Synopsis
Simon Shaw, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and forensic historian, encounters his oldest corpse yet—Uwharrie Man, who died fourteen thousand years ago on the banks of Badin Lake in North Carolina.  A controversy stirs up over the body, one that Simon realizes is not merely academic when his friend, archeologist David Morgan, is murdered.  Simon is convinced that Morgan died because he came between factions struggling for control of the bones, but Police Sergeant Otis Gates disagrees.  Simon single-mindedly pursues his friend's killer, whose identity is a shock to everyone, especially Simon himself.

From Publisher's Weekly: "Shaber's brisk fifth Simon Shaw cozy obliges the Raleigh, NC, history professor to apply his forensic skills to the murder of a friend, a highly regarded archeologist.  Suspects include the friend's sister, a gorgeous graduate student, and various other colleagues, none of whom have an alibi. Simon proves his resourcefulness after a plane crash strands him in the wilderness of North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest.  Amorous interludes lend spice."

From Booklist: "Prehistoric detail—and the overarching question of what should happen to prehistoric artifacts and skeletons—frames the mystery, which centers on academic rivalry.  In this fifth of the series, Shaber adds new dimension to the likeable Simon by portraying his struggle to get over a failed romantic relationship.  Fans of Aaron Elkins' archaeology mysteries will enjoy the prehistory milieu."