Lovely in Her Bones

I didn't find Lovely in Her Bones appealing, as other reviewers did. There's no I-told-you-so English professor in it (see Bimbos of the Death Sun), so that's a plus, but a couple of the characters do relate information a little pedantically, which makes it sound like the author looked it up to make it seem like she knew what she was writing about. Plus, the book is supposed to be humorous, and I didn't find it so. Maybe it's just a different type of humor that I don't recognize as funny. Tony Hillerman's blurb on the cover refers to "sardonic wit". The author even uses the word "sardonic", but in a way I don't find correct. Plus, the way she described whisking eggs was so wrong I can't help but wonder if she's never scrambled an egg in show more her life. I'm ignorant of medicinal plants and herbal remedies, so McCrumb could have made up whatever she wanted about that, but I'll stumble over commonplace things described incorrectly. Even worse, the protagonist turned out to be one of those "too stupid to live" characters. "Hey, I think I'll go confront the person I think is the murderer. No, I don't want anyone to go with me, thanks. Why, yes, even though I think you're a murderer, I'll have a drink, thanks. Gosh, this drink tastes bad; it must be those special herbs you brewed it with; I'll drink all of it anyway." Alas, she was rescued just in time by her friends, so the series continues. Needless to say, I won't. show less

I read this book quickly, in just a few hours. I have read several books by Sharyn McCrumb. This was not my favorite, but it was still a good read. I found my self distracted by the dated references to technology. The characters were constantly searching for a phone, and having to drive to different locations to find one. In a time when everyone has cel phones, this seemed old fashioned. Also the computer was using floppy discs. I know for the time it was written, it was probably cutting edge technology. But the book is over 20 years old.

The heroine Elizabeth is likable, but seems a little too eager to confront the murderer without thinking it through. She was also very insecure in her relationship with Milo. I was also disappointed in show more Milo, because he showed no faith in Elizabeth's work. Still, the mystery was interesting. It was set on an archeological dig, which I always find fascinating. I also learned a little about the Cherokees that I didn't know before. show less

Still unsure of herself, recent college graduate Elizabeth MacPherson is invited on an archeological dig by her brother’s roommate, Milo. At issue is not only her newfound interest in forensic anthropology, Milo’s field, but also a mutual interest between herself and Milo. They are quickly distracted by other concerns, however—a possible affair between the married professor leading the dig and a graduate student, and then a murder. Was the murder part of a plot to stop the dig? The Indian tribe being investigated, the Cullowhees, is divided; some want to preserve their land and receive recognition from the federal government, while others want to sell their land for strip mining. And their background is mysterious… no one knows show more where they came from, and those who opposed them have gone missing in the past. The solution is surprising, if not entirely satisfying (can’t put my finger on why). show less

This was a curious mixture of believable and unbelievable. The characterizations of Elizabeth and Milo were off, but the mystery and the descriptions of places, etc were very good. I'll be interested to see how things improve as the series goes on.

This is an enjoyable mystery with a surprise villain, Another in the Elizabeth McPherson series, this is a quick read with engaging characters, an interesting setting, and a couple of grisly murders to spice things up.

Sometimes funny, sometimes unbelievable. This is not one of McCrumbs best. Too bad, I have loved some of her other books - The Songcatcher being my favorite. This series featuring Elizabeth MacPherson falls short. on all levels for me. Characters, especially the two main characters,
MacPherson and Milo, her brothers roommate and possible love interest are not well defined. I am not sure if I will read other books in this
series. I definitely would not put out the dollars to purchase them, may pick up at the library if desperate for something to read but there are so many
good books out there and so little time to read them all, I can't see myself returning to these.

Forensic anthropologist Elizabeth MacPherson digs into the past to help a native tribe with their land claims. Average. Interesting, but not a great mystery story. I don't like this series with MacPherson very much, and haven't gone back to re-read them.