The Bone Garden: A Novel

I expected a pleasant little mystery, and got so much more. This wonderful story includes murder, the death of innocents, a timeless love story, and a little bit of history. Ms. Gerritsen is proving herself to be a compelling stoyteller. Read this book.

I really enjoy Tess Gerritsen's novels, but this was one of my favorite! SHe does a great job switching back and forth between the present and past as to how it relates to a body which is found under unusual circumstances.

"The Bone Garden
Tess Gerritsen has woven parallel love stories with lines six generations apart;
She used flashbacks, but this (doc and) old farm boy was able to follow. After a startling discovery among the flowerbeds of her OLD farmstead, the recently divorced novice who has moved from the city to express herself in "home and garden" and the reader are given a double "scan:"
We find ourselves following the divorcee around New England, to learn about the former residents of this "extreme" fixer-upper. We delving into the strange, bleeding (a favorite practice, and epithet?), medical world of the early 19th century, before ether and antibiotics, or even knowledge of germs; managing to intersect with the center of culture that grew in new England after 1776.
As a History buff, I can tell Gerritsen has done her research well. We romanticized this period, the middle of which would be called the Victorian era. We see some pretty disgusting conditions and ideas under the gilt adornments of the era, which History and persons would rather remember.
Many small details in Life and Death are changed in180 years. At a larger level, "the more things change, the more they".... still need to motivate doctors to wash their hands!
BTW! Our American society is very much the same after nearly 200 years: The world still full of "lovers" and "Haters," only with new groups to be "unwelcomed." At least we can finish the book with a happy sigh, after several unpredictable turns on each plot line.
History and trivia buff that I am, I loved it, and read until the wee hours, once I started it.
Alan Hunt, MD (gratis)"

Ps I had to cut out several long phrases--this was written when there was only one other review. I had password problems.

This book kept me engaged from beginning to the end. The characters were finely drawn especially the heroine Rose. It transported me back to an era of great loss and tragedy, and yet,great discovery as well. Please Tess give us more historical narrative similar to The Bone Garden.

Because they will love the finely balanced presentation of mystery and the roots of their selfless, altruistic profession. It is also priceless to be able to tap into what US medicine had to go through in Boston, where the temples of modern medicine are now located. Thank you, Tess Gerritsen.

While having read all of the Rizzoli and Isles series, I was not sure if I would enjoy this novel. But it surpassed all my expectations. I could not put it down. Beautiful story. Historically entwined with the present.....brilliantly written. Kudos Tess.

The characters are believable in all ways. The history of the resurrectionists brings a different perspective into a story of the times when science, hygiene, social conditions, and class/status were being questioned and confronted.

Tess Garritsen weaves a rich tale, full of intrigue and plot twists. The characters grab you from the beginning, both the saintly and sinister, and keep their hold throughout. By mixing in historical characters and events, the writer keeps you anchored. I was sorry to come to the conclusion. Well worth reading.

Tess Garritsen always creates an interesting and intriguing story and The Bone Garden is another good read. There is even a guest appearance by Dr. Maura Isles. But book features a new character who learns a lot about the history of women's health and death. Very provocative and educational about washing your hands and Oliver Wendell Holmes.

This story will keep you enthralled with every page and leaves you breathless with the very dramatic ending. I loved reading about how the medical profession was centuries ago. It's amazing how much we've come from that.

Tess Gerritsen writes excellent books and none more so than The Bone Garden. This historical fiction takes you from present day to the beginning of the practice of medicine when grave diggers brought bodies to budding physicians so that they could understand anatomy.

Tess Gerritsen has the gift of putting words together beautifully. In fact, she has such a way with words that one small section is almost stomach-turning. I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Bone Garden and look forward to reading more of Ms. Gerritsen's books.

This is a great stand-alone book by Tess Gerritsen. The historical characters in Boston in the 1830s are fabulous--especially the lead, Rose. Strong, feisty and smart. You really feel for the characters, the conditions of the poor at the time and the struggles immigrants faced just to survive. And that doesn't begin to cover the creepy unsanitary medical conditions. Loved the book and wish Rose could come back in another novel. Keep up the good work, Tess!! You've got a fan for life on this end.

Great book, kept me involved from page one. Not for folks with a weak stomach though - lots of talk about death, body dissection, and other somewhat unseemly topics. But the book is raw and wonderfully written, definitely worth a shot.

Another well written thriller by Tess Gerritsen! I love her style of writing, and never get bored by her books. This one was especially interesting with the true medical history thrown in there, very neat!

This was a real page turner. It was well written,interesting, and kept me engaged throughout. The characters were multi-dimensional and fleshed out nicely. The story was not predictable. Kept me up way too late!