Old Bones

This was my re-introduction to the works of Preston & Child, having read The Relic and perhaps two others many years ago. Old Bones is the first in a series revolving around archaeologist Nora Kelly, based out of New Mexico.

In the early 90's, I had participated in an archaeological dig in southeastern Kansas which eventually led to my taking formal classes at UNM in Albuquerque. While there, I met a few FBI agents who worked out if the Field Office there. I have also had a long-standing interest in the history of the American West.

Thus, this novel piqued my curiosity on a number of different levels. It was merely a bonus that it's a great story with enough suspense to make it difficult to put down when one needs to sleep, etc.

I had never read much about the tragedy of the Donner party but now I am intrigued enough to – as suggested at the end of the book – to read one of the non-fiction accounts as well.

This novel was as much about FBI agent Corrie Swanson as it was about Nora Kelly. The historian who sets everything into motion – Clive Benton – is also prominent and fully characterized.

The novel's conclusion is satisfying and also leaves a bit of mystery for the reader to wonder about.

Well done!

I will definitely read the next installment in the Nora Kelly series when it appears. In the meantime, I want to seek out and read as many of the previous Preston & Child novel's as I can....