Staff Blog
Fiction review: Skeleton Justice, by Dr. Michael Baden and Linda Kenney Baden
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| knopf, 336 pp. |
In Skeleton Justice, the dynamic Baden couple teamed up for a sequel to their novel Remains Silent. Characters Jack Rosen and Philomena “Manny” Manfreda are back, ready to tackle the screwed up ways of justice in New York City. Jack, a brilliant medical examiner, and his defense attorney flame Manny, have a tendency to seek the truth, and in turn, attract trouble. This time, Jack is eagerly working on the case of the “Vampire,” a mysterious villain who breaks into people’s homes, renders them unconscious, and takes a vial of their blood. Meanwhile, Manny finds herself defending the “Preppy Terrorist,” America’s newest enemy: a teenage boy with Islamic sympathies. As the Vampire begins to get more violent, torturing and killing his victims instead of merely knocking them out, Manny’s client goes missing. Soon, Jack and Manny come to realize that their cases are somehow entwined, and it’s no accident that they’re the ones heading up the investigation.
As a fan of the TV show Bones, I was more than eager to pick up a book about a sexy couple using their intellect and scientific and legal expertise to bring justice — skeleton justice — to murder victims. While Jack Rosen is no Seeley Booth (mmmm David Boreanaz), Skeleton Justice is still a captivating read. The little more than 300 pages go by quickly, and the action never stops. It may help to have read its predecessor, Remains Silent, but this book is a story all on its own. Throughout their novel, the Badens effectively demonstrate their detailed knowledge of forensic science and law without killing the reader with technical terms. Jack and Manny’s romance is a cute, subtle addition to the story, and is by no means a raunchy tale of two lovers. All the Badens’ characters have colorful personalities that weave together for a pleasant story. Skeleton Justice is definitely not an intellectual read, and won’t have you intensely analyzing data. Nonetheless, its mystery is intriguing, and the plot is entertaining. It only requires as much brain power as you’re willing to give while sipping your mai thai at the beach. Pack this book on your next trip down the shore.
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