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Diane Fallon #9
[(One Grave Less)] [By (author) Beverly Connor] published on
Forensic anthropologist Diane Fallon has tried to put the past behind her, establishing herself as head of the River Trail Museum of Natural History. Late one night at the museum, Diane hears terrified cries and finds an injured man-a former coworker from her time as a human rights activist in South America. Left with a body, a bone, and a cryptic message, Diane has to dig back into her past with World Account International, before the next human rights abused are hers...
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First published December 1, 2010
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449 people want to read
About the author
Beverly Connor
30 books245 followersI'm Beverly Connor and I love archaeology. I worked in Georgia and South Carolina as an archaeologist doing both fieldwork and analyzing artifacts. I also love mysteries. I combined these two loves and now write mysteries in which I weave my professional experience as an archaeologist into stories of murder and intrigue in both my Diane Fallon Forensic Investigation series and Lindsay Chamberlain Archaeology Mystery Series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 31, 2015
A perfect series of books for me - so glad I read all the books.
This particular books had 2 separate stories that eventually merged into one. The first story starts out in the Amazon jungle about a woman that has been kidnapped. The second story takes place in Rosewood, North Carolina featuring our main character, Diane Fallon. Every couple of chapters the scenario changes - first the jungle for a chapter or 2, then Rosewood for a chapter or 2, then repeat.
Diane Fallon is the target again, only this time through slanderization of her character.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars - Great Read!
This particular books had 2 separate stories that eventually merged into one. The first story starts out in the Amazon jungle about a woman that has been kidnapped. The second story takes place in Rosewood, North Carolina featuring our main character, Diane Fallon. Every couple of chapters the scenario changes - first the jungle for a chapter or 2, then Rosewood for a chapter or 2, then repeat.
Diane Fallon is the target again, only this time through slanderization of her character.
2 thumbs up and 5 stars - Great Read!
August 17, 2015
Two stories running parallel and each is well paced and entertaining. What a great way to end a series. I enjoyed this author's creative imagination from Book 1 through book 9. Sure the plots are over the top and the odds of a tornado coming in handy in real life are slim to nil. Who cares. This is escapist fiction at its most fun. Connor is not writing the next Pulitzer Prize literary masterpiece. She is writing for readers who want to be entertained. Mission accomplished.
February 2, 2018
Another great installment in the Diane Fallon series. Definitely one of my favourites.
January 4, 2022
After many close calls for a number of characters, this has a very nice happy ending.
September 7, 2012
Excellent read! Two stories going at the same time that - each so interesting that you don't want to put the book down. When the two stories do converge the twists don't stop coming. Would definitely recommend it. I read it in large print and it was over 600 pages but short chapter to encourage to read just one more before putting down.
April 19, 2013
I really thought she was ending the series, as a lot of things get tied up here, but according to Novelist, there's another one in the works. It was pretty good, but I enjoyed the early ones better. And who ever did the blurb on the back cover should really have read the book first, or at least paid attention to the sex of the first assault victim.
March 4, 2011
Yet another in this excellent series. Don't start with this book, go back to the beginning.
March 3, 2013
The story was a bit over the top and far fetched. Still a pageturner and worth reading but not her best imho.
January 16, 2025
"Forensic anthropologist Diane Fallon knows her way around bones, but when an old colleague drops by and then drops dead, she has to revisit some ancient history.
"Diane Fallon has been working hard to put the past behind her, and she has established herself as the head of the River Trail Museum of Natural History. Late one night at the museum, Diane is shocked when terrified cries lead her to an injured man -- a former coworker Diane recognizes from her time as a human rights activist in South America. Clutching a child's femur in his hands, he whispers to her, 'It was one of us ...' and dies.
"Left with a body, a bone and a cryptic message, Diane has to dig winto her past with World Accord international -- before the nest human rights abused are hers."
~~back cover
The beginning was just too horrifying for my taste.
"Diane Fallon has been working hard to put the past behind her, and she has established herself as the head of the River Trail Museum of Natural History. Late one night at the museum, Diane is shocked when terrified cries lead her to an injured man -- a former coworker Diane recognizes from her time as a human rights activist in South America. Clutching a child's femur in his hands, he whispers to her, 'It was one of us ...' and dies.
"Left with a body, a bone and a cryptic message, Diane has to dig winto her past with World Accord international -- before the nest human rights abused are hers."
~~back cover
The beginning was just too horrifying for my taste.
March 4, 2025
Wow! An action packed story that goes back to when Diane Fallon was in South America. A woman is being held captive in a cage. The captors think she is Diane Fallon because she is a forensic anthropologist from Georgia. A little girl helps her escape, then introduces herself; she is Ariel, Diane Fallon’s daughter. Together they began to make their way through the jungle encountering bad guys, a very large anaconda, and a lost Inca site along the way. Meanwhile in Rosewood, slanderous lies are being spread about Diane, and it turns out, her friend Gregory has Ben slandered about frequenting prostitutes, so he’s come to Rosewood to see Diane. Together with David they begin investigating the lies and trying to discover what is behind the lies. All the while Vanessa van Ross, Laura Hilliard and Andie along with Star have been planning Diane and Frank’s wedding.
May 29, 2017
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.
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.
August 10, 2020
This is another great mystery, which connected the characters of Lindsay Chamberlaine and Diane Fallon in a believable plot. I hope both characters continue to have stories written about them but as of now that has not happened. In one way it wrapped up the story arch for Diane Fallon and that was satisfying but I think there is more story left, perhaps with a focus on some of the other museum characters. Lindsay, I feel has many more stories to tell. I'm hoping for future books.
July 18, 2019
One grave less
This is new a new author to me. She is just exciting as Patricia Cornwall . She keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are describe in very detail . Love the story line of One grave less.
This is new a new author to me. She is just exciting as Patricia Cornwall . She keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are describe in very detail . Love the story line of One grave less.
January 31, 2020
Very engrossing.
Again, excellent scientific information on every page interwoven with a lot of taut drama- kidnapping, really bad guys, scary trek through the Amazon jungle and Diane once more caught up in a tangle of murder and deceit. Sure wish there had been an epilogue.
Again, excellent scientific information on every page interwoven with a lot of taut drama- kidnapping, really bad guys, scary trek through the Amazon jungle and Diane once more caught up in a tangle of murder and deceit. Sure wish there had been an epilogue.
March 18, 2025
So this one was a little different with two stories running parallel and the chapters would switch on and off between the two stories! You really had to keep up with this one
It was a good premise for the plot and characters!
It was a good premise for the plot and characters!
June 26, 2017
I know I read this book.....can't remember how it ended but since I like this diane falon series I'm sure it was a good ending...
November 25, 2017
Nice ending
I'd given up hope that Connor would ever tell Ariel's story. Not a bad ending if it is the end of the series (and of Lindsay's too).
I'd given up hope that Connor would ever tell Ariel's story. Not a bad ending if it is the end of the series (and of Lindsay's too).
June 19, 2019
What a great ending to a series. The wedding was the only thing missing.
February 11, 2020
I loved this book and the whole series. I couldn’t put this one down. I.m sad that this is the last book in the series and would love to see more
July 3, 2023
Read this a couple of years ago and thought it was a really good storyline to read again. On tenterhooks all the time. Hope to read more of Beverly Connor.
October 22, 2024
The last book in the series and everything is wrapped up. Lindsay Chamberlin from the author’s other series plays a large role in this book as well.
October 6, 2016
I’ve never been disappointed by one of Ms. Connor’s books, and this one is no exception. This one had the added bonus of a cameo of a character from her others series, the Lindsey Chamberlain series, which I actually like better than the Diane Fallon series (not that it matters, since I’ve given every book of hers that I have read a 5-star rating.
While all of her books can stand alone, this one can only be appreciated to the fullest extent if you have read the previous Diane Fallon books, a pleasure that I envy you for!
I think it is a real shame that Ms. Connor is not better known that she seems to be, as I consider her two series to be top-notch with great stories and often informative too.
While all of her books can stand alone, this one can only be appreciated to the fullest extent if you have read the previous Diane Fallon books, a pleasure that I envy you for!
I think it is a real shame that Ms. Connor is not better known that she seems to be, as I consider her two series to be top-notch with great stories and often informative too.
March 10, 2016
I have read all of Beverly Connor's novels involving Diane Fallon who is a forensic anthropologist and Director of the Rosewood Museum and its Crime Lab and for those who have read them you will know this book is a sort of resolution to Diane's journey although I hope Ms Connor will write more mysteries for her in the future.
It is two parallel stories and a crossover too as we follow Diane's investigation into a brutal attack at the Museum and pursuit of the person who is spreading damaging rumours that could have far reaching consequences both personally and involving Interpol; the other story is set in Brazil and follows the desperate journey of Lindsay Chamberlain an archaeologist (who has her own book series written by Beverly Connor) and a young girl Ariel (Diane's missing but presumed dead adopted daughter) as they race through the jungle to safety.
I did enjoy the story but have to say even for Beverly Connor this was farfetched at times as both Lindsay, Diane and Ariel are almost presented as superwomen. Although it was nice that we had a resolution to Diane's personal story which had ran through the previous 8 stories I do prefer the more straightforward investigative mysteries involving the Crime Lab and the piecing together the clues as a team.
It is two parallel stories and a crossover too as we follow Diane's investigation into a brutal attack at the Museum and pursuit of the person who is spreading damaging rumours that could have far reaching consequences both personally and involving Interpol; the other story is set in Brazil and follows the desperate journey of Lindsay Chamberlain an archaeologist (who has her own book series written by Beverly Connor) and a young girl Ariel (Diane's missing but presumed dead adopted daughter) as they race through the jungle to safety.
I did enjoy the story but have to say even for Beverly Connor this was farfetched at times as both Lindsay, Diane and Ariel are almost presented as superwomen. Although it was nice that we had a resolution to Diane's personal story which had ran through the previous 8 stories I do prefer the more straightforward investigative mysteries involving the Crime Lab and the piecing together the clues as a team.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2011
Let me start off by saying that I absolutely love this series! I have been hooked ever since I read her first book, One Grave Too Many. Diane is the type of heroine that I like to read about. She has a strong personality and can handle herself in just about any situation. She takes a beating and keeps on ticking to use a saying from an old commercial. For those interested: very little foul language and sex is only hinted at.
Truthfully I thought that this book started out a little slow. Her books usually start out like a runaway train, full speed and don't slow down until it is over. I found myself thinking well the first eight were great so I shouldn't be too disappointed that this one isn't but the more I read, the more I realized how wrong I was. It built up steam until the end.
You actually have two different story lines happening in the book. A couple of chapters will be about Diane and then it will switch to the other story line for a couple of chapters. No hints as to what it might be. :0) At the end they tie up all the loose ends neatly. There are a couple good surprises in the book but I won't spoil them for you. Read it and you won't be disappointed.
Truthfully I thought that this book started out a little slow. Her books usually start out like a runaway train, full speed and don't slow down until it is over. I found myself thinking well the first eight were great so I shouldn't be too disappointed that this one isn't but the more I read, the more I realized how wrong I was. It built up steam until the end.
You actually have two different story lines happening in the book. A couple of chapters will be about Diane and then it will switch to the other story line for a couple of chapters. No hints as to what it might be. :0) At the end they tie up all the loose ends neatly. There are a couple good surprises in the book but I won't spoil them for you. Read it and you won't be disappointed.
January 22, 2011
Wow, I just can't say enough about Beverly Connor. She is an amazing author. I read her books with such enjoyment.
This is an exciting book. It is written from two perspectives, one character is a mystery throughout most of the book. You are not sure who she is until the book is almost over, but the reveal is so worth it. And the other perspective is from Diane. There is also the wonderful addition of a new character. The book is written in alternating shifts of the characters perspectives and it keeps the story moving fast. You go quickly with the one and slow down for the next and so on.
It was such a good read I had trouble putting it down at the conference I was attending. I wanted to slip back up to my room to read it. I must say I have read these books as they have come out and find myself wanting to reread them all again.
I would love to go into more detail and add the spoiler info, but I won't.
You will have to read this for yourself. Enjoy!
This is an exciting book. It is written from two perspectives, one character is a mystery throughout most of the book. You are not sure who she is until the book is almost over, but the reveal is so worth it. And the other perspective is from Diane. There is also the wonderful addition of a new character. The book is written in alternating shifts of the characters perspectives and it keeps the story moving fast. You go quickly with the one and slow down for the next and so on.
It was such a good read I had trouble putting it down at the conference I was attending. I wanted to slip back up to my room to read it. I must say I have read these books as they have come out and find myself wanting to reread them all again.
I would love to go into more detail and add the spoiler info, but I won't.
You will have to read this for yourself. Enjoy!
June 21, 2011
Three and a half stars.
This is undoubtedly my fault for coming in so late to a series but I felt like I was coming in late to a series. That is to say I felt like there were people I should have known more about and I wasn't sure how much I was supposed to care about the central mystery. Were the events in South America something that had been covered or at least touched on in other books? I have no idea.
The premise is very reminiscent of Bones, although just from this one book I much prefer Connor's style to Kathy Reichs'. The protagonist is a forensic anthropologist, who at least sometimes works on mass graves and proving war crimes, and she simultaneously works for (and heads) the museum and the crime lab which is located in the museum.
The people she surrounds herself with are also interesting but I don't feel a need to read other books in the series.
This is undoubtedly my fault for coming in so late to a series but I felt like I was coming in late to a series. That is to say I felt like there were people I should have known more about and I wasn't sure how much I was supposed to care about the central mystery. Were the events in South America something that had been covered or at least touched on in other books? I have no idea.
The premise is very reminiscent of Bones, although just from this one book I much prefer Connor's style to Kathy Reichs'. The protagonist is a forensic anthropologist, who at least sometimes works on mass graves and proving war crimes, and she simultaneously works for (and heads) the museum and the crime lab which is located in the museum.
The people she surrounds herself with are also interesting but I don't feel a need to read other books in the series.
June 15, 2012
Throughout this series, forensic anthropologist Diane Fallon has been haunted by a massacre that took place when she was in South America investigating human rights abuses. She lost her adopted daughter and returned in shock to Georgia. Now she discovers Simone Brooks, a colleague from those days, lying injured on the floor of the crime lab that Diane directs at the Museum of Natural History. In the few words she is able to say, Simone reveals that a person they trusted in South America was responsible for the massacre. Meanwhile, anthropologist Lindsay Chamberlain, the heroine of another of the author’s series, is mistaken for Diane and kidnapped in Peru. While Lindsay has adventures worthy of Indiana Jones, Diane has to untangle the web of lies about the massacre and figure out who around her is involved. It is unfortunate that the contirvances of the plot require her to have a couple lapses of judgment. However, this is an exciting read with a trio of appealing heroines.
February 1, 2012
Unpleasant language aside (I just cannot abide the constant use of the "f" word - so unnecessary!) I found this to be a real page turner. I don't remember reading anything by this author before - that makes me late to this series - but I did enjoy it.
Little Ariel was just a bit "too" for me - unbelievably smart, good, kind, unaffected, brave and on and on. Still, I found that I liked her.
The back and forth between sets of characters was fun - many chapters ending in cliffhangers. I do think it was a bit over-the-top, but I was so engrossed I whiled away an afternoon not even noticing the passing of time. That marks a successful book, at least for me. (And over-the-top is pretty prevalent in this kind of fiction. I'm ok with that.) 356 pages of non-stop suspense. And I didn't even read the last page first.
Little Ariel was just a bit "too" for me - unbelievably smart, good, kind, unaffected, brave and on and on. Still, I found that I liked her.
The back and forth between sets of characters was fun - many chapters ending in cliffhangers. I do think it was a bit over-the-top, but I was so engrossed I whiled away an afternoon not even noticing the passing of time. That marks a successful book, at least for me. (And over-the-top is pretty prevalent in this kind of fiction. I'm ok with that.) 356 pages of non-stop suspense. And I didn't even read the last page first.
June 2, 2016
This was a great end to the Diane Fallon Forensic Investigation Series (as of right now). There were areas in the plot that I found over the top or just a little too unbelievable, which prevents this from getting 5 stars.
However, once I just went along for the ride and stopped critiquing the authors choice of plot line and twists, I found it very enjoyable. One of the main problems I have with this author is she tends to drag out scenes prior to the climax and rush the ending, which I feel she did here as well. All in all a great read, but be prepared for some Deja Vu from previous novels as some themes of kidnapping and assault are revisited once again (another major complaint of mine).
If you're looking for an interesting, clever, easy read, this series is the way to go.
However, once I just went along for the ride and stopped critiquing the authors choice of plot line and twists, I found it very enjoyable. One of the main problems I have with this author is she tends to drag out scenes prior to the climax and rush the ending, which I feel she did here as well. All in all a great read, but be prepared for some Deja Vu from previous novels as some themes of kidnapping and assault are revisited once again (another major complaint of mine).
If you're looking for an interesting, clever, easy read, this series is the way to go.
December 19, 2010
Once again, Ms. Connor delivers a suspenseful murder "Who Done It". Diane Fallon Forensic Investigation series has become one of my most favorite & beloved series of characters put together. You'll forget this is fiction...
What happen to Ariel; will Diane marry, will she maintain control of the museum. We come to see how clever Ms. Connor is also known for her Lindsay Chamberlin series, how she incorporated this character into this story is so well written. OUTSTANDING suspense, I couldn't put this book down.
What happen to Ariel; will Diane marry, will she maintain control of the museum. We come to see how clever Ms. Connor is also known for her Lindsay Chamberlin series, how she incorporated this character into this story is so well written. OUTSTANDING suspense, I couldn't put this book down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews