Skeleton Dance

Gideon Oliver #10

by Aaron Elkins

"There is a small village in France that is well known for pate de foie gras . . .and bones. Boasting the largest concentration of prehistoric fossils in Europe, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is the home of the prestigious Institut de Prehistoire—where eminent scientists study and squabble ...and perhaps, on occasion, commit murder."
Professor Gideon Oliver knows bones. That's why the mild-mannered sometime-investigator is the forensic specialist the Chief Inspector in Les Eyzies calls when a local dog emerges from a nearby cave carrying parts of a human skeleton—and a not-all-that-long-ago-interred one at that. But murder piles on murder—and surprise upon electrifying surprise—following Gideon's arrival, as his search for answers leads him quickly, into the darkest corners of the scientific community ... and sets him on a shocking trail of death, greed, and deception nearly forty thousand years in the making.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Cozy Mystery, France, Mystery Thriller, Detective

341 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 22, 2000

About the author

Aaron 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

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Aaron Elkin's Gideon Oliver series because they are educational without being preachy, steeped in history and culture regardless of Country and entertaining in regards of the plot.
The lovely couple are once again in France. Once again, the Professor encounters more than some mysterious murdered bones.
One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is despite Elkin's detailed science-ridden descriptions of bones which is well over my head, he still makes it sound fascinating and almost always explains things in layman's terms somewhere else in the book. Whew. He also does not shirk in elegant detail when describing France and the region the couple are visiting.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have brought myself back into alignment to read the remaining books in order. I loved this one that has so much about the study of prehistoric man and is centered in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil, France. This location is going on my list for a visit when this COVID virus crisis is over. I am hoping I will be fit and able enough to explore once I get there and check in to the Hotel Le Cro-Magnon where Gideon and Julie stay on their visit. One can dream.
This is yet another trip the couple makes with purpose in mind that per usual gets sidetracked with murder afoot. The characters are a dramatic bunch considering their professions in anthropology and Gideon knows most of them. For himself, he is working on a book the publisher is excited about as Oliver's reputation as the skeleton doctor is published far and wide. He gets knocked around a bit but manages to make it to the denouement with the help of his wife.
This is a very enjoyable series with the combined elements of science, mystery, happy couple and travel to places of interest.

Loan from Friend (Thank you!)

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great forensic anthopoligist mystery. The main character (Gideon Oliver) is represented as someone who I think I'd really like. I know it's shallow of me, but if I don't even like the main character, I rarely like the book. The science side appeals to my logical nature, and the plot is well written. The descriptions of the localities is great, and it's clear the writer has been there, which adds depth to the writing. It's not like so many books that could have taken place anywhere in the world, since the descriptions are so vague. I was thrilled when I stumbled on this series. nd I was thrilled when, despite most of the books being written in the 1970's, he came out with another last year. I do NOT, however, recommend the series he co-authors based on a golf background.

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read in this series and I have to concede that I am now a Gideon fan girl.

Anthropology professor Gideon Oliver, “The Skeleton Doctor" as he’s known in the media, returns to France at the request of French police detective Joly when a local dog brings home human bones. After tracking down the location where the bones were taken from, Joly and Gideon find themselves with a new case, as the bones were found not to be ancient, but just a few years old. Untangling all of the threads lead Gideon and Joly to a local history museum where they find a group of esteemed scientists who seem to have something to hide. Do they know how the bones came to be left in a cave?

I absolutely loved this one! While it seemed like Joly and Gideon were spinning their wheels, the plot actually moves along pretty quickly and all of that wheel spinning helped muddy up the waters enough that I constantly doubted who I thought was behind the murders. I loved that Gideon’s wife Julie was along for the ride and acted like Gideon's Doubting Thomas/sounding board, it really added a nice dimension to the story, as I read the other books in the series, I’m hoping to see more of her.

In the end, it turned out I was right about the culprit but I loved reading about the how and why. It turns out to be quite a twisted story, and made for a satisfying ending.

If you like books about archaeology/anthropology with a dash of action and amazing characters, a la Kathy Reich's Temperance Brennen or Elly Giffiths's Ruth Galloway, you’ll love this series. Definitely recommend!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gideon Oliver is planning a nice European vacation/working trip with his wife when a friend asks him to stop by and give his opinion on a skeleton found in a cave in France. Gideon agrees and is soon involved with a bunch of colleagues who have been tangled up in a hoax involving Neatherthal man. The discovery of the body is soon followed by an attack on Gideon himself, and he realizes that the murderer must be someone he knows.

I liked the mystery part of it. I even liked the forensic part of it. But the dialogue was written in a way that bugged me. Gideon and his wife talk as if they are always 'on camera'. It didn't sound natural to me, and after a while, it really bugged me. It's probably a lot more noticeable since this was an audiobook, but it still kept me from really getting into the book.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Skeleton Dance" by Aaron Elkins.

This was my first Gideon Oliver mystery and I enjoyed it all the way through. Gideon and his wife travel to France to identify the skeletal remains of a long deceased person possibly prehistoric since this is the same area where fossils have been found. But what exactly is it that Gideon finds about this skeleton that has turned the discovery around?

This book was interesting all the way through and having just read my first Gideon Oliver book I find I like him. For me that's the equivalent of finding another enjoyable mystery series.

Recommended to mystery lovers who like their sleuths!

[Liz V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Gideon and Julie make final plans for their trip to Europe, for Gideon's sabbatical, French policeman Lucien Joly calls to ask for Gideon's help with recently uncovered bones of a murder victim. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes apparent that Gideon's assistance will be pointing towards one of his colleagues, and friends, among the archaeologists at the Franco-American institute where Gideon spent some time a few years before.

[Karen Plummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon is on sabbatical, working on a book about famous anthropological hoaxes so he and his wife Julie have planned a little European excursion to do some research and relax. Their schedule is unset before they leave Washington state when Gideon's friend, Inspector Lucien Joly, calls and asks for his help in identifying a skeleton. They had planned on visiting the area anyway so after a little juggling and rescheduling, the Olivers are on their way to a small village in France. Nothing there is as it seems. The body isn't prehistoric. It is modern and definitely shows signs of murder. So Gideon, Joly, and Julie have to figure out who the body is, why he was killed, is the death related to the "Old Man of Tayac" hoax, and how does all of this tie in with the archaeological institute in the town.

This is another fun visit with Gideon and Julie. I do love this series!

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting series, somewhere between three and four stars. This one benefits from being set in the Dordogne Valley, but Gideon Oliver suffers by comparison with Bruno, Chief of Police, one of my all-time favorites. Some nice touches include having a corpse discovered by an Elderhostel (now Road Scholar) group. Warring experts on the Middle Paleolithic period take center stage for most of the story. One of them describes an elaborate prank she played as a grad student at the University of Wisconsin, which brought back memories of my time there.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gideon and Julie Oliver head to France to investigate some mysterious bones that surfaced in Les Eyzies, a hot spot for research into prehistoric man with the usual resident assortment of quirky anthropologists and other scientific suspects. The plot was clever but too complicated for belief.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is known for three things: pate de foie gras, truffles, and ancient bones. This small French village is home to the largest concentration of prehistoric fossils in Europe and headquarters of the prestigious Institut de Prehistoire, which studies them. So when the local police inspector, Lucien Anatole Joly, finds reason to suspect foul play, he places a call to his old friend Gideon Oliver, the famed 'Skeleton Detective,' ...

"Once Gideon arrives, murder piles on murder, puzzle on puzzle, and electrifying surprise on surprise, in a series of unexpected events that threaten to tear the once sober, dignified institute apart. It takes a bizarre and startling forensic breakthrough by Gideon to bring an end to a trail of deception almost forty thousand years in the making."
~~front flap

This is a wonderful mystery, set in the Dordogne, a regular mecca for archaeologists and anthropologists -- full of cave paintings and Middle Pleistocene habitation sites in rock shelters. It's reported to be a beautiful area, and of course the many caves with prehistoric rock art (Roc-aux-Sorciers, Lascaux, La Chaire à Calvin, Abri du Poisson, Cap Blanc, Rouffignac [Cave of the Hundred Mammoths], Font de Gaume, Pech Merle, etc.) and the numerous archaeological sites are a once in a lifetime experience. (Of course you can tell that I would give anything to be able to go there ...)

Gideon becomes embroiled in a more modern mystery, analyzing the bones of a recent murder by request of Inspector Joly. The plot continues to twist and thicken, of course, and the murderer is finally identified, and it's a lovely tour through the region's cafes and hotels and landscape for Gideon and Julie in the meanwhile. Well worth reading if you're a mystery fan.

[Terry Bourbon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was ok. I picked this book up at the hospital while visiting my Dad. He had been in for a month, and would be in for some weeks after. I thought I would finish this quickly, but I did not. I kept putting it down for something else. I am sort of between 2 and 3 stars. I have read books about forensics before, and books about bone specialists, so this one interested me at first. I found the style and language to be a bit contrived. I liked that most of the book took place in France, however, I did not feel like I learned anything about Les Eysies, France, other than it's place in paleo-historical man, i.e. the debate between Neanderthals and Cro Magnon man that kept playing out in the book. Ad nauseum. I found it difficult and annoying at times. I liked some of the scientists, but felt that not nearly enough time was spent drawing them and filling them in as characters, as was spent in their intellectual, but silly debate. I would have liked to see or experience more of the female characters than I did. The author kept tying off the three main male "suspects", thereby doing too much of the work for the reader, and debating between them. I did enjoy Gideon's character, and the detective, to some extent. I found the coroner at the end quite delightful. Julie, Gideon's wife was two dimensional, and although I liked her, she lapsed into bouts of character, rather than being a full three dimensional one. It is book 10 of I don't know how many. I don't know if I will try another.

[Cheeno · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seldom have I read murder mysteries or detective stories even though it's my most watched genre of TV. This is the 10th Gideon Oliver book and the first that I've read, so I'm glad that it didn't require me to know backstories to be able to understand and follow along with his character and his relationship with his wife Julie. The story revolves around a murder involving an archeological dig site, and the technical terms—even the usual bone terms—weren't hard to digest. As someone who loved watching Bones, this was a nice extension of that universe.

The murder was not too odd, too farfetched compared to the Old Man of Tayac hoax, but the reveal of clues and new pieces of information neatly introduced a seemingly ordinary case until the final revelation. The investigation progressed without too much friction and the breakthroughs with the littlest of bones were what felt exciting to me. In my boring work of investigating software issues, such tiny details could blow the case wide open and eventually led me to finding the root cause.

It was also interesting to observe the dynamics between the couple. There were banters and slight friction that seemed natural for married couples but in a different genre would definitely lead to affair and separation. I particularly liked how Julie, having learned from Gideon's I assumed over a few years now, and using her own critical thinking, was able to contribute essential steps to the investigation or at least to Gideon's thought process.

I just realized though. I haven't figured out why this is titled as Skeleton Dance.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

TMI

Gideon Oliver, a physical anthropologist, is known professionally as the Skeleton Detective. I would love to have one of his business cards.

Gideon and his wife Julie are enjoyable, laid back characters. Even their grumpy friend, Police Inspector Joly, is entertaining. The three visit Les Eyzies de Tayac, an area of France with prehistoric cave dwellings, as they try to solve the puzzling appearance of a modern body in one of the ancient cave dwellings. The region is beautifully described. The author’s research is impeccable and there are interesting forensic tidbits scattered here and there.

However, the amount of anthropological minutiae began to wear me down. I am sure many of the squabbles among the herd of anthropologists in the story have changed drastically due to new findings over the 25 years since the first publication of this book.

In addition, the rotating cast of suspects seemed two-dimensional to me, and they too caused my attention to flag.

There is much to admire in this book, but I ran out of interest eventually.

[Andrew Fry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Aaron Elkins Gideon Oliver series of mysteries. I remember when Lou Gossett Junior was tapped to play his character on the Saturday Mystery Movies that included Columbo, McCloud and McMillan and Wife in their fold. Gideon is not a detective in the traditional sense, but had earned the nickname The Skeleton Detective due to the number of cases he has helped solve as a forensic anthropologist. My reasons for enjoying this book and series is that they dig in to the science as much as the murder mystery. That the main character is a professor at the University of Washington also helps, though I have yet to run into him on campus. This time however, he spends his time with his wife and Inspector Joly in France.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are 2 series I really enjoy that have male main characters. This is one, the other is the Bruno, Chief of Police series. That takes place in the Perigord region of France. Gideon Oliver, the main xharacter in this series, ends up all over the world. This book took him to the Perigord region. Obviously both authors did their research. The des riptions of places, topography, food, customs, etc were spit on in both. Whrn the pokice were involved, I was expecting Bruno to arrive. There was on chatacter in Skeleton Danxe with a similar name to one in the Bruno series, but it was a secondary xharacter in this, and a main in Bruno. A great read and I xannot wait to see where the next book takes me.

[Emily Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy the Gideon Oliver series—archaeology/anthropology and murder mysteries!—and SKELETON DANCE is one of my favorites. Set mostly in France, there’s a satisfyingly twisty murder mystery with clever deductions made from bones and bodies. There’s not as much archaeological detail in this book as in some of the other books in this series, but it’s still a very enjoyable read and France makes a lovely backdrop to the story.
I wouldn’t call this series ‘cozy’ per se, but it’s not dark/angsty/gory. The forensic anthropology is utterly fascinating and there’s always a modern mystery alongside the old bones. A highly recommended series for anyone who enjoys murder mysteries and archaeology/anthropology.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon and his wife Julie travel to France during his sabbatical, and immediately become involved in a mystery. It all relates to the subject of the book Gideon is working on — hoaxes and misconceptions in the world of science. One of those hoaxes took place Three years earlier in the area they are now visiting. But just before their arrival an body is found, hidden in a cave, and it seems there must be a connection. Together with the local detective, an old friend of Gideon's, they unravel the increasingly complex mystery to arrive at a surprising conclusion. Very enjoyable, with a wonderful subtle sense of humor.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I chose to read this book for the setting, the Dordogne region in France. It was entertaining, a slightly different modern mystery which turns on anthropology. I will look for and read Mr. Elkin's first book Loot, based on my enjoyment of this one.
A "beach read" although I finished it during Snowmaggedon in Virginia Beach. I recommend it if you like a side dish of science with your mystery.

[Mrs. A.A. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Dordogne

Gideon Oliver a palaeontologist is invited to examine some bones found in a cave in France. Lots of twists and turns and the bones become part of a murder investigation.
This is an interesting mystery involving archaeology , history and police procedure. The author's love of the prehistory and scenery of the Dordogne area of France is quite obvious and he has studied these topics quite widely. A very good read.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tayac Bones

Gideon and Julie are asked to come to the Dordogne France region a little earlier than planned because some bones turned up of which Gideon might be helpful in clearing up the age and identity. A group of renowned archeologists are there to celebrate the opening of a museum. Once, again, Gideon is able to solve the mystery with the insight of his lovely wife, a Julie! Some of the cohorts from the past have not surfaced, so all are curious as to what happened.

[David Linzee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before Kay Scarpetta, there was Gideon Oliver, self-described "bone wonk." Gideon is a lot lighter and more amusing. In this episode, he goes to France, so we get delightful scenery and meals to go along with murder and anthropology. The characters are fun, but it's difficult at times to keep track of the plot. Some times it seems that people are being murdered just to provide Gideon with skeletons to work on.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A one day read--and a pretty good one. A bit complicated as always but Gideon Oliver comes through with the help of his wife who jogs his memory about another case. Competition for leading roles in an organization, jealousy, intrigue, but Gideon and the chief of police figure it out. I always like reading about Gideon and Julia. Not so much about autopsies but Gideon is very uncomfortable with them too.

purchased through Early Bird books for my KIndle app on my iPhone.

[Susan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This took me almost a month to read, very unusual for me. I only read it after I went to bed, I have been very busy, traveling, working on a Nativity Calendar (I finished that). Because of the time it was harder to follow, lots of names, several venues, I had trouble keeping things straight.
I think it was well written, and had I been more attentive it would have gotten 5 stars. I do like this series.

[Sherry E. Walden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always entertaining!

I've fallen in love with the Skeleton Detective and his wife. Their characters are intelligent, yet down to earth. Mysteries are always fun but set in far away places, with a view from a different perspective, the Gideon Oliver stories are always a glimpse of the world in a different way. 'Can't wait to see where our next journey will take us.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was my first Gideon Oliver book and I really enjoyed it. I liked both, the characters and the mystery, and truly enjoyed all the bits of knowledge intertwined into the story.

A clever plot that mixes an old mystery with the new one, complex but truly entertaining, and an excellent narration by Joel Richard. I will be reading the rest of the series :)

[Leila Pitchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting angle

the Olivers are asked to come to France early to help ID a body. The help of the anthropologist known as the skeleton detective is needed. The case takes several turns that implicate people he has considered friends and colleagues. and at the last moment he remembered something that unravel so resolution but in turn makes a more realistic solution.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery

Another great mystery solved by the skeleton detective, even though Gideon Oliver hates that nick name. Julie and Oliver head to France as a favor to Inspector Joley to give his opinion on some old bones discovered by a dog.
One of the best mysteries of the series follows, set in a beautiful little corner of France.

[A G A VAN DEN BOS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointing in that it reads more as an anthology of anthropologists and their theorems rather than a mystery. Might also pass as more of an Anthropology textbook rather than a fiction with overemployment of technical detail and idiolect.
Not the same standard achieved in previous books of the series.

[Ron Matsu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guessed it!

Actually a very interesting murder(s) mystery that includes anthropological facts and controversial theories. The characters are unique with their own blemishes but attractive for their knowledge and skills. The story line is a bit dragged out and clues reviewed too much but still a worthwhile read.