Shift

Virals #2.5

by Kathy Reichs, Brendan Reichs

Tory's great aunt, Temperance Brennan, visits just in time to investigate a robbery at the Loggerhead Island Research Institute. As a renowned forensic anthropologist, Tempe is obviously qualified to figure out whodunit, but Tory and her Virals pack want to crack the case on their own. Yet the crime is puzzling. Who could have accessed the labs at LIRI, and how could they have gotten the equipment off the island?

It's Brennan vs. Brennan in this short story that gives readers a brand new insight into the world of the Virals.

Genres: Young Adult, Mystery, Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Short Stories, Crime

68 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 5, 2013

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

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this short story from the virals universe. When there is a robbery at the LIRI facility on loggerhead island, Tory Brennan and the rest of the virals gang race to solve the mystery first before her dad Kit and her aunt Temperance Brennan gets there first. Be sure to check out this fast-paced read. You'll enjoy it.

[Bruce Snell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novella (long short story??) is book 2.5 in the Virals series by Kathy Reichs - 4 stars. There has been a break in at the LIRI facility where Tory Brennan's father works leading Tory and the rest of the Virals to investigate. Of course since Tory's aunt Temperance Brennan is visiting, Tory is determined to solve the break in and theft before Tempe does.

This book resolves one of the issues I have had with the series thus far: all the prior books have been told strictly from Tory's point of view causing them to be more appealing to girls than boys. This time every chapter is told by a different Viral (with one each by Tory's father and Tempe) rotating thru the entire crew a couple times each. In my mind that makes the stories more accessible to boys potentially doubling the readership, but more importantly, providing an excellent series of books to an often neglected young male audience.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only YA I am reading lately this series by Kathy Reichs (Bones) & her son Brendan Reichs is a paranormal Nancy Drew type romp.
Tori (Temperance Brennan’s niece) and her friends have accidentally been infected with a genetically engineered virus that has given them each an extra boost in a particular sense (sight, smell etc.) In this short story there has been a break in at the lab where Tori’s dad works while Aunt Temperance is visiting. Who will solve the mystery first?
I've been enjoying this smart, quick paced series and recommend it to anyone who wants a change of pace.

[Malorie (Firereader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick, fun side story where Tory and Tempe Brennan kind of face-off, in a friendly way, to solve a robbery at the LIRI facility. Tory is a clone of her famous forensic anthropologist Aunt Temperance Brennan. Tory's father may be completely clueless all the time that his 15-year-old daughter is chasing down dangerous criminals but Tempe has her suspicions. This little story is the only one out of the series that doesn't involve deadly crimes. It's a little whodunit with our favorite Viral pack quietly saving the day in the shadows as always.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it! They did each chapter from a different POV, rotating through the primary cast and finishing off with Temperance Brennan. I can't wait for Code to come out in a couple of weeks.

[Venessa Stella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a nice short story. I really enjoyed seeing Tempe involved in the story and seeing her interact with Tory.

[itchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

titular sentence:
p34: "...Hudson worked the graveyard shift, not me."

Tempe makes an actual appearance this time, and takes the Virals to school.

[Laura.has.too.many.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Temperance and Tory Brennan face off in a 'competition' to find the person responsible for a theft of lab equipment at the LIRI institute. As it is just a short novel, you just follow less than a day in the lives of the Viral pack. It is a cute little story,but the competition element in it is not really developed.

The mayor plus of this story is the shifting POV between the main characters in the story. It is really nice to see the story/ world from their eyes and even Kit and Temperance are included, so the entire story was dynamic and interesing.

[Daisy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this novella. It was a nice quick read to remind me of Tory and her friends before the new book comes out early next year. I have to admit, the recapping of the previous adventures for people that hadn't read the actual series did get a bit boring after the first few pages, but when that died down I was able to really get into the story and enjoy the novella.

Shift takes place between Seizure and Code. Tory's great aunt Temperance Brennan (the famous anthropologist and protagonist of Reichs' bestselling series) is visiting her hometown after a break-in at the LIRI research facility where her father works. Determined to impress her idol, Tory and the rest of the Virals get on the job of solving the mystery before the adults.

Kathy Reichs writing, I know, is very good in her adult books. However, I think the transition into Young Adult fiction is a little too exaggerated. It's absolutely fine to read, and works perfectly well for its purpose - I just wish it was a little more sophisticated, since some of the language used is very technical (due to the author having forensic science experience herself).
Having said that, Reichs does know how to create suspense for not-particularly threatening situations, which is helpful in younger fiction, since it's harder for events to become truly serious whilst still being appropriate for the audience.
What I really liked about this novella was the fact we get told the story from all of the Virals' points-of-view at various points. I particularly like Ben's: I could definitely pull his personality away from the words.

The story was okay. It wasn't great, but it's hard to write a great story in such a short space of time - especially when you go into as much detail as Reichs; and have to spend a good twenty-or-so pages explaining previous events the characters have gone through.
What stopped this story from really going downhill was Tempe's inclusion. I loved seeing her function, since I have yet to read Reichs' main protagonists' adventures. I really like her attitude and charisma. She added that little incentive for the Virals to figure out the mystery as fast as they could.

I don't usually get along with typical modern-day characters because I find them kind of boring. I like fantasy and adventure and sci-fi. But I love all the characters here, despite the fact they're just normal people in the normal world. (Ignoring the fact that the protagonists here are Virals...)
Tory is a great protagonist. I love seeing a genuinely clever female lead be pretty much completely independent and without needs for looks or anything else other than her brain, and the occasional bit of support from her friends. You rarely get characters like that these days, so she's definitely a breath of fresh air. (I also love the way that the books kind of mock the mocking of liking science etc.)
Ben is great. I want to give him a hug half the time - not that he'd let me. He's like the typical male interest in Young Adult fiction, only he's insecure not about some deep, dark past or anything, but literally about normal things like liking a girl - and not in the pouting, annoying way either.
Hi is great. I've always really liked him. He's the kind of guy I'd really like to just be friends with - a complete idiot, but actually really lovely, and useful. He's probably the most sarcastic, and I think he's the one Tory's the closest to (friend-wise). Not sure why, but that's just the kind of feeling I get.
Shelton has never really stuck out that much for me, which is a shame. I got to know him more in this, since he narrated a couple of the chapters, and I really liked that. I just feel like he doesn't really stick out from the rest of them. (e.g. Hi's the computer-wizz, Tory's the pack leader, Ben's the muscle.) Having said that, I do still completely love Shelton.
Tempe was great. I'm really looking forward to reading the books that feature her as the main character now. It's also great because we've heard so much about her, and she's been included in little phone conversations before, but we've never actually met her in the Tory Brennan series. But she lived up to the expectations Tory gave the reader.

The pace was quite fast, since a whole mystery had to be solved in around 80 pages, so you weren't really given time to get bored. Despite the fact quite a lot of it was predictable, the little details and the fact we're thrown right in from the start lets the reader get into the story a lot easier.

I really liked Shift. It was less detailed than the series, but that's to be expected in a novella. But all the Tory Brennan books are really enjoyable, and quite informative most of the time. If you're not sure about the series, this could be a good taste, although I think the main books are better.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In " Shift" an engaging blend of science fiction, the paranormal and forensic science, a laboratory at the Loggerhead Island Research Institute (LIRI) has been broken into and computers and equipment stolen during a power outage for a software upgrade. With no video record of any kind of the smash and grab heist, Kit Howard the new Director of the complex has asked Tory's aunt, Tempe Brennan, a renowned forensic anthropologist to investigate. But this is just the type of puzzling mystery that has Tory and the Virals taking extreme measures to solve.

Set in the rugged, wild landscape of Loggerhead Island at the Research Institute where Tory and her pack were infected by a vicious pathogen that genetically changed their bodies, giving them heightened senses and strength the story opens with Aunt Tempe and Tory's father Kit taking the lead in a baffling mystery. With the outer gates locked and the lab trashed, the only visible clue to the break-in is a tiny slice of wood with a strange scent. Tension and suspense heat up when the pack flare, their acute senses leading them to bins in a garage at the far edge of the complex. In this novella the action never stops as the pack sniff out evidence that could uncover the culprit. The plot is riveting from the first page to the satisfying ending when a perceptive and shrewd Dr. Brennan uncovers the pack's complicity in solving the crime.

The characters as always are realistic and memorable , their faults, apprehensions and strengths indicative of their age. Tory continues to be the brains of the pack always getting them into trouble as she indulges her craving to solve a mystery. She's stubborn, determined and headstrong; her powers, telepathy and an acute sense of smell. Hiram the quick wit with a razor-sharp tongue loves using his acute sight as much as he yearns for their involvement in finding the thief be rewarded. Shelton is an anxious nit-picker who wants to stay away from trouble. Although he feels compelled to follow Tory in her quest Shelton is quick to use his acute hearing to help solve the puzzle. Ben Blue is the nonchalant owner of the "Sewee" the runabout used to transport the Virals to the island. Insecure in his attraction to Tory because of a feeling of unworthiness, Ben stays quietly in the background until his lightning quick speed and super strength are needed. It's these main characters who add witty banter and humorous antics to the excitement of each crime mystery.

I enjoyed "Shift", a quick look at one of the adventures of a unique pack of paranormal super sleuths.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I first became enamored of Kathy Reichs’ writing way back with the first Temperance Brennan novel Deja Dead (which I first came across back in 2001ish). When she offered her readers an offshoot series revolving around the great niece of the brilliant forensic anthropologist that also included a little bit of fantasy mixed in with mystery and crime you can bet that this reader was more than happy to follow her into that new world.

When the Virals series was first published in 2010 I was among that first wave of readers following Tory Brennan and her friends around for adventures on Loggerhead Island and into the neighboring city of Charleston, North Carolina. Reichs’ own website describes the virals as: “When the group [of friends] rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.”

After almost 2 years of waiting (book 2 was published in 2011) Reichs has given readers a one-two punch with a novella and 3rd book releasing in the same month.

Shift – a Virals Novella – follows Tory and her friends as they investigate a robbery at the LIRI labs on Loggerhead Island. Even better is that Aunt Tempe (Temperance Brennan) is in town visiting – giving readers a much more tangible and much appreciated crossover link between the series. In just 80 pages, Reichs establishes backstory for those that are new to the series, creates more connections between characters for those that are fans and sets up and solves a mystery.

While I would probably have preferred to have this novella come out sometime in 2012 as a type of placeholder for fans until the new full length novel came out this year, it was worth the wait. I am now more than ready to dive into Code as soon as I get a chance.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great little story that bridges two of the full-length books in the Reichs YA series. Bringing the regular characters out to play again, with a cameo appearance by the famed Tempe Brennan, helps shape the story and leaves the reader to fly through the pages and crack the case along with hte VIRALS. When a collection of equipment goes missing, the VIRALS try to solve things, on their own, before the 'adults' can do so. Through their hard work and determination, they piece things together, but will they be discovered? Is the thief going to get awat from it?

Using a multi-narrator format, the story comes to life with all the perspectives. While I do not totally agree this format will woo boys to read it (as though the previous stories, told from a girl's perspective will turn them off), the multiple angle approach has the reader seeing the story, and the larger character development, in many ways. Great idea by Reichs.

Kudos Madam and Mr. Reichs. I like the YA series, though, not some of the most stellar Reichs work. Then again, I am no YA, so I cannot be expected to five star the book.

[Claire Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Kathy's Tempe Brennan books, including the Virals series featuring Tempe's great-niece Tory. This novella is Virals book 2.5, which is handy as I've not long read book 2 in the series, although each of Kathy's books can be read as a stand alone too.
Even though Virals is classed as a Young Adults series, I sometimes enjoy an easier read, so have read quite a few YA books.
This novella contained everything a great Virals book needs - intrigue, crime, mystery and the 4 members of the Virals team. A crime has occurred on Loggerhead Island and the Virals use their collective powers to solve it without being discovered. Of course, Tempe is hot on their heels.
I really like the fact that Tempe, the main character in Kathy's adult 'Bones' series of books, pops up here.
Good plot, endearing characters and a captivating setting. Ms Reichs does it again!

[JayLando22 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is super short. I was able to read it within an hour and I am not a fast reader. But it is also a very fun read.

It somewhat requires you to be a fan of the Virals series of Sci-Fi fantasy YA. I am. It also helps to be a fan of Kathy Reichs other series, BONES, which I totally am.

This brief mystery gives you all you need to know about the characters and setting and in a change from the series proper give each character its own voice and chapter including Tempe Brennan who gets to close the story.

Like I said, fun. If you enjoy the series this is a good time and it might MIGHT be a way in. YMMV and the youth speech sounds like an adult writing in a “youth patois”, but still, I dug it. Cannot wait to start the third novel in the series now.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this series, so when I saw that Kathy had written a short story I knew I had to read it. I loved the different points of view, getting to see how each person thinks, reacts to going viral, and how they figure things out in regards to investigation.
The added bonus of seeing Temperance just made it that much worth while to read this book. As usual, the Virals are up to no good, and have decided to investigate a recent break in at LIRI. Using their powers they are able to find the smallest clues in helping solve the case, that also leads them directly to the stolen equipment and who is responsible.

Shift was a quick read and I enjoyed getting to spend time with the Virals again.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, fast read. The Virals investigate when someone has broken into one of the labs at the institute where Tory's dad is director on Loggerhead Island. They beat her dad and the cops to the island and use their flare powers to figure out where the stolen goods are and who is the thief. They can't take the chance of people discovering their powers so they don't want to take credit for the find.
The story is told from a different person's perspective in each chapter which makes it interesting because you get to see how each member of the Virals views themselves and others.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*

Lol this was an awesome short. Tory and her friends solve a crime before anyone else, but what Tory didn't count on was when Aunt Tempe visits and helps and figures a few things out on her own. Things like how she know the crime was solved. And how she let Tory know she knew. Good little short

[Paiten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was eat! I love getting the boys' points of view, especially Ben's. It did make me wonder- is Shelton gay? I mean, come on people, he likes One Direction!

[Carrie Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved finally hearing from the guys! Hi is absolutely hilarious and it was good to get something from Ben other than silence and anger.

[nate:) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have just finished Shift and tomorrow ima start Code, and I'm really excited! What I really loved about Shift was how you got to read the different perspectives, not just Tory. I really liked how you got Kits and Dr. Tempe. Thats really all.

So, next time I will see you is when I have completed Code.

once again... I really enjoyed something a little different from what I normally read, and I'm super excited to read Code next!
Thank you Kathy Reichs, for making Virals, Seizure, Shock and Shift a great adventure that I could become apart of.

Sincerely
Nate

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

On Morris Island , Loggerhead Island Research Institute...

The four kids (teens)... one being Dr. Temperence Brenner's niece... are in a race to beat Tempe in solving who broke into Lab 3, stealing the electronic equipment - and where it is...

They cajole their way in... they investigate, coming up with only one clue, a sliver of wood...
when outside again, they pop into their genetic alter egos, one seeing the faint trail... following it to one of the gardening/storage sheds... they find the equipment, the means to remove it (the big vehicle used to feed the monkeys), and who...

but not wanting the parents to find out, they contrive an email of a broken pipe to get dad/head of lab to the shed, to discover the equipment...

But Tempe notices a faint shoe print... and figures out that the kids solved the crime, and set it up

[Dpucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, can't get enough of these characters. (I may not be a teen by a long shot, but I enjoyed this book immensely. I may not have had such extreme adventures as a teen, I did, however, have my share of scary times, heartbreaking times, growing pains, resistance to authority, the whole works that a teen goes through as they transition to adult hood, in one form or another. I think I can, fairly, say most of us have. Ms. Reichs captures these emotions and transitions, eloquently, as she transports you to the realm of the Virals. The suspense kept me reading and looking for excuses to read more. Tori is a character I can relate to personality wise. I have known people who remind me of her closest friends. I bet you do too.)

[Kathy Nealen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short e-story chronologically between the second and third novels in this young adult mystery series. This one included Temperance Brennan, the forensic anthropologist in the author's popular adult series. It also provided narrative points of view from multiple characters, instead of restricting it to Tory Brennan as previous episodes had. It was a little bit difficult to get used to but I liked hearing the point of view from the other characters.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and sweet, but not as good as Shock, the short story that acts as a prequel to the series. The constant change of PoV is a little annoying, though it is fun to see things from Hiram’s and Ben’s angle. Shelton isn’t quite as interesting. Adding chapters written from Kit’s and Tempe’s PoV was just overkill, imho.

[P.S. Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great .5 book giving us a look inside the thoughts of all of the characters instead of just Tory Brennan. We get to see some of the emotions and reactions of the boys that we may not find out about until later books in the series. If you are looking for some foreshadowing of things to come include this .5 book into your reading of the Viral series.

[Adam Burlew · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
A robbery at The LIRI Facility where Tory's Dad is now Director is kinda flimsy.
The Security personnel are typical incompetent jerks, overweight, under-paid dolts.
It's kinda a waste that this is the first time Tempence vists her neice
Kit really is clueless about his daughter and her buddies. He is supposed to be very high IQ, with two PhDs.

[Hyperactive · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the inclusion of Dr. Temperance Brennan in this book. It was also a great quick read about the teens solving a mystery without getting themselves into serious danger. I really enjoyed the bit at the end when Temperance basically told Tory that she knew they were involved and just walked off.

[Dannelle Castellano · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun novella for the series. It's different because each chapter is from a different character's POV which is fun because you get to know the other characters a little bit more, and also, I'm a fan of the Temperance Brennan series, so it was fun to get a little shout out from Tempe in this one.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun short story that contains a more “normal” mystery to solve. It was neat that all of the main characters had a turn telling their chapter from their own point of view instead of the regular novels which are all told from Tory’s point of view. Also nice to have Tempe Brennan drop in a well!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cool mini story for the virals! Getting to have the points of view from the boys as well as Tory and even Kit and Aunt Tempe made an appearance!
One question though are you team Jason or team Ben? If you know you know!