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Temperance Brennan #15
Bones Are Forever
A riveting novel featuring forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan—a story of infanticide, murder, and corruption, set in the high-stakes, high-danger world of diamond mining.
A woman calling herself Amy Roberts checks into a Montreal hospital complaining of uncontrolled bleeding. Doctors see evidence of a recent birth, but before they can act, Roberts disappears. Dispatched to the address she gave at the hospital, police discover bloody towels outside in a Dumpster. Fearing the worst, they call Temperance Brennan to investigate.
In a run-down apartment Tempe makes a ghastly discovery: the decomposing bodies of three infants. According to the landlord, a woman named Alma Rogers lives there. Then a man shows up looking for Alva Rodriguez. Are Amy Roberts, Alma Rogers, and Alva Rodriguez the same person? Did she kill her own babies? And where is she now?
Heading up the investigation is Tempe’s old flame, Homicide Detective Andrew Ryan. His counterpart from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is Sergeant Ollie Hasty, who happens to have a little history with Tempe himself, which she regrets. This unlikely trio follows the woman’s trail, first to Edmonton, and then to Yellowknife, a remote diamond-mining city deep in the Northwest Territories. What they find in Yellowknife is more sinister than they ever could have imagined.
A woman calling herself Amy Roberts checks into a Montreal hospital complaining of uncontrolled bleeding. Doctors see evidence of a recent birth, but before they can act, Roberts disappears. Dispatched to the address she gave at the hospital, police discover bloody towels outside in a Dumpster. Fearing the worst, they call Temperance Brennan to investigate.
In a run-down apartment Tempe makes a ghastly discovery: the decomposing bodies of three infants. According to the landlord, a woman named Alma Rogers lives there. Then a man shows up looking for Alva Rodriguez. Are Amy Roberts, Alma Rogers, and Alva Rodriguez the same person? Did she kill her own babies? And where is she now?
Heading up the investigation is Tempe’s old flame, Homicide Detective Andrew Ryan. His counterpart from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is Sergeant Ollie Hasty, who happens to have a little history with Tempe himself, which she regrets. This unlikely trio follows the woman’s trail, first to Edmonton, and then to Yellowknife, a remote diamond-mining city deep in the Northwest Territories. What they find in Yellowknife is more sinister than they ever could have imagined.
283 pages, Hardcover
First published August 16, 2012
About the author
Kathy Reichs
153 books16.5k followersKathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of North Carolina, and for the Laboratoire des Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale for the province of Quebec. She is one of only fifty forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. A professor of anthropology at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Reichs is a native of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. at Northwestern. She now divides her time between Charlotte and Montreal and is a frequent expert witness in criminal trials.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,544 reviews
January 24, 2013
After about three consecutive disappointing books in the Temperance Brennan novels, which gave birth to the hit TV show “Bones,” I was moving toward giving up my avid readership of author Kathy Reichs. Well, I’m thrilled to say Reichs has hit a home run with “Bones are Forever.” This one was a thrill ride from beginning to end.
In “Bones are Forever,” Tempe Brennan is back in Montreal, where she serves as a forensic anthropologist when not doing the same in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is pulled into a case and discovers three dead and hidden newborn babies in the grungy apartment of a woman believed to be a prostitute, and whose life and string of assumed names offers a lot of intrigue.
Brennan and her police detective friend Andrew Ryan, her sometimes lover, enter into an investigation that leads them into a seemingly complex web of prostitution and drug wars. The trail leads them into western Canada to Edmonton, and then deep into the First Peoples country of the Northwest Territories, where a coming diamond-mining operation is in the works (even in real life).
This is a fast read, a roller-coaster with ups and downs and twists and turns in every chapter, with each chapter ending with an event that sets up the next — and making it very difficult to put the book down. A big twist emerges when Tempe’s own investigation leads to a native woman’s request to reopen her brother’s grave. Tempe’s discovery from the bones buried after a fire had supposedly killed the man sends the case in a startling, unexpected direction far removed from prostitution and the drug trade.
It would much too easy to describe some specifics, but that might spoil the ride, uh, the read. If you are a Kathy Reichs fan, you will love this one. My wife and I sure did.
And we are glad, because we both had felt that the arrival of the TV series “Bones” had led to a simplification and degradation in Reichs’ storytelling. It had seemed as if her books were becoming nothing but movie scripts devoid of depths and nuances that a good book delivers. Thanks, Kathy, we now look forward to your next Temperance Brennan novel.
In “Bones are Forever,” Tempe Brennan is back in Montreal, where she serves as a forensic anthropologist when not doing the same in Charlotte, North Carolina. She is pulled into a case and discovers three dead and hidden newborn babies in the grungy apartment of a woman believed to be a prostitute, and whose life and string of assumed names offers a lot of intrigue.
Brennan and her police detective friend Andrew Ryan, her sometimes lover, enter into an investigation that leads them into a seemingly complex web of prostitution and drug wars. The trail leads them into western Canada to Edmonton, and then deep into the First Peoples country of the Northwest Territories, where a coming diamond-mining operation is in the works (even in real life).
This is a fast read, a roller-coaster with ups and downs and twists and turns in every chapter, with each chapter ending with an event that sets up the next — and making it very difficult to put the book down. A big twist emerges when Tempe’s own investigation leads to a native woman’s request to reopen her brother’s grave. Tempe’s discovery from the bones buried after a fire had supposedly killed the man sends the case in a startling, unexpected direction far removed from prostitution and the drug trade.
It would much too easy to describe some specifics, but that might spoil the ride, uh, the read. If you are a Kathy Reichs fan, you will love this one. My wife and I sure did.
And we are glad, because we both had felt that the arrival of the TV series “Bones” had led to a simplification and degradation in Reichs’ storytelling. It had seemed as if her books were becoming nothing but movie scripts devoid of depths and nuances that a good book delivers. Thanks, Kathy, we now look forward to your next Temperance Brennan novel.
September 3, 2012
I think I may have reached my use-by-date with the "bones" series...like the last book, this one is just too formulaic and predictable. The characters are all in a personality stalemate and quite frankly need to get new jobs and new friends. Tempe, like her TV avatar, is becoming more annoying by the minute and if I had of been writing the Ryan or the Ollie characters, I would have had them leaving her on the tundra somewhere! The plot had a bit of a twist to it but went off on a tangent far removed from the initial deaths/cases that start the story...although horrific and disturbing, they are almost forgotten (except when Tempe is having her annoying fits of self-righteousness and inner conflict)and they become a secondary sub-plot, as are the forensics which have always been the real strengths and selling points of these novels. Perhaps bones are not forever...
June 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this instalment of Temperance Brennan, it started with a quite shocking, grotesque chapter which was gory compared to others in the series. Like the previous book there were a lot more characters and Ollie was an instant hit with me, I thought there were quite a few funny moments in this book - very well done to balance out it's dark nature.
This was very fast-paced and I didn't struggle getting through this one at all. The ending was a little far-fetched but everything was summed up really well.
This was very fast-paced and I didn't struggle getting through this one at all. The ending was a little far-fetched but everything was summed up really well.
July 2, 2015
Bones are Forever by Kathy Reichs is a 2012 Scribner Publication.
The Temperance Brennan series is another long running series I lost touch with over time. Thankfully, this series still has it's edge and I have already queued up more of these to read later.
This story is difficult, more so than others, due to the discovery of dead infants. The investigation will put Tempe in the awkward position of working with two men she was romantically involved with in the past, Ryan being one of them.
For those who follow this series, you know what to expect in terms of detailed forensics and that is what makes these stories so interesting. There were a few times when the author went into some details of forensic science that lasted too long and went a little bit over my head. But, for the most part this story is fast paced, has lots of twist and turns, double crosses, and was really sad too, of course. Greed is one powerful motivator and leads to all manner of sin and crime, and this story is a prime example.
The banter between Ollie and Ryan was so funny, as they are jealous over Tempe , but that tension between Ryan and Tempe is so thick you can cut it with a knife. I loved the ending and hope that we will see a deeper bond form with these two over time and maybe the issues that drove them apart can now be resolved.
Overall this is another solid addition to the series and I enjoyed touching base with Brennan and the gang once more. I am going to try my very best not to lose touch with them again.
4 stars
The Temperance Brennan series is another long running series I lost touch with over time. Thankfully, this series still has it's edge and I have already queued up more of these to read later.
This story is difficult, more so than others, due to the discovery of dead infants. The investigation will put Tempe in the awkward position of working with two men she was romantically involved with in the past, Ryan being one of them.
For those who follow this series, you know what to expect in terms of detailed forensics and that is what makes these stories so interesting. There were a few times when the author went into some details of forensic science that lasted too long and went a little bit over my head. But, for the most part this story is fast paced, has lots of twist and turns, double crosses, and was really sad too, of course. Greed is one powerful motivator and leads to all manner of sin and crime, and this story is a prime example.
The banter between Ollie and Ryan was so funny, as they are jealous over Tempe , but that tension between Ryan and Tempe is so thick you can cut it with a knife. I loved the ending and hope that we will see a deeper bond form with these two over time and maybe the issues that drove them apart can now be resolved.
Overall this is another solid addition to the series and I enjoyed touching base with Brennan and the gang once more. I am going to try my very best not to lose touch with them again.
4 stars
May 17, 2013
As a long time Bones watcher but a first time Kathy Reichs reader, I tried to keep my expectations in check for this book. I knew the TV series is very loosely based on these books, but I had hoped at least a few of the characters from the series would be found in this book, but that didn't happen. Even the main character Temperance Brennan felt like a completely different and foreign character.
Despite all that, I tried to read this book as its own thing separate from the TV show. And I didn't like it. The premise was promising enough, four dead babies found, all seemingly from the same mother who is now MIA. However, this book was less medically focused and more of a lame procedural. The plot itself leaped all over the place, from dead babies to hookers and drug wars to Canadian aboriginal racism to gold and diamond mining. What the cuss was that? The writing was also pretty unbearable. For pages and pages Reichs went on describing the history of diamond mining in Canada, which I had to skip over. There were dozens of incidences where Tempe, trying to work through problems, would talk about her id or gray matter or nerve bundles sending up ideas: stupid phrases that continually came up over and over again.
Basically: bad writing, convoluted and disjointed plot, no good characters, and not enough medical aspects to be interesting.
Despite all that, I tried to read this book as its own thing separate from the TV show. And I didn't like it. The premise was promising enough, four dead babies found, all seemingly from the same mother who is now MIA. However, this book was less medically focused and more of a lame procedural. The plot itself leaped all over the place, from dead babies to hookers and drug wars to Canadian aboriginal racism to gold and diamond mining. What the cuss was that? The writing was also pretty unbearable. For pages and pages Reichs went on describing the history of diamond mining in Canada, which I had to skip over. There were dozens of incidences where Tempe, trying to work through problems, would talk about her id or gray matter or nerve bundles sending up ideas: stupid phrases that continually came up over and over again.
Basically: bad writing, convoluted and disjointed plot, no good characters, and not enough medical aspects to be interesting.
November 9, 2012
Fifteenth in the Temperance Brennan forensics suspense series revolving around a forensic anthropologist who switches between Montreal and North Carolina. This story takes place in Canada between Montreal and Edmonton.
My Take
This was an okay read with a bit too much of the non-fictional thrown in from how a CT scan operates to kimberlite pipes to DNAWitness to Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, plus, plus, plus, and a bit of history on Edmonton's growth. Lots of snark between Ollie and Ryan when Ollie lets Ryan know that he and Tempe had been an item in the past. Reichs does provide a bit of explanation at the end as to why Ryan is blowing so damn cold with the occasional warm spots throughout this story. Reichs wants us to believe that Ollie and Ryan aren't getting along because of Tempe, but Reichs doesn't write it to make me feel it.
I missed the warmer aspects I usually get in a Temperance Brennan story. This one was just too cold with too much stupidity slithering through it. I will admit that Tempe was bright enough to connect some of the grittier bits.
Somehow, this isn't too believable when all three of them take off for Edmonton on Annaliese's trail. Then their casual talk in front of Aurora. What were they thinkin'? Another low point was the comment Nellie makes and...I just can't believe how long it takes Tempe to make the connection. Then again, I may be playing fair since I'm the one who gets to read the story and I'm not living it. Then again, Tempe is supposedly caught up in it and I should think those little bits of information would rise to the surface a lot faster.
Hey! Tempe's reading Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus!
What is with these supposedly intelligent people who leave "important" messages with their allies but never tell them where they actually are. Call me. Now. is supposed to be what sort of help if you run into trouble? Personally, I prefer 58th and Maine. Tracking suspect.. Duhhhh. Maybe it's okay because Tempe left the same call me message on two phones. *Unghh, trying to pull tongue out of ch-e-e-k...unghhh…*
The Story
It's heartbreaking when all the tiny bodies are found stuffed in different places in the apartment. The person Tempe, Ryan, and Hasty believe is responsible is on the run, heading west. And the three of them take off after her.
It's a trail that reveals, conceals, and frustrates as the layers of support are exposed and Annaliese's character is disclosed. How can someone like her evade capture for so long?
The Characters
Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who splits her work year between the Laboratoire de sciences judiciares et de médicine légal in Montreal in Quebec and Charlotte, North Carolina. Birdie is her cat and not with her in this story. He's stuck in Charlotte recovering from an infection. Pete is her lawyer ex-husband and Katy is her daughter with some unwelcome and surprising news---she's joined the army!
Her fellows at Sûreté include:
LaManche has been a forensic pathologist for over forty years and is currently in charge. Autopsy technicians include Gilles Pomier, Roy Robitaille, and Lisa. Other pathologists include Jean Pelletier, Marcel Morin, and Emily Santangelo. Simone Annoux is in the DNA section.
Lieutenant-détective Andrew Ryan is a homicide cop with whom Tempe has a romantic history. One that Ryan's heroin-addicted teenage daughter, Lily wrecked. The brusque, thinks-he's-all-that Sergeant Oliver Isaac Hasty is with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a man with whom Tempe had a brief, week-long fling some years ago. He wants back in. Together, Ryan and Ollie are good cop/bad cop.
Susan "Foxy" Forex is a hooker with a heart of gold in Edmonton. Aurora Deveraux, a.k.a., Norma Devlin, is another misfit taken in by Foxy. Only this one has an eye for profit. Dr. Dirwe Okeke is an Alberta pathologist.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Amy Roberts, a.k.a., Alva Rodriguez, a.k.a., Annaliese Ruben, a.k.a., Alma Rogers, a.k.a., Alice Ruben, is a prostitute on the run. But on the run from whom? Tank is her dog. Farley McLeod was her deadbeat dad. Daryl Beck and Eric Skipper are more clues. Ralph Trees is a long-haul trucker who's been banging Alva. He works for his brother-in-law Philip Fast's company Fast Moving. Ron "Scar" Scarborough is a pimp and drug dealer in Montreal who is looking to expand his operations. They believe that Amy was one of his.
Nellie Snook has lots of secrets. Some she knows and some she doesn't know she knows. Horace Tyne is an environmentalist worried about the caribou. Binny Mind-Your-Own-Business Twiller is just loaded with snark that he exchanges with Tempe. Sergeant Joseph Rainwater has worked with Ollie before and the very protective Constable Zeb Chalker are with various police forces in Yellowknife. Maureen King is the chief medical examiner for Alberta. This lady really gets things moving! Courtney is a nurse with an affinity for pathology. Jacob Rainwater is a retired professor who runs the Mineral Development office.
Tom Unka and Arty Castain are the main players the cops would love to clap behind bars. Merilee Twiller is "the love of" Castain's life.
The Cover
The cover is a background of holographic fractals in variable wedges of color.
The title speaks the truth. Bones are Forever and can always provide background and history.
My Take
This was an okay read with a bit too much of the non-fictional thrown in from how a CT scan operates to kimberlite pipes to DNAWitness to Cornelia de Lange Syndrome, plus, plus, plus, and a bit of history on Edmonton's growth. Lots of snark between Ollie and Ryan when Ollie lets Ryan know that he and Tempe had been an item in the past. Reichs does provide a bit of explanation at the end as to why Ryan is blowing so damn cold with the occasional warm spots throughout this story. Reichs wants us to believe that Ollie and Ryan aren't getting along because of Tempe, but Reichs doesn't write it to make me feel it.
I missed the warmer aspects I usually get in a Temperance Brennan story. This one was just too cold with too much stupidity slithering through it. I will admit that Tempe was bright enough to connect some of the grittier bits.
Somehow, this isn't too believable when all three of them take off for Edmonton on Annaliese's trail. Then their casual talk in front of Aurora. What were they thinkin'? Another low point was the comment Nellie makes and...I just can't believe how long it takes Tempe to make the connection. Then again, I may be playing fair since I'm the one who gets to read the story and I'm not living it. Then again, Tempe is supposedly caught up in it and I should think those little bits of information would rise to the surface a lot faster.
Hey! Tempe's reading Ian Rankin's Inspector Rebus!
What is with these supposedly intelligent people who leave "important" messages with their allies but never tell them where they actually are. Call me. Now. is supposed to be what sort of help if you run into trouble? Personally, I prefer 58th and Maine. Tracking suspect.. Duhhhh. Maybe it's okay because Tempe left the same call me message on two phones. *Unghh, trying to pull tongue out of ch-e-e-k...unghhh…*
The Story
It's heartbreaking when all the tiny bodies are found stuffed in different places in the apartment. The person Tempe, Ryan, and Hasty believe is responsible is on the run, heading west. And the three of them take off after her.
It's a trail that reveals, conceals, and frustrates as the layers of support are exposed and Annaliese's character is disclosed. How can someone like her evade capture for so long?
The Characters
Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who splits her work year between the Laboratoire de sciences judiciares et de médicine légal in Montreal in Quebec and Charlotte, North Carolina. Birdie is her cat and not with her in this story. He's stuck in Charlotte recovering from an infection. Pete is her lawyer ex-husband and Katy is her daughter with some unwelcome and surprising news---she's joined the army!
Her fellows at Sûreté include:
LaManche has been a forensic pathologist for over forty years and is currently in charge. Autopsy technicians include Gilles Pomier, Roy Robitaille, and Lisa. Other pathologists include Jean Pelletier, Marcel Morin, and Emily Santangelo. Simone Annoux is in the DNA section.
Lieutenant-détective Andrew Ryan is a homicide cop with whom Tempe has a romantic history. One that Ryan's heroin-addicted teenage daughter, Lily wrecked. The brusque, thinks-he's-all-that Sergeant Oliver Isaac Hasty is with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and a man with whom Tempe had a brief, week-long fling some years ago. He wants back in. Together, Ryan and Ollie are good cop/bad cop.
Susan "Foxy" Forex is a hooker with a heart of gold in Edmonton. Aurora Deveraux, a.k.a., Norma Devlin, is another misfit taken in by Foxy. Only this one has an eye for profit. Dr. Dirwe Okeke is an Alberta pathologist.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Amy Roberts, a.k.a., Alva Rodriguez, a.k.a., Annaliese Ruben, a.k.a., Alma Rogers, a.k.a., Alice Ruben, is a prostitute on the run. But on the run from whom? Tank is her dog. Farley McLeod was her deadbeat dad. Daryl Beck and Eric Skipper are more clues. Ralph Trees is a long-haul trucker who's been banging Alva. He works for his brother-in-law Philip Fast's company Fast Moving. Ron "Scar" Scarborough is a pimp and drug dealer in Montreal who is looking to expand his operations. They believe that Amy was one of his.
Nellie Snook has lots of secrets. Some she knows and some she doesn't know she knows. Horace Tyne is an environmentalist worried about the caribou. Binny Mind-Your-Own-Business Twiller is just loaded with snark that he exchanges with Tempe. Sergeant Joseph Rainwater has worked with Ollie before and the very protective Constable Zeb Chalker are with various police forces in Yellowknife. Maureen King is the chief medical examiner for Alberta. This lady really gets things moving! Courtney is a nurse with an affinity for pathology. Jacob Rainwater is a retired professor who runs the Mineral Development office.
Tom Unka and Arty Castain are the main players the cops would love to clap behind bars. Merilee Twiller is "the love of" Castain's life.
The Cover
The cover is a background of holographic fractals in variable wedges of color.
The title speaks the truth. Bones are Forever and can always provide background and history.
September 5, 2012
I loved her first books. I really did. And then after she started working on the TV show, her books started to suck. Yup, I'm saying it. They started to suck. And even though her last book showed a hint of the old novels, this one is probably one of the worst I've read.
This is from my review of her last book, Flash and Bones:
"My only issue is that Tempe always ends up in danger at the end of each book and has to be rescued. After awhile, you would think that the police would insert a tracking device under her skin, because they know if she is working on a case, she will end up kidnapped."
Hey, guess what happens in this book? No, you'll never guess. Nope, I'm just going to tell you. It ends like every other Tempe Brennan novel: She gets kidnapped at the end and has to be rescued. And NO, I did not just ruin it for you because THAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF EVERY KATHY REICHS BOOK.
We're back in Canada for this one. It starts out promising, as Tempe has just found three dead babies in an apartment. I'm intrigued, I'm ready to go. Andrew Ryan is along for the ride. Yup, getting excited to solve this mystery with them. And then, it all falls apart. Characters are added, but you don't care about them. They're bad guys who you never actually talk to - they're spoken to off of the page. The new detective with whom Tempe has a past is a jerk and there are no redeeming qualities, even though Reichs tries to point them out.
We do learn a little about diamond mining and the native population of Canada. But all it made me feel was sad and cold. I don't feel like learning more about either subject, which is sad because I'm sure that they're both fascinating when they're not presented as the backdrop to a crappy story.
I just wanted it to be over. It was not a pleasurable read at all.
I do have a suggestion for Ms. Reichs: Start a new storyline with Tempe's daughter, Katy. Take her through the learning process of whatever career she's going to choose. Throw in some crime. Have Katy and Tempe work together. Do SOMETHING because what you're writing is not working.
Bad. Just bad.
This is from my review of her last book, Flash and Bones:
"My only issue is that Tempe always ends up in danger at the end of each book and has to be rescued. After awhile, you would think that the police would insert a tracking device under her skin, because they know if she is working on a case, she will end up kidnapped."
Hey, guess what happens in this book? No, you'll never guess. Nope, I'm just going to tell you. It ends like every other Tempe Brennan novel: She gets kidnapped at the end and has to be rescued. And NO, I did not just ruin it for you because THAT HAPPENS AT THE END OF EVERY KATHY REICHS BOOK.
We're back in Canada for this one. It starts out promising, as Tempe has just found three dead babies in an apartment. I'm intrigued, I'm ready to go. Andrew Ryan is along for the ride. Yup, getting excited to solve this mystery with them. And then, it all falls apart. Characters are added, but you don't care about them. They're bad guys who you never actually talk to - they're spoken to off of the page. The new detective with whom Tempe has a past is a jerk and there are no redeeming qualities, even though Reichs tries to point them out.
We do learn a little about diamond mining and the native population of Canada. But all it made me feel was sad and cold. I don't feel like learning more about either subject, which is sad because I'm sure that they're both fascinating when they're not presented as the backdrop to a crappy story.
I just wanted it to be over. It was not a pleasurable read at all.
I do have a suggestion for Ms. Reichs: Start a new storyline with Tempe's daughter, Katy. Take her through the learning process of whatever career she's going to choose. Throw in some crime. Have Katy and Tempe work together. Do SOMETHING because what you're writing is not working.
Bad. Just bad.
January 19, 2019
Am I close to being done with this series? YES, YES I AM.
You'd think by book fifteen, I would know what Temperance Brennan does for a living. Nope, I was so shocked that she was a forensic anthropologist guys! I hope I get reminded again, and again, in the next four books.
Bones Are Forever was just an annoying book to read. Tempe is just starting to annoy me all the time now. Ryan wasn't much better in my eyes either. This book, thankfully, did give a couple of good twists in it. The deaths get more disturbing in each book, just like the show, but they are the sole reason I am here.
Even though I loved the show with all it's flaws and characters - the books are just "meh" in my eyes now. Every once in a while, I'll get a book that I absolutely love.. and then I get disappointed by the one after that.
Other than all of that, it's like these books have sections here or there that have so much info dumping. I wouldn't mind if it was something interesting.. but it never it is! I do, however, know a lot about diamond mining now. Too bad I have no one I want to tell about it.
Overall, I would like less info dumping, less reminding me of her job - I get it!, and more interesting twists.
You'd think by book fifteen, I would know what Temperance Brennan does for a living. Nope, I was so shocked that she was a forensic anthropologist guys! I hope I get reminded again, and again, in the next four books.
Bones Are Forever was just an annoying book to read. Tempe is just starting to annoy me all the time now. Ryan wasn't much better in my eyes either. This book, thankfully, did give a couple of good twists in it. The deaths get more disturbing in each book, just like the show, but they are the sole reason I am here.
Even though I loved the show with all it's flaws and characters - the books are just "meh" in my eyes now. Every once in a while, I'll get a book that I absolutely love.. and then I get disappointed by the one after that.
Other than all of that, it's like these books have sections here or there that have so much info dumping. I wouldn't mind if it was something interesting.. but it never it is! I do, however, know a lot about diamond mining now. Too bad I have no one I want to tell about it.
Overall, I would like less info dumping, less reminding me of her job - I get it!, and more interesting twists.
October 8, 2013
When a young woman presented at the hospital complaining of bleeding, then disappeared before a doctor could see her, alarm bells were sounded. Checking out the woman’s residence, the police were horrified to find a newborn baby who had been pushed into a vanity cupboard and left to die. Forensic anthropologist, Dr Temperance Brennan, or Tempe as she was known, was called to the scene. The horrors continued though when two more babies, these mummified, were found wedged and hidden in the house.
Investigating with her team, focusing on the bones and not the sadness she felt inside, Tempe couldn’t believe what she discovered. Following the trail of the mother, who had disappeared, Detective Andrew Ryan and Tempe headed to Yellowknife on the edge of the Arctic Circle; once they arrived, the search for the truth suddenly turned up a twisted web of secrets, questions no-one was willing to answer and danger around every corner.
As Tempe began digging deeper into the lives of the few people living in this cold and desolate place, she discovered there was a money trail – was it anything to do with the diamond mining the town was famous for? With even the friendliest local becoming hostile, Tempe was desperate to discover what they were all hiding – could she, or would it be too late?
I was disappointed in this book as I found there was too much in the way of technical jargon, and as a lay-person it went over my head. I found myself skimming quite a bit. The continual use of acronyms confused me too, as I had no idea what most of them represented. This is not Reichs’ best book in my opinion, but I have thoroughly enjoyed many others by her. I will read her again, and hope I’m not disappointed next time.
Investigating with her team, focusing on the bones and not the sadness she felt inside, Tempe couldn’t believe what she discovered. Following the trail of the mother, who had disappeared, Detective Andrew Ryan and Tempe headed to Yellowknife on the edge of the Arctic Circle; once they arrived, the search for the truth suddenly turned up a twisted web of secrets, questions no-one was willing to answer and danger around every corner.
As Tempe began digging deeper into the lives of the few people living in this cold and desolate place, she discovered there was a money trail – was it anything to do with the diamond mining the town was famous for? With even the friendliest local becoming hostile, Tempe was desperate to discover what they were all hiding – could she, or would it be too late?
I was disappointed in this book as I found there was too much in the way of technical jargon, and as a lay-person it went over my head. I found myself skimming quite a bit. The continual use of acronyms confused me too, as I had no idea what most of them represented. This is not Reichs’ best book in my opinion, but I have thoroughly enjoyed many others by her. I will read her again, and hope I’m not disappointed next time.
March 21, 2019
The last quarter, in which everything came together quite nicely, helped nudge this Temperance Brennan entry to a 3 star rating, although 2.5 is probably more deserving. The plot begins with the discovery of three dead babies, and eventually leads Tempe, her on-and-off detective lover Andrew Ryan, and another detective, Oliver Hasty (who she apparently had a brief fling with in the past), to Yellowknife, where they are suddenly knee-deep in a convoluted mystery involving gang warfare and diamond mines.
This took a loooooooong time to get into, despite the initial grim subject matter. For the longest time, it didn't feel like much more than Tempe, Andrew and Ollie going from place to place, hotel to hotel, all while sniping at each other. Constantly. Like, it is never-ending! None of these characters liked being in each other's company, and after a few pages, I didn't like being in company with any of them! I have never sat through so much petty snarking in my entire life. It really, really dragged the book down.
Kathy Reichs books can usually be read in one sitting, because they contain a complex mystery and interesting forensic detail. However, it was too easy to put this book down. Even the forensic details felt a bit dry. And, oh, the description and unnecessary historical details! Want a detailed 5 page explanation of diamond mining in Canada? You'll get it here! Even though the plot does involve diamond mines, that level of history was not necessary. It just grinds proceedings to a halt.
Other elements annoyed: gratuitous dream sequences and the fact that Then there's the drug warfare stuff. Yawn! Not interested in gang turf warfare plots. Never have been. Never will be. It was an unnecessary distraction from the main plot. It also annoyed me that Tempe puts herself into all sorts of dangers that even the dimmest of horror movie heroines would normally not do. Not a good look.
But once the plot elements all come together, it races towards a fairly exciting finish (as is usually the case in a Reichs book), and I was impressed by how all the strands fitted together. But due to the sluggish pace and (uncharacteristically) horrible characters, getting there was sometimes a real tough slog.
This took a loooooooong time to get into, despite the initial grim subject matter. For the longest time, it didn't feel like much more than Tempe, Andrew and Ollie going from place to place, hotel to hotel, all while sniping at each other. Constantly. Like, it is never-ending! None of these characters liked being in each other's company, and after a few pages, I didn't like being in company with any of them! I have never sat through so much petty snarking in my entire life. It really, really dragged the book down.
Kathy Reichs books can usually be read in one sitting, because they contain a complex mystery and interesting forensic detail. However, it was too easy to put this book down. Even the forensic details felt a bit dry. And, oh, the description and unnecessary historical details! Want a detailed 5 page explanation of diamond mining in Canada? You'll get it here! Even though the plot does involve diamond mines, that level of history was not necessary. It just grinds proceedings to a halt.
Other elements annoyed: gratuitous dream sequences and the fact that Then there's the drug warfare stuff. Yawn! Not interested in gang turf warfare plots. Never have been. Never will be. It was an unnecessary distraction from the main plot. It also annoyed me that Tempe puts herself into all sorts of dangers that even the dimmest of horror movie heroines would normally not do. Not a good look.
But once the plot elements all come together, it races towards a fairly exciting finish (as is usually the case in a Reichs book), and I was impressed by how all the strands fitted together. But due to the sluggish pace and (uncharacteristically) horrible characters, getting there was sometimes a real tough slog.
August 9, 2013
Maybe it's just me, but lately it seems that the Tempe Brennan books aren't as good as they've been in the past.
This one felt like the story didn't get fleshed out completely or something, because when it was over, I was still trying to figure out how Brennan connected all the dots. Maybe the author should worry less about the television show and concentrate more on her books, since her writing is what landed her a television deal to begin with.
Then there's the fact that I'm getting sick of Brennan's life being in danger getting used as a plot device to tie things up. It happens in every single book, it seems. Kathy Reichs has beaten that horse to death and then some. Enough already!
I also have to nitpick about Ryan making Tempe drink the minibar bottle of whiskey. Reichs emphasized early on in this book series that Tempe was an alcoholic and that one drink would be enough to run her right off the rails. Yet Brennan takes that drink and apparently, there are no consequences. Unless, of course, the author is saving that for her next book?
I hate it when authors conveniently forget things that are a major part of a character's persona. Either Tempe is a raging alcoholic or she can drink without having a problem. Make up your mind which one its going to be!
I think this story, especially the conclusion, could have used more fleshing out. The first half of the book was intriguing, but the last half wasn't. It just felt rushed to me.
I'm not ready to call it quits on buying the Brennan books just yet, but if Reichs doesn't start paying more attention to her writing, I may have to.
This one felt like the story didn't get fleshed out completely or something, because when it was over, I was still trying to figure out how Brennan connected all the dots. Maybe the author should worry less about the television show and concentrate more on her books, since her writing is what landed her a television deal to begin with.
Then there's the fact that I'm getting sick of Brennan's life being in danger getting used as a plot device to tie things up. It happens in every single book, it seems. Kathy Reichs has beaten that horse to death and then some. Enough already!
I also have to nitpick about Ryan making Tempe drink the minibar bottle of whiskey. Reichs emphasized early on in this book series that Tempe was an alcoholic and that one drink would be enough to run her right off the rails. Yet Brennan takes that drink and apparently, there are no consequences. Unless, of course, the author is saving that for her next book?
I hate it when authors conveniently forget things that are a major part of a character's persona. Either Tempe is a raging alcoholic or she can drink without having a problem. Make up your mind which one its going to be!
I think this story, especially the conclusion, could have used more fleshing out. The first half of the book was intriguing, but the last half wasn't. It just felt rushed to me.
I'm not ready to call it quits on buying the Brennan books just yet, but if Reichs doesn't start paying more attention to her writing, I may have to.
January 15, 2014
The mystery in this novel was interesting enough, and I learned some tidbits about diamond mining that I hadn't known previously, but this book was ruined for me by one of the most glaring examples of poor character writing I have seen in recent memory.
First, know that there is a huge divergence between the characters in the novels and the ones on the television show Bones, which, in and of itself, did not bother me, but is important as it is made clear tha the book's protagonist, Temperance Brennan, is a recovering alcoholic, unlike in the television show.
Her partner, detective Andrew Ryan, is aware of her addiction history. However, at one point, when Brennan sees someone get murdered, Ryan shoves a bottle of booze in front of her and demands she drink it "to calm her down." And she does, without the least hesitation on her part.
Fast forward to the next morning. No consequences involving falling off the wagon are mentioned -- whether she drank more, had the urge to drink more, how she handled regaining her sobriety, nothing. Furthermore, at breakfast the next morning it is revealed that Ryan had been brooding due to the recent discovery that his daughter has been struggling with hardcore drug addiction.
So to sum up these characters actions, a detective that has a drug addict daughter convinces his alcoholic partner to give up her sobriety to momentarily calm her down, and then there are no consequences to these unbelievable actions. I cannot believe that either character, as little as I know of them (this is the only book in the series I have read, and that is not likely to change), would behave this way, and even if they did, there should have been some mention of fallout afterward.
Even omitting this sequence, this book was not engaging enough to make me want to explore further in the series, although I will add that starting at the fifteenth book is not a fair judge of the earlier books in the series, which could very well have been stronger entries in the series.
First, know that there is a huge divergence between the characters in the novels and the ones on the television show Bones, which, in and of itself, did not bother me, but is important as it is made clear tha the book's protagonist, Temperance Brennan, is a recovering alcoholic, unlike in the television show.
Her partner, detective Andrew Ryan, is aware of her addiction history. However, at one point, when Brennan sees someone get murdered, Ryan shoves a bottle of booze in front of her and demands she drink it "to calm her down." And she does, without the least hesitation on her part.
Fast forward to the next morning. No consequences involving falling off the wagon are mentioned -- whether she drank more, had the urge to drink more, how she handled regaining her sobriety, nothing. Furthermore, at breakfast the next morning it is revealed that Ryan had been brooding due to the recent discovery that his daughter has been struggling with hardcore drug addiction.
So to sum up these characters actions, a detective that has a drug addict daughter convinces his alcoholic partner to give up her sobriety to momentarily calm her down, and then there are no consequences to these unbelievable actions. I cannot believe that either character, as little as I know of them (this is the only book in the series I have read, and that is not likely to change), would behave this way, and even if they did, there should have been some mention of fallout afterward.
Even omitting this sequence, this book was not engaging enough to make me want to explore further in the series, although I will add that starting at the fifteenth book is not a fair judge of the earlier books in the series, which could very well have been stronger entries in the series.
August 24, 2012
Well I have to say while I still love Kathy Reichs and her books she seems to be going off track from what we all know and love. Okay maybe no one will agree with me but I used to love the sexy tension side of the books and that seems to be now comepletly lost. I found the plot of this book a bit messy and hard to follow and what started as an interesting concept soon got lost behind other things.I used to love some of Tempes lil quips and her smart arse replies but in this book I felt there wasn't much heart to them. I don't know what it was exactly that didn't have me enjoying these books as much as usual I couldn't put my readers eye on what exactly.
Saying all that there was still some very good moments in the book and as usual some great forensics. I can't deny that when Kathy Reichs does something good she does it great. The story had some brilliant one liners and a small bit of the love interest facter is coming back to the series I hope. I will forever be a Ryan and Brennan Fangirl but I don't see that working out and would like Tempe to move on at some point to a relationship that will make us fans equally as happy.
Overall I really could only rate this as a 3/5 because I do feel it let ME down a little.
Saying all that there was still some very good moments in the book and as usual some great forensics. I can't deny that when Kathy Reichs does something good she does it great. The story had some brilliant one liners and a small bit of the love interest facter is coming back to the series I hope. I will forever be a Ryan and Brennan Fangirl but I don't see that working out and would like Tempe to move on at some point to a relationship that will make us fans equally as happy.
Overall I really could only rate this as a 3/5 because I do feel it let ME down a little.
September 17, 2012
I was excited about reading this book after I heard the author interviewed on NPR. I am a fan of the TV series "Bones" and she is the inspiration for the character Brennan. I was sure I was going to love it. WRONG! The book was a big disappointment to me as was her writing style. Since she is a best selling author, I am assuming that some of her other books are better than this one. The thing that bothered me most was her explanation of technical or scientific information. Her explanation of diamond mining (pp. 167-168), for example, sounds like she "googled" it and then wrote down the information verbatim. The case of the dead babies, the disappearance of the mother and the investigation was interesting, but the presentation/writing, not to my liking. And as an additional comment the so-called sexual tension that supposedly existed between her most recent boyfriend Detective Ryan and her one-week stand with Sgt. Oliver (Ollie) seemed like a high school scenario: dialogue stiff and unbelievable to me. Too bad.
August 31, 2016
I am joyed the case outlined in this book it was complex and I didn't feel like I knew exactly who was behind everything right away. I wish the love story that is woven throughout the series was a little more in this one but I haven't read all the books in the series this was an accident that I didn't know was the 15th in the series. And wish that they were actually together in this one I liked the tension and romance in the other one of the series that I read. It's not a major part of the story but I do enjoy it. Also there was a shout out to Edmonton in this book so that was awesome.
September 19, 2022
Not a very pleasant plot. Like the previous few books, not super thrilling or anything.
October 6, 2014
Being a fan of Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan book series as well as a fan of the "Bones" TV series that features the same character (and is said to be "inspired" by the Reichs books, although rather loosely, in my opinion), it's always a treat to start a new book. Bones are Forever is the 16th in the series, I believe, and as far as I know I've read every single one.
I got the book only a few days before my husband and I were to be leaving on a four-day vacation, and I put off starting to read it because I knew I wouldn't be able to walk away with it unfinished and I certainly didn't want to squander precious vacation time doing something I can do readily at home. But then I had second thoughts, figuring what the heck - I'll get as far as I can in the three days remaining before we took off, and if necessary, well, my Kindle Fire doesn't take up all that much room.
I needn't have worried; I had no trouble finishing the whole thing within a day and a half after I started - it's exceptionally readable and not overly long (just 304 pages in print). In fact, if I have a complaint, it's that it's too easy to read - I got the feeling of a slapshot churn-it-out-just to-get-it-done approach a la James Patterson (prompting me to consider giving it just three stars).
As such, it's not the best "Bones" book Reichs has written, but neither is it the worst. In this one, the forensic anthropologist's adventures start in Montreal when she's called in to help after the discovery of three newborns dead of suspicious causes - then moves to more remote areas of Canada and a complex diamond mine caper involving several more murders. Throughout, Brennan must deal with dueling ex-lovers - homicide detective Andrew Ryan (with whom she had a long-term fling) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Ollie Hasty (with whom her fling was of a much shorter duration but nearly as intense).
Of course, there's the usual sorting out of the whodunits, most of which seem to come through Brennan's "Aha!" moments rather than through serious research and legwork. And of course, Brennan will find herself on the hit list (I won't reveal the plot or how she ends up in the danger zone, but I'm sure we all know she'll somehow survive to be the heroine of another book). If you want a quick and decent read that won't put a strain on your brain, this one should fill the bill nicely.
I got the book only a few days before my husband and I were to be leaving on a four-day vacation, and I put off starting to read it because I knew I wouldn't be able to walk away with it unfinished and I certainly didn't want to squander precious vacation time doing something I can do readily at home. But then I had second thoughts, figuring what the heck - I'll get as far as I can in the three days remaining before we took off, and if necessary, well, my Kindle Fire doesn't take up all that much room.
I needn't have worried; I had no trouble finishing the whole thing within a day and a half after I started - it's exceptionally readable and not overly long (just 304 pages in print). In fact, if I have a complaint, it's that it's too easy to read - I got the feeling of a slapshot churn-it-out-just to-get-it-done approach a la James Patterson (prompting me to consider giving it just three stars).
As such, it's not the best "Bones" book Reichs has written, but neither is it the worst. In this one, the forensic anthropologist's adventures start in Montreal when she's called in to help after the discovery of three newborns dead of suspicious causes - then moves to more remote areas of Canada and a complex diamond mine caper involving several more murders. Throughout, Brennan must deal with dueling ex-lovers - homicide detective Andrew Ryan (with whom she had a long-term fling) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Ollie Hasty (with whom her fling was of a much shorter duration but nearly as intense).
Of course, there's the usual sorting out of the whodunits, most of which seem to come through Brennan's "Aha!" moments rather than through serious research and legwork. And of course, Brennan will find herself on the hit list (I won't reveal the plot or how she ends up in the danger zone, but I'm sure we all know she'll somehow survive to be the heroine of another book). If you want a quick and decent read that won't put a strain on your brain, this one should fill the bill nicely.
April 5, 2013
*sigh*
Well, at least I can stop torturing myself with this series--I am all caught up. We have the usual completely dysfunctional,and uninteresting "romance" with stud muffin Ryan sputtering weakly in one corner, the added frisson of an old fling showing up to cause much testosterone-laced, childish posturing between the two "men" (over Tempe, who, I'm sorry, but I cannot separate her in my mind from the unfortunately femme-mulleted and awkward-looking Ms Reichs herself, so I have a lot of difficulty picturing her as a sizzling sex kitten driving all the boys crazy, KWIM?), the ho-hum head injury, and the overly complicated plot that was pretty uninteresting, actually. Diamond mines and drug wars----pfffft.. Except for the forensics, of course, that is what has kept me plugging doggedly along. I am kinda hoping Brennan will finally not survive her close brush with death in the next installment but I know a cash cow when I see one and I am afraid it's not over yet, and I am horribly afraid I'm gonna keep reading
And can I just go on a little rant here about Ryan's long-lost daughter, the heroin addict? Not cool. Ms. Reichs. I do not think much of that particular plot device at all. I don't happen to believe that there are too many happy endings for heroin addicts and I am disappointed to see this devastating condition tossed around so casually because you need a reason for Ryan to act like an asshat or disappear for a few weeks or whatever. I cringe every time Ryan brings her up. Don't even get me started on that whole trip to Hawaii thing that happened in Spider Bones. I don't know what kind of father would take his junkie daughter to an island paradise and then leave her virtually unsupervised the entire time but it is not the kind of father Ryan fancies himself to be. The hypocrisy is staggering.
OK, I'll shut up now. Fans of this series may be asking themselves why I continue to read along when I am clearly so "Meh" about it. That is an excellent question and I wish I had the answer.
Well, at least I can stop torturing myself with this series--I am all caught up. We have the usual completely dysfunctional,and uninteresting "romance" with stud muffin Ryan sputtering weakly in one corner, the added frisson of an old fling showing up to cause much testosterone-laced, childish posturing between the two "men" (over Tempe, who, I'm sorry, but I cannot separate her in my mind from the unfortunately femme-mulleted and awkward-looking Ms Reichs herself, so I have a lot of difficulty picturing her as a sizzling sex kitten driving all the boys crazy, KWIM?), the ho-hum head injury, and the overly complicated plot that was pretty uninteresting, actually. Diamond mines and drug wars----pfffft.. Except for the forensics, of course, that is what has kept me plugging doggedly along. I am kinda hoping Brennan will finally not survive her close brush with death in the next installment but I know a cash cow when I see one and I am afraid it's not over yet, and I am horribly afraid I'm gonna keep reading
And can I just go on a little rant here about Ryan's long-lost daughter, the heroin addict? Not cool. Ms. Reichs. I do not think much of that particular plot device at all. I don't happen to believe that there are too many happy endings for heroin addicts and I am disappointed to see this devastating condition tossed around so casually because you need a reason for Ryan to act like an asshat or disappear for a few weeks or whatever. I cringe every time Ryan brings her up. Don't even get me started on that whole trip to Hawaii thing that happened in Spider Bones. I don't know what kind of father would take his junkie daughter to an island paradise and then leave her virtually unsupervised the entire time but it is not the kind of father Ryan fancies himself to be. The hypocrisy is staggering.
OK, I'll shut up now. Fans of this series may be asking themselves why I continue to read along when I am clearly so "Meh" about it. That is an excellent question and I wish I had the answer.
December 8, 2012
Another success from the hand of Reichs! Using her usual formula, she can concoct a great novel that appears to be going in one direction, only to twist and turn in another and leave the reader impressed with the journey. Using her alternating locale storyline, we shift to the Canadian side and deal with a case (quite literally) in the Great White North. Reichs uses her usual ability to infuse great details into the story and her experience as a forensic anthropologist to bring the story to life. It is not simply a book about murder or suicide, but a teaching experience throughout. Some, particularly those who want fluff, will lament this, as they have to LEARN while they read, but Reichs is a master at using each book as a teaching experience, be it about the human body, the setting of the book or even some of the technical happenings. It is a great change and highly refreshing for me, and I would suppose for many other who pick up the book. The characters are always progressing and we see new things about them, as well as the introduction to new people, some of which have a previously unknown past with our protagonist.
While some may think it odd to mention this, I was highly impressed with Reichs' use of the Canadian setting, outside of Montreal. Many non-Canadians would paint the 'snow covered the entire land' theory and leave most readers thinking that we are plain igloo dwellers. She also uses nuances in her setting and description that we, Canadians, know about and can surely exclaim, "Hey! I know that place." Eerie as it was, I was in Edmonton during the early stages of reading the book, where she takes the reader, so it was highly interesting to read about the city as I sat in my hotel and looked out my window to see what it was she described. Reichs is careful not to offend by using generalities or massive falsehoods. She knows about what she is speaking and is not afraid to tell it that way.
Kudos Madam Reichs. An excellent novel all around.
While some may think it odd to mention this, I was highly impressed with Reichs' use of the Canadian setting, outside of Montreal. Many non-Canadians would paint the 'snow covered the entire land' theory and leave most readers thinking that we are plain igloo dwellers. She also uses nuances in her setting and description that we, Canadians, know about and can surely exclaim, "Hey! I know that place." Eerie as it was, I was in Edmonton during the early stages of reading the book, where she takes the reader, so it was highly interesting to read about the city as I sat in my hotel and looked out my window to see what it was she described. Reichs is careful not to offend by using generalities or massive falsehoods. She knows about what she is speaking and is not afraid to tell it that way.
Kudos Madam Reichs. An excellent novel all around.
September 5, 2012
Another exciting Temperance Brennan novel
Reichs again strikes gold, or diamonds, with her latest Temerance Brennan novel. Back again in Montreal, the discovery of three dead babies hidden in secret alcoves of an apartment send Brennan and her partner, Lieutenant-dètective Andrew Ryan on the search for their missing mother. Seeking a prostitute is not as easy as one might think, and their search leads them from Montreal to Edmonton where they pair up with Brennan’s one time ex-lover, Sergeant Oliver Hasty.
The discovery of another body, a drug dealing violent pimp, and a still missing mother lead the group from Edmonton to Yellowknife, deep in the Far North of Canada. Once the center of a gold rush, Yellowknife now is home to diamond mines, and controversy over the environmental concerns of the caribou. To make matters worse, old murders come to life, family scandal muddles the investigation and war wages over drug control, leaving more death and mystery for Brennan, Ryan, and Ollie.
Reichs expertly fills the pages with fast moving action, solid forensics, and a wide assortment of colorful characters, as a vivid plot unfolds leading to a dramatic climax. Fans of Brennan will enjoy the history, scenery, and the mystery weaved into Bones are Forever.
See my blog, baseballvalbooks.wordpress.com http://wp.me/p2E73h-9L
Reichs again strikes gold, or diamonds, with her latest Temerance Brennan novel. Back again in Montreal, the discovery of three dead babies hidden in secret alcoves of an apartment send Brennan and her partner, Lieutenant-dètective Andrew Ryan on the search for their missing mother. Seeking a prostitute is not as easy as one might think, and their search leads them from Montreal to Edmonton where they pair up with Brennan’s one time ex-lover, Sergeant Oliver Hasty.
The discovery of another body, a drug dealing violent pimp, and a still missing mother lead the group from Edmonton to Yellowknife, deep in the Far North of Canada. Once the center of a gold rush, Yellowknife now is home to diamond mines, and controversy over the environmental concerns of the caribou. To make matters worse, old murders come to life, family scandal muddles the investigation and war wages over drug control, leaving more death and mystery for Brennan, Ryan, and Ollie.
Reichs expertly fills the pages with fast moving action, solid forensics, and a wide assortment of colorful characters, as a vivid plot unfolds leading to a dramatic climax. Fans of Brennan will enjoy the history, scenery, and the mystery weaved into Bones are Forever.
See my blog, baseballvalbooks.wordpress.com http://wp.me/p2E73h-9L
October 8, 2013
Reichs is back with Bones are Forever. She gets into fine forensic form both in Montreal and in the Yukon.
Reichs often comes across as a bit too preachy and her asides can at times slow the progress of her novels and be a real distraction. Who on the planet does not know what a CAT scan is and how it works?
That said, her info on the Butterbox Babies, kimberlite pipes and DIMs (Diamond Indicator Minerals) was fascinating.
The case itself was entertaining and fairly complex. Yes, Tempe once again oversteps her duties as a Forensic Pathologist but in a manageable way. She almost dies only once or twice in this book.
Good read. Welcome back to storytelling and engaging your readers Ms. Reichs
Reichs often comes across as a bit too preachy and her asides can at times slow the progress of her novels and be a real distraction. Who on the planet does not know what a CAT scan is and how it works?
That said, her info on the Butterbox Babies, kimberlite pipes and DIMs (Diamond Indicator Minerals) was fascinating.
The case itself was entertaining and fairly complex. Yes, Tempe once again oversteps her duties as a Forensic Pathologist but in a manageable way. She almost dies only once or twice in this book.
Good read. Welcome back to storytelling and engaging your readers Ms. Reichs
January 10, 2018
I really wish these books were less technical at times because it causes me to skim those parts and become bored when it goes on for too long.
But this was still an excellent read!
There was lots of misdirection and Brennan being Brennan. I was able to figure out what was going on pretty easily though, long before Brennan did. I prefer it when you never know until the end but not all mystery books can be like that.
Can’t wait to pick up another one! Maybe I’ll try reading the series in order from now on ...
But this was still an excellent read!
There was lots of misdirection and Brennan being Brennan. I was able to figure out what was going on pretty easily though, long before Brennan did. I prefer it when you never know until the end but not all mystery books can be like that.
Can’t wait to pick up another one! Maybe I’ll try reading the series in order from now on ...
October 20, 2020
I actually enjoyed this one, it was a good and thrilling mystery and it had my attention. One of the better in the series
September 17, 2021
I've been catching up on my Temperance Brennan novels. In this outing, Tempe is brought in because an investigation into a missing woman turns up the remains of four infants in her Montreal apartment.
Those remains eventually take Tempe and her on again/off again boyfriend, Detective Andrew Ryan, into the Northwest Territories capitol of Yellowknife, where the missing woman was born. There, they find themselves embroiled in issues concerning conservation, drug smuggling, and mining ... all of which run up against one another. Then, there's the local police department ... and a former student of Tempe's, RCMP Sergeant Oliver Hasty ... to complicate jurisdictional matters just a little bit further.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Temperance Brennan novel without Tempe winding up in mortal danger at some point ... and so it happens in this case as well.
At the end of the day, this book constituted a fair play puzzle; the first, seemingly trivial, clue is planted very early on. I enjoyed watching it all come together, and did not see the reveal coming at all.
Those remains eventually take Tempe and her on again/off again boyfriend, Detective Andrew Ryan, into the Northwest Territories capitol of Yellowknife, where the missing woman was born. There, they find themselves embroiled in issues concerning conservation, drug smuggling, and mining ... all of which run up against one another. Then, there's the local police department ... and a former student of Tempe's, RCMP Sergeant Oliver Hasty ... to complicate jurisdictional matters just a little bit further.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Temperance Brennan novel without Tempe winding up in mortal danger at some point ... and so it happens in this case as well.
At the end of the day, this book constituted a fair play puzzle; the first, seemingly trivial, clue is planted very early on. I enjoyed watching it all come together, and did not see the reveal coming at all.
April 29, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this 15th book in Kathy Reichs "Temperance Brennan" series!
July 3, 2012
From the distressing opening scene of a small maggot-infested corpse, you know straightaway that this latest from Kathy Reichs is seemingly more edgy in it’s subject matter and choice of victim than her usual fare, as Temperance Brennan once again finds herself embroiled in murders most foul. With typical attention to detail, we follow Brennan’s crucial forensic discoveries as she pieces together- sometimes literally, as later she solves a macabre jigsaw involving exhumed remains- the secrets that dead bodies can yield up under her close scrutiny . No matter how many times the song ‘Dem Dry Bones’ crosses my mind in Reichs’ detailing of which bone connects to which, I always find the specificity of this information strangely compelling andit always adds to the perennial authenticity of Brennan’s logical and focused investigations of the human body.
Another weapon in Reichs’ armour is her ability to perfectly capture place and atmosphere, whether in the ‘nuts and bolts’ description of location, or is as particularly evident in the setting of Yellowknife, the own peculiar history of that location. Reichs’ takes us on a historical trip back through Yellowknife’s former fortunes as an area rich in gold, to it’s now new lucrative position as a diamond -mining town. Personally, I rather enjoy this sojourn down a rags to riches memory lane (at least for some of the prospectors) to flesh out what is at times a slightly leaky story with some twists in the plot signposted a little too clearly for the seasoned crime reader. Also, in the course of the book, Reichs’ tries a little homespun social analysis on the subject of race and dips her toe into a somewhat stereotypical depiction of environmental campaigners and, although I can understand her needing to employ these facets of the story to drive the plot forward in a particular direction, it does feel a tad forced and, dare I say it, slightly clunky at times.
On an altogether lighter note, Brennan finds herself torn between two lovers as a couple of former suitors flex their muscles and vie for her attention, with the inevitable butting of heads that always ensues in these situations, and with rather a surprise announcement by Brennan’s daughter Katy to add to her personal chagrin, there is a nice balance as usual between Brennan the professional forensic anthropologist, a concerned mother and quite possibly a lover...no spoilers here!
I must confess after not having read a Kathy Reichs for a while it was quite nice to revisit a familiar character- like pulling on a comfy pair of slippers- and despite its flaws it was great to spend some time in the company of Temperance Brennan. I’d rather missed her!
(And it goes without saying, extra points for the adaptation of a Bond movie for the title...!)
Another weapon in Reichs’ armour is her ability to perfectly capture place and atmosphere, whether in the ‘nuts and bolts’ description of location, or is as particularly evident in the setting of Yellowknife, the own peculiar history of that location. Reichs’ takes us on a historical trip back through Yellowknife’s former fortunes as an area rich in gold, to it’s now new lucrative position as a diamond -mining town. Personally, I rather enjoy this sojourn down a rags to riches memory lane (at least for some of the prospectors) to flesh out what is at times a slightly leaky story with some twists in the plot signposted a little too clearly for the seasoned crime reader. Also, in the course of the book, Reichs’ tries a little homespun social analysis on the subject of race and dips her toe into a somewhat stereotypical depiction of environmental campaigners and, although I can understand her needing to employ these facets of the story to drive the plot forward in a particular direction, it does feel a tad forced and, dare I say it, slightly clunky at times.
On an altogether lighter note, Brennan finds herself torn between two lovers as a couple of former suitors flex their muscles and vie for her attention, with the inevitable butting of heads that always ensues in these situations, and with rather a surprise announcement by Brennan’s daughter Katy to add to her personal chagrin, there is a nice balance as usual between Brennan the professional forensic anthropologist, a concerned mother and quite possibly a lover...no spoilers here!
I must confess after not having read a Kathy Reichs for a while it was quite nice to revisit a familiar character- like pulling on a comfy pair of slippers- and despite its flaws it was great to spend some time in the company of Temperance Brennan. I’d rather missed her!
(And it goes without saying, extra points for the adaptation of a Bond movie for the title...!)
August 1, 2018
I didn't like this book at all. It had a very slow start and never really grabbed my attention. Then it seemed like everything happened at once. The main character was really annoying too. The best part about this book was the narration. It was read by Linda Emond.
August 20, 2012
While I enjoyed Bones are Forever, it wasn't my favorite Tempe Brennan novel for one simple reason. The lack of forensic scenes.
My favorite thing about the Bones series is Tempe's character, and it shines in Bones are Forever. The banter between Tempe and Ryan was as entertaining as ever. Tempe's intelligence, diligence, and bravery (or is it stupidity?) is once again apparent.
This personality is why I like the books so much better than the Bones TV series. Tempe has a totally different personality in the TV series, which is enjoyable, but nothing like the Tempe in the books.
The plot in Bones are Forever is full of surprises too. We start with the discovery of three dead newborns, wrapped in towels hidden in the apartments of a woman called Amy Roberts. The investigation takes Tempe and Ryan to Canada and appears to involve diamond mining. You just never know where things are going to end up when Reichs is spinning a tale.
The only complaint I have is that Tempe didn't do enough forensic investigating in this one. She does a lot of detective work, and puts herself in life-threatening danger, as usual, but she isn't examining bones in the lab or dead bodies on the scene nearly enough. I enjoy all of that scientific stuff more than the ability to learn about diamond mining. While the latter is interesting, it's the former that sets the Bones books apart.
While there is some back story involving the characters that you will miss out on, it isn't necessary to read the series in order. I would recommend these books to anyone who likes a good "who done it." Kathy Reichs does have a following among the teens in my library, especially if they read her YA novels, Virals and Seizure, and then want more.
My favorite thing about the Bones series is Tempe's character, and it shines in Bones are Forever. The banter between Tempe and Ryan was as entertaining as ever. Tempe's intelligence, diligence, and bravery (or is it stupidity?) is once again apparent.
This personality is why I like the books so much better than the Bones TV series. Tempe has a totally different personality in the TV series, which is enjoyable, but nothing like the Tempe in the books.
The plot in Bones are Forever is full of surprises too. We start with the discovery of three dead newborns, wrapped in towels hidden in the apartments of a woman called Amy Roberts. The investigation takes Tempe and Ryan to Canada and appears to involve diamond mining. You just never know where things are going to end up when Reichs is spinning a tale.
The only complaint I have is that Tempe didn't do enough forensic investigating in this one. She does a lot of detective work, and puts herself in life-threatening danger, as usual, but she isn't examining bones in the lab or dead bodies on the scene nearly enough. I enjoy all of that scientific stuff more than the ability to learn about diamond mining. While the latter is interesting, it's the former that sets the Bones books apart.
While there is some back story involving the characters that you will miss out on, it isn't necessary to read the series in order. I would recommend these books to anyone who likes a good "who done it." Kathy Reichs does have a following among the teens in my library, especially if they read her YA novels, Virals and Seizure, and then want more.
August 3, 2014
Although i had hoped to see a whole lot more going on between Brennan and Ryan (which by the way didn't happen), i think it is only fair to say that Bones Are Forever has a solid plot and i liked that Kathy Reichs raised an issue of diamond mining and its effect on the environment.
Some have complained about Brennan's tendency of getting herself into grave danger but after devouring the 14 Bones books within the last couple of months, i realized that...Tempe will always be Tempe. At least we readers can always be assured that our heroine won't get killed off (and too bad Ryan wouldn't know that).
Regarding Brennan and Ryan...i want to say it out loud that i am not giving up my hope for a rekindled relationship between them two. Over the past few books i had cried once (okay maybe twice) over their breakup and was really down for a week, but i have now learned to not expect too much. When Cotton Galimore was introduced in Flash and Bones, i was worried that Kathy Reichs was trying to have Ryan replaced. (Who knows, maybe my nightmare will come true in #16?) But could Ryan ever be replaced? Every time Brennan thought she was gonna die, she thought of her daughter, her ex-husband (and occasionally of her cat), and of Ryan. Ryan was always there. Between the two of them, there have been many cases solved and moments that they could not share with others but each other--i just thought that was too strong a bond to be broken.
Some have complained about Brennan's tendency of getting herself into grave danger but after devouring the 14 Bones books within the last couple of months, i realized that...Tempe will always be Tempe. At least we readers can always be assured that our heroine won't get killed off (and too bad Ryan wouldn't know that).
Regarding Brennan and Ryan...i want to say it out loud that i am not giving up my hope for a rekindled relationship between them two. Over the past few books i had cried once (okay maybe twice) over their breakup and was really down for a week, but i have now learned to not expect too much. When Cotton Galimore was introduced in Flash and Bones, i was worried that Kathy Reichs was trying to have Ryan replaced. (Who knows, maybe my nightmare will come true in #16?) But could Ryan ever be replaced? Every time Brennan thought she was gonna die, she thought of her daughter, her ex-husband (and occasionally of her cat), and of Ryan. Ryan was always there. Between the two of them, there have been many cases solved and moments that they could not share with others but each other--i just thought that was too strong a bond to be broken.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2013
The Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs is a series that I follow faithfully. In this story, Bones Are Forever, forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan becomes caught up in a suspenseful story which begins in Montreal and takes her and her detective 'on again/off again' love interest, Andrew Ryan to Edmonton. The two are on the trail of a woman suspected of giving birth to and then murdering three of her babies and then hiding them in her apartment; however, the infanticide case is just the tip of the iceberg in this fast paced story. The story is actually much more complex... it involves drug trafficking and even Canadian diamond mining and greed over the ownership of some very valuable mineral leases.
Although this story doesn't include as much of the forensic anthropology that I love to read about as other Tempe Brennan stories, I found this to be every bit as suspenseful. A definite 'can't miss' for Tempe Brennan fans!
Although this story doesn't include as much of the forensic anthropology that I love to read about as other Tempe Brennan stories, I found this to be every bit as suspenseful. A definite 'can't miss' for Tempe Brennan fans!
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