It took me a while to get into this one. I'm not usually a fan of multiple points of view in third person narration in books.
It added a little, not a lot, to this book. I sought it out because of the setting, and really did enjoy that setting. The characters of Phil and Carravale were fun. Could have done without most of the forensic bone details (which, I would guess for most people, is a big part of the appeal of this series!). ( )

My first stab at this series - and it is rather deep into it, which may explain why it took quite a long time to get going with it. But the story did turn out to be quite interesting, especially in its attention to forensic anthropological detail. ( )

"Gideon Oliver, renowned professor of forensic anthropology, prefers old bones to new. But his brilliance, vital to forensic police forces the world over, has made him known as the Skeleton Detective.

"It was supposed to be a much needed Italian holiday from grueling academia for Gideon Oliver. True, his wife, Julie, is there to help their friend Phil run a guided tour, but Gideon himself is looking forward to a few days R and R. So when Phil invites the couple to his wealthy family's idyllic island in Lake Maggiore, the Olivers accept with enthusiasm. But the breathtaking view and sumptuous food come at a price.

"The family padrone's only child, Achille, has been kidnapped. Soon after, nearby construction workers unearth some bones, which Colonel Caravale of the local carabinieri calls on Gideon to identify. Chilled by the thought that the bones might be Achille's, the family anticipates the result with a mixture of dread and cautious hope. Accepting the task is the only gracious thing to do and, besides, Gideon finds that being on his own while Julie is working is less than satisfying. So he sets out to identify the bones -- and along the way, exposes some extraordinary deceptions that lay bare the malignant, long-hidden secrets at the dark heart of a highborn family."
~~front flap

Again, a wonderful plot with a surprise ending, complete with lovely assorted characters and lots of skullduggery. As usual, Mr. Elkins limns the enchanting landscape and the stately old buildings with affection and accuracy, describes the many meals of Italian gastronomy and gives the many characters a depth of detail that allows the reader to feel as though they're there ... an unnoticed spectator as everything unfolds. What's not to like? ( )

Gideon Oliver and his wife Julie are congenial as always. The mystery is built into a vacation jaunt to Lake Maggiore. The plot is rather forced and predictable. ( )

Dr. Gideon Oliver and his wife, Julie, travel with their friend, Phil, to Italy as part of a tour group that Phil was in charge of. Phil has family (very rich family) on their own island. Then a skeleton is found and Gideon helps examine and identify the bones as belonging to a member of this very rich family who supposedly drowned 10 years earlier. A member of that family is kidnapped and held for ransom. Gideon helps with the investigation to uncover secrets from 40 years in the past.