Bone Deep

by Darian North

The author of the national bestseller Criminal Seduction returns with a novel of harrowing suspense.

A forensic anthropologist's life becomes a living nightmare when her father is found shot. In her search for the reasons why, she must unwillingly come face to face with her mysterious past. Now instead of finding answers, she finds herself stalked in a maze of passion, lies, betrayal and death where no one can be trusted.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

464 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[Susan Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iris Lanier is an anthropologist - an independent woman with a mission for uncovering history. She's in the jungles of Guatemala when somehow a telegram gets to her that her father is in the hospital in New York. She hurries to his side to find him in a coma. She has no idea why he is even in New York as he rarely ever leaves his California orchard. Her history problem solving skills are only partially useful as she starts digging into what happened to her father. This is the second Darian North I have read. While it wasn't quite as good as the first, it was still way excellent. And, I still know nothing about this author and don't even have a guess as to whether she's a she or a he. But, no matter, I'm off to find another Darian North.

[Lisa Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anthropologist Iris Lanier is pulled out of a Guatamalan dig when her father is shot. Turns out her father had a few secrets and her mother had many more. The further she looks into her fathers injuries the more questions she has to ask. With the help of an old friend she learns about an unknown grandfather, as well as uncovering her benefactor is not as benevolent as she had hoped. Will she survive this new knowledge?

[Linda Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read that constantly keeps one guessing, and all the subplots intertwine nicely at the end. My only complaint is that there is no sequel because this story begs for one. Does Iris stay in New York at the forensic lab? Do she and Justine become involved with the Locket Killer? Does Isaac ever return? This book was published almost 30 years ago, so I suppose there's no chance of that, but perhaps Mr. North might reawaken and grace us with his storytelling skills once again.

[Jeannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an adventure starting at an archeological dig in Mayan ruins. Iris is then off to New York City to find her estranged father in a coma after he was shot 2 times in the head. Is this related? More adventures and some discoveries in California and back to New York and off the jungles. It all ties together at the end but you might be exhausted .

[Jane Mercer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow as molasses too long far too much talkie stuff and the only good points were the too few ones about the Mayan dig.
It was however well written otherwise I'd thrown it away after the second chapter
SPOILER
I don't understand how the super fixer Gabriel managed to get himself shot so easily

[Scottsdale Public Library]

Anthropologist, Iris, is working on a project in the jungles of Guatemala when she receives a telegram informing her that her estranged father has been hospitalized, in critical condition. Rushing to New York, she finds out her father is in a coma as a result of being shot in the head while in a park in the middle of the night. The police question Iris closely which spur her on to do some investigative work of her own. As other characters are introduced, Iris has to determine if they are friend or foe. An exciting, suspenseful story! --Kris E. --

[Sindy Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. You would never pick the end. It seems slow in some parts, but in saying that, I couldn't put it down and wanted to finish it.
Mystery I would put this story under

[Adrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

An anthropologist looks into the death of her father and has to delve into her mysterious past. I really enjoyed this. The story is full of twists and turns and fades from past to present. Quite a compelling read.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Not really suspenseful and not all that deep in twists and turns but it was a good quick read that kept my interest.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last 100 pages were difficult to read. I hope it's because I'm recovering from stomach flu as those last pages really told the rest of the story.

[Marayah Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read. For all the scenes, I can never forget the moment when it struck to Iris that the face she's trying to make shape was actually that of her mother. Heart-wreaking.

[Pippa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really exceptional book. Although a thriller, and linked with an archaeological dig, it is also about love, and the nature of love. Psychologically very strong and a gripping read.

[Marissa Fourcault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it a lot. Will be scouring book stores and yard sales for more Darian North!

[Renee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting storyline, lots of potential left unexplored. The characters' relationships were never fleshed out and seemed too quickly formed, therefore unbelievable.

[Lisa Reyes · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disconnected storylines :(