Book Review Newer-37th

Review—206 Bones by Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs wrote the novel 206 Bones. Scribner Book Company published the book in August 2009; the novel has 320 pages.

           

            Finding herself alone and bound in a very small chamber, Temperance Brennan, a leading forensic anthropologist, is forced to examine her recent cases  and try to determine who would wish her harm and even perhaps death.

From Montreal to a Chicago morgue, Temperance Brennan and Lieutenant Ryan are investigating the death of a missing heiress. The poor woman was lost and alone and died under questionable circumstances. Now three other cases, also involve older women who have been left for dead with little to account for their demise. Is there a serial killer of elderly women? Not only does the publicity of the heiress’ death add to the rigors of Tempe’s investigation, but also there is a very eager co-worker who seems to be involved in many of the case findings. Things are going astray and there have been questions regarding Tempe’s competence.

Not only do these cases present possibilities of upcoming danger, but also on a recent family trip, Tempe is asked by a family friend to investigate the loss of s loved one. This leads to other questions in how past examinations may have been handled. In addition, the off-again, on-again relationship between Temperance and Ryan emerges and reignites old feelings. The family loves him and Tempe begins to wonder about her own desires in regards to an old flame. All of these situations are crowding into her mind as she seeks a means of escape and is determined to discover the culprit who put her in what others may describe as a tomb.

Kathy Reichs is the author of many novels involving Temperance Brennan and the forensic anthropology that she is famous for. There are 206 bones in the human body and those that go missing can sometimes be the main clue into a death. This is important in the findings these cases reveal and lead to finding answers for their loved ones. Suffering through danger and subterfuge Tempe and Ryan seek and find the answers. This character is the basis for the television show Bones and though there are many similarities Kathy Reichs’ novels always provide intellect, and entertainment, in her characters and stories.