Peak Picks & Reviews

You’re going to be the hunted, and I’m going to track you. No matter how fast you run, or how far you go, I’ll find you. I have a marvelous sense of smell, you know. Introduction   Jan Burke's Bones stands as a landmark in the Irene Kelly series, earning her the Edgar Award for Best Novel and multiple nominations for other prestigious accolades. The book is celebrated for its intense suspense, intricate plotting, and engaging characters, and it has carved a niche within the crime thriller genre. It’s a gripping exploration of the darkest aspects of human nature, as well as a deep dive into the psychology of both killers and those who bring them to justice. In Bones, Burke brilliantly explores the interplay of terror and heroism, immersing readers in a chilling game of cat and mouse. Synopsis   Bones revolves around investigative journalist Irene Kelly, who is drawn into a harrowing journey that reveals the sinister mind of serial killer Nicholas Parrish. The story be...

I deduced it from the simple fact that these bones belonged to the real Guillaume. Therefore, nobody else could be him, no matter how many people recognized him or think they recognized him. He’s been down in that cellar for almost fifty years. At least that’s the way it looks to me. Introduction  Old Bones, written by Aaron Elkins, presents a captivating and suspenseful mystery set against the historical backdrop of World War II and the French Resistance. This award-winning novel is the fourth installment in the Gideon Oliver series, where protagonist and physical anthropologist Dr. Gideon Oliver, known as the “ Skeleton Detective ,” finds himself entangled in a complex web of secrets, betrayal, and family drama. Elkins crafts a story that skillfully merges forensic science with historical intrigue, producing a novel that appeals to fans of both mystery and history. Synopsis  The novel opens with the mysterious drowning of Guillaume du Rocher, a respected hero of the French R...

 War has become our national industry, like automotives and steel and the railroads once were. That’s the dangerous world we live in. Introduction  Patricia Cornwell's "Port Mortuary" takes readers on a thrilling journey into the world of forensic investigation, combining a gripping plot with meticulous attention to detail. As the eighteenth installment in the Kay Scarpetta series, Cornwell continues to explore the complexities of forensic pathology while weaving a suspenseful narrative. In this review, we will look into the synopsis, thematic analysis, and conclude with an evaluation of Cornwell's contribution to the crime thriller genre. Synopsis  Set in Massachusetts, "Port Mortuary" follows the life of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the chief medical examiner. Scarpetta is confronted with a series of mysterious deaths that challenge her forensic expertise. The body of a young man, believed to have died from a cardiac arrhythmia, was found near Scarpetta's Cambri...