5.0 out of 5 stars Well-written Compelling Start to a New Series
Reviewed in Canada on August 13, 2020
When the star paleontologist of the Pittsburgh Carnegie Institute goes missing while on a dinosaur dig in the Wyoming Badlands, PI Harry Przewalski is hired to find him. But whenHarry, once a student of paleontology himself, arrives at the site, no one seems particularly worried. The man was known as a notorious womanizer and everybody, including the local sheriff, seems to think he just ran off with his latest conquest. However, as Harry gets to know everyone at the dig, he begins to suspect there may be more to the disappearance than anyone is saying. Everyone seems to have a reason for wanting the man gone. But, although motives are plentiful, clues are not and as the scientists prepare to pack it in, he is no closer to an answer. But Harry is not one to give up easily despite the lack of cooperation of both the dig crew and the townsfolk and even after he takes a dangerous fall that may or may not have been an accident.
Okay, I've got to admit when I started The Bone Field (A Harry Przewalski Novel Book 1) by Leonard Kristalka, I liked the idea of a noir set at a dinosaur dig but I wasn't really expecting a whole lot - frankly, I would be satisfied with a solid 3 star mystery. It definitely exceeded my expectations. In fact, I can honestly say it's one of my favourite novels so far this year. It is a real page turner and not just because of the mystery which, as intriguing as it was, ended up taking second place to the vivid descriptions of the Badlands, the in-fighting of the scientists, the history of the area, but most of all, the dinosaur facts Krishtalka, a paleontologist himself blends into the novel. This is one smart, highly compelling mystery debut and I recommend it to anyone who likes their mysteries with a bit of science mixed with a great noir detective and a solution that kept me guessing right until the ending. I will definitely be reading more in this series.
What a pleasure to read a new mystery that is exceptional in every way. The prose is beautiful--descriptions are evocative--wonderful prose. Really delightful that it's about paleontology and field work. You will fall in love with the Wyoming Badlands, learn something about dinosaurs and digs. The author's acerbic touch makes it perfect. Plot is good, too. Can't wait for the two more promised novels in this series.
When Carnegie Museum paleontologist Peter Marchand disappears from a Wyoming dig site, the Museum calls in former-paleontology-student-turned-private-detective Harry Przewalski to unravel the mystery. Krishtalka's masterful prose and implicit knowledge of his subject matter conspire to weave an unforgettable whodunit that will keep you guessing to the very end. His lyric descriptions of Wyoming's breathtaking landscapes and colorful characters (both local and academic) resonate with the authenticity of someone who's walked the walk. If you prefer well-researched mysteries with a dash of literary flare, this one's for you.