Eight stars
There is a patch of ground in Tennessee dedicated to the science of death, where human remains lie exposed to be studied for their secrets. The real-life scientist who founded the "Body Farm" has broken cold cases and revolutionized forensics . . . and now he spins an astonishing tale inspired by his own experiences.
Master storyteller, Jefferson Bass, dazzles readers with his latest in the Body Farm series. The story moves away from Knoxville and down into Florida, where Dr. Bill Brockton consults on a mysterious skull and a suicide that looks a lot more like murder. The reader can expect the same fast-paced action and character banter that have made the previous five books a success, but some new ideas injected into the mix to keep the story fresh and the readers coming back. Bass continues to come up with storylines and plots that keep the forensic anthropology at the centre of the tale, but also include some historical happenings to act as a teachable moment, outside of bones and decay.
After hosting a recent seminar at the Body Farm, the forensic anthropology 'laboratory' at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Dr. Bill Brockton takes a call from one of its students. He's asked to take a trip down to Florida to help with an apparent suicide, one the caller feels more likely murder. Agreeing to make the jaunt, Dr. Brockton makes his way down to investigate. The quick consult soon takes a turn when the skulls of two adolescent boys turn up amongst the ruins of a former boys' reformatory school with troubling past. Stuck working in the Florida Panhandle, Dr. Brockton worries that this could be a gruesome find with an equally horrid backstory.
After looking into the reformatory's past, Dr. Brockton learns of the fire that gutted it four decades ago, but also the chilling and horrible events that took place within its halls. Boys were subjected to horrible torture and the government of Florida turned a blind eye or denied knowing the truth. When a journal turns up with added details, Dr. Brockton soon realises that there are more bones to be discovered and analyse, which only add to the horror.
As Dr. Brockton pushes onwards, he receives some pushback from the local authorities. However, as with most of his cases, when Dr. Bill Brockton has a lead, he is like a dog with a bone, seeking answers no matter the cost. A stunning story that will surely leave the reader feeling gutted and troubled, but also keen to understand just what Bass has to say on the matter.
When Bass chose a boys' reform school as the underlying plot for the book, I was not sure what to expect. That said, looking into the horrific treatment of these boys, through a journal located on the premises and some of the conditions in which the bones we found, the reader cannot help but shake their heads at how poorly youth deemed delinquents were treated. Worse than cattle, these boys were subjected to arduous labour and punishment that would not be accepted today (and, one would hope, would not have been stood for, to that extend, in the 1960s). Bass uses this foundation to delve deeper and crack the mystery wide open, wth a stunning narrative that does not hold much back. Its impact helps add depth and concern to the story and leaves the reader pushing on, if only for answers. While horrific to imagine, Bass keeps it classy and highly informative.
There is a great sense of education and entertainment in each of the novels I have read. Jefferson Bass has a great deal of knowledge to share and does so with ease, while keeping the reader in the front seat to all the action. A strong narrative guides the reader throughout the story and provides educational side bars. Strong characters, many of whom return from book to book, provide great flavouring and development, while one-offs make their mark as well.
I did miss the Brockton-Lovelady banter than many readers of the series have surely grown to love, but peeking at the next book in the series, it looks as though we are in for a real treat. Miranda will surely shine… and Brockton will be there to keep the dialogue intriguing.
The plot developments are recurring and keep the reader on their toes throughout the reading experience. Twists appear with ease and there is never a moment when things are too stagnant, ensuring there will be a great deal of entertainment for the curious reader. With many issues in the medical field coming to pass throughout the series, the reader is able to see more than forensic cases where the body will tell everything. I cannot wait to see what is to come and how Bass will keep thing on point throughout the rest of the series.
Kudos Mr. Bass, for touching on a heart-felt topic that needed to be addressed.
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