Part of Gideon Oliver, book 11
First published 2005
Forensic anthropologist Gideon Oliver arrives in Italy expecting a peaceful vacation with his wife. Their hosts welcome them warmly, but tragedy strikes when the family's only child disappears without a trace. The situation grows more complex when construction workers discover human remains in the area. Oliver finds himself pulled into the investigation despite being on holiday. The grieving family turns to his expertise, hoping his analysis of the bones might provide answers about their missing child. They watch his work with a mixture of fear and desperate optimism. As Oliver examines the evidence, he uncovers a web of lies that spans generations. The prestigious family harbors secrets they have guarded for decades. Oliver's investigation threatens to expose truths that could destroy their carefully maintained reputation and reveal the corruption lurking beneath their noble facade.
Genres: suspense, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, family-secrets, investigation
Setting: Italy
316 pages · Kindle Edition · Berkley Books