Book Review (and a Giveaway!): Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Aspiring scientist Arabella Holmes doesn’t fit the role of a 1900s lady. Her father, Sherlock, landed her a position at the Mütter Museum to pursue her dream of becoming a purveyor of abnormal science, or what her father calls a “Boneseeker.”

Henry Watson’s two-fold mission at the Mütter Museum is to join their team of forensic anthropologists in unearthing unusual antiquities and to watch over Arabella. If only he could get her to speak to him, instead of hurling knives in his general direction. Assigned to a most secret expedition to investigate a mysterious skeletal hand discovered in upstate New York, Arabella and Henry are soon caught in a scientific debate, and the search for the truth may have deadly consequences for those involved.

Are the bones from a Neanderthal? Or are they living proof of fallen angels known as Nephilim?

Watson and Holmes must put aside their differences, trust their instincts, and rely on one another to survive to uncover the truth.

*This is a new version of a previously published edition

Praise for BONESEEKER:

Winner of the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest

“Creative, meticulously researched, and terrific fun!”  ~Grace Burrowes, NY Times Best Selling Author

“The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful story that I completely adored.” ~Best Books Ever Blog

“The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!” ~Christy’s Cozy Corners Blog

SERIES: The Boneseeker Chronicles #1
GENRE: Romantic Suspense
PUBLISHER: The Wild Rose Press
RELEASE DATE: January 10, 2018
PAGES: 213

“This account being the first of many adventures…”

An archaeological adventure with Dr. Watson, his son Henry and Sherlock Holmes’ daughter Arabella? Plus a striking cover? Yes please.

The beloved literary figures & their next generation, as well as the Biblical-oriented archaeology plot, initially drew me to this story. The little verse about the Nephilim tucked into the book of Genesis & the flood account has always intrigued me, and the angle from which Chapman approaches it gives it even more intrigue. (A secret brotherhood of people trying to promote and protect Darwinism – for their own purposes – does not want this potential find to be confirmed.)

I most appreciated how the author gave this book and her characters distinction from the Holmes/Watson characters to which we are accustomed. For starters, Arabella and Henry do share some similarities with their fathers but they are also very much their own people. The late Victorian/early Edwardian setting in Philadelphia again keeps the feel similar to the Holmes/Watson mysteries but also sets it apart.

This setting is drawn so vividly by the author that it’s easy to get caught up in the ambiance and become captivated by what’s going on around you. I also enjoyed the friends-to-more romance between Henry and Bella! The story was mostly well-plotted though sometimes, especially at the beginning, it felt like some critical info had been left out or needed a few more establishing layers. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the first person, present tense, active voice.

Bottom Line: Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman is compelling and intriguing. The familiarity of Holmes and Watson makes way for the next generation, and Bella & Henry hold their own quite nicely. While some aspects of the plot could have been a little tighter, overall this is an enjoyable read that is perfect for a chilly winter’s night.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Prism Book Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)

My Rating: 3 stars / Enjoyable read!

KissingBook Level: 4 / Fans and fainting couches are advised (It gets a bit steamy, in fact, but is still considered ‘clean’.

Be sure to watch for Promo videos from Brynn’s PR guy—pictured below. Here’s a sample of the insanity on Facebook.

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love–not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. Her ancestry tree claims she’s a descendant of the House of Stuart.

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Other Books by Brynn Chapman

GIVEAWAY #1: To enter to win a BONESEEKER audiobook and the pictured charm necklace (“And though she be but little, she is fierce.” – Shakespeare), send a copy of your kindle purchase of BONESEEKER to publicity.brynnchapman@gmail.com. US only.

 GIVEAWAY #2: To enter to win a BONESEEKER ebook and a $10 Amazon Gift Card, enter via the Rafflecopter below. Open internationally. Ends January 24th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is hosted by Prism Book Tours, not RimSP
Follow along with the tour here.