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Temperance Brennan #16.5
Swamp Bones
Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan returns in a chilling eBook original novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs. In the prequel to Reichs’s upcoming thriller Bones Never Lie, Tempe takes a much-needed vacation—but murder follows wherever she goes.
Although a trip to Florida is supposed to be about rest and relaxation, there’s no such thing as a day off for Dr. Temperance Brennan. She has come to visit her friend, a dedicated ornithologist who’s researching the threat that intrusive Burmese pythons pose to indigenous bird species in the Everglades. While sorting through the stomach of an eighteen-foot specimen, they make a disturbing discovery: bones that are unmistakably human. And when Tempe spots the telltale signs of murder by a very different kind of predator, she’s drawn into a case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
Features a preview of the highly anticipated new Temperance Brennan novel, Bones Never Lie!
Praise for the novels of Kathy Reichs
“[Reichs is] a genius at building suspense.”—New York Daily News
“Reichs, a forensic anthropologist, makes her crime novels intriguingly realistic.”—Entertainment Weekly
“Tempe Brennan is the lab lady most likely to dethrone Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta.”—USA Today
“Every minute in the morgue with Tempe is golden.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Reichs always delivers a pulse-pounding story.”—Publishers Weekly
Although a trip to Florida is supposed to be about rest and relaxation, there’s no such thing as a day off for Dr. Temperance Brennan. She has come to visit her friend, a dedicated ornithologist who’s researching the threat that intrusive Burmese pythons pose to indigenous bird species in the Everglades. While sorting through the stomach of an eighteen-foot specimen, they make a disturbing discovery: bones that are unmistakably human. And when Tempe spots the telltale signs of murder by a very different kind of predator, she’s drawn into a case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
Features a preview of the highly anticipated new Temperance Brennan novel, Bones Never Lie!
Praise for the novels of Kathy Reichs
“[Reichs is] a genius at building suspense.”—New York Daily News
“Reichs, a forensic anthropologist, makes her crime novels intriguingly realistic.”—Entertainment Weekly
“Tempe Brennan is the lab lady most likely to dethrone Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta.”—USA Today
“Every minute in the morgue with Tempe is golden.”—The New York Times Book Review
“Reichs always delivers a pulse-pounding story.”—Publishers Weekly
3 pages, Audiobook
First published January 1, 2014
184 people are currently reading
7296 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Reichs
152 books17.3k 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 399 reviews
July 9, 2015
I have been reading this series for years and have enjoyed most of the books but lately I have been somewhat disappointed with how the series is going.
This is a short story and basically takes place in the Everglades, where Temperance Brennan is suppose to be on holiday but within 5 minutes of her arrival, gets roped in to solving a case....bones found inside a python!!!!
The plot moves at beyond fast pace...within a day or two, case is resolved, villains are punished, I learn a LOT about pythons and python catchers......and then THE END....
I miss the old Temperance and I wish I could have seen some of the characters in the series again....
As it's supposedly a prequel to the next book, I just have to wait to read that one and see what happens next!!!!
This is a short story and basically takes place in the Everglades, where Temperance Brennan is suppose to be on holiday but within 5 minutes of her arrival, gets roped in to solving a case....bones found inside a python!!!!
The plot moves at beyond fast pace...within a day or two, case is resolved, villains are punished, I learn a LOT about pythons and python catchers......and then THE END....
I miss the old Temperance and I wish I could have seen some of the characters in the series again....
As it's supposedly a prequel to the next book, I just have to wait to read that one and see what happens next!!!!
September 23, 2017
This is a short novella prequel to Bones never lies. As usual good written and educational, I learned a lot about Florida, pythons, and birds. As it is a short story it has never really time to really draw the reader in, well not me anyway. Also, strangely for being a short story it felt a bit long. I liked the story, I mean finding bones in a python, alligators, finding out who the bones belonged to and finding the culprit. Actually, when I think about it was as ordinary Bones episode. Entertaining for the moment and then on to something else.
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!
August 14, 2014
Forensic anthropologist Dr Tempe Brennan was joining a colleague and friend, Dr Lisa Robbin in Florida’s Everglades for a much needed vacation. She was starting to doubt her choice of holiday destination though – the humidity was high, her thoughts of beaches, sand and her latest Jodi Picoult novel a distant dream. At least she had the novel with her! But when she met Lisa in her place of work, the Daniel Beard Research Centre where Lisa was head of the Smithsonian Feather Identification Lab, she discovered the next few hours were to change the course of her vacation in a dramatic fashion…
Join Tempe once again in the identification of human bones, found in gruesome circumstances – with Sheriff T. Yellen of the Miami-Dade Police Department at her side, the investigation was deep, fast and extremely dangerous. Was Tempe’s break to be the “vacation that never was” or would it be something much more sinister?
I thoroughly enjoyed this short e-story by the brilliant Kathy Reichs. The pace is fast, the plot thick, the pages turned quickly until the end. The bursts of laugh out loud humour were great – I loved Tempe’s dry wit. I have no hesitation in recommending Swamp Bones highly.
With thanks to Random House UK via NetGalley for my copy to read and review.
Join Tempe once again in the identification of human bones, found in gruesome circumstances – with Sheriff T. Yellen of the Miami-Dade Police Department at her side, the investigation was deep, fast and extremely dangerous. Was Tempe’s break to be the “vacation that never was” or would it be something much more sinister?
I thoroughly enjoyed this short e-story by the brilliant Kathy Reichs. The pace is fast, the plot thick, the pages turned quickly until the end. The bursts of laugh out loud humour were great – I loved Tempe’s dry wit. I have no hesitation in recommending Swamp Bones highly.
With thanks to Random House UK via NetGalley for my copy to read and review.
June 24, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this novella (#16.5) in author Kathy Reichs "Temperance Brennan" series!
However, it is quite gross!
However, it is quite gross!
July 14, 2016
Apparently, the Burmese python population is having an ecological effect on the Everglades. Tempe Brennan goes on vacation to visit with an ornithologist friend, and is dragged into a case where human bones are discovered in a python in the middle of a python hunting contest. As always, Tempe takes senseless personal risks to solve the crime. I would gave given three stars if the killer was not so damn obvious.
January 11, 2021
Brennan heads down to Florida to visit a friend and have a little vacation. While the friend is performing a necropsy, human bones are discovered. Say goodbye to that vacation!
A novella from Reich's, which I prefer as she goes into really long and drawn out details of anthropology. Unfortunately Ms. Brennan gets herself in a pickle and ONCE AGAIN a man saves her. I keep waiting for the book where she either saves a man, or at least saves herself. The last book she was so close!
A novella from Reich's, which I prefer as she goes into really long and drawn out details of anthropology. Unfortunately Ms. Brennan gets herself in a pickle and ONCE AGAIN a man saves her. I keep waiting for the book where she either saves a man, or at least saves herself. The last book she was so close!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2015
3.5*
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Temp Brennan is supposed to be in Florida to relax and enjoy a well earned holiday. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a case involving Burmese pythons, poaching and human remains.
I was a big fan of these books when they first started with Deja Dead, the formulae is now getting a little predictable but this are still very enjoyable. The last Reich novel I read was Monday Mourning and Temps character doesn't appear to have developed much since then. I wasn't aware that forensic anthropologists were so involved in case work, it always seems likes she's putting herself in danger. I thought these people worked in labs mostly.
As with most of Reich's books it appears to be well researched and there is a large amount of scientific information pertaining to the subject matter. At times the info dump is a bit much but it's fascinating none the less.
Nicely paced and a good read if you're looking for something quick to breeze through.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Temp Brennan is supposed to be in Florida to relax and enjoy a well earned holiday. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a case involving Burmese pythons, poaching and human remains.
I was a big fan of these books when they first started with Deja Dead, the formulae is now getting a little predictable but this are still very enjoyable. The last Reich novel I read was Monday Mourning and Temps character doesn't appear to have developed much since then. I wasn't aware that forensic anthropologists were so involved in case work, it always seems likes she's putting herself in danger. I thought these people worked in labs mostly.
As with most of Reich's books it appears to be well researched and there is a large amount of scientific information pertaining to the subject matter. At times the info dump is a bit much but it's fascinating none the less.
Nicely paced and a good read if you're looking for something quick to breeze through.
August 21, 2014
So, officially I take a trip to the Everglades off my bucket list - no way am I going there when I could be next on the menu, and I'm not necessarily talking about being gator food! I've seen a few programs about the continuing problem of exotic species being introduced into the Everglades - meaning gators aren't the only predator lurking in the swamp.
And yes, just for "Elvan and Kjen" there is a TSTL part :)
I still liked the book as I do like the "book character" Temperance Brennan (not so much the TV show, it's become a bit too silly for me). Anyways, I digress - this book is a fairly fast read and as always I learned a bit more about forensic autopsies and not just on humans.
Can't give the book 5 stars, because I am not a fan of novellas (I know, I just read 2 in a row). But the book is worth 4 stars and 2 thumbs up!
And yes, just for "Elvan and Kjen" there is a TSTL part :)
I still liked the book as I do like the "book character" Temperance Brennan (not so much the TV show, it's become a bit too silly for me). Anyways, I digress - this book is a fairly fast read and as always I learned a bit more about forensic autopsies and not just on humans.
Can't give the book 5 stars, because I am not a fan of novellas (I know, I just read 2 in a row). But the book is worth 4 stars and 2 thumbs up!
June 14, 2021
Really enjoyed this book and found it educational as well, learning about the Burmese pythons and alligators.
September 29, 2022
Enjoyable short read
September 7, 2014
This short story featuring Temperance Brennan is a fast paced and attention grabbing read. It kicks off with action from page one and doesn't stop until the last word is delivered.
What's it about?
Forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan has just arrived in Florida's Everglades for a much-needed break when she is unwittingly thrown into the middle of a deadly case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
My Review:
There is no holiday happening here for Dr Brennan as planned as she gets caught up in a case of murder most foul and is needed for her expert skills to try to solve the case.
A glance up to make sure Jordan had a firm grip on the jaws, then I carefully collected stray tissue and bone fragments that had detached from the main hunk. Extracting evidence from between razor-sharp teeth was like the extreme sports version of the game Operation.
I love that touch of humour, don't you? The game Operation! Hah! Whilst digging in the teeth of a huge swamp crocodile. This is no ordinary case and highly recommended that you are not eating whilst you read it.
It will no doubt thrill the fans of Dr Brennan and has an introduction to her new book at the back of this eBook exclusive. A good in-between read. Enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
What's it about?
Forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan has just arrived in Florida's Everglades for a much-needed break when she is unwittingly thrown into the middle of a deadly case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
My Review:
There is no holiday happening here for Dr Brennan as planned as she gets caught up in a case of murder most foul and is needed for her expert skills to try to solve the case.
A glance up to make sure Jordan had a firm grip on the jaws, then I carefully collected stray tissue and bone fragments that had detached from the main hunk. Extracting evidence from between razor-sharp teeth was like the extreme sports version of the game Operation.
I love that touch of humour, don't you? The game Operation! Hah! Whilst digging in the teeth of a huge swamp crocodile. This is no ordinary case and highly recommended that you are not eating whilst you read it.
It will no doubt thrill the fans of Dr Brennan and has an introduction to her new book at the back of this eBook exclusive. A good in-between read. Enjoyable.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2014
Swamp Bones is a novella in the Temperance Brennan series by forensic anthropologist and popular American author, Kathy Reichs and is presented in electronic format only. In Florida’s Everglades for a break at the invitation of Dr Lisa Robbins, forensic ornithologist, Tempe finds that March is already hot and sticky. Before she even gets a chance to cool down and relax, she manages to get drawn into a murder investigation as she idly rummages through the stomach contents of a Burmese python (as you do). Her incidental finds draw the attention of the local sheriff, a wildlife biologist and a National Parks Law Enforcement officer. The investigation into the identity of the likely victim leads to an encounter with a live alligator, the Miccosukee Indian community and some swamp rednecks. Tempe’s propensity to tackle a situation without support lands her in dangerous waters. Reichs has obviously done quite a bit of research of an ornithological and herpetological nature: this short offering contains plenty of facts about birds and snakes. Who even knew that there was a word for a non-human autopsy? This excellent Tempe taster also includes the opening chapter of the next Temperance Brennan novel, Bones Never Lie.
December 3, 2021
This is a quick novella, set in between major cases in the Temperance Brennan series.
Tempe is going on vacation in Florida, planning to stay with a colleague. When Tempe stops by Linda's office to pick up the keys, she finds her friend engaged in identifying bird remains from inside a Burmese python. When Tempe notices human bones inside the remains of a vulture, she winds up getting involved in a case involving poaching ... and, of course, winds up in danger.
While, for obvious reasons, this novella lacks the depth of full-length tales, it was still an entertaining read. If you're a fan of the series and a completist, you should check this one out.
Tempe is going on vacation in Florida, planning to stay with a colleague. When Tempe stops by Linda's office to pick up the keys, she finds her friend engaged in identifying bird remains from inside a Burmese python. When Tempe notices human bones inside the remains of a vulture, she winds up getting involved in a case involving poaching ... and, of course, winds up in danger.
While, for obvious reasons, this novella lacks the depth of full-length tales, it was still an entertaining read. If you're a fan of the series and a completist, you should check this one out.
August 15, 2014
My View:
Masterfully crafted!
Capturing the essence of a story, bringing characters to life and adding mystery and tension to a realistically described setting is difficult enough when you have a full sized novel to build and share you narrative but to be able to condense the word/page count and still achieve the sense of storytelling prevalent in this novella is an outstanding achievement and speaks of the masterful way Kathy Reichs is able to deliver her story in any format. Excellent!
Masterfully crafted!
Capturing the essence of a story, bringing characters to life and adding mystery and tension to a realistically described setting is difficult enough when you have a full sized novel to build and share you narrative but to be able to condense the word/page count and still achieve the sense of storytelling prevalent in this novella is an outstanding achievement and speaks of the masterful way Kathy Reichs is able to deliver her story in any format. Excellent!
November 28, 2015
This novella was actually better than the last book, but why does Tempe constantly go off on her own doing "police work" when she should be in the lab doing her own thing? One of these days she really is going to get herself killed.
February 8, 2022
The Temperance Brennan novellas are surprisingly entertaining despite their length, with plenty of information tidbits.
May 9, 2019
Swamp Bones
This story begins with temperance on vacation but that does not pan out. She is visiting a friend, who works at the Daniel Beard Research Center. While there to pick up keys and get directions Temperance recognises some bones from inside a snake as being human and not bird. She ends up being drawn into this mystery in the everglades south of Miami. The story revolves around a hunt to cull Burmese Python's that have become a huge problem and op predator. We learn a fair bit about bird strikes, and animal preservation. We find out about trying to identify at risk species after the invasion of the foreign predator. And we learn about greed and poaching. The story has police, park rangers, poachers, and four greedy sisters. An interesting tale with more twists than the pythons being hunted.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Kathy Reichs. Note this story in my region is now only available in the compilation The Bone Collection: Four Novellas, along side 2 other previously published stories and 1 new novella.
This story begins with temperance on vacation but that does not pan out. She is visiting a friend, who works at the Daniel Beard Research Center. While there to pick up keys and get directions Temperance recognises some bones from inside a snake as being human and not bird. She ends up being drawn into this mystery in the everglades south of Miami. The story revolves around a hunt to cull Burmese Python's that have become a huge problem and op predator. We learn a fair bit about bird strikes, and animal preservation. We find out about trying to identify at risk species after the invasion of the foreign predator. And we learn about greed and poaching. The story has police, park rangers, poachers, and four greedy sisters. An interesting tale with more twists than the pythons being hunted.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Kathy Reichs. Note this story in my region is now only available in the compilation The Bone Collection: Four Novellas, along side 2 other previously published stories and 1 new novella.
October 11, 2018
So I have a question - if you have a PhD in forensic hoohaa, IQ is through the roof and highly knowledgeable about law enforcement, would you then go out to the middle of Florida swamp, with no network coverage and no backup to meet two crack snorting, poachers???
The answer is, of course, a resounding NO and hence this book is a big disappointment.
My Rating - 2/5
The answer is, of course, a resounding NO and hence this book is a big disappointment.
My Rating - 2/5
January 4, 2022
Kurzweilige und erstaunlich seichte Lektüre, die passend für den verregneten Abend ist – und letztlich genau das, was ich mir von einer promovierten Soziologin bzw. Professorin für Forensische Anthropologie erhofft habe. Es ist immer toll, wenn man bei der Lektüre auch etwas lernen kann. Sicher ist der Kurzroman kein herausragendes Meisterwerk, doch den Erwartungen entspricht er im vollen Umfang.
May 31, 2024
In this tale, Temperance Brennan spends time in the Everglades. The locals are in the business of hunting and poaching pythons and some alligators. Tempe becomes involved in the investigation of some murders. She even encounters some who plan to kill her.
July 3, 2018
Book: 3/5
Audiobook: 4/5
Audiobook: 4/5
September 24, 2018
Story takes place in the Everglades filled with creepy slithering things some with 2 legs.
April 9, 2020
Books: Another short, but fun read.
Read
September 4, 2024These novellas are fun without her drama with Pete and Ryan in them. The bouncing around gets old, until I need a break from fantasy again 🤣
March 17, 2025
Holiday from hell! Great read.
January 19, 2015
I have absolutely adored the Dr Temperance Brennan’s stories since the publication of the first novel - Deja Dead, all the way back in 1997 (is it really 17 years ago??) so of course I jumped at the chance to read and review this short story.
For those that don’t know, Kathy Reichs is herself a Forensic anthropologist – one of less than 100 certified by the American Board of Anthropology. She is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina and is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She is also a mother of three. And STILL finds time to write. She is truly an inspiration.
Her character Dr Temperance Brennan (Tempe) is also a Forensic Anthropologist, and one who can’t help but occasionally overstep the line into the criminal investigations that stem from the remains that end up on her laboratory table. ‘As a forensic anthropologist, I am a specialist in the human skeleton. I study the bones of the visually unrecognizable’.
As any previous reader will know, Kathy Reichs never shy’s away from including incredible amounts of detail and this novella is no exception. The story may be short, but it contains a raft of scientific detail and description. This felt more concentrated than in the novels – no doubt because of the condensed length, and as a result, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this as a good place to start for new Reichs readers’. Her fans however, will undoubtedly love it.
What the blurb says:
Forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan has just arrived in Florida's Everglades for a much-needed break when she is unwittingly thrown into the middle of a deadly case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
So Tempe is supposed to be having a holiday but following a catch-up with a friend and colleague who specialises in bird pathology, she learns that the Everglades has a Burmese Python problem – oh my, what a problem to have! Her friend is studying bird remains ingested by the snakes and one thing leads to another... it turns out that the remains she is looking at are not all bird. Suffice it to say that Tempe is drawn unwittingly into a murder investigation.
As someone with an intense snake phobia some of the descriptions were challenging to read but I found myself sickly fascinated: ‘The prey is dead by the time it’s swallowed. A python strikes fast, then immobilizes the kill with its teeth...’ Thank goodness there are no pictures!
The story is fast paced and action packed. The research that went into this story must have been immense. The setting of the swamp just adds to the tension – you can feel the heat and humidity and smell the decay. There’s even a brush with a live alligator for goodness sake. What more could you want? As always, the ending is satisfying but leaves you wanting more Dr Brennan... I now fully intend to revisit the novels.
For those that don’t know, Kathy Reichs is herself a Forensic anthropologist – one of less than 100 certified by the American Board of Anthropology. She is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina and is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. She is also a mother of three. And STILL finds time to write. She is truly an inspiration.
Her character Dr Temperance Brennan (Tempe) is also a Forensic Anthropologist, and one who can’t help but occasionally overstep the line into the criminal investigations that stem from the remains that end up on her laboratory table. ‘As a forensic anthropologist, I am a specialist in the human skeleton. I study the bones of the visually unrecognizable’.
As any previous reader will know, Kathy Reichs never shy’s away from including incredible amounts of detail and this novella is no exception. The story may be short, but it contains a raft of scientific detail and description. This felt more concentrated than in the novels – no doubt because of the condensed length, and as a result, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this as a good place to start for new Reichs readers’. Her fans however, will undoubtedly love it.
What the blurb says:
Forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan has just arrived in Florida's Everglades for a much-needed break when she is unwittingly thrown into the middle of a deadly case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
So Tempe is supposed to be having a holiday but following a catch-up with a friend and colleague who specialises in bird pathology, she learns that the Everglades has a Burmese Python problem – oh my, what a problem to have! Her friend is studying bird remains ingested by the snakes and one thing leads to another... it turns out that the remains she is looking at are not all bird. Suffice it to say that Tempe is drawn unwittingly into a murder investigation.
As someone with an intense snake phobia some of the descriptions were challenging to read but I found myself sickly fascinated: ‘The prey is dead by the time it’s swallowed. A python strikes fast, then immobilizes the kill with its teeth...’ Thank goodness there are no pictures!
The story is fast paced and action packed. The research that went into this story must have been immense. The setting of the swamp just adds to the tension – you can feel the heat and humidity and smell the decay. There’s even a brush with a live alligator for goodness sake. What more could you want? As always, the ending is satisfying but leaves you wanting more Dr Brennan... I now fully intend to revisit the novels.
February 17, 2017
#16.5 in the Tempe Brennan series. Author Reichs second novella in the series. This time out, Tempe goes to the Everglades for a vacation and winds up enmeshed in murder, the Burmese Python invasion, and poaching in the National Park system. The villain was a bit too obvious, but it is a novella and the plot took second place to the research on Burmese pythons.
#16.5 - Tempe Brennan novella - Although a trip to Florida is supposed to be about rest and relaxation, there’s no such thing as a day off for Dr. Temperance Brennan. She has come to visit her friend, a dedicated ornithologist who’s researching the threat that intrusive Burmese pythons pose to indigenous bird species in the Everglades. While sorting through the stomach of an eighteen-foot specimen, they make a disturbing discovery: bones that are unmistakably human. And when Tempe spots the telltale signs of murder by a very different kind of predator, she’s drawn into a case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
#16.5 - Tempe Brennan novella - Although a trip to Florida is supposed to be about rest and relaxation, there’s no such thing as a day off for Dr. Temperance Brennan. She has come to visit her friend, a dedicated ornithologist who’s researching the threat that intrusive Burmese pythons pose to indigenous bird species in the Everglades. While sorting through the stomach of an eighteen-foot specimen, they make a disturbing discovery: bones that are unmistakably human. And when Tempe spots the telltale signs of murder by a very different kind of predator, she’s drawn into a case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
November 1, 2014
Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan returns in a chilling eBook original novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs. In the prequel to Reichs’s upcoming thriller Bones Never Lie, Tempe takes a much-needed vacation—but murder follows wherever she goes.
Although a trip to Florida is supposed to be about rest and relaxation, there’s no such thing as a day off for Dr. Temperance Brennan. She has come to visit her friend, a dedicated ornithologist who’s researching the threat that intrusive Burmese pythons pose to indigenous bird species in the Everglades. While sorting through the stomach of an eighteen-foot specimen, they make a disturbing discovery: bones that are unmistakably human. And when Tempe spots the telltale signs of murder by a very different kind of predator, she’s drawn into a case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
I'm a huge fan of Kathy Reichs and love her books, so it's no surprise that I've awarded this such a high score. The writing is clear and concise, the supporting characters interesting and full-bodied, and Tempe her usual headstrong, feisty self.
I really like the setting of Swamp Bones; Tempe off on vacation, only to get caught up in a murder case. That this would happen is quite predictable, but somehow that doesn't matter. Reichs engaging writing drags you in, pulling you alongside Tempe for the ride.
I think this novella would be an ideal starting point for anyone new to reading Reichs; it's the prequel to the novel Bones Never Lie, so whets the appetite for things to come. This novella is such easy reading because it is so well written. It's Reichs at her enthralling best, giving you no option but to read 'just one more chapter' before getting totally engrossed and finishing the whole thing! Don't say I didn't warn you!
Although a trip to Florida is supposed to be about rest and relaxation, there’s no such thing as a day off for Dr. Temperance Brennan. She has come to visit her friend, a dedicated ornithologist who’s researching the threat that intrusive Burmese pythons pose to indigenous bird species in the Everglades. While sorting through the stomach of an eighteen-foot specimen, they make a disturbing discovery: bones that are unmistakably human. And when Tempe spots the telltale signs of murder by a very different kind of predator, she’s drawn into a case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.
I'm a huge fan of Kathy Reichs and love her books, so it's no surprise that I've awarded this such a high score. The writing is clear and concise, the supporting characters interesting and full-bodied, and Tempe her usual headstrong, feisty self.
I really like the setting of Swamp Bones; Tempe off on vacation, only to get caught up in a murder case. That this would happen is quite predictable, but somehow that doesn't matter. Reichs engaging writing drags you in, pulling you alongside Tempe for the ride.
I think this novella would be an ideal starting point for anyone new to reading Reichs; it's the prequel to the novel Bones Never Lie, so whets the appetite for things to come. This novella is such easy reading because it is so well written. It's Reichs at her enthralling best, giving you no option but to read 'just one more chapter' before getting totally engrossed and finishing the whole thing! Don't say I didn't warn you!
July 27, 2016
Very short read. I finished it in one sitting. Fun little novella, but was too short to use in any book challenges I am trying to finish and I was not too happy about that. It is so hard to get books on audio with Missouri "library to go" for challenges. I love Kathy Reichs so I went ahead and listened to it. I was excited to see a book by a favorite author to borrow "right now" with no hold needed, so I added it without checking it out. Only 95 pages and I need at least 125. If you like shorter books and stories this is great. There also was not all the drama with Ryan, her sister, and daughter which is cringeworthy at times, though I do not hate that aspect- I guess it depends on my mood- I do sometimes get annoyed with it. This mystery was also more on the cozy side than I think of her longer books being. So if you like shorter and more cozy mysteries, you may like this more than her normal fare. Oh, and I actually saw the new book of hers that is the standard longer volume I had expected this one to be, so guess what? I had to put it on hold........ Sigh. I hope "libraries to go" audio selections "to borrow right now" are better in other states? Mine is rather disappointing .
I take some of this review back. I just went to add her new book that is on hold in my library and it is only a short book with a preview. So I guess it is no big deal really. I am looking for her next regular novel of full length. Moving forward to books that are long enough for challenges.
I take some of this review back. I just went to add her new book that is on hold in my library and it is only a short book with a preview. So I guess it is no big deal really. I am looking for her next regular novel of full length. Moving forward to books that are long enough for challenges.
February 7, 2015
Delightful and informative, even if Tempe almost got herself killed yet again.
Best opening sentence i have read in a long time;
" March. Barely spring, yet the unseasonable Florida humidity made me feel like I'd disembarked from my flight into a Rottweiler's mouth." (Pg 2)
The news that the Florida swamps are filled with 16 to 18 foot Burmese pythons was interesting and disconcerting;
" Twenty-five hundred Burmese pythons have been removed from south Florida in the last ten years. Our best guesstimate is a current population numbering in the thousands, maybe tens of thousands. And breeding rapidly." (pg 18)
The story was fast paced and entertaining. Finding human bones in the stomach of vultures eaten by alligators and pythons was entertaining and interesting all at the same time. The novella is a format that fits Reichs sense of humour but still allows her to inform and educate.
This book has not moved " Visit the Everglades" up on my must see bucket list.
Best opening sentence i have read in a long time;
" March. Barely spring, yet the unseasonable Florida humidity made me feel like I'd disembarked from my flight into a Rottweiler's mouth." (Pg 2)
The news that the Florida swamps are filled with 16 to 18 foot Burmese pythons was interesting and disconcerting;
" Twenty-five hundred Burmese pythons have been removed from south Florida in the last ten years. Our best guesstimate is a current population numbering in the thousands, maybe tens of thousands. And breeding rapidly." (pg 18)
The story was fast paced and entertaining. Finding human bones in the stomach of vultures eaten by alligators and pythons was entertaining and interesting all at the same time. The novella is a format that fits Reichs sense of humour but still allows her to inform and educate.
This book has not moved " Visit the Everglades" up on my must see bucket list.
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