Flash and Bones (Temperance Brennan 14) by Reichs, Kathy

Temperance Brennan #14

by Kathy Reichs

FLASH! Illuminated by lightning, a lifeless human hand seems to reach from a barrel of asphalt beside the Charlotte racetrack.Even for forensic anthropologist Dr Tempe Brennan it is a disturbing sight. And now she must find answers before thousands arrive for the year's big race. But before she can carry out a proper examination, the FBI mysteriously confiscate and destroy the body.It's a dead end. Until a young engineer alerts Tempe to the disappearance of his sister and her boyfriend from Charlotte twelve years earlier, and she determines to uncover what really happened to them.Soon after, the engineer’s body is found crushed under the wheels of a race car. Tempe realises the situation is truly sinister - and that even her own life could be in terrible danger.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Suspense

Paperback

First published July 1, 2011

About the author

Kathy 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

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another Temperance Brennan mystery. And, for me, once again I am out-of-order in reading this series. I am somewhat caught up with her ‘current’ adventures as a forensic anthropologist (although I passed on her latest book, “Evil Bones” because of the subject matter). Still, every so often a donated Reichs novel appears in my Little Free Library Shed and reminds me there’s a story I missed. Like this one.

For anyone unfamiliar with the series, the television show Bones was inspired by these novels. While the show has long since ended—or lives on in reruns—the books continue, and Reichs remains firmly rooted in the world she knows best.

So, what exactly does a forensic anthropologist do? According to our lead character, Dr. Brennan:
“I recover and analyze the dead that present in less than pristine condition – the burned, mummified, mutilated, dismembered, decomposed, and skeletal.”

Clearly, work not for the faint at heart. Reichs, who is a forensic anthropologist in real life, writes with confidence and credibility. Her knowledge and expertise is one of the strongest elements of the series.

At the heart of Dr. Brennan’s job is determining the MOD—manner of death: natural, homicide, suicide, accidental, or undetermined—often under difficult and unsettling conditions.

In this case, when a body turns up stuffed in a container, homicide seems like the obvious conclusion. The challenge, for the characters is uncovering the who, why, and how.

That unraveling is where the story draws readers in. We follow Dr. Brennan and her colleagues as they piece together evidence, confront setbacks, and gradually uncover the truth.

This is another quick, page-turning, action-packed story, with some twists and tedious hiccups on the way. (No spoilers from me.) Readers who enjoy forensic mysteries and Reichs’ methodical approach to crime-solving, delivers a familiar and somewhat satisfying experience. While not a standout in the series, it’s a solid installment that fans of this genre will likely appreciate.

3.5 stars

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Either the formula is wearing thin or I'm tiring a bit of the formula but I didn't love this latest installment in Kathy Reich's long-running series about a forensic anthropologist. This episode takes place in her home town of Charlotte, home to NASCAR, and has tie-ins to the race business. It also links to American extremists, and several missing people.

I'm not going to give away plot points here. My main problem with the story and its telling was the telling: too many repeated comments about her cat, too juvenile a response to a new male character, occasional choppy writing, repeated descriptions of FBI operatives, etc. I don't recall being struck by these elements in the past. Has Reichs changed or have I?

All that being said, it was a quick read and I did want to know who did it (though I knew before Tempe).

[Lucy'sLilLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so close to giving this four stars but in the end it fell short. There was a lot of NASCAR talk at the beginning of this book which all went straight over my head. As always Kathy Reichs' research blows me away. The middle section of the book when we started to get our teeth into the mystery was really good. There was a lot of interesting suspects, motives and possible outcomes.

This was of course a fast read, easy to read and a fun time. Temperance seemed to find her personality a little more in this one than in this last few, she was feisty and charismatic and a lot less flat than in previous books. I enjoyed the male character that was introduced too, I thought he brought out her personality and there were some nice relationship dynamics.

I thought the ending let this one down a little it seemed to ramp up the suspense really quickly and then it just ended and there was a summary, it just seemed easy and one of the least exciting outcomes. I will be carrying on with this series though because I am still enjoying them.

[no elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was 1:50 p.m. My sweat-soaked tee was pasted to my back. My hair was yanked into a ratty knot. Sand lined my scalp and undies. Nevertheless, I was humming. Al Yankovic, “White & Nerdy.” What can I say? I’d watched a YouTube video and the tune lodged in my head.

wow, off to a really terrible start, aren't we, kathy reichs?

conclusion: why do i keep reading these ridiculous, ultra formulaic books

so boring

so bad

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr Temperance Brennan knew very little to nothing about NASCAR racing, but her education is about to be fast-tracked, with a macabre discovery, just before the big races are due to start. With management desperate to resolve the situation, get answers and clean up their area, Tempe is under pressure immediately.

But before she can examine the mutilated corpse properly, the FBI decide it is theirs, and by cremating the evidence, Tempe and her boss, Dr Larabee, are furious, but stumped! When a young man, Wayne Gamble, from the NASCAR track, contacts Tempe about the disappearance of his sister and her boyfriend 12 years ago, she decides to do some investigation on her own.

With the help of Detective Slidell, who was on the sidelines of the original investigation, she started to make progress, albeit slowly, and suddenly ex Detective Cotton Galimore, who was on the original team, was there, wanting to help, saying he needed to assuage the guilt he still felt about the unsolved case. Slidell couldn’t stand Galimore, and didn’t trust him, but Tempe decided to accept his help anyway.

As they delve deeper, another person dies, under horrific circumstances, and suddenly Tempe didn’t feel so safe anymore. Who is she up against, why are the FBI watching her, where can she turn, and as things begin to go horribly wrong, the danger seems to be coming from every direction. Is Tempe’s own life at risk?

[Toni Osborne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book # 14, in the Temperance Brennan series

The plot in short and sweet words: Brennan is called to examine a body found in a barrel of asphalt beside the racetrack in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A Reichs novel has always been a quick and light read filled at great length with explanations. In “Flash and Bones” the history of NASCAR is her topic with the impact it has on the American culture. There is some suspense of course when Tempe’s investigation leads into dangerous territory while probing for evidence and with her presence the heat is turned up. In this installment her on-again, off-again romance with a Canadian detective and her tribulations with her former husband still complicate her personal life. As always the protagonist shares center stage with science, Ms. Reichs loves to include her speciality in her novel and does it without including gory details for grisly sensationalism. The plot is an intriguing puzzle that never go unsolved, Tempe risk her career, the wrath of the FBI to get answers.

A 4 years hiatus from this series was a good move in my part. Series tend to get stale after a while as they follow the same old beat….one loses interest….Glad I stepped away to be able to enjoy “Flash and Bones” at its fullest.

[Alaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

UGH! This was probably my least favorite out of the series.

Flash and Bones was so freaking boring! Thank god it was an audio because I would have burn the book if I had it. I'm also really happy with how short it was because ... if it was longer than it was.. you would've been smelling my new candle: burned book.

I'm not a huge fan of NASCAR.. because, well.. I honestly find nothing fascinating with watching cars drive in a circle. I'd rather watch paint dry or I don't know.... a baby being born. I will admit though, that since I'm not a huge fan and know jack shit about the sport - I was a bit intrigued. A TEENY TINY BIT THAT WENT OUT THE WINDOW ONCE I DOVE INTO IT.

Other than that, I have no idea why Tempe keeps introducing me into what she does work-wise. You'd think by book 14 I'd know that already.. but nope, apparently I think she's going to quit her lifestyle and become a stripper or a clown. Then there's the random murders, that can't possibly be random at all, and wham bam - the case is solved.

Overall, Tempe did nothing for me in this book. She just kind of said some stuff and that was that. She didn't need to be there or solve this crime really. I also have no interest in NASCAR and I have no idea when I will find the time to dive into the next book of this series. I hate this roller coaster of liking/despising the books in this series.

Is it too much to ask for a series that I love? From book 1 - whenever it finally ends.
I need that in my life.

[Aoibhínn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been a fan of the Temperance Brennan series for about six or seven years now. I've read all fourteen novels in the series and this book was the worst one yet. I loved most of the books that Kathy Reichs has written. They are usually well written but this one was something of a letdown. The author only writes one book per year. Every year I wait in anticipation for the new novel but for the first time it really wasn't worth the wait!

Flash and Bones is contrived, repetitious and extremely dull. I was left feeling frustrated and disenchanted by this novel. The plot was slow, flat and predictable and the characters were one-dimensional and boring. I guessed correctly who the killer was 30% into the novel which is something I'm not normally able to do with this author's other books but this one lacks the twists and turns the other books have.

It seems like the author had writer's block while writing this novel and just wrote down any old crap down just for the sake of having something to give to her publisher at the end of her deadline. I have a feeling that the author was also getting paid to advertise stuff in her novel. There are countless adverts for Youtube, iPhones, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Poptarts, Pringles, Pampers and other products throughout the novel.

I like the personal relationship between Andrew Ryan and Temperance Brennan, which was missing from this book. Ryan only appears once or twice in the form of phone calls and emails. This novel was also lacking the forensic science which is what makes this series more unique than all the other crime series out there.

What hurts the most about this novel, is how Kathy Reichs has turned the character of Temperance Brennan from a brave, strong, capable, intelligent woman into a incompetent, indecisive, weak, horny nymphomaniac. The character really deserves much better than that! I mean, what was the deal with Galimore? Really Kathy? What the hell where you thinking girl?

A disappointing two stars!

[Jenna · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the past, I have enjoyed the Temperance Brennan novels by Kathy Reichs, but this one fell rather flat for me. I did read the entire book, but it was an "easy" read and I figured I might as well find out who "dunnit".

I think why I did not enjoy this book as much as some of the others is that there was a lot less "forensic" information in the story -- except of for the discovery of a body in a barrell which pulls Dr. Brennan into the observation, her forensic skills are not really that needed -- she just needs to be nosy. A lot of the mystery was more of the "classic" mystery variety -- conflicting stories from witnesses, mixed and unclear motives, and secret FBI files. Although Tempe has some insight, she didn't seem to be as necessary to solving the crime, except of course, she's the series protagonist.

The change in setting was interesting, though I agree, I missed some of the characters from the Montreal setting. (Ryan has been getting on my nerves lately - I wish they'd either be together or not). The comic subplot with Sumner and Pete was funny, though.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hardback.

For me, this writing style lacked cohesion. I’ve tried other books by this author and haven’t really enjoyed many of them. I never give up on a writer though as after all, it’s a challenging task keeping all of us readers happy.

Without offending any of my American Goodreads friends,maybe being British didn’t help me me understand some of the dialogue.

[Bryan Higgs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, whenever Kathy Reichs come up with another 'Bones' book, my wife and I grab it from the library (which means we have to wait our turn, because she's popular), and then read it very quickly.

We discovered Kathy Reichs when we took a vacation in Prince Edward Island, Canada. My wife usually grabs an audio book (or several) from the library so we can listen to it while we drive -- and PEI is something like 15 hours drive! That time, she borrowed "Deja Dead" (a terrible title, but a great book), Reichs' first 'Bones' novel, and we loved it. It grabbed our attention, we listened to it all the way there, and there was still some amount of additional listening while we drove around PEI. That was amusing in a way because my wife doesn't like anything violent or ghoulish, but she does like Patricia Cornwell, and -- so it turned out -- Kathy Reichs, both of whom do examinations of dead bodies. I haven't figured that out yet...

I wish Kathy Reichs books had kept up the standard of her first (or first few) books, but unfortunately she has descended into too much of a formulaic approach for my taste. Oh, she's still entertaining, and the books do provide a variety of locations, contexts, boyfriends, villains, etc. Still that probably won't stop us from grabbing her latest as quickly as in the past.

Incidentally, if you've seen the 'Bones' series on TV, which ostensibly is about the same character (and Kathy Reichs is a co-producer), don't think for a moment that it's anything like the 'Bones' novels -- it's decidedly not! I find the TV series to be relatively asinine compared with the books. The main character in the TV series is characterized as lacking in social skills, to the point that she is probably autistic -- brilliant at what she does, because she's totally obsessive about it, but lacking 'normal' social interaction abilities. An interesting idea, perhaps, but one that is wasted in the series. The additional characters in the TV series seem to have inane conversations with each other -- not really grown-up interactions, if you see what I'm saying. The books are more intelligent, but still they are approaching a sameness. I hope Kathy Reichs figures out how to add more pizzazz and put back some life into the 'Bones' books. I have found the books that were based in Montreal were usually more interesting.

[Jennifer Hooker · Rating 2 out of 5]

SPOILERS AHEAD:

Normally I like the Tempe Brennan books but it was either my lack of interest in NASCAR or my lack of surprise at the plot twist but I'm growing tired of Reichs' Bones series. After about the first five I could tell the general formula of the story and it became less and less exciting each time. Person A is murdered and Tempe either is called in on the case or stumbles upon it. She investigates Persons B-E and the especially mysterious but seemingly unrelated Person F. She catches a scent and before long, she's stumbled upon a lead. The closer she gets, the more danger she becomes embroiled in. Gasp! Suddenly, Tempe is kidnapped by that pesky Person F whom, until moments before, had been let off the hook. In a thrilling fit about 50 pages before the end, the mystery is solved and Tempe is happy/free. This seems to be the plot of most of Reichs' Bones series and after 14, I'm growing tired of it. The book was good, yes, and I always enjoy Tempe's random tangents about her family and love interests, but the ingenuity seems to be waning on Reichs' part.

[Alex Cantone · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Flash and Bones” opens with forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan, reflecting on NASCAR race week at the Charlotte raceway, stormy Spring weather, and how Summer saved her life. Summer is the self-absorbed large-breasted twenty-something squeeze of her ex-husband Pete, who annoyingly turns up / rings up to wail about the upcoming wedding arrangements. Summer is one character I would have liked to have seen on ME Larabee’s slab, with a tag on her toe.

With Larabee busy on an autopsy, Tempe is asked to arrange for the collection of a body, found in a barrel of asphalt at a section of the tip not in use for years, dislodged by heavy rains. The tip backs on to the raceway, giving Tempe her early forensic traces. A man’s body is separated from the barrel and asphalt, but progress is muddied by a missing person report of an Atlanta man attending the race meet, and the arrival of Wayne Gamble, wanting to know if the body is that of his sister or her boyfriend. The pair had known links to the right wing Patriot Posse, and disappeared 12 years earlier.

Before the identity can be established, the body is taken by the FBI and due to some misunderstanding, cremated. Files relating to the disappearance of Gamble’s sister are also taken, leaving only a few notebooks from the investigating officer at the time, for Detective “Skinny” Slidell to work on.

Tensions rise all round; the local police against the FBI and a former disgraced cop Cotton Galimore, who was involved in the original investigation of the missing couple, now heading security at the race track. Then Tempe receives calls from a paranoid Wayne Gamble, and when he turns up dead, she is wracked with guilt.

The racetrack environment provides the usual array of petrol heads and airhead women, but the weather is the key.

An OK read, but not Kathy Reich’s best.

[Paula Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Tempe Brennan is dragged into a mystery with the discovery of a body in a barrel at a NASCAR speedway. This ends up linking to the mysterious disappearance of a 17 year old girl several years earlier, and her boyfriend, who had ties to militia groups. The girl's older brother, pushing for the investigation to be reopened, also becomes the victim of a homicide. And the FBI get involved, snatching the body from the barrel for their own purposes.

I read 60 pages of this, and then all sorts of other commitments got in the way. Rather than DNF, I persevered and read the first 60 pages again, and I'm glad I did. Another entertaining mystery from Kathy Reichs! I like how she is able to create several different story strands and draw them all together. The pacing is brisk, and I particularly liked the character of Erskine Slidell. I think Reichs might have overdone it with the NASCAR and racecar driving research, because there's too much of it on the page, and the subplot of her ex-husband's impending marriage to Summer wasn't really necessary. The identity of the killer was kind of easy to spot, but getting to that point was entertaining, and it was still lots of fun watching how all the story elements would tie together! If you're after a good mystery, Kathy Reichs delivers more than she misses!

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd complained back in my review of Devil Bones that Reichs left the readers out of a really important conversation between Tempe Brennan and her on-again, off-again boyfriend Andrew Ryan. Rather than letting the scene play out in real time, she'd related what happened after the fact. She's annoyingly using that same tactic in the newest Bones installment - and there's really no excuse, since the narrative clocks in at just 271 pages in the hardcover edition. She mentions Ryan a few times and lets us in on one small-talk conversation, but relegates the rest to a couple paragraphs of past-tense exposition. I can't figure out what editor is letting her get away with this malarkey.

Additionally, there are multiple scenes with Tempe's ex-husband and his fiancee which seem to be serving as comedic relief, but the book ends without any examination or resolution of Pete's unhappiness that Tempe notices. Full conversations between Tempe and Pete about this would have been a welcomed way to beef up the page count. There's also a few paragraphs dedicated to telling the reader about some family drama with Tempe's sister and nephew, but I was at a loss for whether this has been brought up in earlier books or if it was just a random infodump of an undeveloped side plot. It seemed like meaty stuff that was deserving of a lot more narrative attention than it received.

On the plus side, I felt like Flash and Bones kept the repetitive explain-y bits to a bare minimum, which should be the case when you're at book #14 in a series. But maybe this is why its page count is so anemic. While the mystery was good as always, I read this series because I like Tempe, and I really hope that Reichs decides to spend more time and attention on Tempe's personal life in the next book rather than just giving us some crumbs in between the mystery scenes.

[Nikki in Niagara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reason for Reading: I read all the author's books. I've got myself slightly behind but will get caught up shortly.

First I'll start by saying I enjoyed the book very much. It was actually quite refreshing. Reichs seems to have removed herself from the cookie cutter mold she had let herself slip into lately, not that I don't always enjoy her books to a 3 or more but they do follow a pattern. Here we have Tempe entering a new world, one she isn't familiar with, that of Nascar Racing and she has to deal with some bones found in fairly obscure condition. As often happens a past and present corpse bring ideas of a relationship to their deaths and the investigation gets underway both into the current deaths and into the John Doe case. I kind of kicked myself when the perpetrator was found as it should have been easy to solve but it didn't come to me this time. I enjoyed Reichs usual details and it ended up being a surprising and sad case.

On the other side, Tempe's continual personal life is always an ongoing theme of this series and I was pleased with its direction. It was not what I had expected as Andrew Ryan does not appear in the book at all. We do hear of him, through email letters and Tempe does still care about him, Charlie Hunt(?) her other suitor has been busy on an all important case and may perhaps be finding interest somewhere else. Meanwhile Tempe meets an ex-cop whom she works with on this case who makes her heart go pitter-patter in a completely different, new and exciting way. On top of that her ex and his fiance, 24 -year-old Summer, are driving her insane.

A good all around mystery with a new fascinating setting, but for some reason I felt this a very slow read. It was not hard to put down and it would take time for me to pick up again. Personally I think this was me,not the book's fault. It was just a slow reading week for me.

[Book Concierge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digital audiobook performed by Barbara Rosenblat


Book # 14 in the very popular Temperance Brennan mystery series, featuring the forensic anthropologist who splits her time between Quebec and North Carolina. This one is firmly rooted in the USA, and begins when a 50-gal barrel is unearthed, and a hand is noted to be sticking out of the set asphalt which fills said container. This is just prior to the big NASCAR race at the Charlotte track and there’s some urgency to solve the case. Or is there? Before Dr Brennan can get the answers to the puzzle of this old corpse, the FBI swoops in, confiscates the remains and somehow makes all the records go “poof.”

Reichs is great at plotting intricate mysteries and this is no exception. There are plenty of twists and turns, old and new murders to consider, red herrings and suspects galore. Tempe is her usual self – smart, determined, able to hold her own, but also prone to walking into dangerous situations without appropriate preparation or back-up. Never fear, Reichs always provides a strong man to get Dr Brennan out of the trouble she’s gotten herself into.

Barbara Rosenblat does a fine job of narrating the audio version. She sets a good pace and has clear diction, so she’s understandable even at an increased speed.

[Jane Higginson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took a break from reading Kathy Reich's books for a little while because that had been all I had been reading it worked nicely because I really really enjoyed reading this and once I'd picked it up I didn't want to put it down and I'm looking forward to catching up in the series now :)

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist, is called to a dump where someone has unearthed a 35 gallon drum with a human hand sticking out of set asphalt. This dump isn't all that far away from the Charlotte Motor Speedway, a NASCAR track (also IRL) and it isn't long before a complex weave of this murder, long missing people, the FBI and the racing world all begin to collide in Brennan's life. I have never seen the TV show Bones, which is based on this series (but began before this book) and given what I do NOT like to see on the screen I am not going to ever watch it (no point if I'm just going to be covering my eyes for all of the "good" stuff). That said, Riechs, a real life forensic anthropolist (one of only 85 in the USA who had been certified by the time this book was published, but who was then working up in PQ (aka the Province of Québec) although she had formerly worked in Charlotte, is not only an expert in that field, she writes well.

So, why only 3+ stars? Because this sort of novel isn't something I love even though Reichs can write, and I may well read another of these for some reading game/challenge or other in the future.

[Wonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3...Okay...Here's the deal... I find these newer Tempe novels aren't the same...Well I mean...they seem to have less happening case wise, with more family drama...less anthropology, more random facts about NASCAR, in this case...I expected more, got less! PS...Huge Tempe fan...in ALL her forms, so this one hurt!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this 14th book in Kathy Reichs's (Temperance Brennan) series!

[Marleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts when a body is found in a barrel of asphalt on a refuse dump next to the Charlotte racetrack. As soon as the discovery of the body is made public, possible identifications come from two sides.
A young man claims it might be the body of the boyfriend of his sister. Both his sister and the boyfriend disappeared without a trace 12 years ago, and the young man desperately wants answers.
Another possibility is a middle aged man who has recently been reported as missing in the area by his wife.
Dr. Tempe Brennan examines the body and although she can’t completely rule out either of the two suggested identifications, she can’t confirm them either. And before she can perform further examinations, the body has been claimed and destroyed by the FBI.
Frustrated and suspicious Brennan decides to dig deeper into the disappearance of the two youngsters but soon finds herself attracting the attention of right-wing extremists and an ex-cop with a dubious reputation.
While Charlotte is gearing up for the big races the mysteries only appear to be getting deeper, and Brennan can’t be sure who she can trust while at the same time she is being threatened by someone.

I always enjoy the Temperance Brennan mysteries. They come with enough scientific and specialist knowledge to make me feel as if I’m learning something, although the information never takes away from the tension and pace of the story.
Brennan makes a good and interesting leading character. She is an independent woman who knows what she wants but realistic enough to know that she can’t always get it, and sensible enough not to wallow in self-pity.
The books almost always come with some light relief from the action. In this story the smiles are provided by Summer, the soon to be wife of Brennan’s ex-husband who has problems getting her groom to participate in the wedding preparations.
But, most importantly of all, the mysteries in this series work. While they are deeply puzzling, the solutions always make sense and don’t make the reader feel as if they have been misdirected.
I really hope Reichs will continue writing Temperance Brennan books for many years to come.

[Mackey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are times when I forget just how smart Kathy Reichs is until I remember to read another book in her Temperance Brennan series. With Reichs you never know what type of scenario you will find yourself: Canada, North Carolina, Hawaii or somewhere more remote. All you know is that there will be bones.
In Flash and Bones Bennan is back in North Carolina where a decades old body has turned up in an oil barrel encased in asphalt. This, of course, is just the beginning as more bodies pile up, the FBI becomes involved and danger, as always, is just around the corner.
What made Flash and Bones so interesting is the setting at North Carolina's Speedway during NASCAR season. As a native from Indianapolis, racing always intrigues me and Reich's does not disappoint with her research and knowledge into the drivers, history and trivia surrounding all of the racing world. This is one of the primary reasons I love her mysteries so much - I never fail to finish one where I haven't learned something new and fascinating!
If you're new to Kathy Reichs then you can certainly read this as a stand alone. There is enough back story that you will be fine. However, I encourage you to start at the beginning and enjoy them all. You won't be sorry you did.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

After polishing off Reichs's VIRALS, I can say that it's good to be 'home' with a Tempe Brennen novel again. You may have seen my review for VIRALS, which somewhat impressed me, but I was dying to get back into the real forensic anthropologist novels and get my hands dirty.

I thoroughly enjoyed the underplots and 'theme' of the novel. Not being one who enjoys NASCAR at all (give me hockey and football any day), I was not sure how super-saturated it would all get. I was pleased to get some background on all of it, while also seeing a strong progression of the storyline throughout. Like an episode of HOUSE (or am I supposed to say BONES, in case Reichs reads these?), what originally looks like one thing ends up coming together to be another. Dead bodies that HAVE to be random always ends up being strung together in some way.

This is Reichs at her best, not trying to falsely water down the plot, the language, or even the characters. (See my VIRALS review and you will know what I mean!) I felt so vindicated after a slop of stuff and really wanted to have a comfortable feeling with Reichs and her books again.

Quite pleased, Madam Reichs. Pen me another (adult) book!

[Colby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I waited a long time for this book to come out, bought it on my kindle the day it came out, and I have to say, I'm pretty disappointed. This definitely wasn't one her best, as I would put it down and didn't look at it for a whole weekend. I feel as though Reichs really didn't put her heart into this book. There was no Detective Ryan (again, 2nd book in a row, maybe 3rd), other than phone conversations. I get she's giving Tempe time in the South but, all the original books took place in Montreal. There wasn't as much scientific jargon and explained procedures- which I like, I'm a biotechnologist and this is why I read this series and Cornwell's Scarpetta series. Too much with Summer and Pete's wedding - no one cares, they're not the main characters. Its Tempe's ex, as a reader, I care more about her relationship with Ryan, or even southern crooner, Charlie Hunt. The most disappointing aspect was I had the killer figured out 85% through the book - her other books include twists and unexpected things. Oh and course, Tempe finds herself as damsel in distress and is miraculously saved by the skin of her teeth.. I could ramble on and on, but my opinion is thumbs down.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really like the Temperence Brennan series of books and I look forward every August to the next one being released but I'm sad to say that this is the first one which I feel was a let down. It actually hurts a bit to say that because I do really like this series of books.

It was still a nice read, but it wasn't anything special for me. Some of it I know is just my personal preferences - I missed getting to 'see' Montreal and I really missed the Tempe/Ryan relationship (even friendship) and banter - that seemed to be replaced with the Summer/Tempe banter which for me just didn't work nearly as well - it wasn't as funny.

I wasn't that interested in the NASCAR stuff but you don't have to be if a book is well written and has that 'hook' to bring you in. I actually thought the storyline/plot was interesting.

It was still Tempe with her quick wit and a good storyline but I just felt there was a bit of a spark missing. The formula of Tempe getting a bit too involved and almost dying is getting a bit old I guess and needs some freshening up somehow.

[John Yelverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I've come to expect from a Temperance Brennan book, but it was still a great read.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one soooo much better than the last one. Was it the NASCAR from my backyard? MAYBE. I don't know. I can't explain it. Maybe it was just Katie wasn't here.

Anyways, I really really want to emphasize how much I would have given up on this series if I didn't find them to be PERFECT work books. Much like putting on episode of Bones while you file your taxes. It just works and this one worked better than a lot of the others for me.

I even liked the surprise coincidence in this one which was insane but kinda funny? I've always rolled my eyes at those and this one I was just like OH. ha! (and it was actually foreshadowed!)

How many times to do you think people would aggressively try to kill you over your job before you quit your job though? I am just finding it more and more funny that she has NO TRAUMA over all these kidnappings. I would never leave my house.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the last couple of books, I wasn't very into the plot. I guess the series is really going downhill, though some would probably say that happened way before this. Since I'm reading most of these back to back, it becomes pretty apparent.

[Rebecca Tait · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5