Cut to the Bone: A Body Farm Novel

Jefferson Bass’s Cut to the Bone, the long-awaited prequel to his New York Times bestselling mystery series, turns the clock back to reveal the Body Farm's creation—and Dr. Bill Brockton's deadly duel with a serial killer.

In the summer of 1992, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton and Tennessee Senator Albert Gore begin their long-shot campaign to win the White House. In the sweltering hills of Knoxville at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Bill Brockton, the bright, ambitious young head of the Anthropology Department, launches an unusual—some would call it macabre—research facility, unlike any other in existence.

Brockton is determined to revolutionize the study of forensics to help law enforcement better solve crime. But his plans are derailed by a chilling murder that leaves the scientist reeling from a sense of déjà vu. Followed by another. And then another: bodies that bear eerie resemblances to cases from Brockton’s past.

But as the body count rises, the victims’ fatal injuries grow more and more distinctive—a spiral of death that holds dark implications for Brockton...and everyone he holds dear.

New York Times bestselling author Jefferson Bass delivers the long-awaited prequel to his chilling series—revealing the origins of the Body Farm

One of Suspense Magazine's Best Books of 2013

In the summer of 1992, Arkansas governor Bill Clinton and Tennessee senator Al Gore begin their long-shot bid for the White House. On a sweltering hillside in Knoxville, Dr. Bill Brockton, the ambitious young head of the University of Tennessee's anthropology department, launches a unique—some say macabre—research facility. Brockton is determined to revolutionize forensics to help solve homicides. But his plans are derailed by a chilling murder that leaves the scientist reeling from déjà vu. Followed by another. Then another: bodies that bear eerie resemblances to cases from Brockton's past. The police chalk up the first corpse to coincidence. But as the body count rises, the victims' injuries grow more distinctive—a spiral of death that bodes ill for Brockton himself. If the killer isn't found quickly, the death toll could be staggering. And the next victims could include Brockton . . . and everyone he holds dear.

“The story is razor sharp...with a nice mixture of mystery and horror. Fans of forensic fiction will want to addthis author to their list of favorites.” - Booklist

“The Sherlock Holmes for bones has arrived. . . . A privileged glimpse into the world of a ground-breaking pioneer.” - Katherine Ramsland, Author of The Forensic Science of C.S.I.

“This novel shines with its sophisticated and subtle humor, and the decency of its characters...Jefferson Bass is my new favorite crime writer.” - Nancy Sapir