Aaron Elkins and his creation, Gideon Oliver

I downloaded and read Skull Duggery last night, and while I enjoyed it, it must be admitted that he was just regurgitating the plot from another book. Or perhaps I should say... plot device.

He's done this at least twice now that I can think of - encompassing four books.

Spoilers
In Skull Duggery, the plot device is that a relative has gone off to seek his own life, and then comes back to take over a valuable piece of property. The relative who returns is an imposter, but for 30 years lives the life of Riley. He uses the same plot device in Old Bones.

Then there is the case of the archaeologist digging up a certain site, who is tricked by a fake bone being planted. The first time this happened was in Murder in the Queene's Armes. It takes place in England. Skeleton Dance has almost the exact same plot.

This is not to say that the books aren't fun. But they are formulaic.

Skull Duggery, by Aaron Elkins

Just downloaded this for my Kindle today, and am about to start reading it.

But I thought... skullduggery - just where does that name come from?

Here's what Dictionary.com has to say:
1. dishonorable proceedings; mean dishonesty or trickery: bribery, graft, and other such skulduggery.
2. an instance of dishonest or deceitful behavior; trick.
Also, skullduggery, sculduggery, scullduggery.

Origin:
1705–15, Americanism ; var. of sculduddery, orig. Scots: fornication, obscenity < ?

So it has nothing to do with digging up and faking skulls. ; )