Book Review: The Inquisitor's Key

Before I had a chance to read this newest Body Farm novel by Jefferson Bass, I loaned it to an older gentleman—an archeologist— who needed something to read. He devoured it in about one day and absolutely raved about it. I then passed it on to my father, who also was between books. He enjoyed the premise of the book but wasn't crazy about the writing itself.

The real Body Farm is quite close to where I live; you can take a virtual tour of it here with Dr. Bill Bass. I am fascinated by the forensic science presented by writing duo Jefferson Bass. The only other Body Farm book I have read is the first one (there are seven), Carved in Bone, which we read for book club. I really liked Carved in Bone and was excited to have the opportunity to read another one.

Unfortunately, much of the appeal of Carved in Bone was lost for me in The Inquisitor's Key. Carved in Bone was set locally in a neighboring county here in East Tennessee. I loved the characters. But The Inquisitor's Key is set in France and flashes between present day and medieval times in a completely disruptive fashion. I just was annoyed with that whole thing. And the dialogue was rather dreadful. But again, the older gentleman to whom I loaned the book absolutely loved it, stating that it was one of his favorite books ever.

So, I loved Body Farm book #1 and found Body Farm book #7 to be tedious and poorly written. That said, I love the forensic science so much and the character of Dr. Bill Brockton that I will probably read at least another of the novels—but only one that is set in East Tennessee. And I still really, really want to visit the Body Farm!


*FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of the book, in hopes I would review it.