Aaron J. Elkins je americký autor detektivních románů, proslulý zejména svými příběhy s forenzním antropologem Gideonem Oliverem, přezdívaným „detektiv kostlivců“. Oliver, světově uznávaný odborník, cestuje po celém světě a jeho dobrodružství se odehrávají na rozmanitých a exotických místech. Elkins také napsal série s muzejním kurátorem Chrisem Norgrenem, expertem na umění severní renesance, a samostatné thrillery zabývající se uměleckými krádežemi. Společně se svou ženou Charlotte Elkinsovou vytvořil sérii golfových detektivek a krátkých povídek.
Antropologové jsou zvyklí na práci s lidskými kostmi. Avšak i na tak zkušeného vědce, navíc i amatérského detektiva, jakým je profesor Gideon Oliver, je trochu příliš, musí-li se zabývat zmizením ostatků svého ctěného kolegy, zemřelého za podivných okolností. A ukazuje se, že to není poslední mrtvý, kterého mu vypočítavý vrah položí do cesty.
K objasnění archeologického podvodu nestačí jen odborné znalosti.
Fascinující honba za uměleckými poklady třetí říše. V dubnu roku 1945 se nacisté, otřesení a stojící před porážkou, horečně snaží ukrýt obrovskou zásobu uměleckých pokladů, které Hitler uloupil v Evropě. O půl století později se najde tehdy uloupený obraz Velazqueze a vycházejí na světlo dlouhá desetiletí skrývaná tajemství a lži, a těch pár lidí, co vědí o existenci plátna, likviduje neznámý vrah...
When a gift from her uncle is stolen and her uncle disappears, Alix London and her friends in the FBI must get to the bottom of another strange case.
For Bryan Bennett, designing hostage negotiation programs is the perfect job—as long as he doesn’t deal directly with kidnappers or their victims. Intense nightmares of his own abduction and imprisonment as a small boy still plague him thirty-some years later, and claustrophobia prevents him from attempting to travel. So when Bryan’s boss asks him to fly to Reykjavik to teach his corporate-level kidnapping and extortion seminar, he initially refuses. But a CEO has specifically requested Bryan—or no one else. Finally Bryan relents… For decades he’s treaded gingerly around his deepest terrors. Now, on this trip, Bryan’s taken hostage again and must face his fears full-on. Will he realize that in this battle of will and nerve, he is his own greatest enemy? Or has this fight already been lost years ago?
Art curator Val Caruso is not a happy camper. His promotion has just been nixed, his divorce has become final, and he's dug himself into a nice little rut for his fortieth birthday. The uplift? A trip to Milan to help Holocaust survivor Sol Bezzecca recover a pair of cherished sketches by Renoir. They'd once been given to Sol's family by the then-unknown artist, looted by the Italian Fascist militia, and now after decades in hiding have turned up for auction. It's Val's job to get them back. The trip takes a dangerous turn thanks to an intricate web that reaches back to World War II-- and someone among the art thieves and forgers wants Val out of the picture-- permanently.
Gideon Oliver, a creation-forensics professor and acclaimed Skeleton Detective, delves into the hidden secrets of a wealthy family. As he navigates through a web of intrigue, his keen analytical skills and approachable demeanor make him a compelling sleuth. The narrative promises a blend of mystery and character depth, showcasing Oliver's unique expertise in uncovering truths that others might overlook.
Set against the backdrop of Mexico, Gideon initially enjoys his vacation with his wife until he becomes embroiled in a series of unsettling investigations. His examination of a mummified corpse reveals an unexpected cause of death, leading him to another case involving a previously misidentified skeleton. As he uncovers disturbing connections between the two bodies, Gideon realizes that probing too deeply could put his own life at risk, turning him into a potential victim in a dangerous game of deception.
Featuring Professor Gideon Oliver, a relatable and intellectual detective, this mystery unfolds with engaging twists and turns. The narrative showcases Oliver's unique investigative methods as he navigates complex scenarios, blending his academic insights with real-world challenges. The story promises a compelling mix of intrigue and character development, making it a captivating read for fans of cerebral sleuths.
Set against the backdrop of Gibraltar, a professor discovers a buried skeleton of a woman and a part-human, part-Neanderthal child, igniting his curiosity. However, his investigation is complicated by two suspicious deaths that may be murders. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself ensnared in dangerous schemes, highlighting the precarious line between human intellect and primal instincts. The story intertwines archaeology with suspense, challenging the boundaries of humanity.