Aaron J. Elkins je americký autor detektívnych románov, najviac známy svojimi románmi s forenzným antropológom Gideonom Oliverom, prezývaným „detektív kostlivcov“. Oliver, svetovo uznávaný autorita, cestuje po celom svete a každá kniha sa odohráva na inom a často exotickom mieste. Elkins napísal aj série s múzejným kurátorom Chrisom Norgrenom, ktorý je expertom na umenie severnej renesancie, a samostatné thrillery. Spoločne s manželkou Charlotte Elkinsovou napísal sériu golfových detektívok a krátke poviedky.
Antropologové jsou zvyklí na práci s lidskými kostmi. Avšak i na tak zkušeného vědce, navíc i amatérského detektiva, jakým je profesor Gideon Oliver, je trochu příliš, musí-li se zabývat zmizením ostatků svého ctěného kolegy, zemřelého za podivných okolností. A ukazuje se, že to není poslední mrtvý, kterého mu vypočítavý vrah položí do cesty.
"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.
American art historian Ben Revere braves assassins while searching Europe for a shipment of art stolen by the Nazis in World War II. One of the paintings, a Velazquez, surfaced in Boston where it was sold to a pawnbroker for one hundred dollars. By the author of Twenty Blue Devils.
When a gift from her uncle is stolen and her uncle disappears, Alix London and her friends in the FBI must get to the bottom of another strange case.
For Bryan Bennett, designing hostage negotiation programs is the perfect job—as long as he doesn’t deal directly with kidnappers or their victims. Intense nightmares of his own abduction and imprisonment as a small boy still plague him thirty-some years later, and claustrophobia prevents him from attempting to travel. So when Bryan’s boss asks him to fly to Reykjavik to teach his corporate-level kidnapping and extortion seminar, he initially refuses. But a CEO has specifically requested Bryan—or no one else. Finally Bryan relents… For decades he’s treaded gingerly around his deepest terrors. Now, on this trip, Bryan’s taken hostage again and must face his fears full-on. Will he realize that in this battle of will and nerve, he is his own greatest enemy? Or has this fight already been lost years ago?
Art curator Val Caruso is not a happy camper. His promotion has just been nixed, his divorce has become final, and he's dug himself into a nice little rut for his fortieth birthday. The uplift? A trip to Milan to help Holocaust survivor Sol Bezzecca recover a pair of cherished sketches by Renoir. They'd once been given to Sol's family by the then-unknown artist, looted by the Italian Fascist militia, and now after decades in hiding have turned up for auction. It's Val's job to get them back. The trip takes a dangerous turn thanks to an intricate web that reaches back to World War II-- and someone among the art thieves and forgers wants Val out of the picture-- permanently.
Gideon Oliver, a creation-forensics professor and acclaimed Skeleton Detective, delves into the hidden secrets of a wealthy family. As he navigates through a web of intrigue, his keen analytical skills and approachable demeanor make him a compelling sleuth. The narrative promises a blend of mystery and character depth, showcasing Oliver's unique expertise in uncovering truths that others might overlook.
Set against the backdrop of Mexico, Gideon initially enjoys his vacation with his wife until he becomes embroiled in a series of unsettling investigations. His examination of a mummified corpse reveals an unexpected cause of death, leading him to another case involving a previously misidentified skeleton. As he uncovers disturbing connections between the two bodies, Gideon realizes that probing too deeply could put his own life at risk, turning him into a potential victim in a dangerous game of deception.
Featuring Professor Gideon Oliver, a relatable and intellectual detective, this mystery unfolds with engaging twists and turns. The narrative showcases Oliver's unique investigative methods as he navigates complex scenarios, blending his academic insights with real-world challenges. The story promises a compelling mix of intrigue and character development, making it a captivating read for fans of cerebral sleuths.
Set against the backdrop of Gibraltar, a professor discovers a buried skeleton of a woman and a part-human, part-Neanderthal child, igniting his curiosity. However, his investigation is complicated by two suspicious deaths that may be murders. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself ensnared in dangerous schemes, highlighting the precarious line between human intellect and primal instincts. The story intertwines archaeology with suspense, challenging the boundaries of humanity.