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# Old Bones: A Fresh Dig or Just Rehashed Dirt for Preston & Child Fans?
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child are titans of the thriller genre, renowned for their intricate plots, meticulous research, and the creation of one of literature's most enigmatic characters, Aloysius Pendergast. So, when "Old Bones" was announced as the inaugural novel in a brand-new series featuring archaeologist Nora Kelly, the literary world held its breath. Was this a bold new direction, a refreshing expansion of their universe, or merely a comfortable re-tread of familiar ground? My take? "Old Bones" is a masterclass in archaeological suspense, yet it struggles to fully escape the long shadow of its creators' previous triumphs, offering an experience that is both deeply satisfying and curiously familiar.
The Allure of the Archaeological Thriller: A Niche Redefined (or Re-polished?)
Preston and Child have always possessed a unique talent for blending the arcane with the terrifying. From the natural history museum horrors of "Relic" to the genetic experiments of "Mount Dragon," their narratives thrive on the intersection of science, history, and human depravity. "Old Bones" brilliantly leverages this strength by plunging readers into the visceral world of forensic archaeology. The setting itself – a remote, inhospitable canyon in New Mexico, site of a presumed lost expedition from the 1800s – is a character in its own right, oozing with the promise of discovery and the threat of isolation.
The novel's initial premise is captivating: Nora Kelly, a brilliant but somewhat overlooked archaeologist, is tasked with investigating a horrifying discovery – a pristine, perfectly preserved campsite from a doomed 19th-century expedition, complete with skeletal remains bearing signs of violence and perhaps, cannibalism. This immediately sets the stage for a dual mystery: what truly happened to this lost party, and why are modern-day murders suddenly plaguing the remote dig site?
Preston and Child excel in painting a vivid picture of the archaeological process, making the painstaking work of excavation feel as thrilling as any car chase. We learn about stratigraphy, taphonomy, and the delicate art of unearthing secrets buried for centuries. This isn't just window dressing; the science is integral to the plot, providing clues and driving the narrative forward. While the authors have dabbled in historical mysteries before, "Old Bones" commits fully to the archaeological thriller subgenre, delivering a rich, immersive experience that feels both educational and utterly suspenseful. It's a testament to their storytelling prowess that they can make digging in the dirt feel like a race against time, but the question remains: does this feel like a groundbreaking new venture, or simply a highly polished application of their established formula to a new academic discipline? For many, it will be the latter, but that doesn't diminish its effectiveness.
Nora Kelly: A Protagonist Stepping Out of the Shadows (or Into Them?)
Any new series hinges on its protagonist, and Nora Kelly is introduced with a blend of competence, vulnerability, and a compelling backstory. She's a pragmatic, intelligent woman whose life revolves around her passion for archaeology, often at the expense of personal connections. Her dedication is admirable, her expertise undeniable, and her internal struggles – particularly her past trauma and her complicated relationship with her brother – add layers to her character.
However, for long-time Preston & Child aficionados, the inevitable comparison to Agent Pendergast looms large. Pendergast is an almost supernatural figure, an enigmatic genius whose eccentricities and vast resources make him a force unto himself. Nora, by contrast, is grounded, relatable, and human. This is her strength, allowing readers to connect with her on a more personal level. We see her get frustrated, make mistakes, and genuinely fear for her life. Her interactions with FBI Agent Corrie Swanson, a character readers will recognize from the Pendergast series, provide a familiar dynamic – the seasoned professional guiding the eager, sometimes reckless, junior agent. This echoes the Pendergast/D'Agosta partnership, albeit with a different flavor.
While Nora is a perfectly capable and engaging lead, she doesn't possess the immediate, almost hypnotic draw of Pendergast. Some might find her less "epic" or unique in a crowded genre of strong female protagonists. Her relatability, while a positive, could also be seen as a slight detraction for those seeking the truly extraordinary that Preston & Child often deliver. The authors have deliberately crafted her as a counterpoint to Pendergast, emphasizing her humanity and scientific rigor over his almost fantastical intuition. This choice ensures the Nora Kelly series has its own distinct identity, but it also means it might not resonate with every reader in the same way. She's a character who grows on you, rather than immediately captivating you, which is a different kind of journey for a Preston & Child lead.
The Plot's Intricacies: A Double Helix of History and Modern Crime
The narrative structure of "Old Bones" is a hallmark of Preston & Child's sophisticated plotting. It weaves together two distinct but interconnected mysteries: the historical tragedy of the "Lost Camp" and the contemporary murders occurring at the dig site. This dual timeline approach, where discoveries from the past directly influence the present-day investigation, is executed with precision and mounting tension. As Nora and her team unearth more about the ill-fated 19th-century expedition – the signs of disease, starvation, and eventually, brutal violence – the dangers in the present escalate.
The authors masterfully build suspense by doling out clues from both timelines. The historical mystery, with its echoes of the Donner Party and other desperate frontier tales, is compelling on its own. The modern-day murders, meanwhile, introduce a chilling sense of immediate peril, forcing Nora and Corrie to confront a very real, very present threat. The interplay between these two strands is where the novel truly shines, demonstrating the authors' ability to craft complex, layered narratives.
However, while brilliantly executed, this dual-mystery structure is also a familiar trope within the Preston & Child canon. They have repeatedly shown a penchant for ancient curses, historical secrets, and long-buried conspiracies impacting the modern world. The specific historical context of "Old Bones" – a fictionalized "Lost Camp" in the American West – provides a fresh backdrop, but the *method* of storytelling feels like a well-worn, albeit highly effective, path. This isn't a criticism of the quality, but rather an observation on the creative risk-taking. For readers seeking something entirely novel in terms of narrative construction from the duo, "Old Bones" might feel like a comfortable return to form rather than a daring leap forward.
The Preston & Child Signature: Comforting Familiarity or Creative Constraint?
Ultimately, "Old Bones" is undeniably a Preston & Child novel. All the hallmarks are present: the meticulous research, the vivid descriptions, the sense of impending dread, the high stakes, and a relentless pace that propels the reader through its pages. The prose is clean and efficient, the dialogue sharp, and the atmosphere palpable. For fans, this is a comforting embrace of what they love about the authors' work. It's a guaranteed thrilling read.
Yet, this very familiarity can also be seen as a double-edged sword. While the authors are experts at what they do, the Nora Kelly series, at least in its debut, doesn't quite push the boundaries of their established formula. The villains, while menacing, don't possess the iconic, almost operatic menace of a Diogenes Pendergast. The supernatural or quasi-supernatural elements that often add an extra layer of chilling mystery to their Pendergast novels are largely absent here, replaced by more grounded, albeit equally terrifying, human evil.
One could argue that this is precisely the point: to create a series that stands apart from Pendergast by being more realistic, more rooted in tangible science and human psychology. And in that, they largely succeed. However, for those who crave the truly extraordinary, the slightly fantastical edge that often elevates Preston & Child's work beyond typical thrillers, "Old Bones" might feel a touch too conventional. It's a superb example of the genre, but perhaps not a revolutionary one from authors who have, in the past, redefined it.
Conclusion: A Solid Foundation, But Will It Build a New Empire?
"Old Bones" is a strong debut for the Nora Kelly series. It's a gripping, intelligent archaeological thriller that showcases Preston and Child's unparalleled ability to blend historical mystery with contemporary suspense. Nora Kelly is a compelling, relatable protagonist, and her dynamic with Corrie Swanson promises further intriguing developments. The novel is meticulously researched, expertly plotted, and delivers all the thrills and chills one expects from these master storytellers.
However, while "Old Bones" is undoubtedly a brilliant read, it doesn't entirely break new ground for Preston and Child. It feels like a highly refined, perfectly executed variation on themes and structures they've explored before. For some, this will be a welcome comfort; for others, it might leave them yearning for the truly unexpected, the kind of audacious narrative leap that marked their early Pendergast novels.
Ultimately, "Old Bones" lays a solid foundation for the Nora Kelly series, establishing a world and a character worthy of continued exploration. It proves that Preston and Child can indeed craft compelling narratives outside the Pendergast universe. The question that remains is whether the subsequent installments will dare to venture further afield, truly forging a unique identity that transcends the familiar comforts of their established legacy, or if Nora Kelly will remain a brilliant, yet somewhat predictable, archaeological dig in the literary landscape. Only time, and future bones, will tell.
