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Temperance Brennan #6
Bare Bones
It's a summer of sizzling heat in Charlotte where Dr. Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist for the North Carolina medical examiner, looks forward to her first vacation in years. A romantic vacation. She's almost out the door when the bones start appearing.
A newborn's charred remains turn up in a woodstove. A small plane crashes in a North Carolina cornfield on a sunny afternoon. Both pilot and passenger are burned beyond recognition. And what is the mysterious black substance covering the bodies? Most puzzling of all are the bones discovered at a remote farm outside Charlotte. The remains seem to be of animal origin, but Tempe is shocked when she gets them to her lab.
With help from a special detective friend, Tempe must investigate a poignant and terrifying case that comes at the worst possible moment. Daughter Katy has a new boyfriend who Tempe fears may have something to hide. And important personal decisions face Tempe. Is it time for emotional commitment? Will she have the chance to find out?
Everything must wait on the bones. Why are the X rays and DNA so perplexing? Who is trying to keep Tempe from the answers? Someone is following her and Katy. That someone must be stopped before it's too late.
A newborn's charred remains turn up in a woodstove. A small plane crashes in a North Carolina cornfield on a sunny afternoon. Both pilot and passenger are burned beyond recognition. And what is the mysterious black substance covering the bodies? Most puzzling of all are the bones discovered at a remote farm outside Charlotte. The remains seem to be of animal origin, but Tempe is shocked when she gets them to her lab.
With help from a special detective friend, Tempe must investigate a poignant and terrifying case that comes at the worst possible moment. Daughter Katy has a new boyfriend who Tempe fears may have something to hide. And important personal decisions face Tempe. Is it time for emotional commitment? Will she have the chance to find out?
Everything must wait on the bones. Why are the X rays and DNA so perplexing? Who is trying to keep Tempe from the answers? Someone is following her and Katy. That someone must be stopped before it's too late.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2003
1,079 people are currently reading
15.4k people want to read
About the author
Kathy Reichs
121books16.8kfollowersKathy 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:
� Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
Awards:
� Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,202 reviews
February 12, 2013
This is my 6th Temperance Brennan novel--I am reading them in order. The two main themes--Tempe gets some sort of "back off" warning from the killer and promptly puts herself and/or her friends and family in imminent danger, and she gets knocked in the head A LOT--are tediously repeated here and I have faith that they will continue ad infinitum. To be honest, once I get to the part when she is rendered unconscious and awakens to find herself held prisoner but, strangely, left unshackled and therefore able to use her wits to escape in some manner (usually a timely rescue by clever men who somehow figure out exactly where she's gone off the grid), I start skimming because by then I really don't care that much about who did what to whom. What I find interesting about these books are the bizarre cases Tempe finds herself embroiled in, and the forensics. I do love me some grisly dead bodies, the more putrefied the better. It's a sickness.
There are numerous flaws with this series, as mentioned above and also including ridiculously convoluted plots with too many threads. There is a certain amount of lecturing on various subjects--motor cycles, human rights, DNA, what-have-you--but some of that information is interesting. I'd never even heard of a spix's macaw before this book, for example. And these books are nothing like the TV series!!! Just kidding, I haven't ever watched "Bones" and would never expect a TV version of anything to amount to much. But I find Tempe amusing. Onward to book #7! I will keep going until I can't take it anymore.
There are numerous flaws with this series, as mentioned above and also including ridiculously convoluted plots with too many threads. There is a certain amount of lecturing on various subjects--motor cycles, human rights, DNA, what-have-you--but some of that information is interesting. I'd never even heard of a spix's macaw before this book, for example. And these books are nothing like the TV series!!! Just kidding, I haven't ever watched "Bones" and would never expect a TV version of anything to amount to much. But I find Tempe amusing. Onward to book #7! I will keep going until I can't take it anymore.
March 6, 2011
An unconvincing, totally forgettable novel. Like many other readers, I miss the elements that make the Bones TV show so appealing. I made the mistake of thinking that this was the first book in Reichs' series, so I was initially surprised at how phoned-in and convoluted it felt. The only part of the book that seemed passionately written was Tempe's environmental speech featured on the last two pages. Reichs writes in sentence fragments that read like sporadic bursts of machine gun fire, as if she had sent the manuscript to her publishers via telegram and was being charged by the word. Publishers Weekly refers to it as "cut-to-the-chase writing," but I think it's lazy. Call me old-fashioned, but I enjoy the occasional verb now and then. I also don't care much for the "cutesy" elements throughout, such as the constant attention to the lovable antics of Tempe's pets or the way that her boyfriend continually acts cute in wholly unrealistic ways. And don't even get me started on Reichs' Sex And The City-syle attention to fashion and brand names. I can see the potential for Reichs to be a good writer, but this outing contains for too many cheesy paperback-romance elements that do nothing to serve the story and will simply alienate the male audience. Then there's the actual plot of this novel, which is incredibly weak and coincidental. It all builds up to an even weaker, more coincidental ending...and Tempe is given the fortuitous opportunity to kill the main villain in the absolute lamest way imaginable. I'm curious whether this is a series that simply jumped the shark, or if it was really this bad from the get-go.
November 6, 2018
UUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Like I said in my previous review, for book 5, this book and the previous one.. just weren't for me. Pretty sure I just repeated everything in my first sentence but that's because these two left me so shook. Not in a good way. It's getting tiring to see the same thing constantly happening.
Temperance is ALWAYS in danger.
She misses her kid.
She misses Ryan.
She solves the murder..but it takes FOREVER.
The one thing that kept this a page turner was trying to figure out who killed the baby. So yea, the only thing that got me into this book was when she found those bones. Other than that, I just didn't care. Yeah, the other murder was an interesting add but it just seems to be repetitive. I don't want to say that I'm getting bored.. but I am and it's sad because I'm listening to the freaking audios! Those kind of books shouldn't make you bored.. but it's like I'd rather sit in traffic than keep hearing Temperance being in danger.
I have no idea when I'm going to dive into the next book but I feel like I need a mini break from this series. Hopefully the next book will bring me out of this weird funk. I need something to get me interested into this book and characters again.
Like I said in my previous review, for book 5, this book and the previous one.. just weren't for me. Pretty sure I just repeated everything in my first sentence but that's because these two left me so shook. Not in a good way. It's getting tiring to see the same thing constantly happening.
Temperance is ALWAYS in danger.
She misses her kid.
She misses Ryan.
She solves the murder..but it takes FOREVER.
The one thing that kept this a page turner was trying to figure out who killed the baby. So yea, the only thing that got me into this book was when she found those bones. Other than that, I just didn't care. Yeah, the other murder was an interesting add but it just seems to be repetitive. I don't want to say that I'm getting bored.. but I am and it's sad because I'm listening to the freaking audios! Those kind of books shouldn't make you bored.. but it's like I'd rather sit in traffic than keep hearing Temperance being in danger.
I have no idea when I'm going to dive into the next book but I feel like I need a mini break from this series. Hopefully the next book will bring me out of this weird funk. I need something to get me interested into this book and characters again.
June 6, 2020
Per usual, forensic anthropologist Temperence Brennan gets into a wild mess in the pursuit of justice. This time the world of drug trafficing, endangered species, and murder collide.
Coming from a background as a forensic anthropologist myself I strive to be as unbiased as possible. When I say her books are very accurate I mean it. I don't find myself rolling my eyes and getting frustrated over inaccuracies. The only thing I have ever pointed out is that FA's do not play detective like Brennan does. We work death scenes and in labs and turn reports over to authorities. I do not mind Brennans excursions because it makes for some edge-of-your-seat entertainment and interesting subjects. I love this series and always jump into the next book as fast as possible.
Coming from a background as a forensic anthropologist myself I strive to be as unbiased as possible. When I say her books are very accurate I mean it. I don't find myself rolling my eyes and getting frustrated over inaccuracies. The only thing I have ever pointed out is that FA's do not play detective like Brennan does. We work death scenes and in labs and turn reports over to authorities. I do not mind Brennans excursions because it makes for some edge-of-your-seat entertainment and interesting subjects. I love this series and always jump into the next book as fast as possible.
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December 12, 2023ليست المرة الأولى التي التقي فيها بعالمة الأنثروبيولوجيا " تمب برينان " ، اعتدت وجودها الدائم مع العظام والجثث المتحللة ومجهولي الهوية ، وتفحص صور الأشعة السينية واختبارات الحمض النووي ، ولكنني هنا لم استطع تقبل كل التفاصيل الصغيرة الخانقة....
ما بين جثة رضيع متفحمة ، عظام دببة مختلطة بعظام انسان ، جمجمة ويدين تنتظر جسدها ، طائرة محترقة ، كل ذلك يقودك إلى التجارة غير القانونية بالكائنات القابلة للانقراض وتجارة المخدرات...
في محاولة الربط بين أشخاص مختلفين وأماكن متباعدة كدت أن أسقط الكتاب من بين يدي ، فالعمل في ظل عدد كبير من الافتراضات ثقيل ومُرهق ذهنياً ويقتل الحدس بداخلك قبل أن يلوح لك...
كما أن لدي سؤال هام كيف يمكن أن يكون الحديث المتبادل بين اثنين متحابين عن الكائنات المنقرضة من النسور والثعابين والبغبغاوات والسلاحف....!! 😏
الحياة لا تحتمل... والله لا تحتمل...
ما بين جثة رضيع متفحمة ، عظام دببة مختلطة بعظام انسان ، جمجمة ويدين تنتظر جسدها ، طائرة محترقة ، كل ذلك يقودك إلى التجارة غير القانونية بالكائنات القابلة للانقراض وتجارة المخدرات...
في محاولة الربط بين أشخاص مختلفين وأماكن متباعدة كدت أن أسقط الكتاب من بين يدي ، فالعمل في ظل عدد كبير من الافتراضات ثقيل ومُرهق ذهنياً ويقتل الحدس بداخلك قبل أن يلوح لك...
كما أن لدي سؤال هام كيف يمكن أن يكون الحديث المتبادل بين اثنين متحابين عن الكائنات المنقرضة من النسور والثعابين والبغبغاوات والسلاحف....!! 😏
الحياة لا تحتمل... والله لا تحتمل...
May 3, 2024
my favourite palate cleanser mystery/thriller/medical/police drama series! exactly what i needed :))
April 11, 2024
Not one of my favourites of the series so far. I found this a little bland, forgettable and uninspiring.
As always this follows more than one murder/body and Dr Brennan is on this case and she always gets way too involved. I thought the twists and reveals were disappointing too. I like Ryan though and I think he is a nice break from the bleakness of this book.
This was a very easy read and it only took me a couple days to get through. These books are a nice break between more complex books and overall this has been an enjoyable series that I will be carrying on with.
As always this follows more than one murder/body and Dr Brennan is on this case and she always gets way too involved. I thought the twists and reveals were disappointing too. I like Ryan though and I think he is a nice break from the bleakness of this book.
This was a very easy read and it only took me a couple days to get through. These books are a nice break between more complex books and overall this has been an enjoyable series that I will be carrying on with.
February 21, 2023
The best part of this book was the dog. That should tell you everything you need to know.
This is my second and last Temperance Brennan book. I just don't think I can do it. The same issues I had reading the other book from this series remained here. The book is still very procedural with little warmth or feeling. The characters are very one dimensional giving nothing to the reader but facts. "Here is Temperance. She goes to work. She finds bones. She does science. She maybe has a relationship. She judges her daughter. She gets in trouble. She solves the case in the nick of time."
While the case was better in this one, it still was a mess. The only real aspect I cared about was who killed the baby and why. But we couldn't just get that, we had to throw in animal deaths and other deaths to make it so convoluted that you end up forgetting who half the players are by the time everything is revealed. Temperance was a mess. Her life is a mess. She's always in danger yet she always saves the day. I just wanted so much more.
Also, the random poaching speeches that kept happening really threw off the pacing. 100% poaching is wrong and is a serious problem worldwide. But it was approached with very little concern instead we just get a lecture smack dab in the book. Again, THIS ISN'T A TEXTBOOK.
So yeah, this is where we part ways. I tried 2 books and felt the same with each one. I'm just going to stick to the TV show and call it a day.
This is my second and last Temperance Brennan book. I just don't think I can do it. The same issues I had reading the other book from this series remained here. The book is still very procedural with little warmth or feeling. The characters are very one dimensional giving nothing to the reader but facts. "Here is Temperance. She goes to work. She finds bones. She does science. She maybe has a relationship. She judges her daughter. She gets in trouble. She solves the case in the nick of time."
While the case was better in this one, it still was a mess. The only real aspect I cared about was who killed the baby and why. But we couldn't just get that, we had to throw in animal deaths and other deaths to make it so convoluted that you end up forgetting who half the players are by the time everything is revealed. Temperance was a mess. Her life is a mess. She's always in danger yet she always saves the day. I just wanted so much more.
Also, the random poaching speeches that kept happening really threw off the pacing. 100% poaching is wrong and is a serious problem worldwide. But it was approached with very little concern instead we just get a lecture smack dab in the book. Again, THIS ISN'T A TEXTBOOK.
So yeah, this is where we part ways. I tried 2 books and felt the same with each one. I'm just going to stick to the TV show and call it a day.
February 28, 2017
Our favorite forensic anthropologist is at it again. At a party in the country with her daughter and her estranged husband's dog, Tempe Brennan comes across remains of black bear and in her exploration of the bones, finds some that are human. Tempe is called to the site of a plane crash and all the clues lead to the conclusion that the two men in the plane had been dropping drugs before flying into a mountain. In a nearby farm, more remains are found, including a skull with a bullet hole in the back. There are also drugs and feathers of a nearly extinct bird. And she begins to get threatening emails.
This is an exciting read and fortunately, the main character is smart, intuitive but human. Its always fun to read about the adventures of this Tempe Brennan, who I think is a much more interesting character than the TV version.
This is an exciting read and fortunately, the main character is smart, intuitive but human. Its always fun to read about the adventures of this Tempe Brennan, who I think is a much more interesting character than the TV version.
March 8, 2023
A mixed bag this story. Boyd and Birdie both get a bit to much mentioned and her perfect boyfriend Ryan. The story I liked with a mixture of drug smuggling and wildlife smuggling. Tempe sees danger everywhere. Sidell the cop with every prejudice under the sun was entertaining and Tempe’s dislike of him.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The ending fizzled a bit for me with Horton’s partner in crime an Asian coroner dealing in bear gall bladders. How many times can Tempe be knocked on the head in these stories. Still I prefer the books to the tv series and perhaps that’s because of the Montreal and Charlotte differences.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The ending fizzled a bit for me with Horton’s partner in crime an Asian coroner dealing in bear gall bladders. How many times can Tempe be knocked on the head in these stories. Still I prefer the books to the tv series and perhaps that’s because of the Montreal and Charlotte differences.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2009
With a background in anthropology, I was intrigued by the idea of a book starring a female anthropologist, written by a female anthropologist. Kathy Reichs, of course, does and writes forensic work, which is far afield from the applied cultural material on which I once focused--but she writes a darned good novel! I liked the characters, and was pleasantly surprised to recognize the author's name when my kids turned on the TV show Bones, which I'd not watched before; Kathy Reichs is associated with the show, which stars the same lead character (Dr. Temperanceas Brennan, or "Tempe") as her series of novels.
The only real disappointment was that the plot was rather strongly formulaic, so that as I neared the end of the novel I found myself thinking, "OK, when is Tempe going to find herself unexpectedly trapped alone with the killer, with no escape in sight until someone from the supporting cast just as unexpectedly bursts in to save her?" I won't tell you whether or not that happens, but I'll go ahead and say that the word "spoiler" wouldn't really apply?
On the other hand, formulas come into being because they work, and there's something comfortable sometimes about settling in with a novel whose basic outline you can predict, just to see how a new author explores the genre.
The actual book recommended to me was a later one in this series, and I decided to start with this one, which I mistakenly thought was the first. It was good enough that I plan to read the others in the near future.
And the big surprise? I've actually watched a couple episodes of the TV show now, and like them too!
The only real disappointment was that the plot was rather strongly formulaic, so that as I neared the end of the novel I found myself thinking, "OK, when is Tempe going to find herself unexpectedly trapped alone with the killer, with no escape in sight until someone from the supporting cast just as unexpectedly bursts in to save her?" I won't tell you whether or not that happens, but I'll go ahead and say that the word "spoiler" wouldn't really apply?
On the other hand, formulas come into being because they work, and there's something comfortable sometimes about settling in with a novel whose basic outline you can predict, just to see how a new author explores the genre.
The actual book recommended to me was a later one in this series, and I decided to start with this one, which I mistakenly thought was the first. It was good enough that I plan to read the others in the near future.
And the big surprise? I've actually watched a couple episodes of the TV show now, and like them too!
June 5, 2014
Reviewed first at
In the past I have loved Kathy Reichs’s books and I am still a big fan of the show based on her books Bones. My Undergrad degree is Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Forensic Science; with all of that why is it I just didn’t care for this book. This is now two of her books in a row that I was less than thrilled with. I’m starting to worry that I have grown out of Kathy Reichs. I keep wondering if these books have always been this way and when I started reading them I didn’t have a lot to compare them to. Have my tastes just changed? Has this ever happened to you? I would love to hear from you in the comments just so I know I’m not alone on this.
So the plot of the story is there is a suspicious fire and Brennan is asked to look into some charred remains putting her vacation on hold. While stuck working she decides to step away and meet her daughter’s friends. While at a Bar BQ with them her dog finds bones. Not just animal bones but human mixed in. Is this poaching that went wrong, or did a bear snack on a picnicker only to choke on a bone and die. I’ll let you read and figure that out if you would like.
The more I think about this plot I keep picking at it. Why do these books have so many different victims/cases mashed into one book? There have been times while I am reading that I have no idea which bones she is referring to belong to what case or victim. It can be frustrating. It’s almost like trying to keep straight the characters of Game of Thrones without a character list handy. I also have started to hate the whole romance (or lack thereof) angle in these books. I remember when I first started reading these books cheering for Brennan and Detective Ryan. Now I am just irritated with the juvenile “I love him�, “I hate him�, “I love him again�. It doesn’t really advance the story in my opinion.
I think I am going to keep this short; I’m really indifferent on this book. I didn’t care for it but I didn’t hate it. I will try to go mid road here and give this 3 out of 5 stars. I feel it really is more of a 2.5 star read but I’m going to round up this time. I have a few more to read and if the next one is about the same I might end my run there.
In the past I have loved Kathy Reichs’s books and I am still a big fan of the show based on her books Bones. My Undergrad degree is Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Forensic Science; with all of that why is it I just didn’t care for this book. This is now two of her books in a row that I was less than thrilled with. I’m starting to worry that I have grown out of Kathy Reichs. I keep wondering if these books have always been this way and when I started reading them I didn’t have a lot to compare them to. Have my tastes just changed? Has this ever happened to you? I would love to hear from you in the comments just so I know I’m not alone on this.
So the plot of the story is there is a suspicious fire and Brennan is asked to look into some charred remains putting her vacation on hold. While stuck working she decides to step away and meet her daughter’s friends. While at a Bar BQ with them her dog finds bones. Not just animal bones but human mixed in. Is this poaching that went wrong, or did a bear snack on a picnicker only to choke on a bone and die. I’ll let you read and figure that out if you would like.
The more I think about this plot I keep picking at it. Why do these books have so many different victims/cases mashed into one book? There have been times while I am reading that I have no idea which bones she is referring to belong to what case or victim. It can be frustrating. It’s almost like trying to keep straight the characters of Game of Thrones without a character list handy. I also have started to hate the whole romance (or lack thereof) angle in these books. I remember when I first started reading these books cheering for Brennan and Detective Ryan. Now I am just irritated with the juvenile “I love him�, “I hate him�, “I love him again�. It doesn’t really advance the story in my opinion.
I think I am going to keep this short; I’m really indifferent on this book. I didn’t care for it but I didn’t hate it. I will try to go mid road here and give this 3 out of 5 stars. I feel it really is more of a 2.5 star read but I’m going to round up this time. I have a few more to read and if the next one is about the same I might end my run there.
August 2, 2008
Reichs' books are an easy read (probably why I read them). I've read two of hers so far. This one for me was confusing. Because I couldn't read it straight through (or almost straight through), I couldn't keep up with the cast of thousands. Okay, there were not thousands but you know what I mean. I feel there are too many characters to really get a good grip on the story line. And, in order to close off all the various story lines without making this a HUGE book, some easy endings are opted for.
One thing that really bugs me about the book is the in-your-face foreshawdowing. About three or four times at the end of the chapter sentences such as "I was about to find out" or "I couldn't know how right I was" are used. (I'm paraphrasing here). Come on, you don't need to hit me over the head -- be creative when forshadowing something. I'm intelligent, I'll get it.
All that being said, I will probably read one or two more to see if anything differs. My fear is that the location and names will change but the storyline will not.
One thing that really bugs me about the book is the in-your-face foreshawdowing. About three or four times at the end of the chapter sentences such as "I was about to find out" or "I couldn't know how right I was" are used. (I'm paraphrasing here). Come on, you don't need to hit me over the head -- be creative when forshadowing something. I'm intelligent, I'll get it.
All that being said, I will probably read one or two more to see if anything differs. My fear is that the location and names will change but the storyline will not.
April 2, 2009
My mother in law gave me this book at the beach because she knows of my interest in forensics, but, also, because Kathy Reichs attended UNCC (and she teaches there.) The story was good, but, I do not enjoy Kathy Reich's writing style. She uses improper grammar, incomplete sentences, seemingly random punctuation at times, overuses metaphor, and is sometimes hard to follow. Clearly, her style has not hindered her popularity. I had forgotten exactly what it was about this book I didn't like, and, I am addicted to BONES, so, I thought I'd give her another chance when I came across Break No Bones. Her novels read a little like I would imagine a screen play would read, as she describes the attitude or facial expression of a character in only a word or two, without using complete sentences. Somehow, it just seems strange to me, but, as a medical mystery goes, she does a pretty good job as a forensic anthropologist.
January 17, 2020
Kathy Reichs' mystery thrillers rarely disappoint. The suspense is excellent, the characters compeling, and the plots always interesting. This one involves a dead baby, drug dealers, and endangered wildlife smuggling. And all these threads are interwoven expertly.
My only criticism is that Reichs tends to involve a lot of unnecessary exposition. I realize that she needs to transmit a lot of science information. But it beggars belief at some of the things that people feel compelled to explain to Dr Brennan.
My only criticism is that Reichs tends to involve a lot of unnecessary exposition. I realize that she needs to transmit a lot of science information. But it beggars belief at some of the things that people feel compelled to explain to Dr Brennan.
October 7, 2020
Temperance Brennan wordt bij een zaak geroepen waar een verkoold babylijkje gevonden is in een houtkachel. Kort daarna vindt haar hond een zak met overblijfselen van beren. En nog wat later wordt Temperance opgeroepen voor een uitgebrande Cessna waarin twee verkoolde lichamen zitten.
Ze begint te vermoeden dat al deze zaken met elkaar te maken hebben. Het vergt echter veel onderzoek en vindingrijkheid om deze, en nog meer, feiten aan elkaar te linken.
Ik vond dit een spannend boek. Een klein beetje ingewikkeld misschien. In elk geval het lezen waard.
Ze begint te vermoeden dat al deze zaken met elkaar te maken hebben. Het vergt echter veel onderzoek en vindingrijkheid om deze, en nog meer, feiten aan elkaar te linken.
Ik vond dit een spannend boek. Een klein beetje ingewikkeld misschien. In elk geval het lezen waard.
January 18, 2019
Great story even though I was very distracted during my read. I had a sick child air lifted to a children's hospital an hour an a half from home (2 yrs old). It was christmas time, and then I found out I'm pregnant.
I used this book to try and distract myself for a few minutes at a time so stress didn't overwhelm me and it worked. Even though things weren't great firm me over the holidays I was still thankful I wasn't one of the characters of the book.
I used this book to try and distract myself for a few minutes at a time so stress didn't overwhelm me and it worked. Even though things weren't great firm me over the holidays I was still thankful I wasn't one of the characters of the book.
November 17, 2018
I loved that Tempy was not in a love triangle in this book! And she picked the guy I wanted her to 😏. I was confused at first because I thought she picked the other guy, but I am glad to be wrong. I think Tempy really showed her vulnerable side in this book. It seems like a lot of the crimes she witnesses have taken a toll and the constant danger isn't good for her mental health. I am glad she has a certain someone to lean on.
The ending to this creeped me out because there are certain reptiles that were involved and I am not a fan by them. So I was very happy when the scene ended and I didn't have to think about them anymore.
The ending to this creeped me out because there are certain reptiles that were involved and I am not a fan by them. So I was very happy when the scene ended and I didn't have to think about them anymore.
June 2, 2010
"Bare Bones" is the sixth novel in the Tempe Brennan series, and as such builds upon previous characters, past events, and past plots, but hey...if the formula works, don't mess with it. Brennan, like author Kathy Reichs, is a forensic anthropologist who works between North Carolina and the province of Québec identifying causes of death and IDs remains too badly mangled or maimed for local experts (including the occasional animal).
In "Bare Bones" we find Tempe back from her expedition in Guatemala (the setting of her last novel "Grave Secrets") about to go on a much-needed and long-anticipated beach vacation with detective Andrew Ryan, a colleague from Montréal. However, a series of ominous events derails her leisure time: a newborn's charred remains found in a crack house, a downed drug plane, a cache of bear (and human) bones on a farm, and missing federal agents draw Tempe into another sinister web of deception, danger and death. A mysterious stalker, the Grim Reaper, threatens all that Tempe loves by leaving chilling snapshots as seen through the scope of a high-powered rifle. What has Tempe stumbled onto?
This time around (and much to my consternation), Tempe spends no time Québec. That was one of the draws that I loved so much in "Déjà Dead:" the vivid descriptions of "La Belle Province," the descriptions of local Montréal hangouts and restaurants, the charming québécois touches, all set Kathy Reichs apart. In "Bare Bones," however, Reichs grounds Tempe in the South. I loved the research about Melungeons (a subject of great interest to me). Melungeons (meaning "cursed" or "lost soul") live in the Appalachians and are believed to be descendants of Portuguese sailors, Roanoke survivors, First Nations, and possibly Turkish slaves among others), but overall the book seemed to cover less new ground than past outings. Similarly, the three plots are much less loosely connected than in previous novels. The budding romance between Tempe and Ryan was very deftly and gently carried out, although Ryan is not actually present for most of the novel. Tempe's Green Party rants at the end of the book seemed incongruous, more a political statement than in character for Tempe, but overall "Bare Bones" is another enjoyable read from Reichs. I only hope the next novel is set in Québec once more.
In "Bare Bones" we find Tempe back from her expedition in Guatemala (the setting of her last novel "Grave Secrets") about to go on a much-needed and long-anticipated beach vacation with detective Andrew Ryan, a colleague from Montréal. However, a series of ominous events derails her leisure time: a newborn's charred remains found in a crack house, a downed drug plane, a cache of bear (and human) bones on a farm, and missing federal agents draw Tempe into another sinister web of deception, danger and death. A mysterious stalker, the Grim Reaper, threatens all that Tempe loves by leaving chilling snapshots as seen through the scope of a high-powered rifle. What has Tempe stumbled onto?
This time around (and much to my consternation), Tempe spends no time Québec. That was one of the draws that I loved so much in "Déjà Dead:" the vivid descriptions of "La Belle Province," the descriptions of local Montréal hangouts and restaurants, the charming québécois touches, all set Kathy Reichs apart. In "Bare Bones," however, Reichs grounds Tempe in the South. I loved the research about Melungeons (a subject of great interest to me). Melungeons (meaning "cursed" or "lost soul") live in the Appalachians and are believed to be descendants of Portuguese sailors, Roanoke survivors, First Nations, and possibly Turkish slaves among others), but overall the book seemed to cover less new ground than past outings. Similarly, the three plots are much less loosely connected than in previous novels. The budding romance between Tempe and Ryan was very deftly and gently carried out, although Ryan is not actually present for most of the novel. Tempe's Green Party rants at the end of the book seemed incongruous, more a political statement than in character for Tempe, but overall "Bare Bones" is another enjoyable read from Reichs. I only hope the next novel is set in Québec once more.
September 15, 2018
I have decided to challenge myself to read books which I own. This is frugal. This is a logical plan. The only problem...there are many “series”of books that I own some but not all of. For this reason I made an adjustment to my plan. I chose several owned books from different genres and series and decided to read those series in order until finished filling in the gaps with free library loans.
This book falls into my Mystery Series Category as I work my way through the Temperance Brennan Series. It also falls into the category of a Library Loaned “filler�.
I tell you all this because as you can see from my low star rating I did not love this book. I myself am baffled by how Luke warm my reaction was to this particular story. Whenever I react this way to a series/author that I enjoy I find myself trying to solve my own mystery. It’s almost like the autopsy of a break up.
You know..the age old question...WHY?
I wondered if I rushed through the read watching my “holds� timer on other books tick down, concerned I couldn’t read all my loans before the books were magically returned via the internet?
I wondered if I didn’t enjoy it because the further I got into the novel the clearer it became that I had in fact read it many years ago...so maybe that’s why it was predictable?
I wondered if I was just too tired, or too hot (it has been the most hot and humid summer on record where I live), or too distracted....
It couldn’t possibly be that Kathy Reichs had failed me.
Alas however, I have come to a decision.
This book was not my favourite because Tempe is in danger (again) warned off by a mysterious villain (again). She accidentally falls into a mystery (again) with so many convoluted threads and connections that at times they are hard to follow (again) but ultimately forgivable because you enjoy the book (not so much this time). Then Tempe is in a truly dangerous conundrum near the end of the book (again) because she has headed off to confront a villain (again) and is miraculously rescued by a law enforcement tough guy (again) who somehow manages to save her despite herself (again)...
**sigh**
It pains me to say this one was redundant for me...maybe it’s not Kathy it’s me.
The books were not released 2 weeks apart and if I had not read them all back to back I may not have noticed or been bothered by these structural similarities.
This book falls into my Mystery Series Category as I work my way through the Temperance Brennan Series. It also falls into the category of a Library Loaned “filler�.
I tell you all this because as you can see from my low star rating I did not love this book. I myself am baffled by how Luke warm my reaction was to this particular story. Whenever I react this way to a series/author that I enjoy I find myself trying to solve my own mystery. It’s almost like the autopsy of a break up.
You know..the age old question...WHY?
I wondered if I rushed through the read watching my “holds� timer on other books tick down, concerned I couldn’t read all my loans before the books were magically returned via the internet?
I wondered if I didn’t enjoy it because the further I got into the novel the clearer it became that I had in fact read it many years ago...so maybe that’s why it was predictable?
I wondered if I was just too tired, or too hot (it has been the most hot and humid summer on record where I live), or too distracted....
It couldn’t possibly be that Kathy Reichs had failed me.
Alas however, I have come to a decision.
This book was not my favourite because Tempe is in danger (again) warned off by a mysterious villain (again). She accidentally falls into a mystery (again) with so many convoluted threads and connections that at times they are hard to follow (again) but ultimately forgivable because you enjoy the book (not so much this time). Then Tempe is in a truly dangerous conundrum near the end of the book (again) because she has headed off to confront a villain (again) and is miraculously rescued by a law enforcement tough guy (again) who somehow manages to save her despite herself (again)...
**sigh**
It pains me to say this one was redundant for me...maybe it’s not Kathy it’s me.
The books were not released 2 weeks apart and if I had not read them all back to back I may not have noticed or been bothered by these structural similarities.
November 19, 2012
A hallmark of the Tempe Brennan series is a plot that seemingly starts as one thing but morphs into something that you couldn't have seen coming as the book progresses. Bare Bones is no exception.
The remains of a dead baby come across the desk of Dr. Brennan as she's working in her native North Carolina. At first glance the book seems like it's going to be a standard who dunnit. Was the baby stillborn? Unwanted? Who would do such a thing? How to identify the murderer if there even is one?
But, a Tempe Brennan book being a Tempe Brennan book, nothing is ever as simple or as ordinary as it seems. While at a picnic gathering of locals, Tempe comes across a cache of buried bones. ANIMAL bones, wrapped and buried in hopes that they would never be discovered.
On top of THAT there's a plane crash in a local field that brings with it its own set of mysteries.
Without giving too much of the plot away, this is not a simple 'who was criminal who tried to erase the evidence of a full term baby' story. As you can see, it's multifaceted and there are plenty of twists and turns (as is usual in this series) and the plot both gathers steam and finds a life of its own as the chapters progress in rapid fire fashion.
Sometimes it seems that having Tempe just stumble onto all of these mysteries that tie into one another (even though they don't seemingly at first) is a little coincidental and maybe even cookie cutter, but that's far outweighed by the interesting a varied subject matter from book to book. Psycho serial killers, biker gangs, secret societies, drug traffickers. It's the variety and the ever evolving characters and character relationships that overshadow any negatives. After all, if Tempe didn't get embroiled in these deep routed mysteries, it wouldn't be very fun reading now would it?
The remains of a dead baby come across the desk of Dr. Brennan as she's working in her native North Carolina. At first glance the book seems like it's going to be a standard who dunnit. Was the baby stillborn? Unwanted? Who would do such a thing? How to identify the murderer if there even is one?
But, a Tempe Brennan book being a Tempe Brennan book, nothing is ever as simple or as ordinary as it seems. While at a picnic gathering of locals, Tempe comes across a cache of buried bones. ANIMAL bones, wrapped and buried in hopes that they would never be discovered.
On top of THAT there's a plane crash in a local field that brings with it its own set of mysteries.
Without giving too much of the plot away, this is not a simple 'who was criminal who tried to erase the evidence of a full term baby' story. As you can see, it's multifaceted and there are plenty of twists and turns (as is usual in this series) and the plot both gathers steam and finds a life of its own as the chapters progress in rapid fire fashion.
Sometimes it seems that having Tempe just stumble onto all of these mysteries that tie into one another (even though they don't seemingly at first) is a little coincidental and maybe even cookie cutter, but that's far outweighed by the interesting a varied subject matter from book to book. Psycho serial killers, biker gangs, secret societies, drug traffickers. It's the variety and the ever evolving characters and character relationships that overshadow any negatives. After all, if Tempe didn't get embroiled in these deep routed mysteries, it wouldn't be very fun reading now would it?
October 20, 2018
I have been following this series of books for many years now and have always enjoyed every reading experience. Recently I have revisited them again as my daughter wanted me to buddy read them with her after discovering the television series and then seeing the books in our bookshelves. Even though I explained that the books and TV show are two different entities, she was still determined to read them. So here I am, many books later and enjoying them just as much as I did the first time. I am glad I read the books before seeing some of the television show because otherwise I may not have liked them quite so much. Temperance is depicted differently on the show than in the books. Although there are tie-ins of course. I don’t want to go into too much detail about it because I don’t want to spoil them for you.
Temperance Brennan is a bit of a quirky character- she’s quite complex, highly intelligent, a little damaged, but incredibly good at what she does. She’s a forensic anthropologist who is called upon to help in the trickiest of investigations. Through this series we get to tag along as she works, following her through the investigations, mysteries, and intriguing situations.
Each book is a great read in its own right, but as a series they help to develop a bigger and more intricate picture- giving greater insights into the character/s and backstory.
I recommend this series, it’s definitely worth the read. But keep a bit of an open mind if you’re a fan of the TV show- it’s not quite the same.
Happy reading!
Temperance Brennan is a bit of a quirky character- she’s quite complex, highly intelligent, a little damaged, but incredibly good at what she does. She’s a forensic anthropologist who is called upon to help in the trickiest of investigations. Through this series we get to tag along as she works, following her through the investigations, mysteries, and intriguing situations.
Each book is a great read in its own right, but as a series they help to develop a bigger and more intricate picture- giving greater insights into the character/s and backstory.
I recommend this series, it’s definitely worth the read. But keep a bit of an open mind if you’re a fan of the TV show- it’s not quite the same.
Happy reading!
February 5, 2017
>>Das ursprüngliche Zuhause dieser Rezension ist der WortWelten-Blog:
Zusammenfassung:
Eigentlich wollte Dr. Tempe Brennan nur mit ihrer Tochter an einem einfachen Barbecue teilnehmen. Doch ausgerechnet auf dem Gelände des unzwungenen Beisammenseins, finden Kinder mysteriöse Knochen, die womöglich von Menschen stammen. Und dann ist da noch ein Flugzeugabsturz, der mehr als nur ein paar Fragen aufwirft. Von Lieutenant Détective Andrew Ryan, der Tempe doch reichlich Stoff zum Grübeln gibt, einmal ganz abgesehen. Wieder einmal ein spannender Fall für Dr. Temperance Brennan, die forensische Anthropologin ...
Fazit:
Das hat Spaß gemacht. Das Miträtseln und zudem der Fakt, dass sich in diesem Buch Tempe und Ryan endlich mal näher kommen, hat mir gefallen, das muss ich schon sagen. Und auch die Handlung an sich war wunderbar verzwickt und spannend. Einziges Manko für mich war der Umstand, dass sich irgendwann einfach alle Ereignisse auf eine Kuddelmuddelart überschlugen und geradezu gezwungen wurden, sich passend aufzulösen - und anders kann ich das wirklich nicht beschreiben. All dies ergibt für mich dann folgende Wertung ...
Zusammenfassung:
Eigentlich wollte Dr. Tempe Brennan nur mit ihrer Tochter an einem einfachen Barbecue teilnehmen. Doch ausgerechnet auf dem Gelände des unzwungenen Beisammenseins, finden Kinder mysteriöse Knochen, die womöglich von Menschen stammen. Und dann ist da noch ein Flugzeugabsturz, der mehr als nur ein paar Fragen aufwirft. Von Lieutenant Détective Andrew Ryan, der Tempe doch reichlich Stoff zum Grübeln gibt, einmal ganz abgesehen. Wieder einmal ein spannender Fall für Dr. Temperance Brennan, die forensische Anthropologin ...
Fazit:
Das hat Spaß gemacht. Das Miträtseln und zudem der Fakt, dass sich in diesem Buch Tempe und Ryan endlich mal näher kommen, hat mir gefallen, das muss ich schon sagen. Und auch die Handlung an sich war wunderbar verzwickt und spannend. Einziges Manko für mich war der Umstand, dass sich irgendwann einfach alle Ereignisse auf eine Kuddelmuddelart überschlugen und geradezu gezwungen wurden, sich passend aufzulösen - und anders kann ich das wirklich nicht beschreiben. All dies ergibt für mich dann folgende Wertung ...
June 29, 2015
I've spent some time away from Kathy Reichs, not for any particular reason, but now I've returned to these books I remember exactly why I love the series as much as I do. Temperance Brennan is a wonderful forensic anthropologist, calm and collected in her science, but with strong emotional interests. One of the aspects of her character that I enjoy is that she can be very self contained and happy within her own space. She doesn't need anyone else at her side necessarily.
There's a point in the story where this comment is made - in a highly sensitive situation Brennan makes the point that while she wants someone to remain with her, that doesn't mean that she needs them. I thought, for her character, that was a fitting comment.
The case in this book is involved. It has a lot of twists and turns, with build up in characters throughout, red herrings and pieces of new information to throw the reader (and Brennan) off one trail.
Overall, all aspects of the book make it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
There's a point in the story where this comment is made - in a highly sensitive situation Brennan makes the point that while she wants someone to remain with her, that doesn't mean that she needs them. I thought, for her character, that was a fitting comment.
The case in this book is involved. It has a lot of twists and turns, with build up in characters throughout, red herrings and pieces of new information to throw the reader (and Brennan) off one trail.
Overall, all aspects of the book make it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
November 23, 2009
I adore this series of books and find them very easy going and a pleasure to read. I have enjoyed getting to know the characters over the various different books. I know the books are different to the tv show but i stared reading them before it was released so my view hasnt been tainted by that.
Sometimes I think people tend to take books too seriously of this genre but at the end of the day its a fictional story that gives you an insight into the world of forensics with mystery and intrigue, a human interest, good humour in places and a really enjoyable read able to paint a clear picture in your minds eye exaclty what I expect from a author of her calibure.
Sometimes I think people tend to take books too seriously of this genre but at the end of the day its a fictional story that gives you an insight into the world of forensics with mystery and intrigue, a human interest, good humour in places and a really enjoyable read able to paint a clear picture in your minds eye exaclty what I expect from a author of her calibure.
February 5, 2019
Outlandish as usual, but a really fun ride just the same. Although I'm hoping after book six we'll stop finding Temperance getting knocked unconscious then saved by men just in the nick of time. You'd think by now she would at least take a kick boxing class or tell people where's she's freaking going.
Despite all this and the dark subject matter, I'm addicted because these books are amazing for when I need a break from the heavier stuff I usually read. On to the next Brennan!
Despite all this and the dark subject matter, I'm addicted because these books are amazing for when I need a break from the heavier stuff I usually read. On to the next Brennan!
July 3, 2018
It wasn’t one of my favourite reads, not even close to be honest. I found it rather challenging to not fall asleep while reading the context.
I do have a few other books from this author, I believe in second chances, please don’t let me down this time.
I do have a few other books from this author, I believe in second chances, please don’t let me down this time.
February 21, 2015
I have read better mystery books compared to this one. I was only curious to know the work of Kathy Reichs. It's enough for me now.
February 7, 2019
Another corker by Kathy love the twists and turns also the characters are so real I can almost see them in front of me. Another 10/10 for the queen of death
March 21, 2024
If I had a dollar for every time Temperance Brennan gets hit in the head and taken to the bad guy’s lair, I would have six dollars. Only twenty three more books to go.
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