J.D. Robb discussion

Hidden is the first book in the Bone Secrets series. We'll open discussion on Oct. 18. Everyone is invited to join in.

Eleven years ago, the Co-ed Slayer murdered nine female students on the Oregon State University campus. Lacey Campbell barely escaped his attack, but lost her best friend whose remains were never found. As the sole surviving victim, Lacey helped send the sadistic serial killer to prison for life.

Now a forensic odontologist examining teeth and bones for the state Medical Examiner, Lacey is devastated when she arrives at a crime scene and identifies the skeletal remains as her college friend’s.

The remains are discovered on the land of ex-cop Jack Harper. Sparks fly between him and Lacey, even as they realize that the prosecution’s witnesses from a decade ago are now being murdered one by one. All the evidence points to the Co-ed Slayer as the culprit—only, he’s long since dead. So who’s the new killer? And is Lacey next in line to die?

This is now a Spoiler Zone! Feel free to openly discuss Hidden.

This story quickly becomes convoluted with lots of issues and mingling of past and present cases. A past victim working a present case with a past suspect? Share your thoughts.

Lacey showing up at the scene an hour away from where she lives and it being her best friend's remains was a real coincidence. The baddie knew about Jack's involvement in the Co-Ed Slayer case, but he couldn't have planned Lacey's involvement.

Okay, I'll start off the discussion.

Was this Kendra Elliot's first book? Overall I liked it but there were a few things that she has definitely improved upon to develop into such a great writer.

"A past victim working a present case with a past suspect". That's a great summation of the plot but at times it all seemed a bit chaotic with different characters' POV's thrown together and it didn't quite flow at times. There were a lot of lead characters who seemed to be getting into each other's way when solving the crime.

But the aspect which really didn't work for me was the rivalry between Michael Brody and Jack Harper for Lacey's affections. I think I'm just over all that male possessiveness and sometimes it seemed they were like two dogs fighting over a bone. They were like little kids. But one character I really liked was Mason Callahan. After reading Vanished recently it was great seeing him from earlier times. Kendra Elliot developed him really well and especially seeing him interact with Ray, who I guess is his partner who died.

Lacey having a dental background was a bit unusual and a different angle for the medical examinations. That was interesting to me as my Dad actually did that job for a number of years when I was a kid and I remember him coming home really fatigued and affected by some of the cases.

So overall a 3 stars for me. It's going to be good to see how Kendra Elliot develops as a writer as each book progresses.

I agree with you, Lisa. After reading Vanished, a much later book, it's clear how much Elliott progresses but then again - I think that's normal. My main reason for backing up to read this series & others in order was to get to know Mason Callahan from his first introduction. So glad I did. I'll pose this as a question to get everyone's opinion:

Mason Callahan is introduced in Hidden and plays a significant role. He rides in wearing a cowboy hat and one might say just a bit of a "red neck". What is your impression of Callahan and his working of this case (based solely on this book)? What's your "feel" on his character and the way in conducted himself and investigation?

Lacey is called to the scene where skeletal remains have been discovered hidden in a building. Share your thoughts on this scene. Were things handled in a professional manner? Why or why not? Do you consider Lacey's actions professional? Why or why not?

Jack Harper arrives on the scene on a snowmobile and barges in. Share your first thoughts on Jack's character.

I find it a bit hard to believe that he just barged into the crime scene - although the author tried to explain it by him being a former cop.

I don't think that was a very reliable crime scene scene - if you read or watch any of the CSI or anthing like that - they are really really careful about chain of evidence and such.

As far as Jack's character - he seems like a class a jerk - but gets a bit better when he gets to her office the next day. He seems more down to earth - although even that is a bit forced. Why doesn't she just kick him out?

I'm really glad we started at the beginning... and it's going to be great following the progress of these characters and the writer.

Mason Callahan is introduced in Hidden and plays a significant role. He rides in wearing a cowboy hat and one might say just a bit of a "red neck". What is your impression of Callahan and his working of this case (based solely on this book)? What's your "feel" on his character and the way in conducted himself and investigation?

That's interesting, I didn't get the impression that Mason Callahan was a redneck. Maybe a little intense and there is a snippet that his personal life is not how he likes it and he broods over that a little. But I think having to deal with Brody and Harper who are such loose cannons probably means he has to come on a bit strong at times to wrangle them. I much prefer Mason to Jack Harper. Nothing wrong with a man caring and protecting. But when it becomes possessiveness... no thanks.

Sandy wrote: "I find it a bit hard to believe that he just barged into the crime scene - although the author tried to explain it by him being a former cop.

I don't think that was a very reliable crime scene sc..."

Probably half the technical stuff and investigations in the books we read would make real life professionals either shudder or laugh their heads off at the inaccuracies and sloppy procedures. Even us readers can pick up on that. But as they say don't let the truth get in the way of a good story, LOL.

Mason Callahan is introduced in Hidden and plays a significant role. He rides in wearing a cowboy hat and one might say just a bit of a "red neck". What is your impression of Callahan and his working of this case (based solely on this book)? What's your "feel" on his character and the way in conducted himself and investigation?

Mason is a bit of a redneck cowboy! And, I love that about him. He has great instincts about Jack and I love that he trusts his instincts goes with his gut.

Anita wrote: "Mason Callahan is introduced in Hidden and plays a significant role. He rides in wearing a cowboy hat and one might say just a bit of a "red neck". What is your impression of Callahan and his worki..."

I agree, Anita. I love Callahan and can't wait to follow him through the coming books. Obviously he becomes bigger and bigger as the author eventually gives him a series with his name on it. lol

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Sandy wrote: "I find it a bit hard to believe that he just barged into the crime scene - although the author tried to explain it by him being a former cop.

I don't think that was a very reliable ..."

I'm sure that's true. But as I read this scene, it struck me as being very unprofessional. As a reader I was a bit appalled at the lack of "seriousness" (for lack of a better word) or respect in the manner things were handled. I'll have to look back & find a couple of passages that had me shaking my head, but I remember thinking no way.

I have to say that my first impressions of Mason were underwhelming; I never felt his character developed at all for me as a reader during this entire book. I'm sure future books will highlight him more [at least I assume so, with the series title].

I liked Jack; the remains were found at a building he owned, so I think I would have been at the scene of that crime if I owned the building.

I did not like Michael much. I got no sense that he was still romantically interested in Lacey until Jack showed up. It seems by the end of the book his attention was definitely diverted!

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "This story quickly becomes convoluted with lots of issues and mingling of past and present cases. A past victim working a present case with a past suspect? Share your thoughts. "

I read this story five years ago and, while it has some great aspects, recall being underwhelmed for a few reasons. Lacey was a contradiction, one moment strong for surviving a horrendous experience and persevering and at others, inexplicably weak-kneed and needy. It brought out the alpha in Jack, understandably but even he left her vulnerable too many times to make sense. I liked the detectives investigating the case but they didn't really seem to be a factor in the resolution.

The pacing was off with too much culminating at the end of the book (which was extremely exciting). I prefer pulling together well developed clues and having a shot at deduction but that wasn't possible here.

I’ve read later books by Elliot and it’s clear her writing strengthened significantly because these aren’t issues I’ve seen. It’s her debut and she’s an Indie so not surprising. But, I also recall being interested in continuing the series so there was enough promise here for me.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Mason Callahan is introduced in Hidden and plays a significant role. He rides in wearing a cowboy hat and one might say just a bit of a "red neck". What is your impression of Callahan and his working of this case (based solely on this book)? What's your "feel" on his character and the way in conducted himself and investigation? ..."

I really didn’t get much of an impression of him here other than his caricature felt a bit much. I also knew he had his own series, which was where I was going to start but decided to begin here.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "Lacey is called to the scene where skeletal remains have been discovered hidden in a building. Share your thoughts on this scene. Were things handled in a professional manner? Why or why not? Do you consider Lacey's actions professional? Why or why not?

Jack Harper arrives on the scene on a snowmobile and barges in. Share your first thoughts on Jack's character...."

It’s been some time but I don’t have a recollection of anything being off about Lacey’s procedurals or professionalism other than it being against most protocols to be involved with a victim you knew. However, Lucy’s specialization is uncommon so it wasn’t likely there was another alternative.

Jack barging in had more to do with this being on his property than anything else. Him being a cop, he knew the importance of the forensics so he should have behaved differently. I gave him a slim pass but do recall him being overbearing in the moment.

As Jonetta mentions - Lacey is a contradiction. It must have taken unbelievable strength and will to overcome the overwhelming attack on herself and best friend. And yet, at times in this story she appears very needy and maybe a time or too, tstl. What are your impressions of her personally and professionally?

Also - Lacey suffers from guilt from not holding on when her friend is taken. She let go of her leg. Does she bear any blame in this case? Why or why not?

Good points made about Lacey. I felt the same way. She was an incredibly well educated and able professional but at times she did appear needy. But the writer did try to explain that by having several sections about her anxiety disorder which had occurred after her attack. And she had to be medicated and was trying to come back from that. The guilt about what happened is unwarranted but isn't survivor guilt another part of recovering from an extremely traumatic situation? So understandable and does give the reader an insight into what she must be dealing with and why sometimes she comes across as fragile.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Good points made about Lacey. I felt the same way. She was an incredibly well educated and able professional but at times she did appear needy. But the writer did try to explain that by having seve..."

Well said, Lisa. It does explain why she sometimes comes across as needy or fragile.

I've thought more about why that opening scene in the tent felt "unprofessional" to me. Here's a couple of things that struck me wrong:
1)When Lacey opens the flap on the tent & walks in, she is immediately halted by the doctor screaming at her to stop because she is about to step on the skeletal remains they have laid out. Either Lacey is incredibly clumsy & awkward OR they are crazy for laying out the remains in front of the entrance where they could be stepped on.
2) Lacey is holding the skull when Jack enters the tent. She is so in lust that she pokes her finger through the eye socket & immediately fears she may have fractured a bone in the skull & will get yelled at (again) by the doctor (forget her name). Lacey is a professional...this felt to me like carelessness in handling remains. Seriously.

Another thing that struck me as "off" is when Lacey is holding the two gold bridges or whatever and they feel "familiar" to her but she can't figure out why. Later we learn it's because her best friend in the whole wide world who was murdered had them & Lacey herself had held them in her hand at a game years ago. I found it unbelievable that Lacey wouldn't immediately recall that upon looking at them once again laying in her hands. But maybe that's just me.

No, you're right, Sandra. There were quite a few scenes which didn't come across well. I put it down to first book/series syndrome where the author is finding her feet. Thankfully we know how she develops and works on those initial flaws with her later series Mercy Kilpatrick.

I felt the same way about the love triangle between Lacey, Michael and Jack. Just didn't sit well for me for the reasons I outlined earlier.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I agree with you, Lisa. After reading Vanished, a much later book, it's clear how much Elliott progresses but then again - I think that's normal. My main reason for backing up to read this series &..."

Mason's character to me in this book is not a very strong or commanding character. When at the hostage site he is verbally spoken down to more than once and just lacked authority in this story. I liked his character better in Vanished.

I also thought the ending was very unreal and that the friend(I forgot her name she is married to Chris and has the baby.) did not tell the police right away she was given a little girl by the killers brother. Too unreal for me.

Good points, Susan. I'd definitely like to talk about that ending.

The killer is murdering women in the style of a convicted serial killer in prison. Did you figure out what was going on before the reveal? Who were your suspects? Why? Were you right?

It's revealed that Suzanne was pregnant at some point after she was kidnapped and questions surround the fate of the child. Did you ever suspect the child was alive? If so, who did you think her "parents" were? In the end, Lacey chooses to keep quiet about the fate of the child after learning the truth. Your thoughts?

Yeah, that ending was fairly improbable. Even if Lacey's friend, I think it was Kylie didn't know where the baby came from originally she did by the end. And so did Lacey who is a medical professional attached to the ME's office and she didn't disclose what she knew? If it ever came out wouldn't they both be liable for criminal prosecution as an accessory after the fact? At least Lacey's career would be toast. And how about when the little girl grew up, with all the Ancestry DNA tests that are around there would be every chance she would find out her parents weren't hers biologically? So many cans of worms here.

I felt fairly certain that the child was alive and maybe nearby but didn't guess about the "parents'" stories. Didn't like it much either, also thinking about DNA and possible repercussions.

I agree. Never suspected who the present parents would be. Then I went straight to thinking about what would happen to that marriage if the child ever has a health issue that requires blood or DNA testing. That way lies disaster. Over all, though, I liked the book.

Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: "Okay, I'll start off the discussion.

Was this Kendra Elliot's first book? Overall I liked it but there were a few things that she has definitely improved upon to develop into such a great writer...."

I agree with most of your comments. The Jack/Brody part didn't bother me that much. It is clear to me that Brody wanted more with Lacey. As soon as he saw a spark in Lacey for Jack his jealousy kicked in. He hoped to convince Lacey to back off.

On the flip-side, Jack didn't know what Lacey felt for Brody. Usually Jack isn't so possessive of the women he meets. While it was a little over the top, it only bothered me a little.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I agree with you, Lisa. After reading Vanished, a much later book, it's clear how much Elliott progresses but then again - I think that's normal. My main reason for backing up to read this series &..."

I like Callahan. I like the way he investigates his case, and that he doesn't jump to conclusions without all the facts. I see why he becomes the central character in the later series.

His son is on his mind. I love how he blurts that out to Jack in the one scene.

Sandra ~ ♥ Cross My Heart ♥ wrote: "I've thought more about why that opening scene in the tent felt "unprofessional" to me. Here's a couple of things that struck me wrong:
1)When Lacey opens the flap on the tent & walks in, she is im..."

Sandra, My first thought when Lacey almost stepped on bones is why did a forensic anthropologist allow bones laid out at the entrance of the crime scene. That doesn't speak too highly of a person with her experience and reputation. Kathy Reich would never allow that. I didn't blame Lacey for that.

2) Lacey is holding the skull when Jack enters the tent. She is so in lust that she pokes her finger through the eye socket & immediately fears she may have fractured a bone in the skull & will get yelled at (again) by the doctor (forget her name). Lacey is a professional...this felt to me like carelessness in handling remains. Seriously.

I never understand how someone can be so "in lust" with a new person when they meet at work on an interesting case. I get wrapped up in my job, that isn't nearly as interesting as forensic anthropology. I get it when they leave and the case is put aside temporarily, but give me a break.

Another thing that struck me as "off" is when Lacey is holding the two gold bridges or whatever and they feel "familiar" to her but she can't figure out why.

This didn't seem strange or off to me because Lacey wasn't thinking about her friend at first. After awhile she has that ah ha moment and puts the clues together.

I agree with you all. The ending is a little farfetched. We see heroines look the other way in fictions when it wouldn't fly in real like. Eve Dallas and Brennan come to mind immediately.

I didn't suspect who the parents were. I need to go back and re-read some of these sections to see if there are clues I missed.

Jack showing up the way he did didn't surprise me or put me off. It is his property and part of a legacy left to him and his sister. Showering the cops with the snow seems like they expected it from him.

Also, I worked for a company years ago where the VP of Human Resources drove his motorcycle through our buildings to make a statement on his last day. Men do crazy stuff like that.