Part 1, Boneyard: Chapters 1-8 Summary

Nora Kelly is an archeologist who appeared in a previous Preston-Child novel. Kelly once lived in Santa Fe, New Mexico and led an expedition into Utah, where she met journalist William Smithback Jr. Smithback has also appeared in multiple novels by Preston-Child. Special Agent Pendergast, a curious FBI agent from New Orleans, also makes a return appearance in this novel, proving to be the catalyst that will draw Nora and Smithback into the investigation that propels the plot of this novel.

In chapter one, a disgruntled construction worker is instructed to enter a structure uncovered in an attempt to dig a deep pit for the foundation of a new apartment building. Inside, the worker is startled to find multiple skeletons.

In chapter two, Nora Kelly confronts her immediate supervisor at the Museum of Natural History, first vice-president...