Part of Gideon Oliver, book 15
First published 2008
Professor Gideon Oliver travels to Gibraltar for an archaeology conference, drawn by a remarkable discovery in the Rock's caves. Researchers have unearthed a 25,000-year-old burial site containing a human woman's skeleton clutching the remains of a part-Neanderthal, part-human child. The find promises to reveal new insights about early human and Neanderthal interactions. Oliver arrives eager to examine what may be his oldest specimens yet. Two recent deaths have shaken the small community, and both appear suspicious. As Oliver investigates the ancient bones, he becomes entangled in modern murder. Someone wants to stop his work, and they're willing to kill to protect their secrets. The Skeleton Detective must solve contemporary crimes while uncovering prehistoric truths. Oliver faces deadly deception as he pieces together evidence both ancient and recent. The Gibraltar discovery could rewrite human history, but Oliver must survive long enough to tell the story.
Genres: historical-fiction, adventure, mystery, crime, archaeology, academic
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, enemies-to-lovers, fish-out-of-water
Setting: Gibraltar, Rock
Period: 25,000 Years Ago
278 pages · Hardcover · Berkley Hardcover