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Temperance Brennan #16
Bones of the Lost
When Charlotte police discover the body of a teenage girl along a desolate stretch of two-lane highway, Temperance Brennan fears the worst. The girl’s body shows signs of foul play. Inside her purse, police find an airline club card bearing the name of prominent local businessman John-Henry Story, who died in a horrific fire months earlier. How did Story and the girl know each other? Was she an illegal immigrant turning tricks? Was she murdered? Was he?
Tempe must also examine a bundle of Peruvian dog mummies confiscated by U.S. Customs. A Desert Storm veteran named Dominick Rockett stands accused of smuggling the objects into the country. Could there be some connection between the trafficking of antiquities and the trafficking of humans?
As the complications pile on, Tempe must also grapple with personal turmoil. Her daughter, Katy, grieving the death of her boyfriend in Afghanistan, impulsively enlists in the army. Meanwhile, Katy’s father, Pete, is growing frustrated by Tempe’s reluctance to finalize their divorce. As pressure mounts from all corners, Tempe soon finds herself at the center of a conspiracy that extends all the way from South America to Afghanistan and right to the center of Charlotte.
Tempe must also examine a bundle of Peruvian dog mummies confiscated by U.S. Customs. A Desert Storm veteran named Dominick Rockett stands accused of smuggling the objects into the country. Could there be some connection between the trafficking of antiquities and the trafficking of humans?
As the complications pile on, Tempe must also grapple with personal turmoil. Her daughter, Katy, grieving the death of her boyfriend in Afghanistan, impulsively enlists in the army. Meanwhile, Katy’s father, Pete, is growing frustrated by Tempe’s reluctance to finalize their divorce. As pressure mounts from all corners, Tempe soon finds herself at the center of a conspiracy that extends all the way from South America to Afghanistan and right to the center of Charlotte.
324 pages, Hardcover
First published August 27, 2013
About the author
Kathy Reichs
153 books16.5k followersKathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of North Carolina, and for the Laboratoire des Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale for the province of Quebec. She is one of only fifty forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. A professor of anthropology at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Reichs is a native of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. at Northwestern. She now divides her time between Charlotte and Montreal and is a frequent expert witness in criminal trials.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,382 reviews
August 21, 2024
It seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t Tempe Brennan, our favorite forensic anthropologist a fighter too? For whatever reason, I just feel at home in a Bones book. The characters feel like family, including her cat, Birdie.
Of course, going backwards, when I am already reading her most recent novels, reminded me that I had already read this one, but it was nice to re-visit it. It also reminded me how devoted she is to her cases. The importance she places on getting all the facts, her bossiness, her relentless pursuit for the truth, and her willingness to dive deep until she knows what really happened despite whether the victim was a “good” person or not. Because sometimes cops were just opinionated about the victims. And, she cared to know what really happened before putting the case to rest.
There is always good dialogue throughout, interesting banter, and of course, the never-ending tension with her soon to be ex-husband, Pete and what may come with her on-again-off-again partnership with Ryan. And, in this one, there will be some sadness that Ryan endures in this story, that will affect him deeply.
With this case, the more Tempe digs, the more she discovers, with the right amount of page-turning tension, which gives readers a very satisfying read.
As in all series, it is best to start from the beginning to get the full satisfaction of the characters back stories.
And, of course, as a treat, the author provides a “from the forensic files of Dr. Kathy Reichs” at the back of the book that should not be read until the end.
Of course, going backwards, when I am already reading her most recent novels, reminded me that I had already read this one, but it was nice to re-visit it. It also reminded me how devoted she is to her cases. The importance she places on getting all the facts, her bossiness, her relentless pursuit for the truth, and her willingness to dive deep until she knows what really happened despite whether the victim was a “good” person or not. Because sometimes cops were just opinionated about the victims. And, she cared to know what really happened before putting the case to rest.
There is always good dialogue throughout, interesting banter, and of course, the never-ending tension with her soon to be ex-husband, Pete and what may come with her on-again-off-again partnership with Ryan. And, in this one, there will be some sadness that Ryan endures in this story, that will affect him deeply.
With this case, the more Tempe digs, the more she discovers, with the right amount of page-turning tension, which gives readers a very satisfying read.
As in all series, it is best to start from the beginning to get the full satisfaction of the characters back stories.
And, of course, as a treat, the author provides a “from the forensic files of Dr. Kathy Reichs” at the back of the book that should not be read until the end.
February 24, 2020
5 stars easily. Kathy Reichs deeply impressed me: her wonderful character Tempe Brennan; her superb plotting - so many intricate subplots; her smooth delightful writing style and the way she had me glued to finish the book.
Tempe Brennan, in particular snagged my attention. (At one stage in my life was recruiting for top5 consultancies. The key personality feature - they each told me, but using my words - was someone who did not let a problem slip away. Rather it got under their skin and niggled them until they found a solution). Such is Tempe Brennan.
I will definitely be reading more books by Kathy Reichs.
Unputdownable
Tempe Brennan, in particular snagged my attention. (At one stage in my life was recruiting for top5 consultancies. The key personality feature - they each told me, but using my words - was someone who did not let a problem slip away. Rather it got under their skin and niggled them until they found a solution). Such is Tempe Brennan.
I will definitely be reading more books by Kathy Reichs.
Unputdownable
August 27, 2024
The 16th Temperance Brennan book and this one wasn't the best fit for me. I don't really enjoy books that focus on war, the army or current/ongoing conflicts in the world and this book had all of that. I thought the general plot in this book was fine, but it didn't manage to keep me fully engaged. The mystery was a little weaker than in other books.
There was also something that happened near the end of this book that felt like it was only done to create a new love triangle which I aren't looking forward to. This was still a quick and easy read but I think this series might be going somewhere that I aren't interested in. I will be reading the next two in the series because I own them and then I might be saying goodbye to Tempe.
There was also something that happened near the end of this book that felt like it was only done to create a new love triangle which I aren't looking forward to. This was still a quick and easy read but I think this series might be going somewhere that I aren't interested in. I will be reading the next two in the series because I own them and then I might be saying goodbye to Tempe.
April 3, 2014
I'm seriously starting to lose interest in the Tempe Brennan books. This last one had hardly a shred of forensics in it. A few bullet holes and a fragment of ivory in a skull (which Brennan didn't even find!)? That's it? And the plot was just OK. Since when did she become a member of the police force? At least that's how it seems to be coming more and more. And what is the deal with Andrew Ryan? I admit I got seriously invested in this series because of the relationship between Brennan and Ryan. And we get one brief chapter with him in it? And they act like basic strangers?!?! What the hell?!?!?! Yes, sad, but that could have gone in a totally different direction that would have been so much better. Oh and now Pete is coming back into the picture? Ugh, he just needs to go away already!!! Such a dirtbag, loser. Needless to say I am greatly disappointed not only in this book but in the direction of the series as a whole.
September 2, 2013
After "Flash and Bones" i swore that I was done with this series. Too contrived. Plots always the same basic thing (as others here have pointed out.) I find Tempe less and less interesting as a character. She's neurotic and far too insecure and self-centered in her relationships to really come off as "strong." I used to like the relationship between she and Ryan, but that hasn't evolved either. Seriously?! How long does Reich's plan to drag out the ridiculous Tempe - Pete -Ryan thing? Pete is a loser and I can't see what Ryan would actually see in Tempe. Maybe Tempe and Pete do deserve each other! Reich's supporting characters are often most enjoyable, but they are scarce in this book. If I decide to give the next one a shot, I'll wait for reviews. If Reich's is just going to repackage the same plot and developmentally arrested characters, I'll just re-read one of the earlier books.
April 20, 2021
Please scroll down for English version
*******
Teil 16 der Temperance Brennan-Reihe birgt deutliche Hinweise darauf, dass sich die Serie totgelaufen hat.
Es ist mir vollkommen klar, dass ein Thriller ein bisschen aufregend sein muss und Temperance daher nicht immer nur beim Aktenlesen und Rumbasteln im Labor beschrieben werden kann.
Aber die Frau ist forensische Anthropologin und arbeitet für die Rechtsmedizin. Wieso um aller Welt übt sie in diesem Buch in erster Linie die Arbeit einer polizeilichen Ermittlerin aus? Das ist doch vollkommener Käse.
Dazu kommt noch, dass sie sich in ihrer Ermittlerrolle immer wieder benimmt, wie ein hirnvernebelter Teenager und sich vollkommen unbedacht in schreckliche Gefahr begibt.
Tempe war mir in den Anfangsbüchern immer sehr sympathisch. Auch das hat sich leider geändert. Mittlerweile schein sie eine bissige alte Kuh mit schlechtem Vokabular und hysterischen Anfällen zu sein. Ist das vielleicht die Vorstellung der Autorin, wie Wechseljahre aussehen sollten?
Der Plot in dieser Geschichte war zwar spannend, aber außergewöhnlich haarsträubend und unglaubwürdig.
Alles in allem war das also nicht mein Lieblingsbuch.
2 Sterne
--------------------------
Part 16 of the Temperance Brennan series contains clear indications that the series has run out of steam.
It is perfectly clear to me that a thriller has to be a bit exciting and that Temperance cannot always be described reading files and tinkering around in the laboratory.
But the woman is a forensic anthropologist and works for forensic medicine. Why on earth is she primarily doing the work of a police investigator in this book? That's absolute bollocks.
In addition, in her investigative role, she repeatedly behaves like a brain-fogged teenager and puts herself completely carelessly in terrible danger.
I always liked Tempe in the early books. Unfortunately, that has also changed. Now she seems like a vicious old hag with bad vocabulary and fits of hysterics. Is that the author's idea of what menopause should look like?
The plot in this story was exciting, but extraordinarily outlandish and unbelievable.
So all in all, this wasn't my favorite book.
2 stars
*******
Teil 16 der Temperance Brennan-Reihe birgt deutliche Hinweise darauf, dass sich die Serie totgelaufen hat.
Es ist mir vollkommen klar, dass ein Thriller ein bisschen aufregend sein muss und Temperance daher nicht immer nur beim Aktenlesen und Rumbasteln im Labor beschrieben werden kann.
Aber die Frau ist forensische Anthropologin und arbeitet für die Rechtsmedizin. Wieso um aller Welt übt sie in diesem Buch in erster Linie die Arbeit einer polizeilichen Ermittlerin aus? Das ist doch vollkommener Käse.
Dazu kommt noch, dass sie sich in ihrer Ermittlerrolle immer wieder benimmt, wie ein hirnvernebelter Teenager und sich vollkommen unbedacht in schreckliche Gefahr begibt.
Tempe war mir in den Anfangsbüchern immer sehr sympathisch. Auch das hat sich leider geändert. Mittlerweile schein sie eine bissige alte Kuh mit schlechtem Vokabular und hysterischen Anfällen zu sein. Ist das vielleicht die Vorstellung der Autorin, wie Wechseljahre aussehen sollten?
Der Plot in dieser Geschichte war zwar spannend, aber außergewöhnlich haarsträubend und unglaubwürdig.
Alles in allem war das also nicht mein Lieblingsbuch.
2 Sterne
--------------------------
Part 16 of the Temperance Brennan series contains clear indications that the series has run out of steam.
It is perfectly clear to me that a thriller has to be a bit exciting and that Temperance cannot always be described reading files and tinkering around in the laboratory.
But the woman is a forensic anthropologist and works for forensic medicine. Why on earth is she primarily doing the work of a police investigator in this book? That's absolute bollocks.
In addition, in her investigative role, she repeatedly behaves like a brain-fogged teenager and puts herself completely carelessly in terrible danger.
I always liked Tempe in the early books. Unfortunately, that has also changed. Now she seems like a vicious old hag with bad vocabulary and fits of hysterics. Is that the author's idea of what menopause should look like?
The plot in this story was exciting, but extraordinarily outlandish and unbelievable.
So all in all, this wasn't my favorite book.
2 stars
September 2, 2013
I know, I said I wasn't going to read her anymore. But I guess it's similar to people who keep reading the blogs of people they hate.
The storyline starts out better than previous ones. Tempe is at home in North Carolina, and she's been brought in on the case of a young Jane Doe, as well as an ICE case involving Peruvian dog bones. She is also asked by almost-ex-husband, Pete, to consult on a case involving the son of a fellow ex-Marine, who is accused of shooting two Afghan nationals in the back. This requires Tempe to head to Afghanistan to examine the bones.
Going into this, know that I am trying to keep an open mind with Reichs. But I have to question her when she describes a character like this:
*I turned. A pink beluga filled the open doorway....Dew wore a white shirt, blue tie, and a pinstriped navy suit. A very large one.
*The high voice sounded wrong emanating from the supersize body.
*Dew shifted a lot of poundage in a surprisingly elegant manner.
*Dew and I reached my office door at the same time. Again I noticed that, despite his size, the man's every move was executed with grace and efficiency.
*Dew shifted as to lean back. Changed his mind, accurately distrusting the carrying capacity of the chair.
Gee, do you think Dew is fat? Obese? Do you think Reichs has an issue with people who are overweight?
I'm going to discuss the end of the book, so SPOILER ALERT*****
I have a feeling that Reichs is not a fan of the military either. Otherwise, why make the military guy the bad guy? Yes, it's important to raise awareness of human trafficking. But why bring our American military into it? Why now?
Finally, Tempe is not kidnapped at the end of the book, as she has been in every other book. But she does something almost just as egregious, in that she solves the crime (because detectives don't do that)and decides to go be a hero alllll by herself. Nope, no waiting for the police or backup! Not for our intrepid heroine with a God-complex. She alone can save the world.
I think Tempe Brennan has run her course.
The storyline starts out better than previous ones. Tempe is at home in North Carolina, and she's been brought in on the case of a young Jane Doe, as well as an ICE case involving Peruvian dog bones. She is also asked by almost-ex-husband, Pete, to consult on a case involving the son of a fellow ex-Marine, who is accused of shooting two Afghan nationals in the back. This requires Tempe to head to Afghanistan to examine the bones.
Going into this, know that I am trying to keep an open mind with Reichs. But I have to question her when she describes a character like this:
*I turned. A pink beluga filled the open doorway....Dew wore a white shirt, blue tie, and a pinstriped navy suit. A very large one.
*The high voice sounded wrong emanating from the supersize body.
*Dew shifted a lot of poundage in a surprisingly elegant manner.
*Dew and I reached my office door at the same time. Again I noticed that, despite his size, the man's every move was executed with grace and efficiency.
*Dew shifted as to lean back. Changed his mind, accurately distrusting the carrying capacity of the chair.
Gee, do you think Dew is fat? Obese? Do you think Reichs has an issue with people who are overweight?
I'm going to discuss the end of the book, so SPOILER ALERT*****
I have a feeling that Reichs is not a fan of the military either. Otherwise, why make the military guy the bad guy? Yes, it's important to raise awareness of human trafficking. But why bring our American military into it? Why now?
Finally, Tempe is not kidnapped at the end of the book, as she has been in every other book. But she does something almost just as egregious, in that she solves the crime (because detectives don't do that)and decides to go be a hero alllll by herself. Nope, no waiting for the police or backup! Not for our intrepid heroine with a God-complex. She alone can save the world.
I think Tempe Brennan has run her course.
January 25, 2016
How did I fall so far behind in this series? Please Kathy Reichs do not become Patricia Cornwell and fall too far in love with your own characters to write a quality mystery. The main storyline involves a young girl, perhaps undocumented, run down in the street, and Tempe Brennan's trip to Afghanistan to exhume remains of a LN (local national) to see if he was shot by an American soldier threatening him or running away. The problem with this book is three-fold: (1) Tempe is not a detective, (2) she has become more abrasive than tenacious, and (3) her and her ex-husband's love life are not very interesting.
May 24, 2017
Sorry major rant coming....
I had some major issues with this book. Tempe has turned into a snide, abrasive person. At one point she's "interrogating" the girl who cashiers at the quick mart. The girl is trying to help with what she'd seen/heard about the accident and Tempe (in her head) is calling her stupid, dim witted etc. She did the same thing with the ICE agent, Dew. He's a hugely overweight guy and Tempe comments (again in her head) about how fat he is every single time she sees him or talks on the phone. At one point she called him a pink beluga. WTH is up with that? Tempe is portrayed as a person who cares for others even getting herself into dangerous situations (contrived mostly but still) in order to help. These two scenarios just don't mesh.
I absolutely can't stand Pete. Every time he calls Tempe sugarbritches I want to scream. Who the hell calls anyone sugarbritches? It's so demeaning and insulting. And now it looks like he's looking to come back to her. Please, please don't let this happen as that will definitely be the last one I read.
What the hell happened with her and Ryan? They had such a great relationship that just fizzled and both Tempe and Andrew let it happen. Why? Ryan makes a quick appearance, dumps some bad news on Tempe and splits. Really? What happened to them being friends if nothing else? And even though I couldn't stand him, what happened to the NC lawyer dude that her daughter introduced her to. I can't remember his name but he just disappeared after two books for no reason.
And I can't stand Slidell. He's like a caveman - grunting and just being rude all the time. Can't KR introduce a better character to be Tempe's police counterpart?
And WTH is Tempe doing running after the bad guys? She's supposed to be the anthropologist not the cops. And why is she always without a phone or weapon when she runs into danger? And how does she always get a miracle that allows her to overcome these nasty dangerous criminals? It's just so contrived.
I have one more book in the series that I'm committed to read and then I'll probably wash my hands of it. A series that started out exciting and interesting has turned into a trite police procedural with a TSTL heroine. So not what I signed up for.
I had some major issues with this book. Tempe has turned into a snide, abrasive person. At one point she's "interrogating" the girl who cashiers at the quick mart. The girl is trying to help with what she'd seen/heard about the accident and Tempe (in her head) is calling her stupid, dim witted etc. She did the same thing with the ICE agent, Dew. He's a hugely overweight guy and Tempe comments (again in her head) about how fat he is every single time she sees him or talks on the phone. At one point she called him a pink beluga. WTH is up with that? Tempe is portrayed as a person who cares for others even getting herself into dangerous situations (contrived mostly but still) in order to help. These two scenarios just don't mesh.
I absolutely can't stand Pete. Every time he calls Tempe sugarbritches I want to scream. Who the hell calls anyone sugarbritches? It's so demeaning and insulting. And now it looks like he's looking to come back to her. Please, please don't let this happen as that will definitely be the last one I read.
What the hell happened with her and Ryan? They had such a great relationship that just fizzled and both Tempe and Andrew let it happen. Why? Ryan makes a quick appearance, dumps some bad news on Tempe and splits. Really? What happened to them being friends if nothing else? And even though I couldn't stand him, what happened to the NC lawyer dude that her daughter introduced her to. I can't remember his name but he just disappeared after two books for no reason.
And I can't stand Slidell. He's like a caveman - grunting and just being rude all the time. Can't KR introduce a better character to be Tempe's police counterpart?
And WTH is Tempe doing running after the bad guys? She's supposed to be the anthropologist not the cops. And why is she always without a phone or weapon when she runs into danger? And how does she always get a miracle that allows her to overcome these nasty dangerous criminals? It's just so contrived.
I have one more book in the series that I'm committed to read and then I'll probably wash my hands of it. A series that started out exciting and interesting has turned into a trite police procedural with a TSTL heroine. So not what I signed up for.
November 21, 2013
I'm striking Kathy Reichs from my list of must read authors.
Tempe is not aging well at all. She's becoming annoyingly pedantic, increasingly intolerant of others in her life and nauseatingly self-important. I don't like her much anymore. The plot "twists and turns" of Tempe's life are truly starting to stretch my "bounds of credulity".
Tempe is supposed to be so intelligent and educated, but reacts so emotionally and thoughtlessly to everything and gets herself in trouble over and over again...somehow gets herself out of a tight spot, but fails to learn anything in the process, and BANG - 6 pages later, she's in another tight spot.
I just want to shake her and tell her we all have to deal with irritations and frustrations, but her life would be so much easier if she'd just take the dog for a walk instead of her usual "take no prisoners" reaction. No wonder she's lonely - snarling and snapping at everyone. As for her "love life" - she's a complete dithering idiot.
Tacky, tacky thought -- is it hormones? Surely she knows there are pills for that. She is a medical professional.
Overall, I found Tempe to be too irritating to be worth the effort of further reading of her rediculous and self-inflicted "adventures." But maybe it's just me...most any "Drama Queen" leaves me drained. And I've got dogs to walk.
Tempe is not aging well at all. She's becoming annoyingly pedantic, increasingly intolerant of others in her life and nauseatingly self-important. I don't like her much anymore. The plot "twists and turns" of Tempe's life are truly starting to stretch my "bounds of credulity".
Tempe is supposed to be so intelligent and educated, but reacts so emotionally and thoughtlessly to everything and gets herself in trouble over and over again...somehow gets herself out of a tight spot, but fails to learn anything in the process, and BANG - 6 pages later, she's in another tight spot.
I just want to shake her and tell her we all have to deal with irritations and frustrations, but her life would be so much easier if she'd just take the dog for a walk instead of her usual "take no prisoners" reaction. No wonder she's lonely - snarling and snapping at everyone. As for her "love life" - she's a complete dithering idiot.
Tacky, tacky thought -- is it hormones? Surely she knows there are pills for that. She is a medical professional.
Overall, I found Tempe to be too irritating to be worth the effort of further reading of her rediculous and self-inflicted "adventures." But maybe it's just me...most any "Drama Queen" leaves me drained. And I've got dogs to walk.
September 29, 2013
The first Tempe Brennan novel came out in 1997, and it was hard then to find mystery novels with a connection to Canada. I latched on quickly to these, loving that at least part of the books took place in Montreal.
But years later I am spoiled for choice, and getting picky in my old age. I just don't find this series very interesting any more. The stories are told entirely through the lens of Dr. Brennan's frantic brain, and that is a limiting device. Brennan asks herself countless questions (there are surely more question marks than any other kind of punctuation in this book), but she skims through those questions as quickly as she fires them off. I get that Tempe is an impatient woman who avoids taking stock of her own emotions for whatever reason. But the book ends up feeling so superficial. We learn more about Tempe's feelings for her cat than we do about her feelings for her ex-husband.
Even though this series is at Book #16, there's been almost no character development from one to the other. Slidell, for example, is still presented as a dumb Neanderthal, even though we've seen his redemptive qualities in past novels.
And that leads into the final issue that really bothered me: Reichs seems to have such contempt for so many of her characters, especially the minor ones. A lot of them are caricatures. Reichs mistakes snide cruelty for humour, and so we have to wade through Tempe being thoroughly nasty about various people for no good reason. It's not funny, it's not interesting, and it's not helpful to the development of the story.
It's not like I can call Reichs a lazy writer. From a technical standpoint her books are always well-researched, and I am sure the details of forensic analysis, military procedures and historical events are spot-on. But in terms of what makes a good crime novel great - emotional resonance, complex characters, realistic dialogue, plot twists that spring from real people making hard choices - this series is getting increasingly weak.
But years later I am spoiled for choice, and getting picky in my old age. I just don't find this series very interesting any more. The stories are told entirely through the lens of Dr. Brennan's frantic brain, and that is a limiting device. Brennan asks herself countless questions (there are surely more question marks than any other kind of punctuation in this book), but she skims through those questions as quickly as she fires them off. I get that Tempe is an impatient woman who avoids taking stock of her own emotions for whatever reason. But the book ends up feeling so superficial. We learn more about Tempe's feelings for her cat than we do about her feelings for her ex-husband.
Even though this series is at Book #16, there's been almost no character development from one to the other. Slidell, for example, is still presented as a dumb Neanderthal, even though we've seen his redemptive qualities in past novels.
And that leads into the final issue that really bothered me: Reichs seems to have such contempt for so many of her characters, especially the minor ones. A lot of them are caricatures. Reichs mistakes snide cruelty for humour, and so we have to wade through Tempe being thoroughly nasty about various people for no good reason. It's not funny, it's not interesting, and it's not helpful to the development of the story.
It's not like I can call Reichs a lazy writer. From a technical standpoint her books are always well-researched, and I am sure the details of forensic analysis, military procedures and historical events are spot-on. But in terms of what makes a good crime novel great - emotional resonance, complex characters, realistic dialogue, plot twists that spring from real people making hard choices - this series is getting increasingly weak.
November 30, 2013
The latest Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan book is something less than her earlier books. This one feels like it was just tacked together rather loosely. The trip to Afghanistan in the middle of the book seems like it might have been added later, to flesh out the book.
While the author's prose and dialog is still pretty good, the story isn't. The final denouement seems a little too pat, and the epilogue a little too long to be satisfying. The detective Slidell is no substitute for the more interesting Montreal-based characters in earlier books, and the very brief appearance of Ryan seems merely going through the motions, as if she recognizes that she needs to include him more, or find a new, more interesting character than Slidell.
Perhaps the author is spending too much time on her "Bones" TV series that purports to be inspired by the Temperance Brennan books, but which is a pale shadow of them (the TV series is, I guess, supposed to be amusing, and the characters certainly are shallow -- I quickly grew tired of them). In fact, the only common factor between the books and the TV series is the name of the protagonist and her relationship to bones.
I think this author is in need of new inspiration. I found myself looking forward to finishing this one, something I'd never felt before in her earlier books.
While the author's prose and dialog is still pretty good, the story isn't. The final denouement seems a little too pat, and the epilogue a little too long to be satisfying. The detective Slidell is no substitute for the more interesting Montreal-based characters in earlier books, and the very brief appearance of Ryan seems merely going through the motions, as if she recognizes that she needs to include him more, or find a new, more interesting character than Slidell.
Perhaps the author is spending too much time on her "Bones" TV series that purports to be inspired by the Temperance Brennan books, but which is a pale shadow of them (the TV series is, I guess, supposed to be amusing, and the characters certainly are shallow -- I quickly grew tired of them). In fact, the only common factor between the books and the TV series is the name of the protagonist and her relationship to bones.
I think this author is in need of new inspiration. I found myself looking forward to finishing this one, something I'd never felt before in her earlier books.
May 7, 2014
Reichs adds to an already stellar Tempe Brennan series with another novel sure to entertain as well as educate all who invest their time. Case files fill Brennan's desk, including a Jane Doe who's been found on a deserted road on the outskirts of Charlotte and a batch of mummified dogs confiscated by US Customs with a possible smuggling angle. She works with authorities to uncover both mysteries, but appears to be getting nowhere. Eventually, Brennan's sleuthing capabilities help determine the body is that of a teenage girl, with ties to a well-connected Charlotte businessman, but his death six months before only adds to the mystery. When her examination of the mummified remains gives no definitive answers to Customs, she learns a little more about the accused smuggler, and his ties to the same Charlotte businessman, but there's no apparent connection. If that were not enough, Brennan's ex calls on her forensic skills to help a friend whose son is being court-martialled after an incident in Afghanistan. Jumping at the opportunity to catch up with her recently deployed daughter, Brennan ships out in hopes of putting all on her plate in greater order. After the side-trip proves fruitful on one level, Brennan must return to her 'real job' stateside and tackles the unidentified body case with all her vigour. As horrific details pile up faster than anyone can process them, Brennan discovers that smuggling into North Carolina may include more than just stuffed canines, and for big money. This may be Brennan's most heart-wrenching case to date, with an old flame coming to complicate things even further. Reichs offers up a truly intriguing glimpse into the world of illicit smuggling and pulls on the avid series reader's heartstrings from all angles. A must-read for any Reichs fan!
Reichs proves time and again that she is a master at her craft. Her Tempe Brennan series goes above and beyond to show the interesting world forensic anthropology has to offer. Choosing angles not addressed in Jefferson Bass's Body Farm, she pieces her cases together with true wit and powerful scientific thinking, while also progressing a great personal backstory that spans two countries. Twists from one book to the next are strengthened with great characters and wonderful settings, as well as curious cases that keep the reader hooked. This latest instalment is proof positive that she has a great handle on all aspects. Reichs seems never to run out of fodder to use in her countless novels and fans are always in for a wonderful treat, on both sides of the Canada/US border. While I was skeptical about diving into the over-flogged theme of the War in Afghanistan, Reichs pulls Brennan overseas for a side-plot that seems irrelevant, but actually does advance the greater story, while adding depth to Brennan's forensic capabilities.
Kudos, Dr. Reichs for another great novel. Always a pleasure to see what ideas you have in store for the next adventure.
Reichs proves time and again that she is a master at her craft. Her Tempe Brennan series goes above and beyond to show the interesting world forensic anthropology has to offer. Choosing angles not addressed in Jefferson Bass's Body Farm, she pieces her cases together with true wit and powerful scientific thinking, while also progressing a great personal backstory that spans two countries. Twists from one book to the next are strengthened with great characters and wonderful settings, as well as curious cases that keep the reader hooked. This latest instalment is proof positive that she has a great handle on all aspects. Reichs seems never to run out of fodder to use in her countless novels and fans are always in for a wonderful treat, on both sides of the Canada/US border. While I was skeptical about diving into the over-flogged theme of the War in Afghanistan, Reichs pulls Brennan overseas for a side-plot that seems irrelevant, but actually does advance the greater story, while adding depth to Brennan's forensic capabilities.
Kudos, Dr. Reichs for another great novel. Always a pleasure to see what ideas you have in store for the next adventure.
September 9, 2013
3.5/5 There was a time in my reading life where I devoured every 'forensic' novel I could get my hands on - this seemed to coincide with my love of certain television shows of the same ilk. Well, my interest in the TV shows waned and a few of the forensic authors also fell by the wayside. Okay, one of them fell in the ditch.
But not Kathy Reichs. Although I haven't read the last few books, I looked forward to picking up her latest book (#16) to feature forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan - Bones of the Lost. (Yes, she's the basis of the 'Bones' TV show. As is Reichs, who is a forensic anthropologist herself. Which adds a lot to her books!)
Tempe has a set of what may be ancient Peruvian dog bones at the lab waiting to be looked at. They've been confiscated by US Customs from a US war vet who now specializes in the 'import' business.
But, when a young girl, killed by an apparent hit and run, is brought in, she takes precedence. What was she doing in the seedy part of town she was found in? Why did she have a piece of ID from a dead man in her purse? And no ID of her own?
And finally, her ex-husband Pete begs a favour of her - will she go to Afghanistan to look at a set of bones and testify at a military trial. The incentive? It's at the same camp where their daughter Katy is stationed.
Three seemingly disparate cases that Reichs manages to weave together by the final pages.
What keeps me reading this series is the main character. I like her. I don't always agree with everything she says or does, but she's real and believable. Her co-protagonist Detective 'Skinny' Slidell is not warm and fuzzy, but is a great addition to the series. The two of them are opposites but play off each other well. And Slidell's one-liners were great. Tempe's personal life continues to be in upheaval and gives the character more depth. But love interest Ryan doesn't make an appearance until the final pages. And he arrives with bad news - which may indeed be a set up for the next book.
Reichs has again written a solid mystery, using current topics and headlines to make it time relevant. Solid, but not really new. It seems like I have read this plot line in one form or another already. And maybe that's why it's only a 3.5/5 for me. Because it's solid and somewhat predictable in that we know Tempe is going to solve it all by the end. And this was a bit of a sticky point for me - Tempe seems he** bent on solving everything on her own, damn the torpedoes. She seems to be stepping on detective toes more than using her forensic skills. But hey, it made for good action scenes!
But, that's not to say I didn't enjoy it - I did. Bones of the Lost could be read as a stand alone, but I'd recommend starting at the beginning of the series and getting to know the character right from the start.
But not Kathy Reichs. Although I haven't read the last few books, I looked forward to picking up her latest book (#16) to feature forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan - Bones of the Lost. (Yes, she's the basis of the 'Bones' TV show. As is Reichs, who is a forensic anthropologist herself. Which adds a lot to her books!)
Tempe has a set of what may be ancient Peruvian dog bones at the lab waiting to be looked at. They've been confiscated by US Customs from a US war vet who now specializes in the 'import' business.
But, when a young girl, killed by an apparent hit and run, is brought in, she takes precedence. What was she doing in the seedy part of town she was found in? Why did she have a piece of ID from a dead man in her purse? And no ID of her own?
And finally, her ex-husband Pete begs a favour of her - will she go to Afghanistan to look at a set of bones and testify at a military trial. The incentive? It's at the same camp where their daughter Katy is stationed.
Three seemingly disparate cases that Reichs manages to weave together by the final pages.
What keeps me reading this series is the main character. I like her. I don't always agree with everything she says or does, but she's real and believable. Her co-protagonist Detective 'Skinny' Slidell is not warm and fuzzy, but is a great addition to the series. The two of them are opposites but play off each other well. And Slidell's one-liners were great. Tempe's personal life continues to be in upheaval and gives the character more depth. But love interest Ryan doesn't make an appearance until the final pages. And he arrives with bad news - which may indeed be a set up for the next book.
Reichs has again written a solid mystery, using current topics and headlines to make it time relevant. Solid, but not really new. It seems like I have read this plot line in one form or another already. And maybe that's why it's only a 3.5/5 for me. Because it's solid and somewhat predictable in that we know Tempe is going to solve it all by the end. And this was a bit of a sticky point for me - Tempe seems he** bent on solving everything on her own, damn the torpedoes. She seems to be stepping on detective toes more than using her forensic skills. But hey, it made for good action scenes!
But, that's not to say I didn't enjoy it - I did. Bones of the Lost could be read as a stand alone, but I'd recommend starting at the beginning of the series and getting to know the character right from the start.
January 20, 2019
Honestly just reading these books now because I'm so freaking close to finishing this series! Not even counting the novellas.. because that would be a headache for myself. Plus, I just don't want to torture myself any further. I have 3 books left and I'm counting down the days till I'm done.
Bones of the Lost kind of made me think of an Indiana Jones movie. Tempe is just boring me at this point. I feel like I'm just constantly zoning in and out of these books now. It doesn't help that I'm listening to the audios but I'd rather listen than read at this point. Besides her, Ryan isn't much better either. Their relationship was cute and something to ship in my eyes in book one.. but ever since then it's like they have been stagnant. No idea if that makes sense because I need more coffee but that's how I feel. They are nothing to me now and I give zero fucks about their relationship.
...and if that doesn't make me want to pull my hair out, this whole love triangle thing is getting frustrating. If I have to read one more damn thing about freaking Pete I will throw my phone at the wall or out of a window. I can't stand him or triangles.
Other than that, I feel like I need a book to cheer me up or maybe be hopeful that the rest of the series wont suck as much? I feel like I should always be prepared to be disappointed at this point. I'm just glad that I'm almost done.
Bones of the Lost kind of made me think of an Indiana Jones movie. Tempe is just boring me at this point. I feel like I'm just constantly zoning in and out of these books now. It doesn't help that I'm listening to the audios but I'd rather listen than read at this point. Besides her, Ryan isn't much better either. Their relationship was cute and something to ship in my eyes in book one.. but ever since then it's like they have been stagnant. No idea if that makes sense because I need more coffee but that's how I feel. They are nothing to me now and I give zero fucks about their relationship.
...and if that doesn't make me want to pull my hair out, this whole love triangle thing is getting frustrating. If I have to read one more damn thing about freaking Pete I will throw my phone at the wall or out of a window. I can't stand him or triangles.
Other than that, I feel like I need a book to cheer me up or maybe be hopeful that the rest of the series wont suck as much? I feel like I should always be prepared to be disappointed at this point. I'm just glad that I'm almost done.
October 20, 2013
A decent enough story by Kathy Reichs, but not on par with her earlier books. It follows in the same vein as usual, but there's less pining after the love interests, which was beginning to grate on my nerves in the last couple of books. Her stories are beginning to feel a little bit like CSI though, in that she has 3 distinctly different cases to solve and they all end up being linked to the same people. A stretch of the imagination in what is normally a very fact-driven style of writing. She also runs head-first into danger, which also feels implausible given she is an experienced and professional forensic anthropologist. I could understand someone targeting her, but her running after the bad guys alone and unarmed, especially when they've proven how sadistic and dangerous they can be, seems like a cheap way to move the plot forward and add an element of danger. Perhaps Reichs is running out of ideas and should consider retiring Brennan before she becomes a tired cliche. The story is ok, but I'm starting to lose interest.
January 3, 2021
Temperance Brennan is located on South Carolina and Afghanistan for this installment of Bones.
She discovers human trafficking, and these type of thrillers are a bit too harsh for me. I admire her fight for humans, but always feel terror, as I have two daughters of my own. Well written, yet way too much detail, I'm looking forward to the .5 after this. I definitely realize why I took a few years off from this series.
She discovers human trafficking, and these type of thrillers are a bit too harsh for me. I admire her fight for humans, but always feel terror, as I have two daughters of my own. Well written, yet way too much detail, I'm looking forward to the .5 after this. I definitely realize why I took a few years off from this series.
August 12, 2017
3.75
Erano ANNI che non leggevo un libro della Reichs. Ho ritrovato una Brennan più "spiritosa" e meno "pedante" nei riferimenti scientifici inerenti al suo mestiere. L'ho supportata nelle sue fatiche e nelle sue convinzioni.
Mi è piaciuto molto l'inserto alla fine del libro in cui l'autrice spiega le sue motivazioni nello scrivere questo romanzo.
La parte centrale del libro è stata, per me, una vera sorpresa.
Erano ANNI che non leggevo un libro della Reichs. Ho ritrovato una Brennan più "spiritosa" e meno "pedante" nei riferimenti scientifici inerenti al suo mestiere. L'ho supportata nelle sue fatiche e nelle sue convinzioni.
Mi è piaciuto molto l'inserto alla fine del libro in cui l'autrice spiega le sue motivazioni nello scrivere questo romanzo.
La parte centrale del libro è stata, per me, una vera sorpresa.
July 6, 2024
Another good story with minimal Ryan and a bit of Pete her ex husband. The story concerns a girl killed in a brutal way on the side of the road. Slidell is the investigator with Tempe uncovering a doozy of a story.
Afghanistan features with a visit by Tempe to autopsy two bodies apparently shot in the back by Lieutenant Gross during a firefight. Tempe’s daughter Katy is slso in Afghanistan and they meet up briefly in Bogram.
I liked the pace of this story with fascinating insights into the way a bullet enters and exits a body. Birdie also survives after going briefly missing.
SPOILERS AHEAD
For once Tempe saves herself killing one man and incapacitating the baddie who turns out to be Lieutenant Gross who her evidence at his military inquiry had exonerated. The story was all about the evils of human trafficking and how they were smuggled into the USA. Amazingly easily by all accounts. The red herrings were good with Rockett the disfigured bad tempered ex veteran not the bad guy.
Afghanistan features with a visit by Tempe to autopsy two bodies apparently shot in the back by Lieutenant Gross during a firefight. Tempe’s daughter Katy is slso in Afghanistan and they meet up briefly in Bogram.
I liked the pace of this story with fascinating insights into the way a bullet enters and exits a body. Birdie also survives after going briefly missing.
SPOILERS AHEAD
For once Tempe saves herself killing one man and incapacitating the baddie who turns out to be Lieutenant Gross who her evidence at his military inquiry had exonerated. The story was all about the evils of human trafficking and how they were smuggled into the USA. Amazingly easily by all accounts. The red herrings were good with Rockett the disfigured bad tempered ex veteran not the bad guy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2013
Writing this review makes me sad. I used to be such a fan of this series and recently started watching a few reruns of Bones - the title character is a mash-up of Brennan as written, Reichs herself and a fictional socially awkward anthropologist. When I saw Bones of the Lost available on Netgalley I thought this might just the kick-start I needed to pick up the series again. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way.
Both the writing and the story just were not up to par.
Writing - the prologue is written in almost all simple sentences. That can be used to great effect when done properly and sparingly. It went on for way too long which seemed choppy and amateurish (I really do hate saying that). I'm not supposed to quote from an ARC and I won't but it wasn't good. A writer has such a short period at the beginning of the novel to set the tone and draw in the reader. Didn't work. Another section was written primarily with questions. The MC asking herself question after question after question. This was almost worse than the simple sentences. I wanted to kick the book and couldn't because I didn't want to damage my I-Pad.
Story - all of the little mysteries became interconnected. I know many authors feel they have to do this to make it a cohesive story. I would argue that point but will say that, again, it can work when done properly. In this case, the connections were so far-fetched and far-reaching that it did not make sense. The primary plot points were not very original either (human trafficking, war crimes, etc.) I felt that I had read it all before.
Now I'm going to rant for a second. I'm trying to decide if I have changed so much as a reader or if many of these writers have just become either a) lazy, b) bored with their own characters or c) hired interns to do their writing. I can no longer read the Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. I used to absolutely love that series but that last one I tried to read a few years ago was just painful. And, James Patterson, don't even get me started. Charlaine Harris, Tess Gerritsen (to some extent) and the list goes on and on. Now I have to add Kathy Reichs and it is making me angry.
Maybe it is me. Maybe not.
Ready for tears but I have to give this 1/5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Both the writing and the story just were not up to par.
Writing - the prologue is written in almost all simple sentences. That can be used to great effect when done properly and sparingly. It went on for way too long which seemed choppy and amateurish (I really do hate saying that). I'm not supposed to quote from an ARC and I won't but it wasn't good. A writer has such a short period at the beginning of the novel to set the tone and draw in the reader. Didn't work. Another section was written primarily with questions. The MC asking herself question after question after question. This was almost worse than the simple sentences. I wanted to kick the book and couldn't because I didn't want to damage my I-Pad.
Story - all of the little mysteries became interconnected. I know many authors feel they have to do this to make it a cohesive story. I would argue that point but will say that, again, it can work when done properly. In this case, the connections were so far-fetched and far-reaching that it did not make sense. The primary plot points were not very original either (human trafficking, war crimes, etc.) I felt that I had read it all before.
Now I'm going to rant for a second. I'm trying to decide if I have changed so much as a reader or if many of these writers have just become either a) lazy, b) bored with their own characters or c) hired interns to do their writing. I can no longer read the Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. I used to absolutely love that series but that last one I tried to read a few years ago was just painful. And, James Patterson, don't even get me started. Charlaine Harris, Tess Gerritsen (to some extent) and the list goes on and on. Now I have to add Kathy Reichs and it is making me angry.
Maybe it is me. Maybe not.
Ready for tears but I have to give this 1/5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2013
The story was interesting but the cat made it worth reading. Yes, I know, sounds silly but among the crime and rather dark material that one finds in a Kathy Reichs novel, the humour Birdie brought was refreshing. I felt really sorry for that poor animal by about the first third of the book when there had still not been a cat food purchase.
As one can count on with any of the Bones novels, this one is filled wry humour. I appreciated this as Tempe's sense of irony and her personality made the novel a joy to read.
The basic premise of this book becomes much more complicated as the story goes on. I could relate to her worry over her child and that made me feel closer to her character. The interactions between the main character and her ex-husband were funny and I enjoyed her views on his new future-wife in particular.
My favourite character in this book was "Skinny." I liked his personality right from the start and he had some fabulous one-liners as well, worthy of remembering for future use.
The resolution to the events in this book seemed to be solved with ease, and the overall novel was a smooth journey. I did feel that this story was somewhat similar to other books in this series but not so much that it was like reading a repeat. The characters, as always seemed so much like real people that I forgot I was reading a book, becoming absorbed in the happenings of their lives.
Involving illegally smuggled antiquities gave this book another interesting thread that was worth uncovering as the pages turned.
If you have not had a chance to read this book or the other Bones novels yet, I would recommend that you do. I liked it.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher in cooperation with Netgalley.
As one can count on with any of the Bones novels, this one is filled wry humour. I appreciated this as Tempe's sense of irony and her personality made the novel a joy to read.
The basic premise of this book becomes much more complicated as the story goes on. I could relate to her worry over her child and that made me feel closer to her character. The interactions between the main character and her ex-husband were funny and I enjoyed her views on his new future-wife in particular.
My favourite character in this book was "Skinny." I liked his personality right from the start and he had some fabulous one-liners as well, worthy of remembering for future use.
The resolution to the events in this book seemed to be solved with ease, and the overall novel was a smooth journey. I did feel that this story was somewhat similar to other books in this series but not so much that it was like reading a repeat. The characters, as always seemed so much like real people that I forgot I was reading a book, becoming absorbed in the happenings of their lives.
Involving illegally smuggled antiquities gave this book another interesting thread that was worth uncovering as the pages turned.
If you have not had a chance to read this book or the other Bones novels yet, I would recommend that you do. I liked it.
This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher in cooperation with Netgalley.
August 29, 2013
First I didn't get the whole Afhganistan episode as soon as the stories connected. Though it seemed a little too constructed. I really like the style of Kathy Reichs. Her books are always suspense and a good read. That's why I read every single Dr. Brennan story but what bothers me about this series that the plot is always similar constructed. At 80% of the book Dr. Brennan always finds out the dark spot (for example an empty warehouse) where other victims or the criminals are hidden. She always tries to reach her partner from the police for back up. The partner never answers the phone, she leaves a message where she is about to go. She always forget to take her phone with her which causes her problems in the end. At 90% of the book she goes by her own to the dark spot encounters the criminals, fights with them, get hurts or is captured by them. Then the police shows up, saves her, tells her to not do this by herself the next time. But she always does. A bit more variation of the plots would be nice Kathy Reichs, otherwise as I mentioned a nice read.
August 19, 2013
This should be 4 and 3/4 stars...What a wild ride this one turned out to be! My first Temperance Brennan book and I enjoyed it so much more than the sappy TV show,with its mish mash of twerky characters that add nothing to the plot.
Back to the book...for those of you who actually read to learn something new,this is definitely the book for you. Technical jargon aside ( of which there is a freeking football stadium full) there's military initials decoded, a scarey as hell trip to the middle east, via military transport, to free a soldiers accused of some not so friendly fire, international trade law details, 4 mummified dogs that might be stolen from Peru, DEA rules and regs, human trafficking that might explain a dead Jane Doe by the side of the road, with a kitty barrette, so that's at least 3 plot lines all going at once!
Not to mention an intelligent female heroine who has " cahones" of valarian steel! Holy schmikies this woman is awesome!
And a cat! Its close to perfect!
Back to the book...for those of you who actually read to learn something new,this is definitely the book for you. Technical jargon aside ( of which there is a freeking football stadium full) there's military initials decoded, a scarey as hell trip to the middle east, via military transport, to free a soldiers accused of some not so friendly fire, international trade law details, 4 mummified dogs that might be stolen from Peru, DEA rules and regs, human trafficking that might explain a dead Jane Doe by the side of the road, with a kitty barrette, so that's at least 3 plot lines all going at once!
Not to mention an intelligent female heroine who has " cahones" of valarian steel! Holy schmikies this woman is awesome!
And a cat! Its close to perfect!
November 6, 2013
I loved the early books but this series is really going downhill. The writing is so formulaic that I can predict the one-word cliff hangers at the end of each chapter. I'm sure it's supposed to be punchy, but it's just annoying. Every single call or email can't be heart stopping.
Worse, she's become incredibly rude describing the minor characters. If there's some plot need to say the ICE guy is overweight (and there's not) then say that. Don't call him a "pink beluga" and make snide comments on his size at every appearance. And making fun of a store clerk who is trying to help is super classy.
Reichs is certainly entitled to her opinions, but I'd think she wouldn't want to insult readers/future customers. And the rude comments certainly don't jibe with her wish for compassion and understanding for victims.
Worse, she's become incredibly rude describing the minor characters. If there's some plot need to say the ICE guy is overweight (and there's not) then say that. Don't call him a "pink beluga" and make snide comments on his size at every appearance. And making fun of a store clerk who is trying to help is super classy.
Reichs is certainly entitled to her opinions, but I'd think she wouldn't want to insult readers/future customers. And the rude comments certainly don't jibe with her wish for compassion and understanding for victims.
June 13, 2013
The Good: Full on honest emotion. A turning point, perhaps? While this installation of the Temperance Brennan mysteries did little to impress me investigation-wise, the human aspect of the book carried me through and kept me fully invested in Tempe's personal life.
The Bad: This mystery was sort of ridiculous. I'm sorry. I love Kathy Reichs, but the way the story resolved itself was just beyond improbable. The killer was just ludicrous, seeming like a poor attempt to pull all aspects of the story together in the end. Everything in this book, from the killer to Tempe going to Katy's site all felt just way too coincidental.
The Bad: This mystery was sort of ridiculous. I'm sorry. I love Kathy Reichs, but the way the story resolved itself was just beyond improbable. The killer was just ludicrous, seeming like a poor attempt to pull all aspects of the story together in the end. Everything in this book, from the killer to Tempe going to Katy's site all felt just way too coincidental.
February 6, 2016
Even though this was better than the first book I have read from Reichs, it still fell short of it getting more than 3 stars from me. The story overall was good and it did have action, it just wasn't suspenseful as I had expected. Dr. Brennan is a likable enough character though and I will continue to read more books in this series because forensic fiction is my genre.
**Copy provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review**
**Copy provided by publisher in exchange of an honest review**
March 31, 2019
Ugh. I finally finished. That was a bit of a slog! This Temperance Brennan books starts off with the discovery of a dead teenage girl, apparently killed in a hit and run. She's holding a card that belonged to a man who died in a fire months earlier. There's also the matter of a war vet who has smuggled mummified dogs (!) into the country. Suddenly, that all gets abandoned in part two, as Tempe treks off to Afghanistan to exhume the remains of two men killed by a soldier. The soldier has been accused of straight out execution as opposed to self-defense.
Of course, this being a Kathy Reichs book, we know that all of these elements are going to tie in together somehow. But the process of getting the information really was a bore! Waaaaay too much of this book is dedicated to Tempe's daily routines, and monotonous descriptions of where she travels to and where she stays. Practically a whole chapter was devoted to Tempe's trip home from Afghanistan and all the flight delays she experiences. Realistic, I imagine, but really effing boring to read about! Very little actually happens in this book! Indeed, it requires a 13 page epilogue to explain to us how everything connects together! Perhaps some of that could have fell into place earlier? As it is, it all still felt very jumbled and all over the place.
Unfortunately, I was bored, bored, bored reading this book and got a lot of naps out of it. Tempe's judgmental comments on just about everyone, the tediously described minutiae of her daily routines, the haphazard plot and the excessive travel descriptions land this clunker towards the bottom of the pile of Brennan books. There's only a couple more to go, so hopefully those are better than this!
Of course, this being a Kathy Reichs book, we know that all of these elements are going to tie in together somehow. But the process of getting the information really was a bore! Waaaaay too much of this book is dedicated to Tempe's daily routines, and monotonous descriptions of where she travels to and where she stays. Practically a whole chapter was devoted to Tempe's trip home from Afghanistan and all the flight delays she experiences. Realistic, I imagine, but really effing boring to read about! Very little actually happens in this book! Indeed, it requires a 13 page epilogue to explain to us how everything connects together! Perhaps some of that could have fell into place earlier? As it is, it all still felt very jumbled and all over the place.
Unfortunately, I was bored, bored, bored reading this book and got a lot of naps out of it. Tempe's judgmental comments on just about everyone, the tediously described minutiae of her daily routines, the haphazard plot and the excessive travel descriptions land this clunker towards the bottom of the pile of Brennan books. There's only a couple more to go, so hopefully those are better than this!
August 23, 2017
Cito ciò che la Reichs riporta nella sua interessante appendice a proposito di questo romanzo e in merito ad alcune "cosette" in esso contenute:
"Sfera personale, sfera professionale... suggestioni in libertà nella mia mente. Fatti, ricordi, impressioni. Elementi slegati fra loro e riconfigurati in un tutto.
Et voilà: un nuovo romanzo di Temperance Brennan."
Ottimo!
La prima e la terza parte rientrano nella routine: Tempe Brennan viene chiamata per esaminare il corpo (o meglio le ossa) di una ragazza trovata sul ciglio di una strada; da qui tutto quello che ne consegue per una seria (e bella) indagine.
La parte centrale, invece, si svolge in Afghanistan; qui la Brennan ha un compito particolare che porta a buon fine.
Potrebbe sembrare a sé stante. Potrebbe...
Come al solito, poi, Tempe Brennan non perde occasione per ficcarsi nei guai. E qui, vuoi per il tipo di scrittura, vuoi per la tempistica, il ritmo sale, il cuore accelera, l'adrenalina ribolle... Wow!
Per fortuna è scritto in prima persona: se non altro questo offre una garanzia: quella della sopravvivenza.
Meno quella del lettore, che potrebbe arrivare alla fine con debito d'ossigeno.
Bentornata Kathy! ❤️
P.S.: Complimenti a Tempe Brennan per la sua umanità e per la sua rinnovata carica di ironia!
"Sfera personale, sfera professionale... suggestioni in libertà nella mia mente. Fatti, ricordi, impressioni. Elementi slegati fra loro e riconfigurati in un tutto.
Et voilà: un nuovo romanzo di Temperance Brennan."
Ottimo!
La prima e la terza parte rientrano nella routine: Tempe Brennan viene chiamata per esaminare il corpo (o meglio le ossa) di una ragazza trovata sul ciglio di una strada; da qui tutto quello che ne consegue per una seria (e bella) indagine.
La parte centrale, invece, si svolge in Afghanistan; qui la Brennan ha un compito particolare che porta a buon fine.
Potrebbe sembrare a sé stante. Potrebbe...
Come al solito, poi, Tempe Brennan non perde occasione per ficcarsi nei guai. E qui, vuoi per il tipo di scrittura, vuoi per la tempistica, il ritmo sale, il cuore accelera, l'adrenalina ribolle... Wow!
Per fortuna è scritto in prima persona: se non altro questo offre una garanzia: quella della sopravvivenza.
Meno quella del lettore, che potrebbe arrivare alla fine con debito d'ossigeno.
Bentornata Kathy! ❤️
P.S.: Complimenti a Tempe Brennan per la sua umanità e per la sua rinnovata carica di ironia!
May 17, 2023
Loved this 16th book in Kathy Reichs "Temperance Brennan" series!
December 2, 2013
I've wanted to read a book by Kathy Reichs for a long time now. Although Bones of the Lost is the 16th novel in the Temperance Brennan series, I did not feel that I'd missed out on too much. Because I can't be bothered with anything on TV that isn't Family Guy of The Big Bang Theory I had no idea the series Bones was based off of this character.
Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, is called in to investigate on the death of a young girl after being hit by a careless driver. Evidence suggests that the hit and run may be intentional. The girl has no ID and is quickly written off as just another hooker but there's something about this girl that appeals to Brennan and she's set on getting justice for this young girl. Along with "Skinny" Slidell, the clues lead to a possible connection to the businessman John-Henry Story or worse, human-trafficking.
My initial thoughts are that Kathy Reichs knows how to hook a reader. There isn't a lot of suspense to go on after the prologue but the narration is swift and moves forward quickly. One moment Brennan is explaining why Jane Doe's body should be categorized as murder the next she's boarding a plane to Aghanistan. Aside from it's lack of suspense, I got lost in the world of bones with Brennan for a few hours. I am aware of my limitations so I appreciate Reichs for dumbing down or speaking in English, some of the medical terminology. Big Thanks!
Bones of the Lost is not the first in the series so if its something that doesn't bother you, by all means jump in as I have. I imagine readers of this series have a leg up on the characters and their developments even though Reichs does a good enough job at bringing life and depth to them. The only aspect that was completely lost on me is the weird relationship Temperance has with her (ex?)husband Pete. They are beyond odd to me. Reading up on the series could have possibly brought more depth and understanding but...
As mentioned earlier, I've been looking forward to reading a Kathy Reichs book for a long time. Fans of this series will love this addition and newbies won't have a reason not to continue following this character. I look forward to seeing what else Reichs has in store for Temperance Brennan.
Copy provided by Simon & Schuster via Netgalley
Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, is called in to investigate on the death of a young girl after being hit by a careless driver. Evidence suggests that the hit and run may be intentional. The girl has no ID and is quickly written off as just another hooker but there's something about this girl that appeals to Brennan and she's set on getting justice for this young girl. Along with "Skinny" Slidell, the clues lead to a possible connection to the businessman John-Henry Story or worse, human-trafficking.
My initial thoughts are that Kathy Reichs knows how to hook a reader. There isn't a lot of suspense to go on after the prologue but the narration is swift and moves forward quickly. One moment Brennan is explaining why Jane Doe's body should be categorized as murder the next she's boarding a plane to Aghanistan. Aside from it's lack of suspense, I got lost in the world of bones with Brennan for a few hours. I am aware of my limitations so I appreciate Reichs for dumbing down or speaking in English, some of the medical terminology. Big Thanks!
Bones of the Lost is not the first in the series so if its something that doesn't bother you, by all means jump in as I have. I imagine readers of this series have a leg up on the characters and their developments even though Reichs does a good enough job at bringing life and depth to them. The only aspect that was completely lost on me is the weird relationship Temperance has with her (ex?)husband Pete. They are beyond odd to me. Reading up on the series could have possibly brought more depth and understanding but...
As mentioned earlier, I've been looking forward to reading a Kathy Reichs book for a long time. Fans of this series will love this addition and newbies won't have a reason not to continue following this character. I look forward to seeing what else Reichs has in store for Temperance Brennan.
Copy provided by Simon & Schuster via Netgalley
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