The Bone Thief: A Body Farm Novel

By Jefferson Bass
William Morrow, $24.99, 359 pages

The author of this true-to-life, crime scene investigation novel is two persons: Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson.  Together as Jefferson Bass, they have written several novels based on the work of Dr. Bass, who is a highly respected forensic anthropologist.  There is no criminology that relies on magic equipment crafted from the fanciful imaginings of a screenwriter as on CSI shows.  Their characters employ intellect, observation, and footwork to solve a most perplexing series of body part thefts.

Dr. Bill Brockton, the main character, is a forensic anthropologist who works at the University of Tennessee managing the Body Farm, where decomposition of human remains is studied.  He and his research assistant Miranda Lovelady are drawn into a mystery involving the FBI, while at the same time they are on a quest to find fresh transplant hands for a colleague who received a massive dose of radiation while performing an autopsy. The radiation is destroying the surgeon’s skillful hands.

The story is told in first person by Dr. Brockton. The underlying theme of the story is Brockton’s introspection on choices he and others make, relationships and human frailty.

Reviewed by Ruta Arellano