Bones of the Lost: A Temperance Brennan Novel

A fan of Kathy Reich’s books (though not the related television series), I enjoyed Bones of the Lost. The book's plot complexity, pacing and cast of characters kept me engaged, and I enjoyed the diverse settings for the action. Though I particularly enjoyed this book as part of a series, I believe it stands well on its own, I appreciate the way the author grounds her stories in interesting factual material—the product of research and of her own experiences as forensic anthropologist, and as someone who traveled to Afghanistan at the behest of the USO “to thank our troops for their courage and dedication.” I found it engaging to read in the essay at the end of the book that the account of “plunging earthward in a pitch-black C130J Hercules” and “wearing a helmet and forty pounds of body armor” were based on the author's experience; they read that way.As ever, I found the narrator, Tempe Brennan, relatable, apart from her inclination to rush into dangerous situations—particularly her intelligence, and an inclination to introspection that tempers her the effect of her impatience on readers, if not on the fictional recipients of brusque interactions. The relatable aspects of her life—connections with relatives and pets, with her ex; the way her fridge ends up bare as mine does when we are busy—ground the drama, make it easier to relate and care when her actions seem rude or reckless; more readily accepting of improbable coincidence.As one who read this book as part of a series, I enjoyed the continuing evolution of the characters in this book, particularly the evolving relationship with Skinny Slidell. Slidell is sometimes comical in his pretensions, often repellant due to poor grooming and other rough edges, but this seems secondary when he demonstrates effectiveness in his work as a detective, willingness to work with Tempe when she goes beyond the boundaries of her official role, and tolerance when she is rude. I can also relate to daughterKaty’s transformation after joining the U.S. Army; I’ve seen and experienced the effect that military service can have on previously-aimless young people. Katy still clearly loves her mother and enjoys her company, but is increasingly independent, appropriate as she is in her mid-twenties. And Pete, reliable, caring ex-husband (possibly officially divorced, possibly not), apparently over his mid-life fling with a much-younger woman, though there have been others. (I’ve never been a fan of Andrew Ryan; was glad his role was minimal, though characteristically self-absorbed; readers were spared the sophomoric banter.)I appreciate the factual information that peppers Kathy Reichs’s books, the descriptions that bring various locales to life, and the author’s inclination to illuminate various societal issues—in this book, human trafficking.

When I first started reading this, right after it came out, I got stuck. So stuck that I am just now reading this so that I can read the next one. I hate to read books out of order, and I don't know that I could skip a book in a series without my brain frying out. This time, I decided to listen to Bones of the Lost, instead of reading. And though I wasn't 100% happy with the narrator, I'm glad I did. For some reason it was much easier to get into while listening.The subject matter is, as always, not for the faint of heart. This book covers serious social issues that really do need to be brought out into the open. Knowledge IS power, and the more we know about these issues, the better the whole world will be. Dr Reichs does this in a way that is honest while still making it entertaining, in a way. Dr Reichs does not turn it into a lesson or lecture, similarly to how she covers the scientific parts of the story. She dumbs it all down just enough for a regular person to understand it, but not so much that it feels like she's giving the info to a five year old. It all flows perfectly.The major social issues covered are human trafficking and the conditions the military forces live in, in Afghanistan. I don't think people realize how difficult, dangerous and completely unpleasant the conditions are there. The way Dr Reichs describes the camps she visits made me feel like I could see it all in my mind. And to tackle human trafficking in a popular fictional series is pretty amazing. She approachs it in the same thoughtful and thought provoking way that she has handled all the major issues that have come up in past books. She shines a light on the victims, on how they get in the situations they end up in, and how they are treated once they are in those situations. The only time I even kind of felt like I was in a class room was when the statistics of human trafficking are discussed. But even that is explained away.This is one of my favorite contemporary series out there and the only series I read that doesn't have romance as a major part of the plot. Sure there is a little romance in the books, but it's not a major focus of the plot. The crimes, the victims, are what are most important in these books. I believe this attitude is very similar to how Dr Reichs conducts her professional life. I can't wait to jump into Swamp Bones and Bones Are Forever. (Especially since word is my favorite character, Andy Ryan, plays a big part in Bones Are Forever!!)

My wife and I had enjoyed the "Bones" TV series, we'll most of it, the last year not as good, and she had read many of her books.This is my first, and I enjoyed it, the writing style is Informative without bring too detailed (we are talking forensic anthropology here) and rather comfortable but not chatty. Temperance Brennan, the main character, KS rather no nonsense after all.We see her investigate two case which later intertwine, a Jane Doe hit an run in N.C. and a Marine investigation into the shooting deaths of two civilians in Afghanistan. Along the way we meet Slidell, her somewhat boorish police “partner” as it were, and Pete, the soon to be ex husband. I did prefer the Seeley Booth character of the tv series, but the former was interesting, the latter not too much so.The setting in Afghanistan is well written and quite realistic, I did enjoy that. The twist that brought the two story lines together was good and unexpected, but plausible. It also pointed out a massive problem that gets little press these days, we are apparently too busy combing politicians’ Twitter accounts for in depth commentary.And yes, that was sarcastic.The main fault I have is, like so many detective stories, the author spent 90% of the book weaving the tales and the last 10% explaining all the convoluted connections, rationales, and back stories. Perhaps necessary but I find that trope a bit tiresome, likely why I don’t read more of them.But I do enjoy the author’s writing style and will read more of her works. Well, as soon as I get through the other 92books in my queue.........

Temperance is asked to help with the identification of an unknown young woman who, at first, seems to have been the victim of a hit and run. Tempe finds inconsistencies and struggles to motivate the local police to dig deeper.But then her own investigation is interrupted by a request to travel to Afghanistan and oversee the disinterment of two bodies when an American soldier is accused of shooting dead 2 locals without a justifiable reason.I didn’t really enjoy the Afghanistan section - whilst the descriptions of travel, conditions and countryside appeared realistic, the whole military part felt like it was drowning in acronyms.I realised I’d read this years ago but couldn’t remember the end - which is satisfactory if a bit heavily reliant on coincidences. I must admit my final reaction was why on earth did she stick with Ryan. Not one of the best but it obviously led me to read others in the series so may be I liked it better at the first reading.

I sort of came to the Temperance Brennan series, because I was getting irritated with Kay Scarpetta books, and wanted a sort of science/mystery book that wasn't about her. With time I sort of got put off these books, because they became a bit samey.Not having read the series in a while, and re-read a few Scarpetta books, I came back to these books, and realised almost immediately how much I liked them.In this book, a dead girl is found, in not the greatest of circumstances. Because of the way she was found (track marks, signs of regular sexual activity), she is taken to be a sex worker, and not made the highest priority, so Brennan steps in to push the case, and enters that world a little (it wouldn't be much of a book if she said "Meh, the police an handle it").At the same time, Brennan is called in to help with bones in Afghanistan (it's set when that was more of a thing), after an officer is accused of killing unarmed civilians, so there's that element too, as we get her views of like there.This is one of the better Brennan books that I remember reading. It is a country mile better than any Scarpetta book. One of my grumbles with Brennan books is that they can be a bit explainy of the science, and tends to hold "catch up reminders" of the plot (as if she expects people to have put the book down for a while). There isn't much of that here, and it reads better for it.Oh an another thing. I was aware that this book was written in the first person, and I liked Brennan more than Scarpetta, who I think varies between first and third. Does writing in the first person mean you'll like them more?

Temperance is asked to help with the identification of an unknown young woman who appears to be a hit and. Tempe finds inconsistencies and tries to motivate the local police to look into it further.Then Tempe has to go to Afghanistan to see if an American soldier had shot two civilians in the back. She had to exhume their bodies to find out.When back in America Tempe can focus on the case with more gusto. I will not go into more detail so you can make your own mind up will she solve it.I think Kathy Reichs is the best at using anthropology to solve cases.I have so far read 16 of her books and will read the remainder as I enjoy them greatly.

I really enjoy Kathy Reich's writing and have read a few in this series, not necessarily in the correct order.These book do well as stand alone stories as it doesn't take long to work out what's gone on in the book/books you missed.As usual the action comes hard and fast as the tale unfolds. That said there is still time for the back stories, allowing us to keep up to date with Tempe's trials and tribulations.Tempe does venture into some strange places for a forensic anthropologist? Not a criticism just an observation.If you like a detailed well thought out and researched crime novel then this one is for you. Although I'd not think it suitable for under sixteens (my opinion yours may differ).

One of my favourite Authors would be Kathy Reichs, I have followed Dr Brennan's adventures from the get go so thank you kindly for the advanced copy from netgalley.This instalment finds Doc Brennan investigating the hit and run death of an unidentified young girl, whilst trying to help a soldier in Afghanistan who is accused of an unlawful killing during an assault on a local village. Reluctantly leaving her "Jane Doe" behind she travels to the war torn country to investigate...Following many strands in that unique way that Ms Reichs has, as usual this was brilliantly done. Its no surprise given her background that these are some of the most authentic tales you will find in this genre and her knowledge and experience as always shines through during the more technical portions of the book. And yet even someone who has zero knowledge will know what is going on - there is always a handy character hanging around who is dim witted in these matters that the good Doctor has to explain things to in common language - Slidell usually, a character I have what is close to adoration for, he brings a lot of light relief to the drama as always.Another thing I've always loved about this particular style of writing is also prevalent here - Each chapter ends with a short, snappy sentence that somehow, someway, even if its mundane, means you have to read at LEAST a page of the following chapter before putting the novel down. If you can. As usual I found this hard to do! Its not even that there is a cliffhanger at the end of each portion - its just something. It can be an addiction - I did read late into the night again...its a side effect Ms Reichs books have on me. At least now I'm used to it. And I look forward to it.I have the greatest admiration and respect for this author anyway. She has done an awful lot with her life, not only just for a career but as a calling and has helped an awful lot of people. And hey, she can write. A great story, a terrific page turner, and now you can watch Temperance Brennan on the small screen in "Bones". A different incarnation again - don't expect the books - and a terrifically entertaining show.So there you go. If you are already a fan then I'm not telling you anything you don't know. I seriously doubt I can get a Q&A with Ms Reichs for publication day like I try to do with the majority of my Advance Reading because she really must be one of the busiest women on the planet! What I WILL do on 29th August is devote a whole blogpost to Dr Brennan, post an extended review for this novel and talk about some of the early books - so if you havent yet read these it will give you a better idea of whether or not you would like too. And I expect you will you know...Happy Reading Folks!