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Temperance Brennan #5
Grave Secrets
Investigating a massacre that took place in Guatemala in 1982, forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan discovers that those events are linked to the disappearance of four girls from Guatemala City and the murder of a human rights investigator.
516 pages, Hardcover
First published July 9, 2002
1051 people are currently reading
14065 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Reichs
152 books17.4k 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 1,201 reviews
June 27, 2024
The 5th book in the Temperance Brennan series and I enjoyed it. It isn't going to be the best read of the year for me (well I hope not) but it was intriguing and well written.
Again as with all of the books in this series I am blown away with the amount of research that must have gone into this book - it is full of descriptions and explanations which I really enjoyed but I could see this being boring or dragging for other readers.
Often with these books we are given a few different case/plotlines and this is no exception I found things in this book a little to easily wrapped up but I think the character development was a little better.
This is a really easy read for me and it didn't take me long to get through. We end on a cliffhanger - not to do with her cases but her personal life and I really like this and can't wait to read more about it in the next book. I do think unlike some of the others books in the series this would be a struggle to understand without it predecessors.
Again as with all of the books in this series I am blown away with the amount of research that must have gone into this book - it is full of descriptions and explanations which I really enjoyed but I could see this being boring or dragging for other readers.
Often with these books we are given a few different case/plotlines and this is no exception I found things in this book a little to easily wrapped up but I think the character development was a little better.
This is a really easy read for me and it didn't take me long to get through. We end on a cliffhanger - not to do with her cases but her personal life and I really like this and can't wait to read more about it in the next book. I do think unlike some of the others books in the series this would be a struggle to understand without it predecessors.
August 9, 2023
It was ok, wouldn't rave about it. I seem to be developing a love hate relationship with this author.
Middle of the road, three stars.
Middle of the road, three stars.
April 25, 2008
Um...what the hell happened? This is most definitely not one of Reichs' better books. I found this one lacking, almost to the extreme. By the end of the book it was like "And I read this because?". It lacked the suspense, action and mystery that I got used to in the four previous novels. Even though the little sub-plots were tied in at the end, there were too many of them and the book became confusing, turning to almost obnoxious. The only thing that had me jumping for the next novel in the series is what happens in the last chapter, and I won't divulge that info so as not to spoil it. I do hope Bare Bones is better than this one. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book (hell, I've read worse, trust me) but because I found it severely lacking, it's not the greatest read.
May 14, 2018
Really boring.
I don't ever want to read about another autopsy.
If doctors are going to write books, please can they stop boring us with technical details.
I don't ever want to read about another autopsy.
If doctors are going to write books, please can they stop boring us with technical details.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
perhaps not Tempe’s strongest book, but still enjoyable and interesting! love triangle was unexpected, but i hope i’m correct on who she chose at the end. interesting mystery for my slump!
May 20, 2024
A little more forensic detail, if you please!
It's a sad fact that world history is rife with complex, deeply disturbing stories of mass murders and genocides by governments and dictators - Germany, Japan and China, Uganda, Haiti and more. The list is all too lengthy. Temperance Brennan, forensic pathologist, is on site in Guatemala helping the current government to clear up a period in their history that they have chosen to expose to the light of day and the scrutiny of a critical world that they hope will forgive them for their actions in a dirtier past.
When she's ambushed by gunmen and an investigative reporter is brutally murdered, it becomes apparent that, despite the government's wishes for an open investigation of the massacre, there are obviously secrets that someone will do almost anything to keep buried. Temperance Brennan comes to the realization that she may be on somebody's hit list.
On the plus side, Temperance Brennan is a somewhat more focused, considerably less angst-ridden character than her American counterpart, Kay Scarpetta, as she is portrayed in the Patricia Cornwell novels. That's certainly not to say that she's flat and without a certain depth and flair. GRAVE SECRETS, for example, finds Brennan torn between two lovers, her long-time Canadian friend, Lt Andrew Ryan, and Bartolomé Galiano, a hotter blooded, more ardent Hispanic sort of more recent acquaintance.
Publisher's Weekly was graphic and rather effusive in their praise of the novel. They talked about skillfully interwoven plots and red herrings that melted into "a satisfying puddle of sex, sleaze, greed and gore". For my taste, I'd prefer to see a little more focus on the mechanics of forensic investigation and a little less attention to a plot that I believe was too complex by half.
Leave the plots and counter-plots to the international spy vs spy intrigue thrillers, I say. If you're going to create a protagonist who's a skilled forensic pathologist, then let her do her work. Don't attempt to make her all things to all people capable of puzzling through plots so complex as to defy believability and the best police efforts of two countries.
Paul Weiss
It's a sad fact that world history is rife with complex, deeply disturbing stories of mass murders and genocides by governments and dictators - Germany, Japan and China, Uganda, Haiti and more. The list is all too lengthy. Temperance Brennan, forensic pathologist, is on site in Guatemala helping the current government to clear up a period in their history that they have chosen to expose to the light of day and the scrutiny of a critical world that they hope will forgive them for their actions in a dirtier past.
When she's ambushed by gunmen and an investigative reporter is brutally murdered, it becomes apparent that, despite the government's wishes for an open investigation of the massacre, there are obviously secrets that someone will do almost anything to keep buried. Temperance Brennan comes to the realization that she may be on somebody's hit list.
On the plus side, Temperance Brennan is a somewhat more focused, considerably less angst-ridden character than her American counterpart, Kay Scarpetta, as she is portrayed in the Patricia Cornwell novels. That's certainly not to say that she's flat and without a certain depth and flair. GRAVE SECRETS, for example, finds Brennan torn between two lovers, her long-time Canadian friend, Lt Andrew Ryan, and Bartolomé Galiano, a hotter blooded, more ardent Hispanic sort of more recent acquaintance.
Publisher's Weekly was graphic and rather effusive in their praise of the novel. They talked about skillfully interwoven plots and red herrings that melted into "a satisfying puddle of sex, sleaze, greed and gore". For my taste, I'd prefer to see a little more focus on the mechanics of forensic investigation and a little less attention to a plot that I believe was too complex by half.
Leave the plots and counter-plots to the international spy vs spy intrigue thrillers, I say. If you're going to create a protagonist who's a skilled forensic pathologist, then let her do her work. Don't attempt to make her all things to all people capable of puzzling through plots so complex as to defy believability and the best police efforts of two countries.
Paul Weiss
December 4, 2008
Kathy Reichs's novel Grave Secrets opens with this dedication:
For the innocents:
Guatemala
1962-1996
New York, New York
Arlington, Virginia
Shanksville, Pennsylvania
September 11, 2001
I have touched their bones. I mourn for them.
For those not yet familiar with this ambitious author, Reichs, like the character in her books, Tempe Brennan, is a forensic anthropologist for the North Carolina medical examiner. She also works for the Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légals in Quebec, and is a professor of anthropology at eh University of North Carolina (Charlotte). And she is one of 50 forensic anthropologists certified in the US by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.
This woman is busy!
And yet she turns out novels on the side - and good ones at that. In Grave Secrets, Tempe works with a group to identify the victims of a mass murder by soldiers in the Guatemalan village of Chupan Ya twenty years before.
Things are never simple, though, and she is soon sought out and consulted by Guatemalan police on a local case: Can she help them identify remains found in a septic tank? And would she help recover them as well? "Oook," is right. Reichs does such a good job describing the retrieval of the body that the reader feels a bit repulsed. Be prepared for plenty of details.
Then another mystery spins into view. Four girls are missing in Guatemala City and this recovered body might be one of them. There are tenuous connections at first, and Tempe soon discovers that working in another country brings its own challenges to an investigation.
When two members of Tempe's team of forensic anthropologists at the Chupan Ya site are attacked, things become even hairier. Throw in a love interest or two to further complicate the mix, and you have a pretty good read.
Reichs's pacing is, as always, just right. He characters are strong and well-built, and the plot is intriguing enough to keep most readers engaged. She includes a map in the front of the book for people like me - the geographically challenged. The science is the best part, in my opinion, and a reader can tell she knows her stuff. I always put one of Reichs's novels down when I'm finished and wonder how much is autobiographical and how much is pure fiction.
I admit this book was a little slower than previous ones and the subject of mass identifications would have been more interesting if it were closer to home (American egocentrism at its worst, I'm afraid).
For the innocents:
Guatemala
1962-1996
New York, New York
Arlington, Virginia
Shanksville, Pennsylvania
September 11, 2001
I have touched their bones. I mourn for them.
For those not yet familiar with this ambitious author, Reichs, like the character in her books, Tempe Brennan, is a forensic anthropologist for the North Carolina medical examiner. She also works for the Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légals in Quebec, and is a professor of anthropology at eh University of North Carolina (Charlotte). And she is one of 50 forensic anthropologists certified in the US by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology.
This woman is busy!
And yet she turns out novels on the side - and good ones at that. In Grave Secrets, Tempe works with a group to identify the victims of a mass murder by soldiers in the Guatemalan village of Chupan Ya twenty years before.
Things are never simple, though, and she is soon sought out and consulted by Guatemalan police on a local case: Can she help them identify remains found in a septic tank? And would she help recover them as well? "Oook," is right. Reichs does such a good job describing the retrieval of the body that the reader feels a bit repulsed. Be prepared for plenty of details.
Then another mystery spins into view. Four girls are missing in Guatemala City and this recovered body might be one of them. There are tenuous connections at first, and Tempe soon discovers that working in another country brings its own challenges to an investigation.
When two members of Tempe's team of forensic anthropologists at the Chupan Ya site are attacked, things become even hairier. Throw in a love interest or two to further complicate the mix, and you have a pretty good read.
Reichs's pacing is, as always, just right. He characters are strong and well-built, and the plot is intriguing enough to keep most readers engaged. She includes a map in the front of the book for people like me - the geographically challenged. The science is the best part, in my opinion, and a reader can tell she knows her stuff. I always put one of Reichs's novels down when I'm finished and wonder how much is autobiographical and how much is pure fiction.
I admit this book was a little slower than previous ones and the subject of mass identifications would have been more interesting if it were closer to home (American egocentrism at its worst, I'm afraid).
November 6, 2018
This book, and book 6, were not my favorite. It could've been work.. or it could've been Tempy rubbing me the wrong way. I don't really know what it was.. but I do know that this girl really needs to learn how to take care of and protect herself. It's either her or some random family member in trouble - but mostly her.
In Grave Secrets, Temperance is in Guatemala and while there she is constantly worrying about Ryan and her daughter. She's also getting into danger, constantly, and I probably rolled my eyes a bunch of times. I just feel like her book character is completely different than her tv character is really disappointing.
I also feel like this book was meh in every department. It was mostly her in danger or trying to get out of danger - nothing else. I just feel like not a lot happened in this book and it definitely made me hesitant to dive into the next book.
In Grave Secrets, Temperance is in Guatemala and while there she is constantly worrying about Ryan and her daughter. She's also getting into danger, constantly, and I probably rolled my eyes a bunch of times. I just feel like her book character is completely different than her tv character is really disappointing.
I also feel like this book was meh in every department. It was mostly her in danger or trying to get out of danger - nothing else. I just feel like not a lot happened in this book and it definitely made me hesitant to dive into the next book.
June 17, 2025
Para este caso, Brennan se encuentra en Guatemala ayudando a descubrir la identidad de varios cadáveres encontrados en una fosa común, que se presume fueron victimas de los militares en uno de los gobiernos mas sangrientos del país. Pero mientras se encontraba en su investigación, la policía de la ciudad le pidió que colaborara en la identificación de un cadáver que se encontró en una fosa séptica. Sin embargo, todo parecía estar ligado. Cuando la investigación comenzó a descubrir mucho mas de lo que se esperaba, Brennan correrá peligro. Pero, serán capaces de descubrir quien y porque asesinaron a esa chica? Porque Brennan se encuentra en peligro? Que relación tiene todo eso con los cadáveres de la fosa común?
Este caso fue demasiado enredado, muchas de ellas no daban a ningún lado. Me parece que el autor quería que se viera el genocidio que han habido en los diversos gobiernos militares en Latinoamérica, pero no me parece que mezclar eso con una investigación científica que vende embriones en el mercado negro tuviera mucha lógica. Como tampoco me pareció que la prota tuviera tantas "ganas" de dejarse seducir por los dos policías, y que ambos aparecieran en el mismo país y estuvieran pendiente de ella.
En fin, no me emociono mucho este libro, pero voy a darle la oportunidad al próximo a ver si volvemos a las tramas con mas sentido y nuestra prota "madura" un poco mas.
Este caso fue demasiado enredado, muchas de ellas no daban a ningún lado. Me parece que el autor quería que se viera el genocidio que han habido en los diversos gobiernos militares en Latinoamérica, pero no me parece que mezclar eso con una investigación científica que vende embriones en el mercado negro tuviera mucha lógica. Como tampoco me pareció que la prota tuviera tantas "ganas" de dejarse seducir por los dos policías, y que ambos aparecieran en el mismo país y estuvieran pendiente de ella.
En fin, no me emociono mucho este libro, pero voy a darle la oportunidad al próximo a ver si volvemos a las tramas con mas sentido y nuestra prota "madura" un poco mas.
November 16, 2017
Its been awhile since I've visited with Tempe Brennan. I like her and I like her stories. I had to take a break, though, they were getting repetitive and formulaic.
I missed her, though, after all these years, so I read book 5. I liked it! This one takes place in Guatemala and there's a handsome detective down there that I like - Detective Galiano. He's giving Ryan a run for his money!
I like all the details in Kathy Reich's books. It's always fascinating learning about bones and cadavers. There was a lot of detail about excavating a corpse from a septic tank, but I made it through that.
We had the typical old murders and new murders. Temperance, of course, knows too much because she's just so smart and that's always a dangerous place to be. If she were real, she'd either be dead or the winner of a Nobel prize!
I missed her, though, after all these years, so I read book 5. I liked it! This one takes place in Guatemala and there's a handsome detective down there that I like - Detective Galiano. He's giving Ryan a run for his money!
I like all the details in Kathy Reich's books. It's always fascinating learning about bones and cadavers. There was a lot of detail about excavating a corpse from a septic tank, but I made it through that.
We had the typical old murders and new murders. Temperance, of course, knows too much because she's just so smart and that's always a dangerous place to be. If she were real, she'd either be dead or the winner of a Nobel prize!
October 14, 2019
I loved this book of truly horrific crimes (on so many levels). It was paced well and the characters I love. (I do prefer the Temperance Brennan of the book to the rather sophomoric version we get in the TV show.) The tension was good and I would've given it 4 stars, except for one thing. Extraneous and unnecessary exposition! And a lot of it!!
July 24, 2010
Interesting, but not as solid as first four Tempe stories...
We eagerly dived into this fifth book about forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, having thoroughly enjoyed the earlier four stories about her crime solving from a rather different perspective. From the study of bones, sometimes long buried skeletons, Tempe, as in real life does author Dr. Kathy Reichs, is usually able to determine age, race, and gender of the victim; often the means and manner of death; and sometimes even enough clues to pursue the perpetrator. While reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta, the Montreal, North Carolina, and sometimes other settings, coupled with supporting characters in each location, plus the somewhat unique challenges of the analysis involved, lead to entertaining stories and characters we have come to enjoy.
In Grave Secrets, Tempe is stationed on assignment in Guatemala, where much of the book is devoted to first her unearthing, then her aiding in the identifying, of two dozen remains of executions of women and children from during the long, 34-year Guatemalan civil war. The atrocities described to us during that period darkened the whole book; presuming this is mostly if not completely fact based, surely a depressing recounting of human cruelty and suffering. Meanwhile, two other stories compete for Tempe's (and our) attention: the case of a skeleton found in a septic tank, and all the interesting technical feats involved in ID'ing the victim; and the disappearance of four missing young women. Pursuing and resolving these cases involved the participation of two leading men in the story - detective Galiano, whom Tempe comes to like, of the Guatemalen PD; and long-time Canadian associate and romantic interest Andrew Ryan, who just "happens" to be old buddies with Galiano and is apparently free to run back and forth to Canada with little restraint. That one of the missing women is the Canadian ambassador's daughter opens the rationale for much of the goings-on as well as much of the suspense. The book concludes with a bedtime cliffhanger in the style of Janet Evanovich, which we weren't sure we really appreciated, but will certainly help sell Book 6!
To get to the point, we're not as enthused about this fifth book as Reich's earlier work. We felt much of the chasing around had little or nothing to do with Tempe's skills (let alone her job per se); and too many sub-plots required too many (relatively shallowly developed) characters to populate them adequately. Each successive story element only seemed to subtract from the strength of the novel; and when we were all done, we wound up with a living room dusted and vacuumed, but still cluttered beyond good taste. While Reichs credits her publishers with helping making her book compelling, to us the editors should have carved much of the detail at several points, simplified the story lines, axed some situations that did nothing for the cause, and in general tightened up the whole convoluted tale. We think her other books are better, and urge a little more caution for her next outing, which still we will no doubt anxiously await.
We eagerly dived into this fifth book about forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, having thoroughly enjoyed the earlier four stories about her crime solving from a rather different perspective. From the study of bones, sometimes long buried skeletons, Tempe, as in real life does author Dr. Kathy Reichs, is usually able to determine age, race, and gender of the victim; often the means and manner of death; and sometimes even enough clues to pursue the perpetrator. While reminiscent of Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta, the Montreal, North Carolina, and sometimes other settings, coupled with supporting characters in each location, plus the somewhat unique challenges of the analysis involved, lead to entertaining stories and characters we have come to enjoy.
In Grave Secrets, Tempe is stationed on assignment in Guatemala, where much of the book is devoted to first her unearthing, then her aiding in the identifying, of two dozen remains of executions of women and children from during the long, 34-year Guatemalan civil war. The atrocities described to us during that period darkened the whole book; presuming this is mostly if not completely fact based, surely a depressing recounting of human cruelty and suffering. Meanwhile, two other stories compete for Tempe's (and our) attention: the case of a skeleton found in a septic tank, and all the interesting technical feats involved in ID'ing the victim; and the disappearance of four missing young women. Pursuing and resolving these cases involved the participation of two leading men in the story - detective Galiano, whom Tempe comes to like, of the Guatemalen PD; and long-time Canadian associate and romantic interest Andrew Ryan, who just "happens" to be old buddies with Galiano and is apparently free to run back and forth to Canada with little restraint. That one of the missing women is the Canadian ambassador's daughter opens the rationale for much of the goings-on as well as much of the suspense. The book concludes with a bedtime cliffhanger in the style of Janet Evanovich, which we weren't sure we really appreciated, but will certainly help sell Book 6!
To get to the point, we're not as enthused about this fifth book as Reich's earlier work. We felt much of the chasing around had little or nothing to do with Tempe's skills (let alone her job per se); and too many sub-plots required too many (relatively shallowly developed) characters to populate them adequately. Each successive story element only seemed to subtract from the strength of the novel; and when we were all done, we wound up with a living room dusted and vacuumed, but still cluttered beyond good taste. While Reichs credits her publishers with helping making her book compelling, to us the editors should have carved much of the detail at several points, simplified the story lines, axed some situations that did nothing for the cause, and in general tightened up the whole convoluted tale. We think her other books are better, and urge a little more caution for her next outing, which still we will no doubt anxiously await.
March 2, 2016
This book is only the 2nd novel I've read by this author. She seems to hover around the 2 - 3 star range for me.
I liked the beginning of this book. It sounded interesting. But then it went up in flames. That was so disappointing because I thought this had some great potential. The story line became so unreal without anything to back it up.
I did like the MC though and I liked that this book didn't delve too much into the ugly details about her job. I loved the way the author linked all the clues. That was much appreciated. Overall, this was 3 stars for me.
One last thing. I didn't care for the narrator at all. The characters came across as kind of lifeless.
I liked the beginning of this book. It sounded interesting. But then it went up in flames. That was so disappointing because I thought this had some great potential. The story line became so unreal without anything to back it up.
I did like the MC though and I liked that this book didn't delve too much into the ugly details about her job. I loved the way the author linked all the clues. That was much appreciated. Overall, this was 3 stars for me.
One last thing. I didn't care for the narrator at all. The characters came across as kind of lifeless.
October 11, 2022
Dr. Temperance Brennan is excavating a mass grave in the village of Chupan Ya when she is called by a Guatemalan detective (Galiano) to investigate a body in a septic tank in Guatemala City. She discovers this could be one of four girls reported missing. Also, there is a nosy reporter who will not leave Tempe alone.
The setting spans back and forth between Guatemala and Canada. I feel like this novel is an information dump. It boggled my mind to figure out what was dumping and what was pertinent. Between the wealth of information is sprinkled Spanish and French, which compounded my confusion. What to leave in? What to leave out? It isn't until the climax and resolution that the threads for the plot and subplots come together and make sense.
The characters are well developed. Andrew Ryan makes an appearance and, before long, there is a possible love triangle forming. The descriptions can be graphic. The dialogue is compatible with each character; even Ryan grasps the scientific information with his simple explanations. In conclusion, I can still say I'm looking forward to the next novel in this series. My medical knowledge is increasing and my reading French is improving.
The setting spans back and forth between Guatemala and Canada. I feel like this novel is an information dump. It boggled my mind to figure out what was dumping and what was pertinent. Between the wealth of information is sprinkled Spanish and French, which compounded my confusion. What to leave in? What to leave out? It isn't until the climax and resolution that the threads for the plot and subplots come together and make sense.
The characters are well developed. Andrew Ryan makes an appearance and, before long, there is a possible love triangle forming. The descriptions can be graphic. The dialogue is compatible with each character; even Ryan grasps the scientific information with his simple explanations. In conclusion, I can still say I'm looking forward to the next novel in this series. My medical knowledge is increasing and my reading French is improving.
November 14, 2019
The idea of this story was good, but unfortunately I found the thing a bit disjointed in reading. I love Tempe Brennan, but does she do some stupid things for a highly intelligent lady.
As always, I love the forensic and scientific detail that we get, but this fell a bit short of her best work for me.
As always, I love the forensic and scientific detail that we get, but this fell a bit short of her best work for me.
November 19, 2012
I found this one to be a little confusing at times. There's many characters involved for one thing and there are several plots running at the same time. Continent skipping really didn't help.
I have noticed that theme in some of the previous Tempe Brennan novels. No matter where mystery or work takes here, somehow it always ties back to Canada. Fatal Voyage bucked that trend, but this one goes right back to it. It's not that I mind her being based primarily in Canada even though she's a Carolina implant. Not in the least. It's just that sometimes I find the unrelated mysteries she encounters whenever she goes BACK to Canada (or away as in some previous books) to confuse matters at times. Sometimes I also think it's just an excuse to get Ryan into the book. I think Ryan's a great character, but I think the constant and coincidental ties to Canada as a means of getting Ryan into the book is a bit of a stretch. In fact, one of the major players in this book who lives and works in Guatemala even went to college with Ryan. I liked the Galiano character, but once again..the ties back to Canada are a little too coincidental to be beleived.
What's good about this book is that (even though at times a little confusing with all the minor players and subplots) is that the main mystery is never what it seems at the beginning of the book. By the time you're two thirds of the way through a Tempe Brennan novel the greater mystery reveals itself and it's usually one you never saw coming.
Tempe's doing some work in Guatemala. Trying to identify victims of a mass military massacre from the 80s (which actually happened) so they may be put to rest. It's what she does. That on its own is a mystery in itself but it's when she's approached by the local authorities to identify bodies of a potential serial killer that she gets into real trouble and things start to get messy and interesting at the same time.
If you can keep up with the twists and turns and all the major and minor players, it's still worth a read because there's a pretty twisted and chilling mystery at the heart of this book.
I have noticed that theme in some of the previous Tempe Brennan novels. No matter where mystery or work takes here, somehow it always ties back to Canada. Fatal Voyage bucked that trend, but this one goes right back to it. It's not that I mind her being based primarily in Canada even though she's a Carolina implant. Not in the least. It's just that sometimes I find the unrelated mysteries she encounters whenever she goes BACK to Canada (or away as in some previous books) to confuse matters at times. Sometimes I also think it's just an excuse to get Ryan into the book. I think Ryan's a great character, but I think the constant and coincidental ties to Canada as a means of getting Ryan into the book is a bit of a stretch. In fact, one of the major players in this book who lives and works in Guatemala even went to college with Ryan. I liked the Galiano character, but once again..the ties back to Canada are a little too coincidental to be beleived.
What's good about this book is that (even though at times a little confusing with all the minor players and subplots) is that the main mystery is never what it seems at the beginning of the book. By the time you're two thirds of the way through a Tempe Brennan novel the greater mystery reveals itself and it's usually one you never saw coming.
Tempe's doing some work in Guatemala. Trying to identify victims of a mass military massacre from the 80s (which actually happened) so they may be put to rest. It's what she does. That on its own is a mystery in itself but it's when she's approached by the local authorities to identify bodies of a potential serial killer that she gets into real trouble and things start to get messy and interesting at the same time.
If you can keep up with the twists and turns and all the major and minor players, it's still worth a read because there's a pretty twisted and chilling mystery at the heart of this book.
November 17, 2018
This book literally started off with a bang since Tempy hears her coworkers being shot over the phone. One thing that was annoying in this book was the slight love triangle. While in Guatemala, Tempy works with Bartolome "Bat" Galiano, and sparks fly between them. Oh, to make matters worse Ryan knows this dude. The little conversations those two had, most likely about Tempy, really irked me.
I was fascinated by the embryonic stem cell angle that came up in this. However, it felt kind of rushed into and I wish it had been introduced sooner and explained more in depth in relation to the crime committed. Also the ending of this was plain ridiculous. I was very annoyed by the ending. AND WHO DOES TEMPY GO ON VACATION WITH!?
I was fascinated by the embryonic stem cell angle that came up in this. However, it felt kind of rushed into and I wish it had been introduced sooner and explained more in depth in relation to the crime committed. Also the ending of this was plain ridiculous. I was very annoyed by the ending. AND WHO DOES TEMPY GO ON VACATION WITH!?
August 15, 2019
loved it on to the next
November 14, 2019
So this book was kinda slow to begin with . But as you get a few chapters into it then it picks up and completely pulls you in! I’m so looking forward to seeing which guy Tempe actually picks!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2013
Five books into this series, my pet peeve is the astounding coincidences that crop up so implausibly in virtually every book. I suppose the same could be said here where, even though Tempe is in Guatemala, the case just happens to bring in the Canadian ambassador, and therefore Ryan. I am getting a little tired of Ryan and his constant smoking and forced insertion into stories where, if anything, he should be in the background. Also for my money, five books in and still Tempe's acting "will she, won't she" about him is really stringing it out. There is a complication in this book when she gets ever so slightly romantically linked with a cop in Guatemala. This being Tempe, and Reichs, no physical love-making ever happens, of course. I get the feeling that if she ever finally gets it on with someone, there will be earth-shattering tsunamis, such is the anticipation that Reichs is building up.
The other problem I have with the romance angle is it's there to be a romance angle, and it's very pedestrian and almost an afterthought. "Oh yeah, I'm writing thrillers with a strong female lead, which women would like to read, and women like romance, so...."
As to the plot, I like that Reichs set it in Guatemala and brought attention to the awful atrocities that took place during the civil war, something that the average reader might not be familiar with. There is also a superbly yucky scene of Tempe climbing into a septic tank and searching through the muck. There's also a great scene of Tempe being physically sick while trying to elude the killer. Oh, and you will learn far more that you need to know about DNA in cat hair.
At the end of the day, this is about par for the course amongst Reichs' books, but its pedestrian mystery is elevated by the unusual setting.
The other problem I have with the romance angle is it's there to be a romance angle, and it's very pedestrian and almost an afterthought. "Oh yeah, I'm writing thrillers with a strong female lead, which women would like to read, and women like romance, so...."
As to the plot, I like that Reichs set it in Guatemala and brought attention to the awful atrocities that took place during the civil war, something that the average reader might not be familiar with. There is also a superbly yucky scene of Tempe climbing into a septic tank and searching through the muck. There's also a great scene of Tempe being physically sick while trying to elude the killer. Oh, and you will learn far more that you need to know about DNA in cat hair.
At the end of the day, this is about par for the course amongst Reichs' books, but its pedestrian mystery is elevated by the unusual setting.
January 24, 2013
Welcome back readers to another episode of Forensic Science, I mean C.S.I., no, I mean Cold Case Files... Finding myself becoming confused, disoriented, and possibly schitzophrenic, I begin to chant "Oh, it's this kind of book."
The plot is intriguing and intelligently thought out. Oh, if it could have only stopped there, we would of had a grand ole' time. The subplots were so abrupt and interwoven so carelessly, you have to keep checking back to make sure your reading the right book. The subplots have almost nothing to do with the main story. Which caused me to break the mantra and begin yelling for the author to pick a story and follow through with it.
The atmosphere is muddled and obscure. Reich’s has trouble with imposing the emotions she wants to convey, leaving the reader with a mild headache. I suggest you keep a bottle of Tylenol on hand. The characters are exasperating and colorless. In all honesty, if it weren’t for the back cover blurb, I wouldn’t be able to tell you any character names they are so forgettable. The style of writing is inadequate and displays a substandard prose. Who knew there were so many clichés and worn out phrases in the English language available?
On the flip side, the pace in the book is balanced and keeps the story flowing consistently. The locations are interesting and the forensic knowledge is impressive. Last but not least, I'm a big fan of graveyard humor, so thank you Ms. Reichs for adding to my extensive morbidly odd collection of "things to say when..".
I give this book a 1 . If it’s offered freely, take it. Otherwise, stick to C.S.I. and bask in the hotness of Grissom.
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
The plot is intriguing and intelligently thought out. Oh, if it could have only stopped there, we would of had a grand ole' time. The subplots were so abrupt and interwoven so carelessly, you have to keep checking back to make sure your reading the right book. The subplots have almost nothing to do with the main story. Which caused me to break the mantra and begin yelling for the author to pick a story and follow through with it.
The atmosphere is muddled and obscure. Reich’s has trouble with imposing the emotions she wants to convey, leaving the reader with a mild headache. I suggest you keep a bottle of Tylenol on hand. The characters are exasperating and colorless. In all honesty, if it weren’t for the back cover blurb, I wouldn’t be able to tell you any character names they are so forgettable. The style of writing is inadequate and displays a substandard prose. Who knew there were so many clichés and worn out phrases in the English language available?
On the flip side, the pace in the book is balanced and keeps the story flowing consistently. The locations are interesting and the forensic knowledge is impressive. Last but not least, I'm a big fan of graveyard humor, so thank you Ms. Reichs for adding to my extensive morbidly odd collection of "things to say when..".
I give this book a 1 . If it’s offered freely, take it. Otherwise, stick to C.S.I. and bask in the hotness of Grissom.
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
October 9, 2013
I didn't like this one as much as her other books. I just found it too be too technical and rather confusing with too many characters with similar sounding names (I listened to the audiobook). There were also too many subplots (red herrings I guess) but it just made it all the more difficult to follow. I also found all the Canadian tie-ins to be way too coincidental. Come on Ryan's best college bud now lives in Guatemala and just happens to be the lead on a case that Tempe Brennan is working. I guess it works for the love triangle end but it certainly wasn't plausible. Neither is the Specter families Canadian ties.
And for all Tempe missed Ryan while she was in Guatemala, when she's back in Canada all she does is bitch at him. I just couldn't figure out the animosity. Yeah he's a funny guy and he can't keep on track when Tempe's lecturing on science issues so he uses humor to break it up. She knows that about him and still she lets it get to her again and again. Why date the guy if his basic personality annoys the hell out of her? I like Ryan but I just can't see him and Tempe long term.
All in all not my favorite Tempe Brennan book. I find that this series is hit or miss for me.
And for all Tempe missed Ryan while she was in Guatemala, when she's back in Canada all she does is bitch at him. I just couldn't figure out the animosity. Yeah he's a funny guy and he can't keep on track when Tempe's lecturing on science issues so he uses humor to break it up. She knows that about him and still she lets it get to her again and again. Why date the guy if his basic personality annoys the hell out of her? I like Ryan but I just can't see him and Tempe long term.
All in all not my favorite Tempe Brennan book. I find that this series is hit or miss for me.
April 28, 2013
I've only recently begun reading the Tempe Brennan series. I was a fan of the TV show first, and on a whim decided I should try out the books. My first piece of advice for anyone who hasn't read the books before, and have only seen the TV series, is to think of them as separate entities. Tempe is a vastly different character between the two mediums, and the setting is also completely different. I was not prepared for that at all.
That said it is easy to see the nod to the books in the very first episode of Bones in Grave Secrets. The nod, being of course, that Tempe is in Guatemala identifying victims of genocide. That's pretty much it. Having said that though, I am going to say that this book is really where Kathy Reichs finds her voice as a writer. The previous four books were well written, and told interesting stories, but it is easy to see why the TV series gave a nod to book five in the way that it did.
I don't want to give too much away, but I believe what made the book wonderful was the amount of people Tempe interacted with. Not all of them were suspects, and it was nice to see a wrench thrown into the romance plot-line with Ryan. I am a big fan of Galiano and I would love to see him in another book.
That said it is easy to see the nod to the books in the very first episode of Bones in Grave Secrets. The nod, being of course, that Tempe is in Guatemala identifying victims of genocide. That's pretty much it. Having said that though, I am going to say that this book is really where Kathy Reichs finds her voice as a writer. The previous four books were well written, and told interesting stories, but it is easy to see why the TV series gave a nod to book five in the way that it did.
I don't want to give too much away, but I believe what made the book wonderful was the amount of people Tempe interacted with. Not all of them were suspects, and it was nice to see a wrench thrown into the romance plot-line with Ryan. I am a big fan of Galiano and I would love to see him in another book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2019
Pretty good fast-reading mystery/thriller as long as you don't expect too much in the way of it really making sense. Kathy Reichs writes good scenes, it is the motives of the characters, all the "or maybe's" in the extensive explanations at the end of the book that made a good book into one that bordered on mediocrity. She tries to link the story to the massacres that occurred in Guatemala between 1962 and 1996 but what happens is that the murder mystery and the true history run concurrently in the book and don't really relate. What I did end up understanding is that Guatemala is being run by the same people who ordered and carried out massacres. Because she can write a good scene, particularly if it is forensic, I enjoyed most of the book but thought the beginning was wobbly and the ending was weak. I love that she dedicated the book to both the victims in Guatemala and to the victims of 9/11. I closed the book feeling that she is a compassionate and caring author.
November 7, 2020
Kind of an interesting whodunit, but the body shaming is gross and detracts from what could otherwise be a fun story. And oh yay, another love triangle. Woo.
August 4, 2022
If you’re looking for a page turning, twisty thriller, look elsewhere. If you want an action packed crime novel, try another book. If you don’t like reading similar plots over and over again, this book probably isn’t for you. That all being said, I keep finding myself reading the next book in this series. I originally started because I love the tv show bones and I was very disappointed to read that tv temperance and book temperance were two very different people. However, book temperance started to win me over. The love story line in maddening sometimes and the fact that she ALWAYS ends up being the damsel in distress is so unrealistic and cheesy that it’s kind of annoying, but here I am going in to next book. If you’re an analytical thinker like myself and enjoy hearing the process and science behind forensic anthropology then you may like this book. I’m no scientist so I don’t know how accurate all of the information is, but I find it really interesting none the less. So is it a great series? Not so far… but will I finish the entire thing? Most likely. Take that how you want to 🤷♀️
November 3, 2018
This installment in the Temperance Brennan series mixes things up a bit more from the previous books in the series. The story is set in a different country which makes the story stand out from the others which were following similar patterns. Due to the different location there are also different characters that take the lead with Brennan, along with some recurring characters from the previous books. This was again refreshing. However, in some ways the story, while interesting followed many of the same patterns as the previous books, ultimately either Brennan or someone she cares about is always in peril at the end due to the case she's unraveling and got too deep into without backup which is just becoming a little repetitive. As always with crime fiction I will say that my finding similar aspects in each book and finding them repetitive may be due to the fact I am reading them consecutively rather than having a break inbetween such as readers who read these books as they came out did, which may have an effect on enjoyment. Overall, I still found this book enjoyable and enjoyed it more than the previous book in the series.
June 3, 2021
I love this series, and I typically enjoy following Tempe on her adventures, but I slogged a bit through this one. I enjoyed the Guatemalan setting and learning more about the human rights issues, but I got super annoyed with Tempe herself. She seemed so prickly in this book for no good reason. She was harsh with Ryan at every opportunity. The love triangle seemed contrived and, frankly, expected. It's as though every long-running series with a female protagonist at some point introduces the dreaded love triangle. It's Stephanie Plum all over again. If I wanted Stephanie, I'd read Janet Evanovich. I come to Kathy Reichs for more in-depth characterization, and I feel like this installment veered away from that quite a bit. Hopefully, the next one will bring us back on track.
February 18, 2020
Not quite as satisfying as preferred.
terminologies:
p125: In the forecourt, a cement Jesus welcomed us with outstretched arms.
p197: The shooter grabbed her by the jacket and dragged her across the cement.
Ironically, it's the television show Bones that pointed out to me the common error where the word cement is used instead of concrete. Supposedly cement is an ingredient for making concrete and therefore not interchangeable.
typo:
p170: "...Quit while you're a head."
titular line:
p194: To me, "Call when you want the answers to some very grave secrets."
terminologies:
p125: In the forecourt, a cement Jesus welcomed us with outstretched arms.
p197: The shooter grabbed her by the jacket and dragged her across the cement.
Ironically, it's the television show Bones that pointed out to me the common error where the word cement is used instead of concrete. Supposedly cement is an ingredient for making concrete and therefore not interchangeable.
typo:
p170: "...Quit while you're a head."
titular line:
p194: To me, "Call when you want the answers to some very grave secrets."
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