Book review : Bare Bones - Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs is one of the big names that I opted for the last time that I picked up a trio of crime fiction books for £5 at The Works. I thought that I hadn't read any of her novels before, but I've just discovered that I have actually. While Bare Bones is the sixth novel by Kathy Reichs starring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, I had formerly read Devil Bones (click through for my review), which is the eleventh book. Having reread my review of that book, I didn't seem to enjoy it that much, which surprised me, as I really got into this one.

Temperance is about to head off on a well-deserved holiday but, just at the wrong moment, a new case pops up which drags her in. The bones of a newborn baby are discovered in a wood stove and the mother is nowhere to be found. Just as she is hopeful that she's reaching the end of her work, a Cessna flies into a rock face. The pilot and passenger are burned beyond recognition but certain modifications of the plane, plus the presence of an unidentifiable substance, have Tempe looking for explanations. The best (and apparently worst) things always come in threes and, sure enough, more bones are discovered - first, some bear bones discovered by Tempe's dog at a party, then another cache of bones in an outdoor toilet. Are they all linked ?

Temperance starts trying to piece everything together and come up with a logical story, examining the bones and revealing their secrets, but it is tough going, with so much to work on. As if that weren't enough, she also receives threatening emails, including photos of her and her daughter. Somebody is definitely not happy about the people and places that she is digging her nose (and scalpel) into. But Temperance is as brave as she is curious and she is determined to uncover the secrets of the bones, whatever the dangers.

I really enjoyed this book, both for the crime story and investigation, but also for the unfolding tale of Temperance's personal life, with her daughter but also her new boyfriend. She seems like an interesting character and definitely one that I could get on with in real life. 

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £7.90 (or 3 for £5 at The Works)

• Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; Reissue edition (26 Sept. 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1501166204
• ISBN-13: 978-1501166204
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 2.3 x 19 cm
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