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Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries #1
Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It
Dark Tide… Her past is as troubled as the storm-battered marshes near her Massachusetts town. Still, for State Trooper Leigh Abbott, those brutalized by crime will always matter more than her reputation or career. So when a single human bone turns up in a beaver dam, she has no problem skirting the rules to consult forensic anthropologist Dr. Matthew Lowell. His skills and her persistence lead them to the grimmest of discoveries—a mass grave of the tortured and murdered going back years…
But a near-fatal attack on the desolate shoreline tips Leigh that the serial killer they’ve interrupted is anything but scared off. As she and Matt carefully excavate the nameless victims’ lives and secrets, their quarry is using their deepest vulnerabilities against them. Now it will only take one insidious misdirection, one lethal chance to bait a trap that could sweep them both away without a trace.
But a near-fatal attack on the desolate shoreline tips Leigh that the serial killer they’ve interrupted is anything but scared off. As she and Matt carefully excavate the nameless victims’ lives and secrets, their quarry is using their deepest vulnerabilities against them. Now it will only take one insidious misdirection, one lethal chance to bait a trap that could sweep them both away without a trace.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 5, 2013
39 people are currently reading
2300 people want to read
About the author
Jen J. Danna
16 books356 followersJen J. Danna is the author of the FBI K-9s and NYPD Negotiators thriller series as Sara Driscoll and the coauthor of the Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries. After over thirty years in infectious diseases research, Jen hung up her lab coat to concentrate on her real love—writing “exceptional” thrillers (Publishers Weekly). She is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and lives with her husband and four rescued cats outside of Toronto, Ontario. You can follow the latest news on her books at www.jenjdanna.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 10, 2015
I was so fortunate to win a copy of Jen J. Danna's debut novel,"Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It" (Abbott and Lowell Forensic Mysteries #1, through the Goodreads Giveaway Contest. Together with her partner Ann Vanderlaan, she has produced a suspenseful forensic thriller.
This is a story that’s dark and twisted, the crimes are brutal and not for the faint-hearted. This is a great read for fans of police procedurals and forensic thrillers. It is complemented by sufficient information on chain of evidence, forensic techniques, body decomposition, and bone aging.
Trooper Leigh Abbott, a strong female protagonist (state trooper) has found a single bone, that she needs examined, and reaches out to forensic anthropologist Matt Lowell for his help on her case. Together they embark on a mission to catch a serial killer.
This well-written novel, held my attention right to the end, through a tale of intrigue and suspense. Well researched topic and believable characters.
For all those who love reading thrillers, you are definitely in for a treat!
This is a story that’s dark and twisted, the crimes are brutal and not for the faint-hearted. This is a great read for fans of police procedurals and forensic thrillers. It is complemented by sufficient information on chain of evidence, forensic techniques, body decomposition, and bone aging.
Trooper Leigh Abbott, a strong female protagonist (state trooper) has found a single bone, that she needs examined, and reaches out to forensic anthropologist Matt Lowell for his help on her case. Together they embark on a mission to catch a serial killer.
This well-written novel, held my attention right to the end, through a tale of intrigue and suspense. Well researched topic and believable characters.
For all those who love reading thrillers, you are definitely in for a treat!
September 28, 2013
This novel is the debut for Jen J. Danna, who along with Ann Vanderlaan, has written quite a compelling forensic thriller. The amount of information on body decomposition and bone aging is enough to satisfy any forensically inclined reader. The crimes are brutal, which is somewhat outside of my comfort zone, but when the madness is finally revealed, the scheme of it all is interesting indeed. From the discovery of a single bone, Trooper Leigh Abbott, with the help of forensic anthropologist Matt Lowell, is led on a nightmarish journey to catch a serial killer. The title is a particularly appealing and telling one, with its connection to the Civil War and nameless graves of soldiers. Leigh and Matt are driven by the determination that the remains of the brutal killings will not go unidentified and will be returned to their loved ones. I'm looking forward to more from Jen Danna and this new series.
August 2, 2013
I’m anxious to get my hands on book 2 of this new series as I absolutely loved “Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It.” If the title doesn’t grab your attention, the synopsis alone should. Absolutely brilliant! It grabbed my attention right from the start keeping me engaged right up until the end – it was that great. This is a story that’s dark, twisted, suspenseful, intriguing, and even bone-chilling at times; a novel I seriously recommend you put on your “To Be Read” list. It’s definitely gruesome when it comes to the victims being tortured, but not to the point of overkill because let’s face it, what’s a thriller without some blood and gore? (Hey, don’t judge me; to each her own.) This is a well-written novel clearly evident of a thoroughly researched topic of forensic anthropology; rounded out with an outstanding cast of very likeable characters. I especially liked the way the two protagonists, Trooper Leigh Abbott and Dr. Matt Lowell, are introduced in chapter one - creative and smart, providing immediate insight to their character. By giving the anthropology students (Kiko, Paul and Juka) a bigger role, keeping them at the forefront with Leigh and Matt, instead of in the background, made the story feel more realistic and believable. When all is said and done, it’s both Leigh and Matt that truly makes this novel what it is – a thriller worthy of the five stars I give it. They’re two very likeable, strong, intelligent, and confident people; two people who have chemistry and strong feelings for one another. Even though the romantic angle is lightly touched upon, you can still feel sparks between them all throughout. I’m hoping the romance will have a larger presence in the forthcoming sequels. For all those who love reading thrillers, this is truly a gem.
February 23, 2018
A new to me authors! And a favourite type of book for me - forensics!
I like the format these authors chose. Every chapter teaches a new short lesson on salt marshes - love that part.
The book was relatively fast paced, but there were some draggy places that I found a bit repetitive. I understand why the authors were doing this - stressing some important points, I guess.
The main characters - Trooper Leigh Abbot and Dr. Martt Lowell - were well defined and very likable. Matt's grad students were also very likeable.
Leigh has her work cut out for her in a male dominated work force - can hear "macho" and one guy believing that Leigh didn't earn her way into the detective unit! I'm sure that guy will pop up again in the future novels - here's hoping Leigh continues to subtly put him in his place!
The main author, Jen J. Danna, is a scientist specializing in infectious diseases, she works as part of a dynamic research group at a cutting-edge Canadian university. However, her true passion lies in indulging her love of the mysterious through her writing. Together with her partner Ann Vanderlaan, they write two series. Under the joint pseudonym of Sara Driscoll, they write the FBI K-9s mysteries series, starring search-and-rescue team Meg Jennings and her black lab, Hawk.
For those that like forensics, this would be a book for you to read!
I like the format these authors chose. Every chapter teaches a new short lesson on salt marshes - love that part.
The book was relatively fast paced, but there were some draggy places that I found a bit repetitive. I understand why the authors were doing this - stressing some important points, I guess.
The main characters - Trooper Leigh Abbot and Dr. Martt Lowell - were well defined and very likable. Matt's grad students were also very likeable.
Leigh has her work cut out for her in a male dominated work force - can hear "macho" and one guy believing that Leigh didn't earn her way into the detective unit! I'm sure that guy will pop up again in the future novels - here's hoping Leigh continues to subtly put him in his place!
The main author, Jen J. Danna, is a scientist specializing in infectious diseases, she works as part of a dynamic research group at a cutting-edge Canadian university. However, her true passion lies in indulging her love of the mysterious through her writing. Together with her partner Ann Vanderlaan, they write two series. Under the joint pseudonym of Sara Driscoll, they write the FBI K-9s mysteries series, starring search-and-rescue team Meg Jennings and her black lab, Hawk.
For those that like forensics, this would be a book for you to read!
November 20, 2014
Where do I categorize this? Police procedural, light on procedure? Mystery, but not really? Romantic suspense, but not terribly suspenseful.. except that last part. Written well enough to keep me reading, and I can see where this could build into a nice little series, but it needs more... substance.
March 23, 2018
I enjoyed this first book in the series. Leigh and Matt make a formidable team and I look forward to seeing all the main characters fleshed out *snort* in the future. (Had to add some bone hunter humour in there).
I enjoyed the bits of salt marsh info tossed in along with a fairly gruesome kiiler. The expected ending was not disappointing even if Trooper Abbott forgot that her cellphone can act as a flashlight in times of crisis.
I enjoyed the bits of salt marsh info tossed in along with a fairly gruesome kiiler. The expected ending was not disappointing even if Trooper Abbott forgot that her cellphone can act as a flashlight in times of crisis.
January 30, 2013
This is a great read for fans of police procedurals and forensic thrillers!
The elements I enjoyed the most are:
1) strong female protagonist (state trooper) and an honorably discharged Marine that now works as a forensics expert. This unlikely pairing sends sparks flying, and not just for the criminals either!
2) strong character development - I really liked how the authors handled the two lead characters and their emotional development, as well as a strong secondary cast of characters!
3) suspense - it kept me flipping the pages well into the night!
Great read - highly recommended! :)
The elements I enjoyed the most are:
1) strong female protagonist (state trooper) and an honorably discharged Marine that now works as a forensics expert. This unlikely pairing sends sparks flying, and not just for the criminals either!
2) strong character development - I really liked how the authors handled the two lead characters and their emotional development, as well as a strong secondary cast of characters!
3) suspense - it kept me flipping the pages well into the night!
Great read - highly recommended! :)
August 12, 2016
I've wanted to read this for awhile, but my library doesn't carry it. So with some gift card money from my generous husband, I treated myself.
I wished I'd saved my money. I was pretty disappointed in the story, the storytelling, the cliched characters, and the banal horror show at the end. If I had gotten it from the library vs. bought it, I would have never finished it.
I wished I'd saved my money. I was pretty disappointed in the story, the storytelling, the cliched characters, and the banal horror show at the end. If I had gotten it from the library vs. bought it, I would have never finished it.
April 17, 2013
I got this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Leigh Abbot must solve a mystery, but she only has a single bone. She manages to get Matt Lowell and his grad students to help her, though, and eventually they manage to find not only the body of that victim, but also bodies of other victims. The two are determined to find the serial killer and make sure he is punished for what he did. However, by doing so they end up putting themselves in danger. Will they be able to find out who is responsible for all the deaths and not join the victims?
I loved Leigh. She is a very strong female character, which I like. It seems like there are a lot of weak female characters in novels now a days, who just depend on men to protect. Leigh is not like that at all. She is very capable of taking care of herself.
Matt is also sympathetic. I liked how much he cared about his grad students, and he seemed to be a very good teacher. I liked his interaction with Leigh as well. I think Leigh and Matt will be a good couple. However, the book did not have a romantic tumor which is very good. The story is about the murders, not about a romance.
I also think the climax was very well done. I was very tense when I was reading it and worried that something horrible was going to happen to Leigh and Matt. I had no idea how they were going to get out of the mess they were in, and I was scared for the two of them.
However, there were a few things I didn't like about this novel. For one, I didn't like how much information was put after the climax. I wasn't really interested in that and it seemed to be kind of unnecessary. I would have cut some of it out of the novel if I was one of the authors or the editor.
I also wish Danna had put more in about Leigh's background. I would have liked to find out more about her, especially since there is a good amount of information about Matt's past.
I also don't know if I buy that the criminal would . I think someone would have seen it and reported it to the police, too.
Overall I would give this book three out of five stars.
Leigh Abbot must solve a mystery, but she only has a single bone. She manages to get Matt Lowell and his grad students to help her, though, and eventually they manage to find not only the body of that victim, but also bodies of other victims. The two are determined to find the serial killer and make sure he is punished for what he did. However, by doing so they end up putting themselves in danger. Will they be able to find out who is responsible for all the deaths and not join the victims?
I loved Leigh. She is a very strong female character, which I like. It seems like there are a lot of weak female characters in novels now a days, who just depend on men to protect. Leigh is not like that at all. She is very capable of taking care of herself.
Matt is also sympathetic. I liked how much he cared about his grad students, and he seemed to be a very good teacher. I liked his interaction with Leigh as well. I think Leigh and Matt will be a good couple. However, the book did not have a romantic tumor which is very good. The story is about the murders, not about a romance.
I also think the climax was very well done. I was very tense when I was reading it and worried that something horrible was going to happen to Leigh and Matt. I had no idea how they were going to get out of the mess they were in, and I was scared for the two of them.
However, there were a few things I didn't like about this novel. For one, I didn't like how much information was put after the climax. I wasn't really interested in that and it seemed to be kind of unnecessary. I would have cut some of it out of the novel if I was one of the authors or the editor.
I also wish Danna had put more in about Leigh's background. I would have liked to find out more about her, especially since there is a good amount of information about Matt's past.
I also don't know if I buy that the criminal would . I think someone would have seen it and reported it to the police, too.
Overall I would give this book three out of five stars.
April 17, 2013
Couldn't put it down. Only when I had to leave for a cousin's cousin's son's send-off do before he goes to boot camp. (We have really extended family ties here in Perry County.) But got back to it as soon as I got home and didn't get up until it was finished.
5 Stars!!
The descriptions of the setting, the action and the characters were so in depth that the "real world" disappears. The amount of research in preparation for this book must have been staggering.
The dialogue was natural and flowing.
I like the headers at the beginning of the chapters with their bits of information. They added detail to the setting.
The only thing I didn't care for was the single sex scene but I do recognize that it did serve a purpose here. I'm not a prude, really, but I just find sex scenes to be distracting. When I run into a lot of them - like in J.D. Robb's aka Nora Roberts' "In Death" series - I usually just skim over them until the story restarts. However, sex scenes do not keep me from reading a book or liking a book or recommending a book.
This book is amongst the best mysteries that I have had the pleasure to read.
I am so looking forward to the next one.
5 Stars!!
The descriptions of the setting, the action and the characters were so in depth that the "real world" disappears. The amount of research in preparation for this book must have been staggering.
The dialogue was natural and flowing.
I like the headers at the beginning of the chapters with their bits of information. They added detail to the setting.
The only thing I didn't care for was the single sex scene but I do recognize that it did serve a purpose here. I'm not a prude, really, but I just find sex scenes to be distracting. When I run into a lot of them - like in J.D. Robb's aka Nora Roberts' "In Death" series - I usually just skim over them until the story restarts. However, sex scenes do not keep me from reading a book or liking a book or recommending a book.
This book is amongst the best mysteries that I have had the pleasure to read.
I am so looking forward to the next one.
June 5, 2013
What a way to make a debut! I am a voracious reader, and LOVE mysteries, murder mysteries, and crime novels. Authors Jen J. Danna and Ann Vanderlaan have a talent for writing AND and a talent for crafting a gripping, interesting, and twisting story! I did not want this book to end! Each line was a pleasure to read. Never have I said that about another novel. I am saying it here, simply because it's the truth.
"Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It" is an excellent book. When recommending books to others, I usually rate my overall reading experience on a 1 - 10 scale. Not too many make it past 8. I have only ever given one 10. I give this book a 9! (I don't do "halves", otherwise I would have to give it a 9.5!)Rounding up, I have to give it 5 stars here!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who (a) loves a good mystery or (b) loves to read great writing. The best part: there are at least two more books that we can look forward to---this is the first book in a series! I know this since I interviewed Jen J. Danna on my blog! (Watch for the post.)
Congratulations on making your debut novel an awesome one, Jen and Ann!
"Dead, Without a Stone to Tell It" is an excellent book. When recommending books to others, I usually rate my overall reading experience on a 1 - 10 scale. Not too many make it past 8. I have only ever given one 10. I give this book a 9! (I don't do "halves", otherwise I would have to give it a 9.5!)Rounding up, I have to give it 5 stars here!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who (a) loves a good mystery or (b) loves to read great writing. The best part: there are at least two more books that we can look forward to---this is the first book in a series! I know this since I interviewed Jen J. Danna on my blog! (Watch for the post.)
Congratulations on making your debut novel an awesome one, Jen and Ann!
April 12, 2013
It was a really fun read. I love the plot of the story and how the author add that subtle romance between Matt hand Leigh and yet still able to portray that both them are serious on what their doing.... The story was so realistic that it made me realize how cruel human beings can be.... Anyways this was a really fun read and I finished reading the book in two seatings.
December 29, 2013
This was a very exciting book to read. kept me wanting to see what happened next. Only took me a day to read this one. Highly recommended. well worth your money to purchase. Will be getting the next one this author writes. enjoy.
July 8, 2013
I loved it! The book was more than I expected. More please!
June 1, 2013
I love books that are all about the characters, about people. I love mysteries and science fiction and fantasy and straight novels, but people and relationships are at the heart of my favorite stories. Partners, parent/child, lovers, neighbors, friends, siblings, coworkers. And in my experience, there are two kinds of character-driven books. Ones where the relationships are explored when the characters are apart and ones where all the fun happens when they are together. For instance, a romance where the whole book is about them trying and failing to be in the same place and then ultimately getting together, or a mystery where the two main characters are the villain and the hero who ultimately meet to duke it out. Those keep the characters apart, mostly, til the end.
MY favorite though, the books that I search for, cherish, read again, or give as gifts are where the characters generate tension or heat or suspense or humor when they are together.
I think you can see where I'm going. I FOUND one! Another one! Yay!
So. A forensic anthropologist (who has some military service--and trauma--behind him) and a police detective. Also his father and his students. Even as the extremely well plotted and interesting mystery proceeded apace, I saw these folks together every chapter. They were mad at each other and made each other laugh; they solved a mystery together and learned new things together. At the heart of every chapter was their work, their evolving sense of shared purpose, their fear when things got scary, the fun and the tension and...oh, yeah...the heat they generated. I wish there was a second book. Right now.
In addition, I will say, the book is true to the teacher/student relationship. I love the way Matt taught his students, trusting them and respecting them but also protecting them where he needed to. As a teacher, I can say it felt...right, to me. I liked that none of the relationships fell back on stereotypes.
I will also say that the crime was really cool and not solved in 42 minutes, and yet while the entire mystery and book was very well paced (it was thrilling and scary and it felt like it swept me along), the authors wove a subtle spiral of the amount of time that it takes to run tests, to consider evidence and run down leads, not to mention the very real fiscal and resource constraints on police departments everywhere.
I will recommend this to friends and I will preorder a sequel. Couldn't ask for anymore than that!
Michele, from Maine
MY favorite though, the books that I search for, cherish, read again, or give as gifts are where the characters generate tension or heat or suspense or humor when they are together.
I think you can see where I'm going. I FOUND one! Another one! Yay!
So. A forensic anthropologist (who has some military service--and trauma--behind him) and a police detective. Also his father and his students. Even as the extremely well plotted and interesting mystery proceeded apace, I saw these folks together every chapter. They were mad at each other and made each other laugh; they solved a mystery together and learned new things together. At the heart of every chapter was their work, their evolving sense of shared purpose, their fear when things got scary, the fun and the tension and...oh, yeah...the heat they generated. I wish there was a second book. Right now.
In addition, I will say, the book is true to the teacher/student relationship. I love the way Matt taught his students, trusting them and respecting them but also protecting them where he needed to. As a teacher, I can say it felt...right, to me. I liked that none of the relationships fell back on stereotypes.
I will also say that the crime was really cool and not solved in 42 minutes, and yet while the entire mystery and book was very well paced (it was thrilling and scary and it felt like it swept me along), the authors wove a subtle spiral of the amount of time that it takes to run tests, to consider evidence and run down leads, not to mention the very real fiscal and resource constraints on police departments everywhere.
I will recommend this to friends and I will preorder a sequel. Couldn't ask for anymore than that!
Michele, from Maine
October 13, 2015
This book has been buried in my wish list forever, and facing a lack of books to read I was in the mood to read, I finally bought it. And overall, it was a great, fast paced read but I had a couple of problems with plot holes and TSTL moments.
Leigh Abbot, a Massachusetts state trooper, is assigned to investigate a bone found in a beaver dam. (No word on if the person who found it said DAM IT! which is a shame.) Enlisting the help of a forensic anthropologist, the gushingly described hunky and well built Matt Lowell (eye roll) who happens to be a former Marine battlefield medic, Leigh uncovers a burial ground for a serial killer. Stalked and taunted, Leigh has to find the man responsible before she becomes the next victim.
This was a great plot, with a quick pace and a lot of twists and turns. But, it was also a little predictable and there was a giant plot hole that a M1 Abrams could've driven through and still had room for a 747.
When Leigh and Matt find the first grave, they post an officer overnight to keep the scene secure until they can go back the next morning. So, the next morning they go back and startle the murderer in the act of burying his latest victim, who was able to dig a grave unnoticed because the officer posted to guard the island apparently never existed. And was never mentioned again. HUGE plot hole that bothered me through the whole book.
Which, of course, the plot hole had to be there because otherwise the case would've been solved before they got to the murder room.
And, of course, there has to be the obligatory sexual tension between Matt & Leigh, and, of course, Matt has to have a painful secret that only Leigh can fix. And, of course, they end up making out. All a bit predictable.
Still, this was a likeable book and I had a hard time putting it down until I finished it. A good start to the series, and other than the plot holes, a solid story.
Leigh Abbot, a Massachusetts state trooper, is assigned to investigate a bone found in a beaver dam. (No word on if the person who found it said DAM IT! which is a shame.) Enlisting the help of a forensic anthropologist, the gushingly described hunky and well built Matt Lowell (eye roll) who happens to be a former Marine battlefield medic, Leigh uncovers a burial ground for a serial killer. Stalked and taunted, Leigh has to find the man responsible before she becomes the next victim.
This was a great plot, with a quick pace and a lot of twists and turns. But, it was also a little predictable and there was a giant plot hole that a M1 Abrams could've driven through and still had room for a 747.
When Leigh and Matt find the first grave, they post an officer overnight to keep the scene secure until they can go back the next morning. So, the next morning they go back and startle the murderer in the act of burying his latest victim, who was able to dig a grave unnoticed because the officer posted to guard the island apparently never existed. And was never mentioned again. HUGE plot hole that bothered me through the whole book.
Which, of course, the plot hole had to be there because otherwise the case would've been solved before they got to the murder room.
And, of course, there has to be the obligatory sexual tension between Matt & Leigh, and, of course, Matt has to have a painful secret that only Leigh can fix. And, of course, they end up making out. All a bit predictable.
Still, this was a likeable book and I had a hard time putting it down until I finished it. A good start to the series, and other than the plot holes, a solid story.
January 13, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, but it came across as a combination of a Lifetime Movie of the Week and an episode of Law & Order: SVU.
The characters are fairly one-dimensional. Leigh is a trooper trying to prove herself to the misogynists in her local Homicide Department. Matt, a forensic anthropologist, has something to prove to a frenemy-colleague of his. Matt and his graduate students are asked to assist when bones are discovered near a crime scene.
The science is okay and the leads apparently do have some little chemistry. It's purportedly the first book in a series, but I'm not sure I'd seek any others out. This one really didn't hold my interest very much.
The characters are fairly one-dimensional. Leigh is a trooper trying to prove herself to the misogynists in her local Homicide Department. Matt, a forensic anthropologist, has something to prove to a frenemy-colleague of his. Matt and his graduate students are asked to assist when bones are discovered near a crime scene.
The science is okay and the leads apparently do have some little chemistry. It's purportedly the first book in a series, but I'm not sure I'd seek any others out. This one really didn't hold my interest very much.
June 7, 2013
I didn't know what to expect when I first started 'Dead. Without a Stone to Tell It'. I was engaged quickly by the world of authors Danna and Venderlaan have created. I especially loved that each chapter heading gave me gentle guidance with definitions of terms pertinent to the surrounding environment and into the much needed cooperation between detectives and forensic anthropologists. There is a dynamic cast of secondary characters that add depth and humor to the storyline. It held my interest right to the very last page and I look forward to reading more from these characters.
December 5, 2013
I thought it was a really good book. I liked the characters, the settings, the story. Any fans of forensic mysteries will not be disappointed. The details were so specific, and the descriptions of the setting made me want to go see the actual location, it sounded so pretty. This is the first book in a new series, and I'm really looking forward to the next one in the series!
June 6, 2013
I have been waiting for this book since its it was just a thought and idea. The authors do not disappoint. The only issue I had besides that it ended was that there were a few passages of what seemed like over lengthy description. The characters were believable and the mystery was well place and not to simple. I am exited for the next one.
April 6, 2013
This was a free book from Goodeads Firstreads. I really enjoyed this book. The characters were believable and the storyline kept me engrossed. Look forward to reading more from this author. I recommend this book.
Read
April 26, 2013Good read, good pace and great introduction to a team that works well together and a couple who quite possibly have found each other.
September 15, 2013
Excellent start to this series. I adored Leigh and Matt and very much look forward to their journey in the rest of this series.
April 21, 2014
Gruesome, with a plot and characters that seem to come straight from a lecture on "how to write a suspense novel." Everything occurs exactly to formula and ends that way as well.
January 17, 2020
This is a fascinating and grim forensic thriller. The characters are flawed, believable, and likable. The setting is atmospheric. It feels like an accurate depiction of the salt marshes near Exeter. The plot is twisty and dark, but not hopeless. The forensic details comport with my previous reading. There are two serious underlying stories concerning blatant sexism in law enforcement and PTSD following service in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Altogether, a satisfying thriller. I'll be reading more.
Since it's the first in a series, without an annoying cliffhanger, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It's not for people who are sqeamish about explicit forensic details or graphic violence.
Since it's the first in a series, without an annoying cliffhanger, it can definitely be read as a stand-alone. It's not for people who are sqeamish about explicit forensic details or graphic violence.
August 27, 2023
This book is a great start to the Abbott and Lowell series. I loved the interaction of forensic scientist Matt Lowell and his team of students with Detective Leigh Abbott. They set out on a “simple” task of determining information from a single bone to a complex serial murder. The plot was well planned, the twists and turns were captivating, and I was kept turning pages. The story was at times intense and graphic, the details disturbing, giving the reader a sense of the horror facing the team as they worked to solve this crime. Balancing it out was the developing relationship between Matt and Leigh. I look forward to continuing this series!
November 7, 2023
3.5 rounded up for great research and interesting characters.
Trooper Leigh Abbott needs a forensic scientist she can trust, and she finds that in Dr. Matt Lowell. Lowell and his team of students start with a small bone Trooper Abbott has found, but they soon have to deal with more than they reckoned with. Both Abbott and Lowell have demons in their pasts that they are dealing with, and the chemistry between these two is good. The relationship development is great. I hate when we have to wait decades for people to realize they should be together. Lots of forensic facts and danger. This is a good book to pick up if you liked the series Bones.
Trooper Leigh Abbott needs a forensic scientist she can trust, and she finds that in Dr. Matt Lowell. Lowell and his team of students start with a small bone Trooper Abbott has found, but they soon have to deal with more than they reckoned with. Both Abbott and Lowell have demons in their pasts that they are dealing with, and the chemistry between these two is good. The relationship development is great. I hate when we have to wait decades for people to realize they should be together. Lots of forensic facts and danger. This is a good book to pick up if you liked the series Bones.
June 7, 2025
2.5 stars. I realized after I started this book that I had read a couple of the books this author wrote under the name Sara Driscoll. As with those books, I liked the characters but the stories were too dark. Dark in a clinical sort of way. I love a good police prodedural but hate time spent in a sociopath's head. I really didn't need the recap at the end loosely disguised as bring the grad students up to date. I did like the descriptions of the area, which I have visited, and the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter, however, I kept expecting the factoids about the salt marsh to tie into the story which they did not.
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July 30, 2025This one is a gem!
One never knows what book or story will hit all your own predetermined needs for it to be a perfect match. This book was such a surprise and suits my desired reading material to a "T"! It even included a very special K-9. Such excitement, information, new characters, special location, and a little romance thrown into the mix.
I realized, when I read about the authors, that they were not unfamiliar. Thank you, ladies, not just for this story but the other joyfully, and thrillingly read books!
One never knows what book or story will hit all your own predetermined needs for it to be a perfect match. This book was such a surprise and suits my desired reading material to a "T"! It even included a very special K-9. Such excitement, information, new characters, special location, and a little romance thrown into the mix.
I realized, when I read about the authors, that they were not unfamiliar. Thank you, ladies, not just for this story but the other joyfully, and thrillingly read books!
January 18, 2021
New, to me, forensic detective team. Think Kathy Reichs. This book is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. The murders and the killers are horrifying beyond belief. There is an incipient relationship building between the combat damaged forensic scientist and the defensive female detective. They both need all their skills to avoid becoming victims of the killers themselves. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
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