Irene was the main reporter who followed the story and has kept in touch with the woman’s family -- especially the teenage daughter, Gillian. After Irene’s last contretemps with serial killers she really has no desire to be in the company of this particularly dastardly murderer, Nicholas Parrish. He seems to be in too good of spirits to suit her. She senses something strange in his manner, almost as if he was glad to be captured.

The crew sets off to the mountains to find the body of Julia Sayre. There are plenty of guards with Parrish, plus police and FBI. Why then does Irene feel so uncomfortable?

Irene and the anthropologist are at odds immediately. Ben Sheridan does not like reporters, it seems, and takes it out on Irene. David, the cadaver dog’s trainer, is much friendlier -- and Bingle is very friendly.

Of course, Parrish does have plans. After finding the decaying body of Julia Sayre, Parrish hints to the whereabouts of a second body. And this is when his master plan goes into effect. Suffice it to say, Parrish finds himself free again, with Irene running from him.

Nicholas Parrish is a frightening killer, psychologically warped, yet extremely intelligent. Irene and her police officer husband are on the lookout for Parrish and the person who helped him to escape. Their adventures are exciting, yet frightening. The psychological aspects are right on the mark, delineating the feelings that come after traumatic events.

The characters are excellently drawn and believable. The information about cadaver dogs and the process of locating dead bodies is extremely interesting. These insights into the new technologies that police and law enforcement personnel have at their disposal add a lot to the enjoyment of the book.

Bones is a excellent dramatic mystery thriller.

--Kay Black