemingly Bill Brockton is forced to confront alligators at every turn. While walling himself off in his lab under the U. of Tennessee football stadium Brockton fights to make sense of the dilemmas he embroiled in. The well scripted plot along with Jefferson Bass's unique cast of characters make for an incredible read. I'd have to admit I didn't see the ending coming. It's nice to be wrapped up into a suspense thriller one is not sure how ending is going to play out. (No cheating and reading last chapter !). I'm giving, "The Breaking Point", four stars out of a possible five stars. I was unable to give this one five stars due to Brockton's Meniere's Disease. Having suffered many years with Meniere's I chuckled when Brockton flew around in circles, up, down, and sideways in a helicopter. Also, working on a cliff at high altitudes with no side effects from his Meniere's is not too likely. Most Meniere's patients only have very short 'stable' periods. Wicked head movement is the number one key to setting off Meniere's. When the dizzy hits it's all downhill for days or weeks. However, I did thoroughly this yarn. I'd highly recommend all of the body farm books from Jefferson Bass. "The Breaking Point" being a prequel is an excellent book in the series to start with. Be sure to check out this excellent series. Jefferson Bass craft some really good suspense thrillers. Check it out !
September 13, 2016
This was a great story. Not only in terms of the mystery, but also in terms of the life of the main character. Expressions of love and compassion were common in his marriage. It all serves to make him more human, to my way of thinking. This enrichment is a very welcome aspect of this novel.
April 30, 2016
Good suspense. A little slow.
Review went missing. How does save not working?
Review went missing. How does save not working?
October 2, 2016
This book is a strange set of seeming contradictions. First off, there are vast tonal discrepancies between the sections. I know "Jefferson Bass" is a writing team, but it feels as though parts 1&3 were written by one author and part 2 by another author. It's truly bizarre.
Most frustratingly, part 1 -- all 175 pages of it -- is basically completely pointless. You could have completely cut part 1 from the book and not missed anything. You could have summed it up in one paragraph -- a page max -- and moved on. By showing all that boring detail rather than simply alluding to it in later sections, all sense of drama and mystery was removed from the story. I'd rather ask questions like "what happened" and "how did that go down" than know all the answers at the beginning and be left with no sense of mystery. There is also no drama or conflict in part one. It's like a journalistic account.....that just ends with a thud and a lack of drama.
Part 2 was the best part of the story, but also the sloppiest. It was all over the place in terms of story, with multiple useless plot threads that get wrapped up by single sentences in the denouement. Since they were useless, why were the plot threads in the book? Why waste our time with a serial killer who has no impact on the plot or the main character? Just for the Job piling-on reference? No thanks.
The strongest part of the book was the main character struggling with the revelation of his wife's cancer in part 2. It felt real and emotional -- and like a different author from part 1 -- but then that storyline, too, simply ends with a thud. Not only did the cancer storyline -- dramatic as it was -- not feel like it belonged in a mystery-thriller, but it ended so suddenly and unsatisfactorily that I was left disappointed. Yes, I realize that real-life pain and death are sudden and unsatisfying, but this is fiction.
Part 3 resumes the journalistic matter-of-fact tone, with no emotion and the main character seemingly having gotten over his wife's death without a care in the world. The ending was ridiculous and unsatisfying, and I felt almost offended that the 50-year old doctor seems destined to bang his 20-year old grad student now that his wife is dead. It felt almost like he was just waiting for a younger woman.
Overall, this felt like a poor episode of the TV show "Bones," with much worse dialogue, plotting and character interactions. Oh yeah, and what was with the opening few chapters switching back and forth between third person and first person? That was super distracting and pulled me out of the story on multiple occasions.
Most frustratingly, part 1 -- all 175 pages of it -- is basically completely pointless. You could have completely cut part 1 from the book and not missed anything. You could have summed it up in one paragraph -- a page max -- and moved on. By showing all that boring detail rather than simply alluding to it in later sections, all sense of drama and mystery was removed from the story. I'd rather ask questions like "what happened" and "how did that go down" than know all the answers at the beginning and be left with no sense of mystery. There is also no drama or conflict in part one. It's like a journalistic account.....that just ends with a thud and a lack of drama.
Part 2 was the best part of the story, but also the sloppiest. It was all over the place in terms of story, with multiple useless plot threads that get wrapped up by single sentences in the denouement. Since they were useless, why were the plot threads in the book? Why waste our time with a serial killer who has no impact on the plot or the main character? Just for the Job piling-on reference? No thanks.
The strongest part of the book was the main character struggling with the revelation of his wife's cancer in part 2. It felt real and emotional -- and like a different author from part 1 -- but then that storyline, too, simply ends with a thud. Not only did the cancer storyline -- dramatic as it was -- not feel like it belonged in a mystery-thriller, but it ended so suddenly and unsatisfactorily that I was left disappointed. Yes, I realize that real-life pain and death are sudden and unsatisfying, but this is fiction.
Part 3 resumes the journalistic matter-of-fact tone, with no emotion and the main character seemingly having gotten over his wife's death without a care in the world. The ending was ridiculous and unsatisfying, and I felt almost offended that the 50-year old doctor seems destined to bang his 20-year old grad student now that his wife is dead. It felt almost like he was just waiting for a younger woman.
Overall, this felt like a poor episode of the TV show "Bones," with much worse dialogue, plotting and character interactions. Oh yeah, and what was with the opening few chapters switching back and forth between third person and first person? That was super distracting and pulled me out of the story on multiple occasions.
October 5, 2016
Like the series and characters - well narrated, well plotted and recommended!
June 20, 2017
Exhaustingly good. Poor Dr. Brockton is having a rough time of pretty much everything. His life, life's work, investigative abilities, everything he holds dear is now in turmoil. He begins questioning his place in the world and why everything is happening to him. And I think that's what I liked most about the book. The mystery was very good, but seeing the main character of a popular series be as human as Bill Brockton was during a good portion of the story, was superb. I alternated between wanting to smack him and wanting to hug him. The reader can empathize with Dr. Brockton as I think everyone has had some turmoil of some kind and can see what he's going through. How it sometimes seems one is being bombarded with more than can be handled.
I liked this one quite a lot and made me remember why I like this series so much.
Definitely recommend.
I liked this one quite a lot and made me remember why I like this series so much.
Definitely recommend.
April 6, 2019
Another great tale from Jefferson Bass. Threw me a bit as it was focused on Dr B's wife who had died years before but was very much alive - for a while - in this book. Good to read about his past though.
November 14, 2017
Two-haiku review:
Good guy's plane crashes
Dr. Bill helps ID him
But then there's questions
Absolutely loved
Series better and better
Really tore my heart
Good guy's plane crashes
Dr. Bill helps ID him
But then there's questions
Absolutely loved
Series better and better
Really tore my heart
December 29, 2018
Good but could have done without the long diatribe in Job... it really wasn't necessary to the story. There was seem to be some unnecessary stuff too.
April 11, 2020
The beginning was a little hard to get through with all the technicalities of the plane crash but the remainder of the book didn’t disappoint. I was surprised they are bringing Satterfield back and can’t wait until the next book...had to order online! It appears book ten is the last in the series as I couldn’t find more. Sad 😢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2022
4.5 rounded up
So much going on in this book and it flows so well.
So much going on in this book and it flows so well.
March 14, 2020
Still a pretty good read, but the story in this one feels more like 2 or 3 stories clipped together. Like tying unrelated events together for dramatic purposes
April 21, 2024
Wow! Another interesting look at how science can help solve crimes. Dr Bill Brockton solved it again.
January 27, 2025
In this 9th book in 'The Body Farm' series, Dr. Brockton is asked to identify the victim of a small plane crash. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Dr. Bill Brockton, a forensic anthropologist, founded and runs 'The Body Farm' - a University of Tennessee research facility that studies decaying corpses.
The Body Farm researches rates of decomposition in different conditions; insect activity; weather effects; and so on. The facility's work is valuable to the FBI; law enforcement agencies; medical examiners, forensic pathologists, etc.
Note: The Forensic Anthropology Center (aka The Body Farm) is a real thing.
Pictures from The Body Farm
Brockton is an expert in the identification of human remains, and the FBI calls him when a small, twin-engine jet slams into Otay Mountain south of San Diego, a few hundred feet from the Mexican border. The plane was ostensibly piloted by Richard Janus, a billionaire humanitarian who founded AirLift Relief International, a charity that flies supplies to disaster areas.
The force of the crash left the plane in bits and pieces, and crushed the pilot almost into oblivion.
Brockton is summoned to San Diego, where he works with the FBI and NTSB to collect plane parts and (hopefully) retrieve human remains. Brockton aspires to find enough bodily remains to identify the pilot, either as Richard Janus or someone else. The recovery mission is arduous and exhausting, with Brockton and the other workers crawling up and down the mountain in the searing California heat.
After a couple of days Brockton finds a spinal cord insertion that matches Richard Janus's medical records, and teeth that match Janus's dental X-rays. So Brocton makes a formal identification: the dead pilot is Richard Janus.
Well.....not so fast. A pushy reporter announces he has a 'source' that claims Richard Janus had all his teeth pulled. The idea is that Janus - whom the FBI was investigating for drug running - put his teeth in the twin engine jet and somehow made it crash.
The suspected misidentification garners Brockton anger from the FBI and bad publicity, which is exacerbated by yet another issue. A television journalist is making a stink about the bodies of military veterans being 'disrespected' at The Body Farm, and some Tennessee politicians are vowing to close the facility.
The story has Brockton dealing with these issues, as well as a personal crisis. Brockton's wife Kathleen has been diagnosed with a serious illness, and Bill is very concerned. On top of that, an imprisoned serial killer, who tried to kill the Brocktons ten years ago, is making threats once again.
Brockton has to dig deep to determine the truth about the Otay Mountain crash, but he has resources in the FBI.....
.....and (oddly enough) a reference librarian at the University of Tennessee library to help him out.
Reading about the crash recovery work and the methods used to identify bodies was interesting, and I enjoyed the novel. However, the business about the teeth, and why they were in the plane, was confusing and didn't make a lot of sense.
That said, 'The Body Farm' series is engaging and well-written and I'd recommend the books to fans of suspense stories.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
May 21, 2015
Dr. Bill Brockton heads up the University of Tennesse's Anthropology Research Facility known by the media, press, law enforcement and others simply as the Body Farm. Taking donations of bodies that are unclaimed or donated, Dr. Brockton has been creating a way to help police define more detailed analysis of body decomposition to aid in murders through the research he conducts at the Body Farm. He even helps train law enforcement to know what to look for in determining things in advancing the frontiers of forensic science by looking at the types of insects found on the body to help determine details towards investigation of a murder victim.
Now the FBI have called Dr. Brockton in to help with a plane crash of well known millionaire who was killed in the crash in the mountains of San Diego county. What seems like a cut and dry investigation begins to get complicated when the wife of the victim shows up to aid in the search as well as the news media who want answers yesterday. But going through the fiery remains of a small plain and hoping to discover any human remains will be beyond challenging based on the devastation of the fire at the crash scene. Time is running out quickly in regards to identifying who was on the plane and only Dr. Brockton can provide those answers as the leading expert in his field. But will it be as simple as identifying some bone fragments and teeth without any DNA to back it up?
I received The Breaking Point by Jefferson Bass compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. For fans of CSI or Criminal Minds, you will definitely LOVE the Body Farm series of novels. It shows how there is more to criminal investigations than we give our law enforcement credit for. What happens when they get it wrong based on the evidence they do have? You're about to find out in this novel as Dr. Brockton has some explaining to do of his own when his expert testimony uncovers something he didn't see and now a serial killer from his past is vowing revenge on his family even though he remains locked up in prison. It is a nail-biter all the way to the climatic ending in this novel. Well worth 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. It does contain some profanity which might offend some readers but overall the writing is superb and just what you would expect in a murder mystery suspense novel. This is the 9th book in the Body Farm Series.
Now the FBI have called Dr. Brockton in to help with a plane crash of well known millionaire who was killed in the crash in the mountains of San Diego county. What seems like a cut and dry investigation begins to get complicated when the wife of the victim shows up to aid in the search as well as the news media who want answers yesterday. But going through the fiery remains of a small plain and hoping to discover any human remains will be beyond challenging based on the devastation of the fire at the crash scene. Time is running out quickly in regards to identifying who was on the plane and only Dr. Brockton can provide those answers as the leading expert in his field. But will it be as simple as identifying some bone fragments and teeth without any DNA to back it up?
I received The Breaking Point by Jefferson Bass compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions contained here are strictly my own. For fans of CSI or Criminal Minds, you will definitely LOVE the Body Farm series of novels. It shows how there is more to criminal investigations than we give our law enforcement credit for. What happens when they get it wrong based on the evidence they do have? You're about to find out in this novel as Dr. Brockton has some explaining to do of his own when his expert testimony uncovers something he didn't see and now a serial killer from his past is vowing revenge on his family even though he remains locked up in prison. It is a nail-biter all the way to the climatic ending in this novel. Well worth 4.5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. It does contain some profanity which might offend some readers but overall the writing is superb and just what you would expect in a murder mystery suspense novel. This is the 9th book in the Body Farm Series.
July 1, 2015
Jefferson Bass’ Body Farm Series is one of my favorite series, so I have really been looking forward to this latest release of Breaking Point. This novel is a prequel to the series and follows in the footsteps from the previously released novel, Cut to the Bone. It begins with Dr. William Brockton, founder of the Body Farm, investigating a plane crash south of San Diego involving a well-known humanitarian, Richard Janus. At first it seemed just a matter of recovering the body and determining the cause of the accident, but as the excavation continued it becomes apparent that something more sinister was taking place. After the excavation, it seemed that Brockton’s contribution to the investigation was complete but then information came about that his findings were wrong and his career and the body farm were on the line. Brockton’s luck turned from bad to worse as a series of events begin to take place that pushes Brockton to the edge of his own sanity.
I have mixed feelings about Breaking Point. The first half of the novel focused totally on excavating the crash site which became rather tedious. Unless you really wanted to know all the intricate details in the slow progression of excavating a crime scene, then I think you will find it a bit boring. However, for the second half of the novel, the drama of the story escalates as Brockton must deal with both professional as well as personal hardships and at the same time try to solve a perplexing murder which does make for an exciting read.
With the ending, it becomes apparent that the series has come full circle which may give a hint that the next in the series will take off from where The Inquisitor’s Key ended. For those of you that have not read the whole series in order, some aspects of this novel may be confusing. Cut to the Bone followed with Breaking Point are prequels, the rest of the series then takes off with Carved in Bone with the rest of the series ending with The Inquisitor’s Key. So with the exception of a slow start, Breaking Point won’t disappoint particularly if you are a fan of the series.
I received my copy of Breaking Point through a Goodreads Giveaway.
If you are interested in learning more about the Body Farm Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
I have mixed feelings about Breaking Point. The first half of the novel focused totally on excavating the crash site which became rather tedious. Unless you really wanted to know all the intricate details in the slow progression of excavating a crime scene, then I think you will find it a bit boring. However, for the second half of the novel, the drama of the story escalates as Brockton must deal with both professional as well as personal hardships and at the same time try to solve a perplexing murder which does make for an exciting read.
With the ending, it becomes apparent that the series has come full circle which may give a hint that the next in the series will take off from where The Inquisitor’s Key ended. For those of you that have not read the whole series in order, some aspects of this novel may be confusing. Cut to the Bone followed with Breaking Point are prequels, the rest of the series then takes off with Carved in Bone with the rest of the series ending with The Inquisitor’s Key. So with the exception of a slow start, Breaking Point won’t disappoint particularly if you are a fan of the series.
I received my copy of Breaking Point through a Goodreads Giveaway.
If you are interested in learning more about the Body Farm Series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week
August 14, 2015
Author Jefferson Bass takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions and suspense in the latest installment of the Body Farm series, THE BREAKING POINT.
Narrator Tom Stechschulte does a wonderful job giving voices to the numerous characters. His inflections and varied mannerisms keeps listeners on the edge of their seat with anticipation. His pace matches the story’s emotions and heightened the suspense.
Dr. Bill Brockton is seemingly hit from all sides. The forensic anthropologist is called in to help identify the charred remains of a wealthy philanthropist killed in a plane crash. Brock’s trouble begins when his identification of the crash victim is called into question. Following that he receives a threatening message from a serial killer who tried to kill him and his family a decade before. His handling of bodies donated to his Body Farm – the world’s first postmortem research facility – is challenged. The final blow is the shocking news he receives from his beloved wife, Kathleen.
Amid the hardship Brock tries to find answers and solve problems before he reaches the breaking point.
The author quickly draws readers/listeners into the plight his protagonist is facing. He weaves a tale of suspense, frustration and despair.
The characters are well-developed, likable and extremely realistic. The emotional entanglement of the main characters is gripping and adds another level to the story. The author blends professional and personal calamities resulting in heart-wrenching moments.
This is the ninth installment in the series, but readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark by unanswered questions from hints of prior stories. THE BREAKING POINT will hold you spellbound with the combination of forensic science, intriguing mystery, and personal tribulations.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Narrator Tom Stechschulte does a wonderful job giving voices to the numerous characters. His inflections and varied mannerisms keeps listeners on the edge of their seat with anticipation. His pace matches the story’s emotions and heightened the suspense.
Dr. Bill Brockton is seemingly hit from all sides. The forensic anthropologist is called in to help identify the charred remains of a wealthy philanthropist killed in a plane crash. Brock’s trouble begins when his identification of the crash victim is called into question. Following that he receives a threatening message from a serial killer who tried to kill him and his family a decade before. His handling of bodies donated to his Body Farm – the world’s first postmortem research facility – is challenged. The final blow is the shocking news he receives from his beloved wife, Kathleen.
Amid the hardship Brock tries to find answers and solve problems before he reaches the breaking point.
The author quickly draws readers/listeners into the plight his protagonist is facing. He weaves a tale of suspense, frustration and despair.
The characters are well-developed, likable and extremely realistic. The emotional entanglement of the main characters is gripping and adds another level to the story. The author blends professional and personal calamities resulting in heart-wrenching moments.
This is the ninth installment in the series, but readers/listeners won’t be left in the dark by unanswered questions from hints of prior stories. THE BREAKING POINT will hold you spellbound with the combination of forensic science, intriguing mystery, and personal tribulations.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
September 10, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. The science bits were well explained and well integrated within the story, and the story made sense, two seemingly mundane items for any crime novel, except that so many novels in this genre don't do so well at these tasks. I was a bit annoyed that none of the active characters in the investigation were female, except a couple secretaries, the victim's grieving widow and the hero's dying wife. Having watched far too much Bones lately for my own good, I found myself pondering what Dr. Sweets would say about this near absence of women in the story. I have not read any other books in this series (I won my copy of this novel through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway) so perhaps had I read more I would have better context and more female characters within the series to make up for the notable lack of them in this story. The murder was clever, though, and I appreciated that despite a few mushy scenes, there was very little sappy soap-operatic drama to take away from the forensic science and investigative thriller core of this novel. I might have to check out a few more books in this series once my TBR stacks get a bit smaller.
July 26, 2015
I received this book through the goodreads firstreads program. When I saw that it was related to a Body Farm, I immediately thought Patricia Cornwell. I don't think I've heard of Jefferson Bass, so I was surprised to see this is so far into a series.
The story is of a plane crash involving a humanitarian. The professor from the Body Farm is called in to assist with recovering remains to identify the body. It's rather coincidental that the Professor is also a donor to the crash victim's charity. They uncover suspicious details about the crash, including concerns that the ID might be wrong.
Along the way the Professor is dealing with bad press about the Farm. His family has health issues. He's dealing with threats from a killer from a former case. And he doesn't know whom to trust along the way.
There's a lot going on in the book. The beginning was a little slow, maybe to help the reader catch up. Some questions went unanswered, and others will seemingly continue in the next novel. I'll definitely look into reading more of these.
The story is of a plane crash involving a humanitarian. The professor from the Body Farm is called in to assist with recovering remains to identify the body. It's rather coincidental that the Professor is also a donor to the crash victim's charity. They uncover suspicious details about the crash, including concerns that the ID might be wrong.
Along the way the Professor is dealing with bad press about the Farm. His family has health issues. He's dealing with threats from a killer from a former case. And he doesn't know whom to trust along the way.
There's a lot going on in the book. The beginning was a little slow, maybe to help the reader catch up. Some questions went unanswered, and others will seemingly continue in the next novel. I'll definitely look into reading more of these.
July 6, 2015
Closer to 4 stars but there were a few nit picky things I didn't really care for. First off, why bring Satterfield and his resultant meeting with Decker at the prison into the book? No real addition to the story. Brockton kind of strikes me as a drama queen sometimes but that's just me I'm sure (he's afraid of the FBI guy knowing he overheard a conversation but it willing to ramble around a crime-ridden area of a US/Mexican border town???). I thought the airplane crash/humanitarian pilot/drug running story was more than enough for one book (except the unlikely inclusion of a pouncing mountain lion and illegal immigrant being smashed into the mountain by the crashing plane...really?) The side story of Brockton's wife getting diagnosed and passing away was okay - but it didn't seem to get the attention it deserved - more like a blip on the screen than a powerful life event for Brockton.
November 10, 2015
Fantastic. At the start I was interested, as forensics fascinate me. Knowing of Jefferson Bass and the Body Farm from Patricia Cornwell's books piqued my interest a little more. As my reading took me deeper into the characters and the story itself I was enamoured. My emotions were aroused and I really didn't want the book to end, despite craving the final outcome. The writing style was wonderful and the character development superb. This is definitely a series I will need to start from square one and am excited to do so. To those who haven't read this one or any of the others, it does stand on it's own and I guarantee you emotions well be well stoked and you psyche pleased with the plot line. A delicious read and winning it on Goodreads added to my pleasure, but I would have willing bought this for the entertainment it had given,
January 4, 2016
The book starts out with a person left just over the American Border looking for...well I will leave that up to you to find out for yourself. What I can say is the Bill Brockman (Founder of the Tennessee Body Farm) was called in to assist the FBI with the recovery of the remains of a humanitarian whose plane crashes into a mountain. The past and the current events surrounding Bill Brockman's life unfold in twisty story. After I listened to it, I discovered that this book is meant to be a prequel to the rest of the series and things then made a bit more sense to me. As with all of the body farm books I have read,
I thoroughly enjoyed the science parts of this book. As a reader though I found some aspects of the book too farfetched and unrealistic. It did not take me out of the story--just gave me pause to wonder why.
I thoroughly enjoyed the science parts of this book. As a reader though I found some aspects of the book too farfetched and unrealistic. It did not take me out of the story--just gave me pause to wonder why.
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