Kathy Reichs

"Down time" is not a phrase in Tempe Brennan's vocabulary. A string of disturbing cases has put her vacation plans on hold; instead, she heads to the lab to analyze charred remains from a suspicious fire, and a mysterious black residue from a small plane crash. But most troubling of all are the bones. . . . Tempe's daughter's new boyfriend invites them to a picnic — a pig pickin' — in the North Carolina countryside, where a cache of bones turns up. But are they animal or human? X-rays and DNA may link the crimes, but they can't reveal who is closing in on Tempe and her daughter — and how far they will go to keep her from uncovering the truth.

Bare bones

A Novel (Temperance Brennan Novels)

Bare Bones

Briar's Reviews

Another Kathy Reichs book full of surprising turns, shocking deaths and sexy Andrew Ryan! What more could a Temperance Brennan fan want?

This novel was definitely one of the greater novels made by Kathy Reichs. Inside this amazing tale is a case revolving around a plane crash and whether or not bones are from animals or humans. 

Like normal, Temperance Brennan is to the rescue! And like normal Temperance Brennan is knocked out and becomes unconscious. If anything, that is the only down fall to this novel. Every book Tempe seems to be knocked out, to the point where I wonder if she has a concussion or brain damage yet. While the story itself had me hooked at every word, this "surprise" twist of her being knocked out left me feeling cheated. Is this the only way to bring a book to a resolution in Kathy Reichs's mind? 

Overall, I really like this novel. The story itself has twists and turns that lead Temperance Brennan to find a killer! The killer is not obvious, and the reader can figure out who it is if they use their brain enough. 

Five out of five stars! Great plot, character develop!

Stephanie Shaw

This is my favorite of the books so far, but I'm afraid I am partial. If you are holding your breath for Tempe and Ryan to get together already, this is the book for you. Not to mention she finally starts to get some perspective on that standoff between her and the male gender.

I've read a lot of complaints about these books, and I would like to address the three I see the most truth in: overly complex storylines, formulaic structure, and scientific lecturing. To be clear I'm just ejoying these books as something to give me a break from course reading, so my standards are not super high.

Lecturing: Yes, Reichs does tend to outline the scientific procedures that are being used. That being said, it's never overwhelmingly long and the characters even pick on Tempe for this. Personally I like it. While I enjoy reading for fun, I also like to learn.

Formulaic: I don't find these books any more formulaic than most. I am getting tired of a couple of tropes that she uses though. Firstly, I suspect that in Reich's experience she has met a lot of arrogent, overmasculine police officers. That definitly translates to her books. Secondly, The push for Brennen to run off on her own and get back off warnings. That's getting a bit redundant. We'll see how it goes in the next one.

Complexity: I do see the arguement that these are complex. Often there seems to be several cases going on at once. Sometimes they are linked and other times they are not. I actually like this for two reasons. Firstly, I think is probably more representational of reality. Secondly, I am bad about guessing endings, that doesn't happen with these books.

It's a summer of record-breaking heat in Charlotte, North Carolina and Dr Temperance Brennan is looking forward to her first vacation in years. She's almost out the door when the bones start appearing. First there's the newborn skeleton found in a wood stove. Who put the baby there? The mother, hardly more than a child herself, has disappeared. Next, a small plane flies into a rock face on a sunny afternoon. Both pilot and passenger are burned beyond recognition, their bodies covered with a strange black substance. What could it be? What sinister mission might the two have been on? Most puzzling is a cache of bones unearthed in a remote corner of the county. Some animal, some human, the bones are enough to keep Tempe busy for a long time. All the pieces of the mystery seem to lead back to an isolated farm. But what happened there and who will be the next victim? Tempe must find the answers by teasing secrets from the bones - if only she can decipher them in time ... A superb new thriller from the number one bestselling author of Grave Secrets.

Sian Wadey

Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs

This was my first Kathy Reichs book, and I went into it with an open mind. I'd seen the Bones TV show, but was aware that apart from the titular character, they had no similarities. Despite this I really enjoyed the story. It kept me hooked so much so that I read over half of it in one day.

Katie Bell

When will Temperance Friggin Brennan learn to LOCK HER STUPID DOORS? 

Still the same plot devices but I really enjoyed the storyline of this one. Probably because Andrew Ryan was around for more of it. Despite every chapter ending with something ominous. Synapses, synapses. Temperance should start a journal, might make her information recall a bit more efficient. I'm talking shit but I love her. And I love Birdie and Boyd (HOOCH!!). Hate how inconsiderate Katy is. If my mother had been through all the things hers has, I would definitely answer the phone every damn time. Or at LEAST shoot out a text or email. Cannot wait for the next one!