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CrystalIsReading on Storygraph's Reviews > D茅j脿 Dead

D茅j脿 Dead by Kathy Reichs
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it was ok
bookshelves: mysteries

eh, it was okay. I am a huge fan of the TV series Bones, which is loosely based off Kathy Reichs' series, of which this is the first book. However, I realized exactly how LOOSELY BASED the series is after reading this book. what I love about the show is the romantic tension and sparkling humor and wit. these books are so much dryer and less fun. Even the lead character is less appealing--instead of being a gorgeous unattached doctor, she's an older alcoholic doctor, with a messy divorce and a teenage daughter. the supporting characters are also much less appealing. I guess it really is the lack of humor and relatability that makes this book such a disappointment after watching and loving the show. Call me shallow, but I prefer my fascinating forensic details served up with a little humor, romance, and appealing, attractive characters. Also, the book seemed much more violent, although that may have been my imagination. I just didn't enjoy this book. I'm awfully glad it was written, though, or I might never have had Bones to watch. :)

***Disclaimer--several years and seasons later of Bones, I have to say I'm no longer a fan of that either anymore. I like a BALANCE of humor and forensic details, romantic tension and reality. Bones has become almost farsical humor, and that makes me sad. Because now I don't care for the book it's based on, OR the show. :(
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Reading Progress

Started Reading
January 1, 2007 – Finished Reading
July 10, 2007 – Shelved
December 24, 2007 – Shelved as: mysteries

Comments Showing 1-25 of 25 (25 new)

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Meaghan Totally agree with you! I was looking for a book that would mirror the show more closely. At least have some of the same characters or interactions. Still a good book, but I'll head in to the next book of the series with different expectations.


message 2: by Crysta (new)

Crysta Ugh, I am having the same problem! I really wanted to enjoy some more depth to the characters I love. Maybe more developement of other characters.. but so far, I am left sad and frustrated. I want Bones and Booth!


Kacey Rai I feel exactly the same way. I found it lacking due to the lack of the tv characters such as Boothe and the other squints, who bring unique and quirky relationships to the story. I missed the lack of wit and humour which makes me a fan of the tv series. perhaps the story and characters will develope later on in the book series.


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph does anyone know if they've come out with series-based Bones novels? I know that Criminal Minds and Burn Notice, and possibly CSI, all have novels based on the show (the Criminal Minds ones are pretty good.). that might give us our jones a little better. especially since this has been a rotten season for the show.


Marilyn For me it was kind of the opposite. I read the series of books well before they made the show, and I really enjoyed it ! The way Kathy Reichs was able to make me feel 'involved' in the stories and how I found Tempe so lovable :) I think the fact that it's a first-person narrative accentuate this feeling. Anyway, when I first saw an episode of the TV show two years ago I thought : " Oh god, who's this Temperance Brennan ????" After a few episodes I finally enjoyed the show, keeping in mind that Bones and Tempe from the books are just 2 distinct characters. So much things are different between the show and the books that it's easily understandable that someone who loved the show can dislike the books.
And by the way, there is actually a book my Max Allan Collins based on the show who's based on the books (sounds weird huh ? !!)


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph Marilyn, I've heard of that Max Allan Collins book, but having read the reviews, I'm not rushing out to grab it. sounds like, from reviews, that he sort of confuses aspects of the book (having an exhusband, for instance) and the show, and makes a weird mix.
I can totally understand being horrified at what they've done to your books with the show. they are so different! I loved the show (although the past season or two are losing me). the books I am not sure I would have liked even if I read them first, but at least I wouldn't have had such a negative comparison mentally. Oh well. There's a lot of good books out there. You can read Reichs, and I'll read some others. :) thanks for the feedback!


Krista Okay Bones fans.
D茅j脿 dead was published in 1997.
Bones aired in 2005, 8 years after the first book.
Temperance Brennan via the book is a fictional character made up by the author and forensic anthropologist, Kathy Reichs. Temperance Brennan via the tv show Bones, is loosely based on real life Kathy Reichs.
So for those of you who were upset by the two character's differences, now you know ... They are two different "characters."


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph thanks Krista. I actually knew that. My review is from 2007, as you may notice, and I've learned a few things since then, including about the show vs book. I still prefer the characters and story of the show over the book series. personal preference. which is why I haven't changed my original review. that, and I like to keep original impressions intact.


C.  (Comment, never msg). I'm not 50 but do know 40 year-olds are gorgeous! Come on! Ex-alcoholic? Good for her and she *is* single.


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph My word choice was unfortunate. Age shouldn't be a factor.
Perhaps I'm incorrectly remembering the book, but I didn't think the Temperance of the book was described as being drop dead gorgeous (like the woman who plays her on TV). So for me it was cognitive dissonance--a young and gorgeous character without the same messy life and emtional baggage--it was just not what I was expecting. I've since read a few other Reichs books, and I'm still not crazy about the main character. I don't find her particularly likable. so maybe that's more my tastes and less her age or addictions.


message 11: by C. (Comment, never msg). (last edited Oct 02, 2016 06:18PM) (new) - rated it 1 star

C.  (Comment, never msg). Your reiteration makes sense. Uglier personality in terms of baggage. I feel no different at 40 than at 20; better in some ways! :) I was too thin then. LOL.
Crystal, since you are around: would you answer a question to help me decide to abandon this book? I have never done that, so I don't take that lightly, without twisting and turning all day and information.

I read the low reviews like yours but for once, no one is spoiling; when I could use info! I know the best friend perishes and that we would slog through 6 victims of horror, including sexual crime. I read the protagonist is also "attacked" but the reviewer didn't clarify that word. What I need to know, for I would not read any longer, is if Kathy Reichs describes any sexual assault as it happened. The protagonist? Anyone else? Past tense, bad enough. Taking a reader through such an occurrence: no way! Thank you.


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph That is a good question, and I honestly wish I remembered. The book was not memorable to me. I THINK that means there wasn't anything too explicitly violent, including sexual assault, because those things tend to sear themselves in my memory.
I will say, though, that if you're having doubts about finishing the book, I just wouldn't bother. I didn't think it was a good enough book in its genre to make it worthwhile if you're uncomfortable with subject matter or writing style. There's so many better mystery series, in my opinion. Sorry I can't remember spoilers for you, though.
and yes, 40 isn't so bad. I hit that in a couple years too. :) My goal is to be so kind and fun that no one notices the wrinkles. ;)


C.  (Comment, never msg). If at least the protagonist were attacked in a sexual assault crime way I bet you would have remembered. No, I'm uncomfortable anyway but one reason I am trying Kathy Reichs and Patricia Cornwell knowing they are about autopsies, is to thicken my skin about things I avoided reading historically. I like Patricia's writing and after thinking "Post-Mortem" was too descriptive; it now seems like a walk in the park! At 106 pages, the desensitization worked.

The other reason is that as a real book reader (meaning not e-reading), the way to afford thousands of physical copies is to grab used book deals. I have 13 Kathy Reichs novels in total! So not only would it be alien not to finish a book I opened but to sell all 13 without reading any to the end? You understand the hesitation! FYI, pre-collecting has seldom bombed because I usually like whatever I chose.

You *are* kind and fun! I saw right away that you didn't take offense to my somewhat refuting comment and I endeavoured to make it pleasant at the outset. The occasional few I'm unsure will go over well but where I feel compelled to speak up; I simply uncheck the button to be notified of any further dialogue. Hehehe. I never intend to start any battle and don't have time for any to ensue.

Since you're almost 40, I wonder if you're annoyed by the way old books and even a few current ones describe 40 year-olds? I get pissed off when I hear about crinkles around the eyes or streaks of grey hair because I am not like that! The odd grey if I dig but still natural, strong brown and no wrinkles! The trick is to never wash our face with soap; only scrub it with water. My Mom's skin is great at 70. I'm Carolyn. :)


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph Hi Carolyn! Feel free to add me on here if you'd like. :)
Going on 40--I will admit to some delightful white streaks around my temples that I am wearing with pride and hopefully panache. ;) wrinkles aren't too forthcoming for me, so fingers crossed. being an indoorsy nerd has its perks--sun is hard on skin (as is soap and makeup, which I avoid). I hadn't thought about portrayals of 40 somethings really--either I've been lucky, or it's just that I'm still having trouble wrapping my head around turning 40. I'm going to have to give it some thought. thanks for the question.
It's always good to try new books. I try to do a book challenge annually. the one i did this year included new things for me, like a book translated into English, an American Book Award winner, an Oprah book choice, poetry, etc. It's a way to choose something I'd like, but still stretch my comfort zone.
I read both electronic and paper books, but honestly most is from the library. I'm cheap like that. :) I also participate in Paperbackswap.com, which has been wonderful. so I can understand not wanting to give up on a series when you've invested in so many books from it. Good luck! the settings and cases in Reich's books can be interesting, if you don't mind the characters. so hopefully you end up liking it. cheers!


C.  (Comment, never msg). Oh, if you don't initiate the request first, I *will* be adding you, Crystal. I love your profile blurb. Other than shifting to spiritual faith that enjoys Jesus/God without incorporating any religion; we are quite alike. :) Kitties, gardening, health, used books (I have a PC Kindle app for freebies; I won't pay for air). Please note that when I say health I'm not a jogger nor do I care for sports. I eat well and do walk around our large property when nearby dogs and kids stay quiet! We aren't as privately, vastly rural as we'd like but have a beautiful forest home, with dial-up internet to prove it.

I smiled when you demonstrated being cognizant of Canada's provinces! I can certainly steer you to our great books from any region; with proud emphasis on our own, of course. Easy: great authors come from here! It also brings a smile to tell you that I created four reading challenges, easy and broad ones to do that need more members. It would help if I put my shingle out earlier and I will by late November this time. It's just that mine run conveniently from February 1 to January 31. Makes no sense to be worrying about tying up reviews and linking them to several blogs by New Year's Eve. Anyway there's a short bit about me.

I don't know if Canada has a decent Paperbackswap. I have simply exchanged books with American and English friends. I'm going to try selling mine locally. I'm like you, dashing out of the car at a book sale sighting. If it were me, I'd be glad to browse someone selling the great variety of mystery and other literature that I have on offer. As long as people don't expect garage sale prices. That's why I haven't held a garage sale. I'm going for the unofficial boutique thing. You've brought me a fun evening!


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph I'm glad we were able to have a little chat. Sorry I fell asleep before ending the conversation. and I may indeed ask you for some recommendations for the remaining territories and provinces that I need. I'll have to check my list and get back to you. :) thanks! talk to you soon.


Tracy Dawn Smith Yeah can I Read it now


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph Tracy Dawn Smith wrote: "Yeah can I Read it now" I never discourage people from reading. :)


Cheryl Massey I just started reading Kathy Reichs' books in the last six months. Am getting them at the Goodwill stores as I find them so most haven't been in order. It didn't take long for me to realize the characters in these books were quite different from the TV series. Just finished "Bones Never Lie" and think it is possibly her best todate. Still trying to find a couple of the oldest ones. As to Patricia Cornwell, I have read all of her book and been a fan for years. But I don't compare the two authors because I feel they provide different views of dealing with investigating deaths. Cornwell's are much darker.


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph I enjoyed these books more once I learned to separate them from the series. I still haven't acquired a taste for Patricia Cornwell--I just have so many other books I want to read, I haven't even tried.


message 21: by Angela (new)

Angela Rajic Weirdly I got my first Tempe Brennan book at 13. She was one of first "grown up" reads. It took me a while but I realizoed the the first twp 2 books wer based on real cases in Quebec that Reivhs herself was involved in. Deja Deas is based on a serial killer in Quebec who's name I can't remember atm. And Fatal Voyage is based on the Solar Temple Cult murders
Anywho I found I enjoyed book Tempe and the science nore than the TV show. Not that show was bad.


Nergis The charactes in the book and Bones are so different. I didn't like the book at all.


CrystalIsReading on Storygraph Angela wrote: "Weirdly I got my first Tempe Brennan book at 13. She was one of first "grown up" reads. It took me a while but I realizoed the the first twp 2 books wer based on real cases in Quebec that Reivhs he..."

I didn't know that about the real case basis of the books. Thank you for letting me know! I don't think this is bad. it's just tough if you have expectations from the show, and then read these books. Totally different feel, and significantly different characters, as Nergis says. I probably would have enjoyed this book more had I read it without having seen the show.


message 24: by Lynn (new) - rated it 5 stars

Lynn I'm sorry to say, Always be prepared for that. Because it will always happen.


message 25: by Shirley (new) - added it

Shirley Palichuk I'm very disappointed in the comments I've read about Cathy reaches books however I do have a question. These books be read in order Are they not connected in anyway.


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