Beverly Connor brings two series together in book 9 of the Diane Fallon series. Using the main character, Lindsay Chamberlain, of her first archeological series she is able to bring the Amazon and its savagery into the readers grasp.
While allowing Diane to follow the threads of why? The attack on her reputation and career. Fascinating, suspenseful.

Since 2010 Beverly Connor has not added to this series and when I read this I think I understood, all elements to complete the series is here. I can’t see where she needs to write more. ( )

This is a brilliant mystery as not only does Beverly Connor tie Diane's work in South America to the present case, the author also links back to her Lindsay Chamberlain series without missing a beat. The story line action-packed from the first moan and never slows down until the final confrontation as the past and present subplots excitingly mingle. However, adding to the fun is an overarching theme twist that is unexpected yet seems plausible. Fans of Beverly Connor will relish One Grave Less. ( )

That's definitely a beginning! And from there the book only got more and more intense. It was awesome and one of the few best books I've read in the past few years. It's both a mystery and a thriller. Half of it taking place in South America where Maria, an American, and a young girl Rosetta are running for their lives. Back in Rosewood Georgia USA, Diane Fallon's also getting it from all sides, someone's trying to ruin her reputation as well as trying to kill her.

The two stories parallel each other in interesting ways, though not always in a 1:1 relationship. Also, Connor has such a great wide view of the world she's created and when she pulls all these characters from recent books as well as older books in the series she does it in a way that makes the story seem rich and with depth, not overburdened with characters.

There did seem to be a lot more violence in this book, which is saying something since Connor's books aren't usually quiet cozies by any means. None of it seemed gratuitous to me, it just felt like there was more than usual.

All in all it was my favorite book of hers as well as one of my favorite books period. ( )

The 9th in Diane Fallon Forensic Investigations.
Main character is Forensic Anthropologist Diane Fallon, Director of Museum and crime lab.
Setting: Modern day, part in South American Amazon and part Georgia's River Trail Museum of Natural History

The story starts with Forensic Anthropologist Lyndsey Chamberlain caged in the Amazon jungle, her captors thinking she is Diane Fallon. Then a mere child proceeds to break her out of captivity so she can get her back to her mother - the real Diane Fallon. The child claims to be the believed-dead Ariel, Diane's adopted child. A few years ago Diane was part of a World Accord International team investigating a dictator's crimes by exhuming mass graves when Diane adopts an orphan only to loose her to the dictator's goon squad that massacred the mission and base of operations for the team.

But the next moment the reader is back at the River Trail Museum in time for Diane to find Simone, another of the old World Accord International team survivor seriously wounded. Simone manages to share "it was one of us" before lapsing into unconsciousness. Fake paramedics arrive and a fire breaks out, but Diane manages to keep herself and Simone safe, but will Simone ever come out of her coma to tell what she has uncovered about the massacre from their time in the Amazon?

This is the beginning and the novel keeps a fast pace throughout. I honestly had a hard time putting this book down at all. The two story lines just ratchet the suspense up. It becomes clear that somebody with international connections is involved. The plot is great and doesn't let you stop reading for a minute. The character of Diane's daughter is stellar and Lyndsey is believable, gutsy and brave.

The betrayal of one of the team members strikes very close to Diane. The climax is gripping and the wrap up short but complete. This is a fantastic read with edge of your seat tension.

Check out my book blog here:
http://www.mysterysuspence.blogspot.com/ ( )

Another excellent story from Beverly Connor, this one is a particular pleasure for those who've followed the series from the beginning. To say any more would be to spoil the surprise, but it's worth reading and worth owning. ( )