The Bone Garden

by Tess Gerritsen
The Bone Garden cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Mystery
Technical
  • ID: 5611
  • Added: 2025-10-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780553818352
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

In the 1930s, a human skull unearthed in a Boston garden sparks a gruesome investigation. Dr. Maura Isles is called in to examine the skeleton of a young woman buried over a century ago. Meanwhile, Norris Marshall, an impoverished medical student, resorts to procuring corpses to advance his studies. His dark livelihood brings him face-to-face with a terrifying serial killer who lurks in ballrooms, graveyards, and autopsy suites./n/nAs Norris delves deeper into the macabre world of body snatching, he uncovers a web of deceit and horror that connects him to the killer in ways he never imagined. The Bone Garden weaves a tale of suspense and historical intrigue, blending the gritty reality of medical study with the chilling presence of a serial killer.

Reviews
A Good Reed Review · 2024-12-04
engaging 3.75

They found the book started slow but developed well, with a nice resolution and a mix of historical fiction, medical study, and murder mystery.

This reviewer noted that 'The Bone Garden' started a bit slow and had some gory elements, but they appreciated how the story developed and found the resolution satisfying. They enjoyed the mix of historical fiction, medical study, and murder mystery, which made the book engaging. The reviewer also mentioned that they would definitely read more from this author, indicating a positive overall impression. The blend of different genres and the well-crafted storyline were particularly highlighted.

Quick quotes

    Started slow and was a bit gory, but the story developed well, crossing generations and finding a nice resolution.

    A work of historical fiction concerned with the study of medicine, a couple of love stories, and a murder mystery built-in.

    I'll read more from this author, no doubt.

Salford Angels WI · 2012-10-08
good 3.25

They rated it a good story with historical realism, but found it hard to read for the more squeamish.

The Salford Angels book club gave 'The Bone Garden' a rating of 6.5 out of 10. They appreciated the historical realism and the overall story, but noted that it might be challenging for more squeamish readers due to its graphic content. The club found the blend of historical and medical elements intriguing, but the intensity of some scenes was a bit overwhelming. Overall, they thought it was a good read, but not one for the faint-hearted.

Quick quotes

    A good story, laced with historical realism but hard to read for the more squeamish.

    The blend of historical and medical elements is intriguing.

    It might be challenging for more squeamish readers due to its graphic content.

Savage Reads · 2010-11-17
enjoyable 4.25

They found the book enjoyable and a perfect cure for a reading slump. The historical and medical elements were particularly engaging.

This reviewer really enjoyed 'The Bone Garden' and found it to be a great pick to get out of a reading slump. They appreciated the blend of historical and medical elements, which made the story compelling. The book's ability to weave together different timelines and keep the reader engaged was particularly noted. Overall, they found it a satisfying read that highlighted Tess Gerritsen's strengths in writing gripping and well-researched narratives.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this and it has been the perfect read to help cure a rather depressing period of reading difficulty.

    It is also yet further proof that Tess Gerritsen is a master of the genre.

    The historical and medical elements are particularly engaging.

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