3.5/5

I’m not really familiar with Kathy Reich’s series, other than as a TV show I haven’t really watched, and I wasn’t sure about jumping into a book series that’s reaching a double dozen in number. In The Bone Code, forensic anthropologist Temperance (Temp) Brennan examines sets of bodies wrapped in plastic and bound by wire, washed up from the sea 15 years apart.

The book is partly set in Montreal, Quebec, and partly in South Carolina, where the beginnings of a pandemic is causing concern. It didn’t take long for me to get used to the core group of characters, including Brennan, her cat, Birdie and Quebecois boyfriend Ryan; Detective Tonia Vislosky; and a best friend who seems to spend much of her time drinking (it features enough to become annoying).

Clues are put together through clinical forensic research set against warm banter between the characters, and South Carolina and Quebec storms are almost characters themselves. I picked up the book based on a back cover description of a pandemic possibly linked to the murders but plays such a minor role in the book that it’s hardly mentioned until the end.

I enjoyed the book far more than I thought I would. Reichs often ends chapters by telegraphing that something significant is about to happen, and the suspense was enough to keep me turning pages. The banter between characters is warm, counterpointed by Vislosky who is a bit over the top as a tough-as-nails cop. The banter keeps the book humane as we delve into forensics and genetic coding.

It’s a good, solid read set in a pair of interesting locations. The book moves quickly, not too heavily, with well-drawn characters who seem to care for each other.

Two thumbs up.

So good to be back in the world of Temperance Brennan and Detective Ryan. Been way too long. Long enough, in fact to watch the entire 13 seasons of Bones on Prime Video. They are totally different creatures. Enjoyed this book and the foibles that make up Dr. Brennan. Interesting story that scurries between North Carolina and Montreal. The southern characters. The French Canadian characters. And an interesting story. I'm happy! Not revealing much. Just read it and enjoy.

3.5

I have no idea what had happened to the author over the course of the book prior to this one, the fact is that it was horrendous. This one, on the other hand, returns to being well-written, full of twists and turns, and as "normal" as a murder mystery can be where our favorite forensic anthropologist, continues to evade murder attempts.

Non ho idea cosa fosse successo all'autrice nel corso del libro prima di questo, fatto sta che era orrendo. Questo invece torna ad essere ben scritto, pieno di colpi di scena e "normale" per quanto possa esserlo un giallo dove la nostra antropologa forense preferita, continua a sfuggire a tentativi di omicidio.

I received a complimentary digital copy from the publisher in exchange for a

Meh, I finished it… didn’t ever connect to any of the characters, too many medical terms, won’t remember a thing about the story.

I first started reading this series 12 years ago, well after they began being published. I read a few, had a break, read a few more, had another break, etc. For most of the time I was reading them, they were ever so slightly historical and I rather liked that because I was reminded of how quickly technology changes the everyday. This book on the other hand (and the one preceding it) is so very current, talking about the hysteria around COVID-19, that I was fully aware that it's about MY now. I like that too.

In the last novel, Tempe was suffering physically and emotionally (you need to read it) and I got really annoyed with her because she kept making dubious decisions ('dubious' is putting it lightly, but it was a good plot move). She's mostly back to normal in this one but the story was far from staid - there is some excellent topical scientific stuff and some nice Ryan stuff and a decent amount of life-threatening stuff. Great.

I notice that my library has copies on order for the new book published this year. I'm 79th in the queue.

Loved it!

I've read every novel Kathy Reichs has published. I've enjoyed each one. I almost skipped this because of reviews. I'm so glad I trusted by gut and purchased it. Brilliant as always! Can't wait for the next book!

Decent. I think it would be better as an audio book. A lot of scientific acronyms and teenage slang/text speak used in the middle and towards the end made it an awkward read in places.