Title: The Inquisitor’s Key
Author: Jefferson Bass
First published January 1, 2012
353 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780061806797 (ISBN10: 006180679X)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Get ready to join Dr. Bill Brockton in his latest and most challenging investigation yet in Jefferson Bass’ newest release, The Inquisitor’s Key. This time, you’ll follow Brockton to Avignon, France, where he’ll find himself in the middle of a religious mystery that threatens to shake the very foundations of the Vatican.
With the same level of suspense and attention to detail that fans of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs have come to love, The Inquisitor’s Key is a thrilling crime novel that blends the best of forensic investigation with a touch of James Rollins and The Da Vinci Code. Prepare to be swept up in a pulse-pounding adventure that will leave you turning the pages long into the night.
About the Author
Meet Jefferson Bass, the collaborative pen name of Jon Jefferson and Dr. Bill Bass. Dr. Bass is a renowned forensic anthropologist and the founder of the University of Tennessee’s “Body Farm.” He’s published over 200 scientific papers and is well-known in his field.
Jon Jefferson, on the other hand, is a veteran journalist and documentary filmmaker. Together, they’ve written two nonfiction books and six crime novels.
Their seventh novel, The Inquisitor’s Key, is set to be published in May 2012. The two have also worked on two National Geographic documentaries about the Body Farm, which were viewed around the world.
Editoral Review
The Inquisitor’s Key by Jefferson Bass is a thrilling work of fiction that blends together elements of mystery, historical fiction, and crime. Jefferson Bass is the pen name for the collaboration between two writers Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson.
Bass, a renowned forensic anthropologist and Jefferson, a journalist, have co-authored several novels that center around the forensic investigation of crimes. The Inquisitor’s Key is the fifth novel in their Body Farm series and was first published in January 2012.
The book follows the protagonist Dr. Bill Brockton, a forensic anthropologist, who is called upon to investigate the case of an unidentified young woman found dead in Seville, Spain. As Brockton delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a link between the victim and an ancient relic, a key that was said to have been used during the Spanish Inquisition.
Brockton soon finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse as he races against time to prevent a twisted killer from acquiring the key and unleashing its deadly power. The Inquisitor’s Key is a tightly plotted, fast-paced thriller that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
The storyline is complex and intricate, with multiple subplots that are skillfully woven together to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. The setting of Seville, with its rich history and vibrant culture, adds an extra layer of depth to the story, and the authors’ attention to detail makes the reader feel as though they are right there alongside Brockton, navigating the narrow streets and ancient buildings.
One of the strengths of the novel is the character development. Brockton is a flawed but relatable protagonist, and the supporting cast of cops, scientists, and locals are equally well-drawn.
Each character has their own motivations and quirks, and the interplay between them all is both realistic and entertaining. The writing itself is polished and professional, with a clear and descriptive prose that immerses the reader in the story.
However, at times, the dialogue and exposition can be a bit heavy-handed, and the authors occasionally resort to unnecessary exposition to move the plot forward. In terms of themes, The Inquisitor’s Key deals with issues of power, corruption, and the abuse of authority.
The historical context of the story, with its references to the Spanish Inquisition, provides a rich backdrop for exploring these themes, and the authors do an excellent job of drawing parallels between the past and present. Overall, The Inquisitor’s Key is an excellent addition to the Body Farm series and a must-read for fans of crime fiction and mystery.
The fast pace and intricate plot will keep readers engaged, while the compelling characters and historical setting add an extra layer of depth. While it is not without its flaws, the writing is strong, and the authors’ attention to detail shines through on every page.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling, well-crafted story. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
