Play Book Tag discussion

The third installment of Ann Cleeves' Shetland series takes place on the island of Whalsey. Two young female students are conducting an archaeological dig on land belonging to one of the islands older residents, Mima Wilson, when they discover some bones. These are quickly sent for dating in the hopes they will support the theory that Hattie, one of the students, has developed about the site's past. Their discovery sets off a chain of tragic events for the island. Mima is found shot dead, presumably by a stray blast from Ronald Clouston's shotgun as he was out poaching rabbits one night.

Shetland Island Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez is called to look into the matter, especially since Mima's grandson, Sandy, is Jimmy's colleague and also discovered her body. In addition, Ronald is Sandy's cousin. Before too long some ancient silver coins turn up on the dig and finally, one of the diggers herself is found, an apparent suicide, her wrists slashed, in the site trench.

None of this sits quite well with the reflective Jimmy Perez. The Fiscal wants the cases closed, but Jimmy is uneasy and keeps them open long enough to come to a satisfactory resolution. But it is Sandy, not Jimmy, who is the main figure of interest in this book, especially since many of the series regulars are secondary characters this time around. Much of the appeal of this book lies in the wonderfully conveyed sense of place, the well defined portrayal of a way of life, and intriguing characters. There is also a solid mystery plot that will keep readers guessing throughout the book.

I really enjoyed the absorbing, slow burn of "Red Bones" and can't wait to read more books set in the Shetland Islands.