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Body Farm #6
The Bone Yard
At a friend's request, Dr. Bill Brockton is called away from the Body Farm—his human-decomposition research facility at the University of Tennessee—to help prove that a woman's suicide was, in fact, murder. But Brockton's quick consulting trip takes a harrowing detour through the Florida Panhandle when two adolescent skulls are discovered near the ruins of a once-notorious juvenile detention facility, destroyed by fire more than four decades ago.
Local stories about the North Florida Boys' Reformatory are chilling: nightmarish tales of savage beatings, torture, and worse. Guided by the diary of a former "student," Brockton's team soon makes a grisly discovery: a cluster of shallow graves containing the bones of teenage boys, all of whom suffered violent deaths. But the search for answers becomes more perilous the closer Brockton comes to the truth—because unexpected skeletons reside in some surprisingly prominent closets . . . and summoning ghosts from the pastcan have devastating consequences in the present.
Local stories about the North Florida Boys' Reformatory are chilling: nightmarish tales of savage beatings, torture, and worse. Guided by the diary of a former "student," Brockton's team soon makes a grisly discovery: a cluster of shallow graves containing the bones of teenage boys, all of whom suffered violent deaths. But the search for answers becomes more perilous the closer Brockton comes to the truth—because unexpected skeletons reside in some surprisingly prominent closets . . . and summoning ghosts from the pastcan have devastating consequences in the present.
315 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2011
316 people are currently reading
3033 people want to read
About the author
Jefferson Bass
21 books1,167 followersJefferson Bass on FACEBOOK
http://www.facebook.com/JeffersonBass...
Jon Jefferson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Bill Bass
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jefferson Bass is the pen name of Jon Jefferson, writer, and Dr. Bill Bass, renowned forensic anthropologist. Jefferson and Bass have collaborated on 2 nonfiction books and 6 crime novels; their 7th novel, The Inquisitor's Key, will be published in May 2012. Dr. Bass, founder of the University of Tennessee's "Body Farm," is an author on more than 200 scientific publications. Jefferson is a veteran journalist and documentary filmmaker; his two National Geographic documentaries on the Body Farm were seen around the world.
http://www.facebook.com/JeffersonBass...
Jon Jefferson
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Bill Bass
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
Jefferson Bass is the pen name of Jon Jefferson, writer, and Dr. Bill Bass, renowned forensic anthropologist. Jefferson and Bass have collaborated on 2 nonfiction books and 6 crime novels; their 7th novel, The Inquisitor's Key, will be published in May 2012. Dr. Bass, founder of the University of Tennessee's "Body Farm," is an author on more than 200 scientific publications. Jefferson is a veteran journalist and documentary filmmaker; his two National Geographic documentaries on the Body Farm were seen around the world.
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November 15, 2021
In this 6th book in the 'Body Farm' series, Dr. Brockton - a forensic pathologist - looks into a shotgun death and a reform school scandal. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
Dr. Bill Brockton runs 'The Body Farm', a Tennessee research facility that studies decaying corpses. Thus, he's an experienced forensic pathologist.
At the behest of Angie St. Clair, a forensic analyst from Florida, Brockton gets involved in two cases. Angie's sister died from a shotgun blast that the authorities have ruled suicide, but Angie insists her brother-in-law pulled the trigger; and bones of adolescents who attended a long-defunct Florida reform school turn up, leading to the discovery of a secret burial ground.
A hidden journal is also discovered that describes the abuse and torture of the reform school inmates by the guards and authorities.
As Brockton's investigation proceeds it's clear that someone is getting antsy and threats and deaths ensue.
Both cases, Angie's sister and the reform school bodies, are eventually solved rather fortuitously without much real investigation. In fact, a great deal of the book is devoted to descriptions of forensic work: finding and digging up buried corpses and how the characteristics of the bones are used to determine gender, age, and cause of death. This is interesting but it doesn't add up to the usual elements in a mystery book.
In an afterward, Jefferson Bass notes that he wrote the book to focus attention on the real issue of horrendous conditions in some Florida reform schools, and the story does this quite effectively. As a mystery, though, the book falls flat.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
January 15, 2020
If you're looking for true crime forensics expertly weaved into a suspenseful and chilling mystery.... Look no further than the Body Farm Series!
“What can I do for you, Angie?”
“It’s my sister, Dr. Brockton. She . . . um . . . she’s dead.” Silence. I waited. “That call I got yesterday morning—the call that made me leave—it was from my husband, Ned, telling me.”
“I figured you’d gotten some really bad news. I gather it was unexpected. I’m so sorry.” I hesitated, reluctant to pry. Still, she’d called me. “Was it an accident?”
“No,” she said with sudden vehemence, and then she laughed—a short, bitter bark of a laugh that startled me. “It was definitely not an accident. That’s the one thing we can all agree on.” I resisted the urge to fire off questions. “She died from a shotgun blast to the head.” The air in my office suddenly turned electric. “The local coroner says it was suicide. I say it was murder.”
********
The Bone Yard by *Jefferson Bass is the sixth book in the Body Farm mystery series.
The books are based upon the real life "Body Farm" research facility in Tennessee then integrated with expertly crafted fiction, starring the main character Dr. Bill Brockton.
There are two storylines that take place throughout the book. One is when Angie asks Dr. Brockton to help solve the mystery of the cause of death of her sister. The other is set in Florida when a dog unearths the skull of a young boy, setting off a cascade of terrible things to come.
This is one of my very favorite series! I'm fascinated by the real life aspect of the forensics research, I'm always riveted by the storylines, and because I became attached to the characters who appear in each instalment.
The storylines build from one book to the next so it's best if they are read in order.
Dr. Bass, founder of the University of Tennessee's "Body Farm," is known for his groundbreaking research in forensic science. These studies have enriched the knowledge of the decomposition of the body and the effects of the environment, which has led to enhanced use of forensics in criminal investigations all across the globe.
For more fascinating information of Dr. Bass's invaluable research facility click here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unive...
*Jefferson Bass is the pen name for Jon Jefferson, veteran journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker and Dr. Bill Bass, renowned forensic anthropologist. Together they have written ten books in the Body Farm series.
“What can I do for you, Angie?”
“It’s my sister, Dr. Brockton. She . . . um . . . she’s dead.” Silence. I waited. “That call I got yesterday morning—the call that made me leave—it was from my husband, Ned, telling me.”
“I figured you’d gotten some really bad news. I gather it was unexpected. I’m so sorry.” I hesitated, reluctant to pry. Still, she’d called me. “Was it an accident?”
“No,” she said with sudden vehemence, and then she laughed—a short, bitter bark of a laugh that startled me. “It was definitely not an accident. That’s the one thing we can all agree on.” I resisted the urge to fire off questions. “She died from a shotgun blast to the head.” The air in my office suddenly turned electric. “The local coroner says it was suicide. I say it was murder.”
********
The Bone Yard by *Jefferson Bass is the sixth book in the Body Farm mystery series.
The books are based upon the real life "Body Farm" research facility in Tennessee then integrated with expertly crafted fiction, starring the main character Dr. Bill Brockton.
There are two storylines that take place throughout the book. One is when Angie asks Dr. Brockton to help solve the mystery of the cause of death of her sister. The other is set in Florida when a dog unearths the skull of a young boy, setting off a cascade of terrible things to come.
This is one of my very favorite series! I'm fascinated by the real life aspect of the forensics research, I'm always riveted by the storylines, and because I became attached to the characters who appear in each instalment.
The storylines build from one book to the next so it's best if they are read in order.
Dr. Bass, founder of the University of Tennessee's "Body Farm," is known for his groundbreaking research in forensic science. These studies have enriched the knowledge of the decomposition of the body and the effects of the environment, which has led to enhanced use of forensics in criminal investigations all across the globe.
For more fascinating information of Dr. Bass's invaluable research facility click here:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unive...
*Jefferson Bass is the pen name for Jon Jefferson, veteran journalist, writer, and documentary filmmaker and Dr. Bill Bass, renowned forensic anthropologist. Together they have written ten books in the Body Farm series.
May 10, 2023
'The bone yard' is a work of fiction that derived from sinister monstrosities of reality. Accurate crime scene descriptions and gory images formed a gloomy mass of decay. The smell of decomposition was omnipresent.
I relish reading about detailed forensic science and anthropology, anatomy, and excavation processes. Give me skulls, bones, corpses, and evidence to analyze, and I'm highly satisfied.
The tension builds gradually, climax and ending are well written. This book is a standalone, even though I've read other books of this series and am well acquainted with the characters.
This forensic mystery with its gruesome and dark content drew me in like arms reaching out from the grave!
🖤💀🦴💀🖤
I relish reading about detailed forensic science and anthropology, anatomy, and excavation processes. Give me skulls, bones, corpses, and evidence to analyze, and I'm highly satisfied.
The tension builds gradually, climax and ending are well written. This book is a standalone, even though I've read other books of this series and am well acquainted with the characters.
This forensic mystery with its gruesome and dark content drew me in like arms reaching out from the grave!
🖤💀🦴💀🖤
March 9, 2023
4 Stars
Dr Brockton gets a two-fer, and it does not end well. 2 cases, both tragic; maybe it's the town? Whatever it is, everyone comes out traumatized, but with much-needed answers and resolution.
Great read
Dr Brockton gets a two-fer, and it does not end well. 2 cases, both tragic; maybe it's the town? Whatever it is, everyone comes out traumatized, but with much-needed answers and resolution.
Great read
December 26, 2015
I thought I'd like this since I like mysteries & really enjoyed Death's Acre: Inside the Legendary Forensic Lab the Body Farm Where the Dead Do Tell Tales by William M. Bass. This series of mysteries is based on Bill Bass' life & work to some extent. As the author's afterword says, it's sort of alternate universe. Many of the facts are true, some are biographical, but they're placed into a fictional setting with flourishes. Best of all, even though it was book 6 in the series, it stood alone well. There were a few references to previous cases & issues, but they were self explanatory & well contained enough.
Unfortunately, Jefferson Bass will not make my list of favorite authors. His characters are OK, but they're too often very slow on the uptake. They mystery wasn't much of one - the bad guys were too bad & obvious. The crime(s) were too heinous & milked dry. On top of that he was wordy & his attempts at waxing poetic were just annoying. Still, I listened to the whole thing, but I jumped to fast speed about 3/4 of the way through, something I rarely do. This was well read by Tom Stechschulte.
Perhaps another book in this series would be better, but I doubt I'll listen to another.
Unfortunately, Jefferson Bass will not make my list of favorite authors. His characters are OK, but they're too often very slow on the uptake. They mystery wasn't much of one - the bad guys were too bad & obvious. The crime(s) were too heinous & milked dry. On top of that he was wordy & his attempts at waxing poetic were just annoying. Still, I listened to the whole thing, but I jumped to fast speed about 3/4 of the way through, something I rarely do. This was well read by Tom Stechschulte.
Perhaps another book in this series would be better, but I doubt I'll listen to another.
April 13, 2024
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.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
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.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 28, 2021
I love The Body Farm series. This one is based on real life house of hell reform s hool in Florida.
It is more horrific than the other books in this series. Once again, I am amazed how awful people can be.
It is more horrific than the other books in this series. Once again, I am amazed how awful people can be.
October 11, 2016
The Bone Yard by Jefferson Bass.
I found this book to be thrilling in as much as I was well aware of the infamous scandal regarding the Dozier Reformatory for Boys in Florida. This book although fictionalized was based on that account. All findings by students excavating in that immediate area were verified through DNA testing on the bones and accounts from the surviving White House Boys.
Dr. Bill Brockton's co-worker on investigations, Angie St. Claire, receives news that her sister has committed suicide. This news is simply unacceptable to Angie and she requests Dr. Brockton to assist her while she tries to uncover and prove her sister was murdered.
At the same time skulls have turned up in the area of the North Florida Boys Reformatory. The skulls are decidedly that of teenagers who did not die a natural death. A diary of one the boys is found and soon Bill, Angie and special agent Stu Vickery are unearthing more skeletal remains. Together their findings along with the diary match up to reveal a dark past of the life endured by those boys.
This Body Farm series just keeps getting better with each entry.
I found this book to be thrilling in as much as I was well aware of the infamous scandal regarding the Dozier Reformatory for Boys in Florida. This book although fictionalized was based on that account. All findings by students excavating in that immediate area were verified through DNA testing on the bones and accounts from the surviving White House Boys.
Dr. Bill Brockton's co-worker on investigations, Angie St. Claire, receives news that her sister has committed suicide. This news is simply unacceptable to Angie and she requests Dr. Brockton to assist her while she tries to uncover and prove her sister was murdered.
At the same time skulls have turned up in the area of the North Florida Boys Reformatory. The skulls are decidedly that of teenagers who did not die a natural death. A diary of one the boys is found and soon Bill, Angie and special agent Stu Vickery are unearthing more skeletal remains. Together their findings along with the diary match up to reveal a dark past of the life endured by those boys.
This Body Farm series just keeps getting better with each entry.
December 9, 2019
There is a historical basis for The Bone Yard's plotline, which was inspired by events and stories from an actual north Florida reform school. That made this is an exceptionally heartwrenching and difficult book to read. :(
March 13, 2017
I never go wrong when I pick up a Body farm book! That's all I need to say. Looking forward to the next one, as always Dr. Bass.
This particular story was interesting because of the reality of the beatings at a boys camp that were still proven to have been happened as recently as 2006. I had not heard of this school in Florida and did not know about the atrocoties that occured there. Horrific to think what happened there.
This particular story was interesting because of the reality of the beatings at a boys camp that were still proven to have been happened as recently as 2006. I had not heard of this school in Florida and did not know about the atrocoties that occured there. Horrific to think what happened there.
April 20, 2011
I have read each of the Body Farm books, but this one was especially interesting because it touches on the story of the North Florida School for Boys that is located right outside of Marianna, Florida. My Grandmother lived near there, and as a child, it was always a treat for us to drive through the grounds and look at all the Christmas Light Displays they had put up. Then several years ago I saw a report on CNN detailing horrible things that had happened tot he boys that had been held there.
The book uses a fictional account of what happens there when an old hound dog starts bringing home human skulls to his master, a sweet old man who lives way out in the country. A local Forensic Specialist who has just studied with Dr. Brockton at the Tennessee Body Farm, asks for Dr. Bill's help. The sotry goes on from there, as they an face angry local sheriff, who wants them out of there quickly. Does he have something to hide?
There is a subplot about the Forensic Tech for Florida, involving her sister's apparent suicide. Did she or didn't she? I always enjoy these books for the factual research findings that are woven into the story.
Some of the real people in the business of forensics are featured in each book along with what they have discovered, or th e important work they do. In this book, it was facial reconstruction from the skull. Amazing, and there is more than one way to do it now. God Bless all of these people, for they give the dead back their voice, and a hope for justice!
The book uses a fictional account of what happens there when an old hound dog starts bringing home human skulls to his master, a sweet old man who lives way out in the country. A local Forensic Specialist who has just studied with Dr. Brockton at the Tennessee Body Farm, asks for Dr. Bill's help. The sotry goes on from there, as they an face angry local sheriff, who wants them out of there quickly. Does he have something to hide?
There is a subplot about the Forensic Tech for Florida, involving her sister's apparent suicide. Did she or didn't she? I always enjoy these books for the factual research findings that are woven into the story.
Some of the real people in the business of forensics are featured in each book along with what they have discovered, or th e important work they do. In this book, it was facial reconstruction from the skull. Amazing, and there is more than one way to do it now. God Bless all of these people, for they give the dead back their voice, and a hope for justice!
January 8, 2016
A skull found by a dog leads Dr. Bill Brockton into a summer adventure he didn't plan but first he is helping Claire, a forensic analyst for Florida, help prove her sister didn't kill herself. The skull leads to another skull and then to a reform school for boys. The school has been closed for many years due to a fire but somebody wants the truth to come out regarding the history back then. The death of a man and his dog was hard on my soul. Several subject matters are involved with this story and they are not easy to hear or read about. The co-authors, Jefferson Bass, have a brilliant ability to bring a real story to light with a fictional backdrop to intrigue the reader. What I mean by a real story is the plight of juvenile justice or the lack of something better to fix our youth's growing problems. There is also the child abduction issues and the human trafficking battle. Our youth is in danger... we need advocates to change these issues. We need more advocates to stand up against those who continue to exploit the innocent. My opinion: The juvenile prison system is not the answer.... maybe a boot camp where service men can teach the value of respect and give youth a purpose to give back to society. I think the juvenile system just leads the youth into another level of crime and emotional distress. Back to the story of forensics, crime and procedures. I love this series... each book just gets better and better. Three cheers to this dynamic writing duo.
April 8, 2011
Pretty brutal subject matter but one that definitely should be brought to everyones attention.
November 6, 2025
The Bone Yard is the 6th book in the Boddy Farm series by Jefferson Bass (the writing team of Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson). In this story, things are quiet at the University of Tennessee human decomposition research facility (the Body Farm) as the summer season begins. Dr. Bill Brockton is at loose ends, trying to write a new book, but not enthused about it.
Bill is asked for help from an old friend, Angie St. Claire, a forensic scientist working for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Angie's sister is dead, the local coroner in Georgia determining her death was by suicide. Angie believes her brother-in-law murdered her sister and she asks Bill Brockton for his assistance in examining the body.
While there, another case crops up in Florida, the discovery of a boy's skull. Since he's there anyway, Brockton assists Angie and the FDLE investigator Stu Vickery, in trying to determine the identity of the skull. It turns out that a dog had brought the skull to his owner, an old fella living in wilderness in Florida's panhandle.
So both cases occupy Bill's attention with the latter becoming more and more involved. Another skull found by the dog. The group decides to attach a (words!!! what is the word???) location finder to the dog's collar so they can track where he goes to find the bones. It turns out that the old fella lives near an old Boys' Reformatory with a bad reputation that burned to the ground years before.
It's a complex, rich, interesting and also distressing mystery (the cruelty of man to children) that gets more and more tense as the story builds. The history of the Reformatory comes out more from an old diary kept by one of the inmates. Threats and deaths start to crop up in present. Just like the earlier books in the series, Bass has presented a fascinating, well-written mystery people with interesting characters. The trio of investigators especially, Brockton, Angie and Vickery are all interesting and likable. Entertaining with a tense, but ultimately satisfying ending. (4.0 stars)
Bill is asked for help from an old friend, Angie St. Claire, a forensic scientist working for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). Angie's sister is dead, the local coroner in Georgia determining her death was by suicide. Angie believes her brother-in-law murdered her sister and she asks Bill Brockton for his assistance in examining the body.
While there, another case crops up in Florida, the discovery of a boy's skull. Since he's there anyway, Brockton assists Angie and the FDLE investigator Stu Vickery, in trying to determine the identity of the skull. It turns out that a dog had brought the skull to his owner, an old fella living in wilderness in Florida's panhandle.
So both cases occupy Bill's attention with the latter becoming more and more involved. Another skull found by the dog. The group decides to attach a (words!!! what is the word???) location finder to the dog's collar so they can track where he goes to find the bones. It turns out that the old fella lives near an old Boys' Reformatory with a bad reputation that burned to the ground years before.
It's a complex, rich, interesting and also distressing mystery (the cruelty of man to children) that gets more and more tense as the story builds. The history of the Reformatory comes out more from an old diary kept by one of the inmates. Threats and deaths start to crop up in present. Just like the earlier books in the series, Bass has presented a fascinating, well-written mystery people with interesting characters. The trio of investigators especially, Brockton, Angie and Vickery are all interesting and likable. Entertaining with a tense, but ultimately satisfying ending. (4.0 stars)
May 31, 2025
This book was excellent. it was written in a very easy to read way, and I'm happy to say I guessed the murderer. I will have to look into more of these as I think this one is #6
June 25, 2016
Dr Bill Brockton, forensic pathologist, responds to a personal call for help from a former student now working in Tallahassee. Her sister has died – reportedly a suicide – but Angie St Claire has her doubts. His quick trip to help Angie turns into a much longer assignment when a wandering hound digs up an old skull – or two.
I really like this series. Brockton is a serious scientist, and heads the Department of Anthropology at the Univ of Tennessee in Knoxville. This is the site of the (in)famous Body Farm, where donated cadavers are studied to provide detailed information that will help law enforcement in determining manner, cause and time of death. He is cautious, deliberate and thorough in examining the bones that come his way. The writing team that makes up “Jefferson Bass” knows forensics and does a good job of providing sufficient detail without making this a science textbook.
However … I thought the double story line didn’t quite work here. I would just get caught up in one investigation, only to have that dropped in favor of the other. I’d be immersed in case #2 and then have to go back to case #1. The result, in this book, is that one of the story lines really suffered; the woman’s murder deserved a more thorough investigation in the book (as it would in real life). This is the sixth book in the series, and I wonder whether they were out of ideas to fully flesh out the plot. Still, the plot moves quickly and has enough twists and turns to still provide a surprise at the reveal.
I really like this series. Brockton is a serious scientist, and heads the Department of Anthropology at the Univ of Tennessee in Knoxville. This is the site of the (in)famous Body Farm, where donated cadavers are studied to provide detailed information that will help law enforcement in determining manner, cause and time of death. He is cautious, deliberate and thorough in examining the bones that come his way. The writing team that makes up “Jefferson Bass” knows forensics and does a good job of providing sufficient detail without making this a science textbook.
However … I thought the double story line didn’t quite work here. I would just get caught up in one investigation, only to have that dropped in favor of the other. I’d be immersed in case #2 and then have to go back to case #1. The result, in this book, is that one of the story lines really suffered; the woman’s murder deserved a more thorough investigation in the book (as it would in real life). This is the sixth book in the series, and I wonder whether they were out of ideas to fully flesh out the plot. Still, the plot moves quickly and has enough twists and turns to still provide a surprise at the reveal.
December 9, 2018
Mr. Bass uses forensic anthropology and engaging writing to bring to life a fictional tale of horrific tragedy. This is a fact-based fictional novel which details the lives and deaths of young boys at a reform school in Florida. The subject matter is grim and gruesome, but is told with compassion and clarity. The desires of many that the past be laid to rest and the bodies never be found are thwarted by the discovery of bones by a playful dog and a diary by Dr. Brockton and Angie St. Clair, who is dealing with her own personal tragedy during the course of the novel. While Dr. Brockton, Angie, and the others do feel emotionally attached to the case, they know that they must remain objective in order to solve the decades old child murders. Engaging, heartbreaking, and enjoyable – Mr. Bass has again weaved a gripping tale.
Please note: If you do have delicate sensibilities, then this book may not be for you. This is a book about child abuse, suicide, and murder – just a word of caution.
Body Farm Series: Carved in Bone (1), Flesh and Bone (2), The Devil's Bones (3), Bones of Betrayal (4), The Bone Thief (5), The Bone Yard (6), The Inquisitor's Key (7)
Please note: If you do have delicate sensibilities, then this book may not be for you. This is a book about child abuse, suicide, and murder – just a word of caution.
Body Farm Series: Carved in Bone (1), Flesh and Bone (2), The Devil's Bones (3), Bones of Betrayal (4), The Bone Thief (5), The Bone Yard (6), The Inquisitor's Key (7)
January 17, 2014
This was a gruesome read. The writing team managed to suck me into the story not only on a surface level, but on a deeper emotional level. This story turned my stomach and what makes it even worse is that it is based on the Florida Reform School and the horrors that occurred there.
I went on to do some research on the White House Boys to whom the book is dedicated and found a book written by one of the former residents. I started it, but I'm not sure I can finish it. I read a lot of true crime books, but when it comes to torture and children, my stomach roils and my blood boils. These kids didn't deserve anything that happened to them of this magnitude.
I hope this book opens the eyes of others of the horrors that have and possibly still happen to children who are institutionalize.
I went on to do some research on the White House Boys to whom the book is dedicated and found a book written by one of the former residents. I started it, but I'm not sure I can finish it. I read a lot of true crime books, but when it comes to torture and children, my stomach roils and my blood boils. These kids didn't deserve anything that happened to them of this magnitude.
I hope this book opens the eyes of others of the horrors that have and possibly still happen to children who are institutionalize.
March 5, 2015
I LOVE the Body Farm series (Can't wait for #9!). All but one of them have had me by the end of the first chapter. But I must say...THIS book has got to be my favorite out of them all. Well done, guys!
February 9, 2022
An interesting but sad story line for this one. Dr. Bill is involved in 2 separate cases, one in Florida & one in Georgia. The main story is about boys that lived in a reform school many years ago & how they were beaten & abused. The mystery surrounding prior books is still in play.
August 30, 2018
Omg do not understand how this book has such good reviews, it was honestly just terrible.
The characters in this are awful, and you'd think that as this was a series the main guy would have some semblance of a personality but aha you'd be wrong!!! I found this book to be written in quite a patronising style, which really was apparent when dr Bill took to explaining the skeleton to another character who worked crime scenes for the government... and saying things like 'correct!' and ugh. He also manages to get a few lewd comments in there about women which I always appreciate (obviously Im being sarcastic loooool). Also swear the rest of the characters are all the same. You have the token woman, the old school detective, the rouge vigilante that comes to finish the job and of course your nasty lil villains who are still petering around... Basically, nobody had a personality and everyone was a stereotype.
Also how archaeology and crime is represented in this book is so bad. Firstly, as an OSTEOLOGIST i had some major problems with how identified the bodies. With a child or teenage skeleton, the possibility of being able to successfully, and confidently, sex the individual is SO SMALL. I mean people can barely manage to positively identify the sex of ADULTS, never mind children and teenagers who have very few indicators of sexual dimorphism. Just find it so 'coincidental' that he managed to sex the individuals right by the second skull, but I'll allow it, in this case, seeing as they do find a males school after the second individual's skull appears. HOWEVER even worse is the fact he manages to identify their ethnicity?!?!?!?!?!? You CANNOT judge a persons ethnicity based on a few stereotypical, and outdated, methods. If this was possible, I guess there was no need to ever create the computer programs which help give a more accurate reading based off, like, 27 skull measurements. This was just plain stupid, im sorry, but I guess then everyone at the reform school had weirdly extra stereotypical and/or strong looks as it was easy to identify their age, ethnicity and sex just by looking at the skull. Sure, Jan.
Secondly, as i said, the crime scene in this... omg... As this contains spoilers, I'm going to put it under a read more.
Overall, so many things I did not like about this book. Found it to be too 'lucky', the story and the characters boring and predictable. Doubt I will ever be reading another book from this series lol
The characters in this are awful, and you'd think that as this was a series the main guy would have some semblance of a personality but aha you'd be wrong!!! I found this book to be written in quite a patronising style, which really was apparent when dr Bill took to explaining the skeleton to another character who worked crime scenes for the government... and saying things like 'correct!' and ugh. He also manages to get a few lewd comments in there about women which I always appreciate (obviously Im being sarcastic loooool). Also swear the rest of the characters are all the same. You have the token woman, the old school detective, the rouge vigilante that comes to finish the job and of course your nasty lil villains who are still petering around... Basically, nobody had a personality and everyone was a stereotype.
Also how archaeology and crime is represented in this book is so bad. Firstly, as an OSTEOLOGIST i had some major problems with how identified the bodies. With a child or teenage skeleton, the possibility of being able to successfully, and confidently, sex the individual is SO SMALL. I mean people can barely manage to positively identify the sex of ADULTS, never mind children and teenagers who have very few indicators of sexual dimorphism. Just find it so 'coincidental' that he managed to sex the individuals right by the second skull, but I'll allow it, in this case, seeing as they do find a males school after the second individual's skull appears. HOWEVER even worse is the fact he manages to identify their ethnicity?!?!?!?!?!? You CANNOT judge a persons ethnicity based on a few stereotypical, and outdated, methods. If this was possible, I guess there was no need to ever create the computer programs which help give a more accurate reading based off, like, 27 skull measurements. This was just plain stupid, im sorry, but I guess then everyone at the reform school had weirdly extra stereotypical and/or strong looks as it was easy to identify their age, ethnicity and sex just by looking at the skull. Sure, Jan.
Secondly, as i said, the crime scene in this... omg... As this contains spoilers, I'm going to put it under a read more.
Overall, so many things I did not like about this book. Found it to be too 'lucky', the story and the characters boring and predictable. Doubt I will ever be reading another book from this series lol
November 7, 2019
I really enjoyed this one more than usual I think because it's primary focus was on a historical case and there was a real journey of unraveling the mystery. It delves deep into the past of a boys reform school and unravels it's painful history. It brings the truth to the surface and gives a voice to the characters sufferings. This fictional tale is woven in with true events in a real Florida reform school. The authors did a great job of bringing that dark history to light and reminding us to never forget what happened and to not let history repeat itself.
As I've mentioned before, I went to WCU for my forensic anthropology degree where we had a body farm like UT. At the beginning of this book Dr. B mentions a hanging experiment they were doing. Alarms start screaming in my head and I dashed to the front of the book for the publication date to confirm my suspicions. When I saw it, all I could think was, "Jesus H. Christ I was there for that !". I was at a huge seminar at UT that included their first hanging experiment (and the only one done in the US at the time as far as we knew). Based on when that experiment took place and that this book would have been being written at that time I'm 99.9% sure that part is taken from the real-life body farm. There is no telling what all is slipped in from Dr. Bass' personal experience that he has hidden well.
As I've mentioned before, I went to WCU for my forensic anthropology degree where we had a body farm like UT. At the beginning of this book Dr. B mentions a hanging experiment they were doing. Alarms start screaming in my head and I dashed to the front of the book for the publication date to confirm my suspicions. When I saw it, all I could think was, "Jesus H. Christ I was there for that !". I was at a huge seminar at UT that included their first hanging experiment (and the only one done in the US at the time as far as we knew). Based on when that experiment took place and that this book would have been being written at that time I'm 99.9% sure that part is taken from the real-life body farm. There is no telling what all is slipped in from Dr. Bass' personal experience that he has hidden well.
March 21, 2022
It's tempting to think of Bill Brockton as simply James Bond, forensic anthropologist. He travels to exotic locations to be an unstoppable force for Her Majesty for forensic anthropology, while his secretary, Miss Moneypenny junior anthropologist, Miss Lovelady, holds down the university fort.
But Brockton's sworn off bedding exotic and dangerous femme fatales, as we learn in a MASSIVE spoiler for book #4. It turns out that there are consequences for that sort of thing when you don't use protection.
And Brockton doesn't so much cut a dashing figure in a tux as show up and do really high level forensic anthropology on command while encouraging other people to think through their actions before traveling onto the next exotic forensic anthropology emergency.
That said, I really liked how much theBond girl lady forensic anthropologist had agency that included possibly being nefarious () and not remotely being portrayed as a possible conquest for Brockton.
Yes, I have absolutely just reserved the first two books in the series from the library.
Content notes:
But Brockton's sworn off bedding exotic and dangerous femme fatales, as we learn in a MASSIVE spoiler for book #4. It turns out that there are consequences for that sort of thing when you don't use protection.
And Brockton doesn't so much cut a dashing figure in a tux as show up and do really high level forensic anthropology on command while encouraging other people to think through their actions before traveling onto the next exotic forensic anthropology emergency.
That said, I really liked how much the
Yes, I have absolutely just reserved the first two books in the series from the library.
Content notes:
April 6, 2024
Just when I was about to give up on this series this book comes along. So much better than any that have come before! Though the subject matter was probably the most depressing of all. It had all the triggers, so beware. But the story wasn't far fetched and justice came unconventionally.
February 7, 2017
Liked the fact that the story was based on a real school for homeless boys. It took me a while to get through the book but I'm glad I finished it.
August 8, 2019
3.5 stars!!
If you enjoyed the series / show “Bones” with the forensic anthropologist, you’ll probably really enjoy this book
If you enjoyed the series / show “Bones” with the forensic anthropologist, you’ll probably really enjoy this book
July 2, 2021
Whew. I love this series, but this one was heartbreaking. A boys reform school, abuse, rape, and murder. So sad.
March 31, 2018
Good but heart-tending story of a (fictional but based on an actual one) reform school for boys in the Florida panhandle, and the quest of Bill Brockton and several FDLE agents and crime-scene experts to find graves associated with the school, although the deaths of those boys were not reported.
A very good addition to the series.
A very good addition to the series.
May 19, 2023
Loved this. This story parallels The Nickel Boys. Hard to read, but important to seek the truth.
Has the same loveable characters and wit. I am excited to keep reading the series.
Has the same loveable characters and wit. I am excited to keep reading the series.
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