Sunday, December 26, 2010

Sunday Salon: One Grave Less by Beverly Connor

This isn’t a cozy Christmas story, but it is a story of hope, courage, determination, strength, and love.

I picked up ONE GRAVE LESS just to skim a few pages. When I put it down, I was already into chapter 5. The story grabs you, draws you in, and keeps you enthralled until the very end. It’s a fast pace thriller even as two stories are unfolding to come together as one.

Forensic anthropologist Diane Fallon has her hands full as the director of the River Trail Museum of Natural History in Georgia. She’s preparing for a new international exhibit, dealing with a museum board members who loves to gossip and expand on what she’s telling, and her friends are planning her upcoming wedding.

Diane is also haunted by her past. While she was working with a human rights organization in the Amazon there was a massacre and she lost her adopted daughter.

Late one night just prior to the exhibit opening, Diane finds a strange man hurt in the museum as well as a former co-worker from the human rights organization. Before collapsing, the co-worker gives Diane a cryptic message - “It was one of us.” Then there’s a fire. Examining the museum after the fire, Diane discovers a backpack containing a number of suspicious items including a human bone.

Meanwhile somewhere in the Amazon, another forensic anthropologist - Lindsay Chamberlain - has been kidnapped after being mistaken for Diane. Lindsay is held captive in a cage until she is rescued by Diane’s lost daughter, Ariel. They pair have to fight the jungle and Lindsay’s kidnappers to get back to the U.S.

When mother and daughter are finally reunited, the problems continue. The museum is surrounded by mercenaries. It’s a nail-bitter as Diane combats the super soldiers, as well as a storm brewing outside.

Author Beverly Connor has created three amazing protagonist in the characters of Diane, Lindsay and little Ariel. These are determined ladies who strive to do what is right, but protect what they love at the same time.

The author weaves the two stories back and forth only giving readers a chance to catch their breath before the next ordeal begins. The transition between the two story lines is smooth and flows well.

This was my first introduction to the Diane Fallon Forensic Investigation series, but it won’t be my last. This is the ninth installment in the series, but is a stand alone book.

ONE GRAVE LESS may not be a Christmas story, but it’s a story to inspire and remind us not to give up hope. This is a mystery thriller with a lot of heart.

One Grave Less by Beverly Connor, A Diane Fallon Forensic Investigation, Obsidian, @2010, ISBN: 978-0451231802, Paperback, 368 pages


FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

12 comments:

  1. Hi Mason .. sounds a really good read for the period between Christmas and New Year - just what one needs.

    I love forensic investigative stories .. I'll definitely add Beverly Connor to my list .. it certainly seems that you thoroughly enjoyed it!

    Enjoy this coming week with family and friends .. Hilary

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  2. Mason - This sounds like a fascinating story. Like Hilary, I like forensic investigation, and if it's done well, it can really keep the reader turning pages. I'm a fan of interesting and well-drawn characters, too, and it sounds as though there are several in this novel. I'm so glad you liked this one.

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  3. Mason... thanks for the wonderful review. Sounds like a great book.

    Lou

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  4. I'm guessing this would be a great read for all the people who, unlike me, love watching forensic and crime shows on TV :)

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  5. Oh, this one sounds like a great suspenseful tale, but with all those added "heart-wrenching" moments that we all love. Thanks for sharing.

    Here's my salon:

    (click on my name)

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  6. Sounds like a great book to keep me on the treadmill. (Make me forget the exercise)

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  7. Now this one sounds like a book I'd really enjoy. I'm going to have to order it.

    Thanks Mason!

    Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

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  8. Great review. There seems to be a lot going on in this story - I can see why you kept reading. I'll look out for more from this author. I hope your Christmas was wonderful.
    Ann

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  9. I hadn't heard of Beverly Connor before. Your review is sending me to search out more. Sounds like a nail-biter.
    Hope you had a great Christmas.

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  10. Hi all, sorry it's been another one of those days where I couldn't pop back in. This is a great read. It has the suspense and drama, along with the hope, courage, determination, strength and love I mentioned. I don't know how I missed this series, but I'm glad I've found it now. Happy Holidays everyone. Thanks for stopping by.

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  11. Wow, your review of the book really has my interest piqued. I'm adding this to my TBR book list.

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.