The Dark Place

Gideon Oliver #2

by Aaron Elkins

Gideon Oliver earns his moniker "The Skeleton Detective" in this riveting entry to the Edgar Award-winning mystery series "that never disappoints" (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Deep in the primeval rainforest of Washington State's Olympic Peninsula, the skeletal remains of a murdered man are discovered. And a strange, unsettling tale begins to unfold, for forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver determines that the murder weapon was a primitive bone spear of a type not seen for the last ten thousand years. And whoever--or whatever--hurled it did so with seemingly superhuman force. Bigfoot "sightings" immediately crop up, but Gideon is not buying them.

But something is continuing to kill people, and Gideon, helped by forest ranger Julie Tendler and FBI special agent John Lau, plunges into the dark heart of an unexplored wilderness to uncover the bizarre, astonishing explanation.

Fans of authors Kathy Reichs and Tess Gerritsen and television shows like Bones will be fascinated by Aaron Elkins's award-winning landmark forensic detective series.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Anthropology, Contemporary, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

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

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of this enjoyable series finds Gideon called in as an advisor to try and help the FBI determine if bones that were discovered in Olympia National Park are those of hikers who died over 7 years ago. Of course, Gideon is able to get a lot of information from just the few bones to help to a degree. What we see here is that he is able to help piece together the crime based on assistance from his old college professor and National Park Ranger, Julie. We also get into some more of Gideon's background as well as a blooming love affair for him - three years after his wife died. I enjoyed the book but have some reservations as to how quickly the pieces of the puzzle were put together and the killer discovered. But when you consider the number of books in this series you appreciate how the author develops his character and allows us to see that despite being an expert, there is always room for assistance from others!

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kindle Unlimited is on sale again...and that is when I sign up. 6 months for $29.
Thus...I found a series new (to me) to explore following Gideon Oliver, the "skeleton detective."
This seems to have first been published in 1983 but seems fresh to me. I like books with plenty of nature, and this is set in the beautiful Pacific West mountains. There are incidents of people going missing over a period of years and then bodies found with evidence of ancient weapon use in their deaths. The FBI calls Gideon for consultation; he quickly debunks the Big Foot rumors publicized by papers and studies the evidence to come up with the truth. Along the way he finds love as well.
Good pace and outdoor adventure. I look forward to the next book.

Kindle Unlimited

[Mystereity Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the disappointment that was the first book in the series, it sure did come roaring back. This is the Gideon Oliver I love.

While on an anthropology dig in Washington State, Gideon gets called away to another scene of an ancient Native American burial ground containing several bodies buried in native baskets - and several far more recent bones. Gideon is called in to match them to several hikers that went missing in the same area in recent years. After matching the remains to the missing hikers, another hiker, a young woman goes missing and is later found dead and Gideon comes to an impossibly improbable solution that spans centuries.

I love anthropology/archaeology and this series gives me my fill. There's no way anyone could possibly have solved this unless they're psychic, so like everyone else I was along for the ride. And what a ride it was! I was glad to see the Bigfoot angle get so little page time, although it did add a touch of humor. And I loved getting to see how Gideon and Julie met and fell in love. Along with the beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery, John Lau's child-like giggle, and Gideon's fallible hero complex, it really gave me more dimension into who he is as a character and to have it all wrapped in a stunning story made for a great read. Onto the next!

[Jan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have bought multiple copies of books before but generally I haven't actually bought books that I have already read. They are usually just sitting on my shelves. Not this time though! I must have read this years ago. But it didn't sound familiar until I got through +90% of the book. It wasn't until they climbed on top of the boulder that I said to myself, "Haven't I read this before?"

It was the second book in the series and it was the book where the Skeleton Detective met his second wife. But I haven't really read this series in order. It just didn't really seem to carry over from one book to another.

Maybe the first time I read about Ishi and about him being the last of the Yahi I didn't realize that this had been a true person. And he also speaks of him in another book which got me to pick up Wild Men: Ishi and Kroeber in the Wilderness of Modern America by Douglas Cazaux Sackman and he uses events that happened to the Yahi. For instance, I read there that they would take things from people's houses but they would leave something in exchange - like a basket or something. And, sure enough, that story was in this book. And who knew there were documentaries on You Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIC5z...).

And I was intrigued by the thought of a rainforest in Washington state and found this on You Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGrtv...) this afternoon. It sure gave me a better idea of what Olympic Park looks like.

[Rogue Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Skeleton Detective is coming to Ashland, Oregon on Friday August 13, 2010 - Ashland Mystery at Bookwagon so of course I'm re-reading all of Elkins' works. I'm up to Unnatural Selection published in 2007, but can't resist posting about The Dark Place published in 1983

The Dark Place is set in the rain forests of Washington State, where Gideon encounters a hiker killed by a primitive stone-age spear and meets his park ranger wife-to-be Julie.

It's the second Gideon Oliver mystery, and really the only one where Gideon is presented as courageous, but also a bit foolish. He's clearly anxious and out of his element in the rain forest but persists in his masculine assertion that he can handle anything that comes. The narrative on his reasoned purchases to prepare for his trek is hilarious given the failure of his 10c plastic tent, white bread gone mushy and his endless wandering in circles. Especially so on top of the James Bond persona presented in Fellowship of Fear. It's Julie who rescues him of course, and gets him warm, dry and fed in no time out of her pack.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elkins returns with his second novel in the Gideon Oliver series, adding just as much panache as his debut novel, but switching the focus to the United States. While working in the Pacific Northwest, Dr. Oliver is called to assist with a case in a Washington rainforest, where two hikers went missing six years earlier and a young woman recently disappeared. When the body of the hikers surface, odd injuries leave Oliver wondering who could have done such a thing. Ancient tool marks appear to be the only explanation, but when Dr. Oliver comments on the possibility of a Bigfoot, the press goes to town. Working with a park ranger, Oliver tries to deduce what and who might have caused such brutal injuries, while using his expertise in anthropology to offer as many teachable moments as possible, the murderer soon becomes apparent, but can it be? Elkins takes the reader down many paths and into numerous possibilities before all is resolved by the end.

Elkins forged the way for future books of this nature to flourish; be they Jefferson Bass or Kathy Reichs, to name but two. The idea of using bones and anthropology to decipher what happened to bodies is more interesting than it seems on the surface. While Elkins adds cultural anthropology into the mix, the reader is treated to another level of intrigue and added moments of ‘ah ha’ and wonder. Elkins uses his abilities to portray Oliver as both a bumbling academic, but also a man with primal needs and urges. This mix makes for a more relatable character, while still giving the air that something can be learned by listening to what the fine doctor has to say.

Kudos, Dr. Elkins for your continued work to entertain, teach, and leave the reader thoroughly addicted to what else you have on offer.

[J.W. Donley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't usually read mystery, but this one takes place on the Olympic Peninsula, and I'm obsessed with anything to do with that locale. The landscape was a major part of the story. I loved it.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lost tribe of Indians?

I usually enjoy a Gideon Oliver book, but this one is too full of "give me a break" moments . Gideon is called in to help identify bones found in woven baskets that had been buried in the Olympic Peninsula National Park. Two men had gone missing in the rain forest 30 years previous and he needs to determine if the bones belong to the two men. Gideon meets his future wife, Julie, who is stationed there as a park ranger. He is immediately attracted to her and she to him. Within a short time, we get an unnecessary description of their intimate moments whenever they get together. Gideon concludes from the bones that the two men were murdered. By whom? The Bigfoot theory is discarded. About 3/4 into the book, Gideon is convinced that a lost tribe of Indians is responsible for the murders and the recent disappearance of a young girl.
The author needs to pay attention to time lines. In this book the year is 1982. Gideon is 40 years old. He proposes to Julie. In a later book set in 2004 it has them getting married in 1997. ???????

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Dark Place" by Aaron Elkins.

This is the 2nd book in the Gideon Oliver series.
Gideon, after losing his wife, is introduced to Julie the guide at the Olympic National Park, who turns out to be much more than just a reliable source.

Olympic National Park in Washington State holds a mystery. The disappearance of two hikers. A handful of remains are found and Gideon is called to identify them.
Gideon does much more than only identify the remains. Gideon is drawn towards the markings of the wounds that caused their death. Startled by his findings Gideon is brought into a pre historic age when weapons were only beginning to be formed by an ancient people.

Gideon reviews his findings with Abe Goldstein, his mentor of years past and now a retired professor. Abe may be elderly but his mind is still as alert as ever.

This book should not to be overlooked. It's Gideon Oliver on an adventure of more than a lifetime. The depth and expertise in writing this magnificent journey can only be attributed to the author, a former anthropology professor himself.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the whole "Gideon Oliver" series, but this is probably my favorite. It seems even more rich with history and anthropology than his other books.

I like being able to learn something while reading a novel, and you can always count on Aaron Elkins for that. In this series, I also love the geeky protagonist, a forensic anthropologist nicknamed "the skeleton detective."

The supporting characters, his wife Julie and his detective-friend John Lau, also add a lot to the series, although they make only brief appearances in this novel. The friendship between Gideon and John is particularly interesting to watch as it develops from one book to the next. The short conversation between them at the end of this novel shows something about the level of trust between them.

[JZ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Silly, sexist, escapist. Nothing to see here. Perfict for cleaning house.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gideon called in by FBI John Lau when some remains are found in a national park. He meets Julie, a park ranger, who also happened to study his work in college and is a fan. Crush at first sight for both. It's been 3 years since Gideon's wife died so he's interested.

Hikers have been going missing for years near an old abandoned trail. Latest victim is a young woman. Gideon puts theory that there is a lost tribe, which there is. Turns out old guy who was shot and maimed when he was a papoose was the killer. Young guy was a native writing his dissertation and he became part of the tribe to teach them the old ways. (they had been living like scavengers) Julie and Gideon allow the other 4 to go away after old one dies while attacking Gideon.

Julie and Gideon to marry. Good, interesting. Love that he's the skeleton detective.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Oliver examines bones that reveal weird and unbelievable findings

Dr Oliver arrives at Olympic National Park. Within the park is the US's only rainforest Quinault Rain Forest. Several years prior, 2 hikers had disappeared. Bones are found that authorities hope are their remains.

He examines the bones and finds the fatality of one simply makes no sense. The death appears to be from someone of super human strength. A true scientist, he does not believe in Sasquatch. He is willing to believe when there is real physical evidence. But, many do and descend of the forest looking for evidence. He is determined to find out who or what killed.

With the help of his old mentor, scientific books and local lore he starts to realize there is more at stake than finding the culprit. For what he sees and believes is impossible.

When I was younger, I had the opportunity to read Ishi, Last of His Tribe byTheodora Kroeber. Her husband Alfred was the one who helped Ishi and studied him. My Mom took me through "Ishi country" and we visited landmarks. Decades later, it is fascinating to see the Yahi people brought up again

[Ladyhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clever, really. I do enjoy the anthropological assessments and deductions.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Wonder What he Told John (years later)

What if - what if - I wish I could tell you the rest of the sentence, but that would mean spilling a huge spoiler. Gideon meets his match in Julie, the Park Ranger. She’s no frail flower, and I liked that a lot.

[Natalie aka Tannat · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Better than the first one (by a long shot), but it still hasn't quite found its feet. And this storyline...um...it could have been worse?

[David Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Britta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice simple mystery, well-paced writing, likeable characters and just enough anthropology talk to learn something from it.

I liked the setting in a northern rainforest. The notion of an ancient undiscovered tribe in this vast, dark patch of wood was very intriguing and the dynamic between Gideon and his new love interest, a park ranger, was so much fun to read.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Short on mystery or suspense. I'll finish the 3rd one, but if the series does not improve, it will be my last one.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good second entry to the series. I like Gideon and his adventures and am looking forward to reading more. There was a nice twist at the end.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

PROTAGONIST: Gideon Oliver, forensic anthropologist
SETTING: Washington state
SERIES: #2
RATING: 3.5
WHY: Forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver is called in by the FBI to look at some bones discovered in a rain forest in Washington state. Three people have disappeared over the years. He makes an interesting find in that damage to the bones appears to have been caused by a primitive bone spear. He soon suspects that a long lost Indian tribe may be living in the area. Aided by park ranger (and love interest) Julie Tendler and FBI agent John Lau, Gideon attempts to find the tribe and the killer. The romance was clumsily portrayed and the fact that he could master an ancient unknown language in hours rather ridiculous. However, the basic premise of the plot was interesting.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gideon Oliver earns his name of "bone detective" in this installment of the series. He is asked to visit a rain forest in Washington State to look at some bone fragments that may belong to three missing hikers. Although Gideon is still morning the loss of his wife Nora some three years earlier he has met his match in the form of park ranger Julie. Together they find love and a secluded tribe of Indians that may have caused the deaths of the three missing hikers.

I enjoyed getting to know Gideon in this story that gives much of his former history.

[Text Addict · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book and I got off to a really bad start, when clever and knowledgeable anthropologist Gideon Oliver somehow did not think of something that any Anthropology 101 student should be able to figure out. Heck, it was obvious to *me* and I've never actually taken an anthropology class (just hung out a lot with people who have).

Anyway, no amount of Gideon kicking himself for missing the obvious on pages 78-79 could make up for that, especially when it was blindingly obvious that Elkins only did it to provide a little suspense and some amusing difficulties for him ... and possibly to provide an opportunity to rank on the stupidity of the Sasquatch legends a bit. These are not bad goals, of course, and the tactic would probably work a lot better on readers who weren't grinding their teeth over Gideon's denseness on this one point for most of six chapters.

Like they say, your mileage may vary.

So as the investigation trudged on and some really interesting and moderately credible things happened, I was still mentally grumbling over the beginning, and then when I became convinced that the ending would be really depressing, I put it down until the book was due back at the library the next day.

I was wrong, though - Elkins pulled a fast one that, again, would've worked better for me if I wasn't already irritated.

I still like the characters, Elkins is a great character writer, and the various technical details about skeletons and a variety of other topics (though my husband swears some of those details are wrong). I won't give up on this series just because this particular book ticked me off. Call it a 2.5 rather than a 2 rating, really.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I decided to explore this series because it is a departure from the classic detective novels I usually gravitate towards. I bought an omnibus edition of the first four books, so I decided to let the character develop and see if I bond with him as Elkins introduces him to the reader.

Book Two and I'm not there yet. It is fun to learn a bit about an exotic academic discipline (at least for me, that's what Anthropology is. . . . ) but there is a wee bit too much detail for my taste. It feels like filler, and some of it feels like paragraphs cribbed out of a text book.

The most engaging part of the novel for me was the protagonist's visits with his friend and mentor--a distinguished older Anthropologist with a very charming and Puckish sense of humor. He was right out of central casting, but fun and he lightened up the book while moving the story forward. I can't say the same for Gideon Oliver's romance. It really strains credulity that this brilliant man and lonely widower has evaded a romantic entanglement for years and yet tells a pretty park ranger he loves her within 48 hours of meeting her (my timeline may be off on that---but let's just say it was "jackrabbit quick." ) I found that distracting because it diminished my appreciation of the character.

The story itself was interesting and I found the conclusion redeeming. We'll see what book three offers---I am not a convert to this series yet, but I'm giving it a chance.

[Lighthearted · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Dark Place is the second Gideon Oliver mystery and it’s good. A skeleton has just been found Washington State’s Olympic National Park—and it has a spear point lodged in its vertebra. The skeleton is that of a hiker who disappeared 6 years previously and once word gets out, local tales of Bigfoot sightings and rumors of a lost tribe of Indians are resurrected. Interesting storyline! To his dismay, Gideon earns ‘the Skeleton Detective’ nickname in this entry—but don’t feel too sorry for him, he does solve the mystery and find a new romance!

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could've done without the quick "I love you" shtuff, but other than that it was a pretty interesting read. I got one more of Elkins' books from the library and I'm going to give it a shot, hoping that Gideon Oliver got a little deeper in the mystery. (Actually, I really enjoyed the secondary characters a lot more than the main ones, and that's probably why I finished the book and am willing to start another!)

[Lauren Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler


I like the fact that Gideon does not figure everything out on his own. While very intelligent and knowledgeable, he is not seemingly all knowing in the way of some other "Sherlock Holmesian" detectives. I liked the way they brought in the natives and made it seem unreal and then gradually more real.

[Wilma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but rather far-fetched

I have some familiarity with First Nations languages and it would be totally impossible to learn a working knowledge of an indigenous language in two days, especially just from reading a book! I enjoyed the rest of the story but that part was just too impossible.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rain forest on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington can hide a lot. But can it hide a prehistoric tribe? So it would seem in this latest round of Gideon Oliver's adventures, along with his wife Julie. They make a great team, and add John Lau to the mix you get entertainment.

[Erin L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fascinating. Ok, it's overly academic about anthropology and ancient cultures, but the nerd in me totally loved it. I'm shocked at how it ended, but I loved it. Excellent second book in a series and I'm interested to see how Julie works into the series going forward.