I really really enjoyed this book. Learning about the Chinese miners and all the history facts the author used, was amazing. Can't wait to read more!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Trigger warning: factual but dauntingly depressing historical racism regarding those who came to the US from another country to attempt to help their families during the Gold Rush.

The Hungry Bones by Sara E. Johnson is a riveting addition to the Alexa Glock Forensics Mysteries series, taking readers on a suspenseful journey through the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand and the dark alleys of unsolved crimes.

In this fifth installment, forensic odontologist Alexa Glock finds herself entangled in a web of mysteries that span over a century. The narrative cleverly intertwines the past and present, as Alexa is called upon to examine the exhumed remains of a miner from the late-19th-century gold rush era. The discovery of a hole in the skull sets off a chain of events that leads to the reopening of cold cases and the disappearance of a beloved school principal.

Sara E. Johnson's storytelling is masterful, weaving intricate plot lines with rich character development. Alexa's personal struggles, including her tumultuous relationship and professional uncertainties, add depth to the narrative, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. The setting of New Zealand, with its unique history and cultural backdrop, provides a fresh and intriguing canvas for the unfolding drama.

The novel's strength lies in its attention to forensic detail and the methodical unraveling of each layer of the mystery. Johnson's expertise in the genre shines through, as she balances the technical aspects of forensic science with the human elements of the story. The suspense is palpable, and the pacing is just right, keeping readers hooked.

"The Hungry Bones" is a testament to Johnson's ability to craft a complex, engaging mystery that not only entertains but also educates. It's a must-read for fans of the series and newcomers alike, promising a journey full of twists, turns, and revelations that will leave you hungry for more.

"The Hungry Bones" is a well-crafted mystery that delivers on all fronts – from its well-researched forensic science to its emotionally charged character arcs. Sara E. Johnson has once again proven her mettle as a storyteller, and this book is a worthy addition to any mystery lover's collection.

“The Chinese believe that after death, the soul hovers over the grave until he is home. Those buried far from home are hungry ghosts.”

Alexa Glock, a forensic odontologist, is asked to identify the remains of a long buried Chinese gold miner, the work funded by a wealthy defendant in China. The grave is in a small town in New Zealand the country where Alexa has lived for the past year. What seems to be a simple request quickly grows more complicated. Another skeleton, a victim of a vicious murder, is located in the same area. When a local woman goes missing, Alexa is asked to help the small town police force. The case is eerily similar to a kidnapping and murder that happened twenty five years earlier. That killer was recently released from prison and is now missing and assumed to be in the area.

The Hungry Bones is my first mystery by Sara E. Johnson and it will definitely not be the last. The tragic history of Chinese gold miners blends seamlessly with a modern day police procedural and lessons in forensic sciences. All is fascinating. The racism and prejudice of the past is revealed in police reports and a man’s letters home to his mother. Johnson’s skill in characterization brings Wing Lun to life by his written words. The plot is complex and moves slowly, weaving the subplots together. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Sara E. Johnson for this ARC.

This was an interesting read. I liked the characters and the story line. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

I was delighted to get the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book, since I loved the previous books in this series. This one is wonderful, too. The main character, Alexa Glock, an American forensic odontologist, is at a crossroads in her life both personally and professionally as she continues to work in New Zealand. I love the exotic locale, which makes me want to travel to New Zealand. In this 5th book in the series, she works on multiple cases involving both current and newly discovered mysteries. I appreciate that Alexa is a flawed character, getting in trouble for overstepping her professional assignments and having great difficulty with her romantic, professional and family relationships. She is very relatable, and I look forward to seeing what she does next. The mysteries are complex, suspenseful and intriguing. I highly recommend this book and the series, which has become one of my recent favorites.

Unique mystery of past and present colliding in amazing New Zealand. Important topics of bigotry and intolerance mingle with jealousy and lies - fanaticism of any kind breeds evil. A complex mystery filled with emotion and history.