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I wanted to start off this review by saying that author Aaron Elkins is one of my favorite, and I thoroughly enjoy reading his Gideon Oliver mysteries; though I'm afraid I've fallen behind in keeping up with the series. Now, while I normally do try to read a series in order, I found this novel at a used bookshop and decided to give it a go since I haven't read one of his in a long time. (You know how life has a funny habit of getting in the way of reading!)
But the book soon put my fears to rest that I had missed out on too much to understand what was going on. Mr. Elkins does a great job in describing his characters so the readers know enough details about each one; meaning that no matter where you start in the series, you don't feel lost or have a nagging in the back of your brain that you need to purchase an earlier book in order to complete the storyline. That being said, however, while each novel is its own mystery, the characters do evolve and go through regular life changes that occur in most series. And of course, those explanations would be answered in the prior books.
In Dying on the Vine, the plot centers around a man named Gideon Oliver, and his wife, as they are visiting Italy with friends, and staying at the house of the Cubbiddu family, who also happens to be friends of theirs. When the owner of a winery and his wife die, the local authorities conclude that it was a murder-suicide and consider the case closed. But Gideon, also known as the Skeleton Detective, discovers there is more to it than meets the eye. He begins to compare two sets of bones that had been found and uses the smallest of marks to paint a different story. With these new clues that he's unearthed, Gideon is able to explain how, and in what order, the people had passed. As the truth begins to unfold, Gideon, his wife, and their friends start putting the pieces together to form a puzzle with a shocking twist at the end.
Throughout the book, the author aptly describes the wine, food, and culture of Italy in a way that transports you into the story and makes you feel as though you are walking through the countryside with his own characters. I also enjoy how Gideon can take a set of bones and tell you what job the person had during his, or her, lifetime or other peculiarities about their habitats and characteristics. As for the big question of whodunit, I am delighted to say that I was as equally surprised at the end with the culprit’s identity, as much as the characters were, and can't wait for his next adventure.
So...if you are in the mood for a good traditional mystery, then might I suggest you take a country walk with the Skeleton Detective, as he dives into a fascinating case in Italy; a place where things are not always what they seem on the surface!
If you would like to find out more about this author, and his books, feel free to click on the following links below:
Thanks for tuning in and I look forward to chatting up another "Latest Reads" with you very soon. Enjoy your books!
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