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Temperance Brennan #0.5, 15.5, 16.5, & 17.5
The Bone Collection: Four Novellas
A collection of pulse-pounding tales featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan including the untold story of her first case!
The #1 "New York Times "bestselling author behind the hit Fox series "Bones, "Kathy Reichs is renowned for chilling suspense and fascinating forensic detail. "The Bone Collection" presents her trademark artistry in this collection of thrilling short fiction.
In "First Bones, " a prequel to Reichs s first novel, "DejaDead," she at last reveals the tale of how Tempe became a forensic anthropologist. In this never-before-published story, Tempe recalls the case that lured her from a promising career in academia into the grim but addictive world of criminal investigation. (It all began with a visit from a pair of detectives and a John Doe recovered from an arson scene in a trailer.) The collection is rounded out with three more stories that take Tempe from the low country of the Florida Everglades, where she makes a grisly discovery in the stomach of an eighteen-foot Burmese python, to the heights of Mount Everest, where a frozen corpse is unearthed. No matter where she goes, Tempe s cases make for the most gripping reading.
Praise for Kathy Reichs and the Temperance Brennan series
Nobody does forensics thrillers like Kathy Reichs. She s the real deal. David Baldacci
Kathy Reichs writes smart no, make that brilliant mysteries that are as realistic as nonfiction and as fast-paced as the best thrillers about Jack Reacher or Alex Cross. James Patterson
Every minute in the morgue with Tempe is golden. "The New York Times Book Review""
The #1 "New York Times "bestselling author behind the hit Fox series "Bones, "Kathy Reichs is renowned for chilling suspense and fascinating forensic detail. "The Bone Collection" presents her trademark artistry in this collection of thrilling short fiction.
In "First Bones, " a prequel to Reichs s first novel, "DejaDead," she at last reveals the tale of how Tempe became a forensic anthropologist. In this never-before-published story, Tempe recalls the case that lured her from a promising career in academia into the grim but addictive world of criminal investigation. (It all began with a visit from a pair of detectives and a John Doe recovered from an arson scene in a trailer.) The collection is rounded out with three more stories that take Tempe from the low country of the Florida Everglades, where she makes a grisly discovery in the stomach of an eighteen-foot Burmese python, to the heights of Mount Everest, where a frozen corpse is unearthed. No matter where she goes, Tempe s cases make for the most gripping reading.
Praise for Kathy Reichs and the Temperance Brennan series
Nobody does forensics thrillers like Kathy Reichs. She s the real deal. David Baldacci
Kathy Reichs writes smart no, make that brilliant mysteries that are as realistic as nonfiction and as fast-paced as the best thrillers about Jack Reacher or Alex Cross. James Patterson
Every minute in the morgue with Tempe is golden. "The New York Times Book Review""
358 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2016
986 people are currently reading
5721 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 477 reviews
November 3, 2016
In this collection of short stories based on the highly popular Temperance Brennan series, Reichs allows readers to enjoy four pieces in a single collection. While three have been on the market before, Reichs includes one that speaks of how Tempe found forensic anthropology, surely of greatest interest to series fans. As I have read three of these before, I will paste my previous reviews on the date they were posted to GoodReads, and then expound on the never before published piece.
Bones in her Pocket (4 stars)
Fans of the Reichs series starring Tempe Brennan will love this short story as a teaser before the next major literary release. Reichs offers up a teaser of the upcoming novel Bones of the Lost (which I left untouched) to lure her most ardent fans into devouring this quick read. When few bones turn up in a lake, Brennan must use all her forensic anthropological skills to solve this whodunit. What looks to be a simple case of ‘identify those bones’ turns into a much larger mystery, which is more multi-faceted than it appears. The chase is on and another set of forensic clues leads to a second case, with an end that no one sees coming. Reichs is able to boil down her full-length novels into a short story, yet does not lose any of its excitement.
Reichs has proven her ability to present an equally exciting story without the character development and personal drama. Still filled with her poison-tongue writing style, peppered with humour as well, Reichs tells a gruesome story and uses her famed character’s abilities to crack the case wide open. When things veer away from simple bone identification, Brennan turns into a super sleuth and puts her own life in danger to tie up all the loose ends. A wonderful appetizer as fans wait for the next instalment of the Brennan saga, well worth the annual wait.
Swamp Bones (4 stars)
Reichs teases her readers with this wonderful novella ahead of her next full-length sensation. When Dr. Brennan heads to the Florida Everglades on a brief vacation, she's called to help a long-time friend with a project fit for the birds. Learning more about the local Burmese python situation, the avowed foe of all animals of the Everglades, Brennan assists with a necroscopy that reveals something with which she is greatly familiar; bones from a dead body. Brennan abandons her vacation ideas and begins looking for clues as to whose bones these might be and how they might have died. Once she becomes sure that the victim met their match at the hands of a human and not the python, Brennan pieces things together in her sleuthing ways. Even with a name for the victim, little is known about the rationale or how to stop more killings. When more bones surface, it is up to Brennan and the local Miami-Dade Police to catch the killer before more bodies can slither out of sight. A highly informative story, filled with Brennan's stubborn wit and great anthropological learning experiences.
Reichs rarely falls flat when she uses her Tempe Brennan character. No matter the locale or the crime, the story always expands in ways unseen at the beginning. Reichs uses so many ideas and finds gold in them all, showing how versatile and all encompassing forensic anthropology can be. I am eager to see if there are tie-ins with this novella and her upcoming book, meant for the most attentive readers and greatest fans.
Bones on Ice (5 stars)
Kathy Reichs uses all her skills in this unique novella, which sees forensic anthropologist Temperance (Tempe) Brennan involved in a cold case like no other, foul play atop Mount Everest. When Tempe is called in to work on a weekend, she's less than impressed. Once she learns that she's personally been requested to handle the identification of a frozen, mummified corpse, things get a little more interesting. While trekking up Mount Everest, Brighton Hallis perished amongst the elements, the rest of her crew finding her body on their descent. It's been three years and Tempe must work with what she has to determine if this is, in fact, Brighton. With over 200 bodies scattered around the "death zone" area of Everest, it is anything but a foregone conclusion that these remains are those of Brighton. Reichs explores the world of mountain climbing, where individuals lose their identity and become known by their coloured clothing, the only differential when surrounded by snow and ice. What appears to be a simple body succumbing to the elements soon becomes a murder victim, leaving Tempe to piece it all together. Was it one of the climbing crew with a vendetta that wanted Brighton to die up where no one would find her, or perhaps a rival climber who wanted glory? All this leaves the legal argument of charging anyone in Charlotte with a crime that took place in Nepal. In her anthropological sleuthing way, Tempe pieces it all together, but finds herself more confused the further she digs. A wonderful novella to bridge the time until the next full-length Tempe Brennan novel hits the shelves.
Reichs remains the queen of her craft and is as entertaining as she is educational. Tackling forensics in ways no other author (outside the field) has ever attempted, she keeps the reader curious and wondering throughout this piece. From the medical terminology surrounding climbing to the legal matters of a murder on the other side of the world, Reichs leaves few rocks unturned in a short period. Pepper in some humour and a little character bridging between the two major novels and you have a wonderful novella that is sure to tide avid fans over, but not for too long.
First Bones (5 stars)
In this story, Reichs finally offers patient readers a glimpse into how Temperance Brennan got involved in the world of forensic science, as well as introducing a number of characters important throughout the entire series. As the narrative opens in the present day, Brennan is holding vigil for someone in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, their injuries serious, but still no inkling of their identity for the sake of the reader. At this point, the story shifts into an indeterminate past, with Brennan working at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, trying to finish her PhD with a focus in bioarcheology. Newly-minted Detective Erskine "Skinny" Slidell barges in and demands to see Dr. Becknell, whose experience working alongside the authorities makes her a hot commodity and the apparent forensic archeology of the time. With Becknell on sabbatical, Brennan reluctantly agrees to assist Slidell, examining some charred remains. What was left of a body was found at a fire inside the trailer of Dr. Keith Millikin, who has been running a free clinic for the homeless population around Charlotte. With Millikin missing for the past week, he appears to be the likely victim, though Brennan will have to positively identify him for the authorities. Brought to the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's office, Brennan meets Dr. Tim Larabee, who allows her to use the facility to complete her examinations, as well as tossing her some additional work when needed. While working with the limited collection of bones she has on hand, Brennan discovers a bullet hole in the back of the skull and surmises that the fire was not the cause of this man's death. Dental records confirm that Millikin has not perished in the fire, which is substantiated when the physician appears after a trip south of the border, claiming that he needed some time away. However, Slidell is able to use his crass nature to present an alternate victim, a dentist who runs his own shop and has been cited for health code violations, who is also missing and ends up being a patient of Dr. Millikin. After a body is pulled from a car, left charred as well, Slidell cannot help but wonder if there is a connection. Two bodies, a murderer still on the loose, and Brennan is getting the hang of this forensic anthropology, with a real case on her hands. As Slidell works to nail down a suspect and motive, Brennan offers up a theory based on what she's seen. After Millikin admits he may have a patient with motive to come after the two victims, Slidell and Brennan rush to a scene, in hopes of stopping any more bloodshed. The motive becomes clear and Brennan becomes more hands-on than Slidell could have imagined, or likely wanted. Moving back to the present, Reichs offers readers the identify of the person in the hospital bed, speculating on the randomness of crimes and victims, though the end result is sure to pull on the heartstrings of the series fan. A wonderful book-end short story for Tempe Brennan fans that solidifies the superior writing style of Kathy Reichs!
I remember beginning this series years ago and how drawn I was to the characters and the ideas behind it. Reichs has continued to develop her characters, both in Charlotte and Montreal, while keeping Dr. Tempe Brennan realistic and in touch with the changes in the field. Some authors falter the more they write in a series, though Reichs seems to get better, pulling on her own experiences. This short story offers that longed for answer of how Tempe got into the field while also permitting the reader to feel the intensity that comes with any case. Much can be learned from this story, as Reichs continues to teach her series regulars both inside the lab and in life's crazy turns.
Kudos, Madam Reichs for never giving up on Tempe Brennan or your abilities. You dazzle and continue to impress. Please don't take Tempe away from us, as she leave the television screen next spring.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Bones in her Pocket (4 stars)
Fans of the Reichs series starring Tempe Brennan will love this short story as a teaser before the next major literary release. Reichs offers up a teaser of the upcoming novel Bones of the Lost (which I left untouched) to lure her most ardent fans into devouring this quick read. When few bones turn up in a lake, Brennan must use all her forensic anthropological skills to solve this whodunit. What looks to be a simple case of ‘identify those bones’ turns into a much larger mystery, which is more multi-faceted than it appears. The chase is on and another set of forensic clues leads to a second case, with an end that no one sees coming. Reichs is able to boil down her full-length novels into a short story, yet does not lose any of its excitement.
Reichs has proven her ability to present an equally exciting story without the character development and personal drama. Still filled with her poison-tongue writing style, peppered with humour as well, Reichs tells a gruesome story and uses her famed character’s abilities to crack the case wide open. When things veer away from simple bone identification, Brennan turns into a super sleuth and puts her own life in danger to tie up all the loose ends. A wonderful appetizer as fans wait for the next instalment of the Brennan saga, well worth the annual wait.
Swamp Bones (4 stars)
Reichs teases her readers with this wonderful novella ahead of her next full-length sensation. When Dr. Brennan heads to the Florida Everglades on a brief vacation, she's called to help a long-time friend with a project fit for the birds. Learning more about the local Burmese python situation, the avowed foe of all animals of the Everglades, Brennan assists with a necroscopy that reveals something with which she is greatly familiar; bones from a dead body. Brennan abandons her vacation ideas and begins looking for clues as to whose bones these might be and how they might have died. Once she becomes sure that the victim met their match at the hands of a human and not the python, Brennan pieces things together in her sleuthing ways. Even with a name for the victim, little is known about the rationale or how to stop more killings. When more bones surface, it is up to Brennan and the local Miami-Dade Police to catch the killer before more bodies can slither out of sight. A highly informative story, filled with Brennan's stubborn wit and great anthropological learning experiences.
Reichs rarely falls flat when she uses her Tempe Brennan character. No matter the locale or the crime, the story always expands in ways unseen at the beginning. Reichs uses so many ideas and finds gold in them all, showing how versatile and all encompassing forensic anthropology can be. I am eager to see if there are tie-ins with this novella and her upcoming book, meant for the most attentive readers and greatest fans.
Bones on Ice (5 stars)
Kathy Reichs uses all her skills in this unique novella, which sees forensic anthropologist Temperance (Tempe) Brennan involved in a cold case like no other, foul play atop Mount Everest. When Tempe is called in to work on a weekend, she's less than impressed. Once she learns that she's personally been requested to handle the identification of a frozen, mummified corpse, things get a little more interesting. While trekking up Mount Everest, Brighton Hallis perished amongst the elements, the rest of her crew finding her body on their descent. It's been three years and Tempe must work with what she has to determine if this is, in fact, Brighton. With over 200 bodies scattered around the "death zone" area of Everest, it is anything but a foregone conclusion that these remains are those of Brighton. Reichs explores the world of mountain climbing, where individuals lose their identity and become known by their coloured clothing, the only differential when surrounded by snow and ice. What appears to be a simple body succumbing to the elements soon becomes a murder victim, leaving Tempe to piece it all together. Was it one of the climbing crew with a vendetta that wanted Brighton to die up where no one would find her, or perhaps a rival climber who wanted glory? All this leaves the legal argument of charging anyone in Charlotte with a crime that took place in Nepal. In her anthropological sleuthing way, Tempe pieces it all together, but finds herself more confused the further she digs. A wonderful novella to bridge the time until the next full-length Tempe Brennan novel hits the shelves.
Reichs remains the queen of her craft and is as entertaining as she is educational. Tackling forensics in ways no other author (outside the field) has ever attempted, she keeps the reader curious and wondering throughout this piece. From the medical terminology surrounding climbing to the legal matters of a murder on the other side of the world, Reichs leaves few rocks unturned in a short period. Pepper in some humour and a little character bridging between the two major novels and you have a wonderful novella that is sure to tide avid fans over, but not for too long.
First Bones (5 stars)
In this story, Reichs finally offers patient readers a glimpse into how Temperance Brennan got involved in the world of forensic science, as well as introducing a number of characters important throughout the entire series. As the narrative opens in the present day, Brennan is holding vigil for someone in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, their injuries serious, but still no inkling of their identity for the sake of the reader. At this point, the story shifts into an indeterminate past, with Brennan working at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, trying to finish her PhD with a focus in bioarcheology. Newly-minted Detective Erskine "Skinny" Slidell barges in and demands to see Dr. Becknell, whose experience working alongside the authorities makes her a hot commodity and the apparent forensic archeology of the time. With Becknell on sabbatical, Brennan reluctantly agrees to assist Slidell, examining some charred remains. What was left of a body was found at a fire inside the trailer of Dr. Keith Millikin, who has been running a free clinic for the homeless population around Charlotte. With Millikin missing for the past week, he appears to be the likely victim, though Brennan will have to positively identify him for the authorities. Brought to the Mecklenburg County Medical Examiner's office, Brennan meets Dr. Tim Larabee, who allows her to use the facility to complete her examinations, as well as tossing her some additional work when needed. While working with the limited collection of bones she has on hand, Brennan discovers a bullet hole in the back of the skull and surmises that the fire was not the cause of this man's death. Dental records confirm that Millikin has not perished in the fire, which is substantiated when the physician appears after a trip south of the border, claiming that he needed some time away. However, Slidell is able to use his crass nature to present an alternate victim, a dentist who runs his own shop and has been cited for health code violations, who is also missing and ends up being a patient of Dr. Millikin. After a body is pulled from a car, left charred as well, Slidell cannot help but wonder if there is a connection. Two bodies, a murderer still on the loose, and Brennan is getting the hang of this forensic anthropology, with a real case on her hands. As Slidell works to nail down a suspect and motive, Brennan offers up a theory based on what she's seen. After Millikin admits he may have a patient with motive to come after the two victims, Slidell and Brennan rush to a scene, in hopes of stopping any more bloodshed. The motive becomes clear and Brennan becomes more hands-on than Slidell could have imagined, or likely wanted. Moving back to the present, Reichs offers readers the identify of the person in the hospital bed, speculating on the randomness of crimes and victims, though the end result is sure to pull on the heartstrings of the series fan. A wonderful book-end short story for Tempe Brennan fans that solidifies the superior writing style of Kathy Reichs!
I remember beginning this series years ago and how drawn I was to the characters and the ideas behind it. Reichs has continued to develop her characters, both in Charlotte and Montreal, while keeping Dr. Tempe Brennan realistic and in touch with the changes in the field. Some authors falter the more they write in a series, though Reichs seems to get better, pulling on her own experiences. This short story offers that longed for answer of how Tempe got into the field while also permitting the reader to feel the intensity that comes with any case. Much can be learned from this story, as Reichs continues to teach her series regulars both inside the lab and in life's crazy turns.
Kudos, Madam Reichs for never giving up on Tempe Brennan or your abilities. You dazzle and continue to impress. Please don't take Tempe away from us, as she leave the television screen next spring.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 10, 2019
Having read eleven of Kathy Reichs ' "Bones" series, I was really interested in reading this novella collection. Featuring four stories starring her main protagonist, Dr. Temperance Brennan, a hardworking forensic anthropologist, Reichs stories are all about the cases. As each of her author's notes reveals, the author also showcases contemporary issues in her works. In the case of this collection, the topics surround puppy mills, invasive species in the Everglades, the plight of Nepalese guides on Mount Everest, and the AIDS epidemic. As is my policy, I shall review each of these stories and give them an individual rating. The above rating is for the collection overall.
Bones In Her pocket 4 stars Trigger Warning as this story includes cruelty to animals.
Written in 2013, our story opens with Tempe on her way to collect some bones. She's hoping they will help give her the information that she needs to identify a recent John Doe presently in her lab. Soon, however, it becomes clear that she has stumbled upon another body which soon leads her to a passionate set of environmentalists who may have something deeper and sinister taking place. The pace right away set the tone for this chilling tale.
Swamp Bones 3.5 stars
Originally published in 2014, Tempe's planned vacation to the Florida Everglades takes a hiatus when human remains are found in a Burmese python. I felt a mixture of fascination and horror over this tale. Tempe did better with snakes and gators than I could have. Shudder
Bones on Ice 3.5 stars
Published in 2015, Tempe is asked to do a favour for the friend of the mayor and look over the body of a young woman uncovered at Mount Everest. But will Tempe be able to signal the authorities before being consumed by a dangerous coverup?
Although I had a clear understanding of where this was headed, I certainly enjoyed the science and background research of this story.
First Bones 4.5 stars.
The original story in this 2016 collection, as Tempe sits by the hospital bed of a close friend and colleague, she reminisces about the first case that brought many of our favorite characters in the series together.
Fascinating case but heartbreaking ARC four main protagonist.
A must read for fans of the series.
Bones In Her pocket 4 stars Trigger Warning as this story includes cruelty to animals.
Written in 2013, our story opens with Tempe on her way to collect some bones. She's hoping they will help give her the information that she needs to identify a recent John Doe presently in her lab. Soon, however, it becomes clear that she has stumbled upon another body which soon leads her to a passionate set of environmentalists who may have something deeper and sinister taking place. The pace right away set the tone for this chilling tale.
Swamp Bones 3.5 stars
Originally published in 2014, Tempe's planned vacation to the Florida Everglades takes a hiatus when human remains are found in a Burmese python. I felt a mixture of fascination and horror over this tale. Tempe did better with snakes and gators than I could have. Shudder
Bones on Ice 3.5 stars
Published in 2015, Tempe is asked to do a favour for the friend of the mayor and look over the body of a young woman uncovered at Mount Everest. But will Tempe be able to signal the authorities before being consumed by a dangerous coverup?
Although I had a clear understanding of where this was headed, I certainly enjoyed the science and background research of this story.
First Bones 4.5 stars.
The original story in this 2016 collection, as Tempe sits by the hospital bed of a close friend and colleague, she reminisces about the first case that brought many of our favorite characters in the series together.
Fascinating case but heartbreaking ARC four main protagonist.
A must read for fans of the series.
June 7, 2019
The Bone Collection: Four Novellas by Kathy Reichs
As the title suggests, The Bone Collection is an anthology of four novellas by “Bones” series author Kathy Reichs. Each has a purpose behind it, an issue near and dear to the writer’s heart.
The first, Bones in Her Pocket, begins with Dr. Temperance Brennan, the forensic anthropologist whom many of us have come to know well if we’ve read most, if not all, of the books in the series, working a case in North Carolina. She normally deals in bones, very old human bones, but in this case, she gets called upon to deal with a much more recent. And this victim has bones in her pocket. For animal lovers and animal rights advocates, this story could raise some serious disgust and indignation, which, I believe, may be the author’s intent. As a mystery, I found it just okay. The novella format is just too short to develop the plot, and it felt rushed to me.
3 stars
The second, Swamp Bones, was quite difficult for me to swallow. In all honesty, I almost skipped this one entirely because I have a terrible dread of snakes, and this takes place in the Everglades, which is teeming with pythons. The gist of the plot is that Dr. Brennan teams up with a forensic ornithologist – a bird expert who works with dead birds to discover the cause of death. Birds and other species are turning up inside the bellies of pythons, but much to the amazement of the two women, human remains are found inside one very, very large reptile. EWWWW! It turns out the snakes don’t kill the humans; humans do, but the snakes help dispose of the body parts. Lesson: pythons are not native to the Everglades, but they have become a big, big problem. Despite my aversion to the reptile, the plot line was not bad.
3.5 stars
Bones on Ice really piqued my interest. Mountain climbing fascinates me, although it is something I would never venture to try in a thousand years. Tempe has her arm twisted by her boss to examine the remains of a young woman whose body was recovered three years after her death on Mount Everest. The woman’s wealthy family is in good standing with the mayor and other local dignitaries, so the medical examiner’s office really has no option to decline. Given the number of deaths on Everest recently, this seemed like a very timely story. What appeared to be the result of an accident, weather, and/or climbing conditions turns out to be something entirely different. This story packs a lot of information about weather, survival, and human behavior. Tempe really shows us her expertise as well as her professionalism while she continues questioning and delving for answers.
4.5 stars
Finally, there is First Bones. Temperence Brennan looks back to the beginning of her career when she was hoping to achieve her PhD. She recalls the case that led to her becoming a board certified forensic anthropologist to actually help solve crimes. This case involved murder, arson, and AIDS back in the 1980s when AIDS was thought to be just a gay men’s “curse” and the kiss of death. So First Bones is a look back at HIV/AIDS and how far the research and treatment has come, how far the awareness and prevention has come, and how far we still have to go. However, the novella starts and end in the present, and it relates not to AIDS, but to random violence, which is also very contemporary and far, far too prevalent.
4.5 stars
In each of these novellas, we have Tempe, of course. We have Erskine “Skinny” Slidell, the obnoxious cop. Somehow the two manage to work together and forge a strange partnership over the years. We have Tim Larabee, the head pathologist who is Tempe’s boss, although he is mostly in the background. In the early days, Tempe was married to Pete, and there is the ever-present Birdie, the cat. Like the books, these novellas are familiar and easy to read. As a collection, my overall rating is 4.0.
November 1, 2016
**4.5 stars**
Now I’m a huge fan of Kathy Reichs, not just of her writing either, so a collection of novella’s featuring the ever durable Tempe Brennan was a dream read for me.
And they were GREAT too especially First Bones which takes us back to the start of it all – these were all new to me although I believe they are not all newly published here. Each one was a mini thriller, with the usual forensic fascination (I love how compelling all the detail is in the cases Tempe takes on I always go google mad after reading anything from this author) and twisty turns in the plot that keep you on your toes.
I never like to put this series down so it was great to be able to start and finish a story in one sitting, although to be fair I did want to read the next immediately but then you know. Thats how it goes. The writing is immersive as ever, the authenticity shines for obvious reasons and each one was as gripping as any of the full length novels.
Talking of which I can’t wait for more. This series for me has only grown stronger, I can’t imagine that I will ever get bored of it. Hope we get a good few more yet.
Highly Recommended.
Now I’m a huge fan of Kathy Reichs, not just of her writing either, so a collection of novella’s featuring the ever durable Tempe Brennan was a dream read for me.
And they were GREAT too especially First Bones which takes us back to the start of it all – these were all new to me although I believe they are not all newly published here. Each one was a mini thriller, with the usual forensic fascination (I love how compelling all the detail is in the cases Tempe takes on I always go google mad after reading anything from this author) and twisty turns in the plot that keep you on your toes.
I never like to put this series down so it was great to be able to start and finish a story in one sitting, although to be fair I did want to read the next immediately but then you know. Thats how it goes. The writing is immersive as ever, the authenticity shines for obvious reasons and each one was as gripping as any of the full length novels.
Talking of which I can’t wait for more. This series for me has only grown stronger, I can’t imagine that I will ever get bored of it. Hope we get a good few more yet.
Highly Recommended.
November 10, 2016
Wow, I really enjoyed reading these 4 novellas, especially First Bones.
August 12, 2022
These North Carolina murder tales were a tad different genre for me but enjoyed nonetheless. The suspense engaged and I learned new things I didn't know before.
November 11, 2016
I enjoyed all 4 of these novellas especially First Bones which tells the story of how Tempe became a forensic anthropologist.
August 18, 2019
this was a really fun and interesting collection of short mystery stories!
i haven't read any of Kathy's other books, and so therefore i didn't know anything about Tempe (the main character) before reading this book, but what i read seemed like a promising start to the series, and i look forward to reading more of Tempe's mysteries!
I have to say, i think it's a really amazing job that Kathy (and Tempe) have, and i admire Kathy's imagination in writing these stories of real life, her own experiences and fiction mixed together!
bless my dad for borrowing this book from the library for me ❤
i haven't read any of Kathy's other books, and so therefore i didn't know anything about Tempe (the main character) before reading this book, but what i read seemed like a promising start to the series, and i look forward to reading more of Tempe's mysteries!
I have to say, i think it's a really amazing job that Kathy (and Tempe) have, and i admire Kathy's imagination in writing these stories of real life, her own experiences and fiction mixed together!
bless my dad for borrowing this book from the library for me ❤
June 1, 2017
I love the Tempe Brennan stories and this collection of four novellas is not exception. Even thought they were short and compact they were still very interesting and kept me reading to find out what had happened to the bodies Tempe was examining. Three of the stories were also used to bring attention to an issue. Puppy Mills, Poaching and the support for the Indigenous People of Everest, especially following the Earthquake of 2015. The final story, First Bones takes us back to when Tempe first started work. There were twists and turns in the stories and of course Tempe put herself in danger while investigating. The usual scientific information dealing with forensics was included with enough information to make the stories real.
I liked that I was able to read each story individually and put the book down to go to bed or do other things without having to interrupt the story. That is not to say that I do not want more full length stories about Tempe, but this was a nice change and each story was complete. The one thing missing was the personal life that is such a part of the full length novels. If you enjoy the Tempe Brennan stories, I recommend you pick this one up, you won't be disappointed. I was fortunate to win a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway thanks to the publisher.
I liked that I was able to read each story individually and put the book down to go to bed or do other things without having to interrupt the story. That is not to say that I do not want more full length stories about Tempe, but this was a nice change and each story was complete. The one thing missing was the personal life that is such a part of the full length novels. If you enjoy the Tempe Brennan stories, I recommend you pick this one up, you won't be disappointed. I was fortunate to win a copy of this book in a Goodreads Giveaway thanks to the publisher.
April 7, 2017
I slid into the booth, directly assessing the pair. Reynolds was big and muscular, probably used to being told he was good-looking. Dark brown eyes. Walnut hair carefully arranged to look carelessly disarranged. Toned forearms bulging from rolled chambray cuffs. Steele looked like a colorless scarecrow burrowing into his leftover air.
With her background as a forensic anthropologist, each of Kathy Reich's four novellas packs a punch, and the reader is spared no detail in the forensic examinations. Yet it is the incisive wit as she observes the living while investigating the circumstances of death that had me riveted.
We learn so much. In "Bones in Her Pocket" there are two victims in the same small area outside Charlotte, NC, where Tempe Brennan is confronted by environmental activists. In "Swamp Bones" her vacation in Florida is curtailed by the discovery of human remains inside a Turkey Vulture, which in turn is being slowly ingested by a Burmese Python, endangered in SE Asia but flourishing in the Everglades where it has no natural predator. In "Bones on Ice" the body of an Everest climber trapped in ice for over 3 years is repatriated to Charlotte-Mecklenburg, with no expense spared by the wealthy parent, and has to be slowly thawed to establish identity and cause of death. And finally, "First Bones" has Tempe witnessing the death of a dear friend (no spoilers!)
Well researched, well written and definitely addictive.
With her background as a forensic anthropologist, each of Kathy Reich's four novellas packs a punch, and the reader is spared no detail in the forensic examinations. Yet it is the incisive wit as she observes the living while investigating the circumstances of death that had me riveted.
We learn so much. In "Bones in Her Pocket" there are two victims in the same small area outside Charlotte, NC, where Tempe Brennan is confronted by environmental activists. In "Swamp Bones" her vacation in Florida is curtailed by the discovery of human remains inside a Turkey Vulture, which in turn is being slowly ingested by a Burmese Python, endangered in SE Asia but flourishing in the Everglades where it has no natural predator. In "Bones on Ice" the body of an Everest climber trapped in ice for over 3 years is repatriated to Charlotte-Mecklenburg, with no expense spared by the wealthy parent, and has to be slowly thawed to establish identity and cause of death. And finally, "First Bones" has Tempe witnessing the death of a dear friend (no spoilers!)
Well researched, well written and definitely addictive.
January 18, 2019
Four good novellas make one good book. If you have enjoyed the full book entries of Temperance Brennan you should like these shorter stories. Well done, fun, imaginative. Recommended to Bones fans.
December 5, 2016
The Bone Collection: Four Novellas is an omnibus of novellas in the Temperance Brennan series by forensic anthropologist and popular American author, Kathy Reichs. Three of the novellas have been published in electronic form earlier; First Bones is a new story.
Bones in her Pocket: Tempe is called out to an Artists Colony at Mountain Island Lake in North Carolina, where a bag of bones has washed up. Tempe assumed that this is part of the corpse belonging to some leg bones she has examined, until she finds this corpse already has legs. Masses of tiny bones accompanying the skeleton add an element of intrigue.
This little story has a missing Environmental Sciences student, a crazy-sounding, arrogant environmental protestor, a lecherous lecturer and a gossipy museum volunteer. Tempe gives us interesting tidbits on under water decomps and manages to get herself into hot water.
Swamp Bones: 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?
Bones on Ice: The well-connected Hallis family matriarch insists that Tempe conduct the post mortem on her daughter, whose remains are uncovered after the Nepal earthquake. Brighton Hallis died whilst scaling Mt Everest some three years previously, and her remains were unrecoverable at the time. Tempe finds many things she would expect after three years of exposure to freezing temperatures. But she also finds the unexpected, and her contact with Bright’s climbing companions raises more questions than it answers.
In amongst the suspense and intrigue, Reichs manages to include lots of interesting facts about deaths on Everest, hypothermia and the bizarre associated behaviours, the effects of altitude and temperature on decay and preservation of a corpse, obtaining prints from dehydrated fingers and the effects of freezing on dentition.
First Bones: a prequel to the very first Temperance Brennan novel, Déjà Dead. As Tempe sits at the bedside of a dying friend, she looks back on the case that started her career in forensic anthropology. Tempe’s session of scoring foramina of cremains in the lab at UNCC for her PhD dissertation is disturbed by a request to examine the remains of victim found burnt beyond recognition in a trailer. Her reluctance to abandon her research is outweighed by a convincing argument from a Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD detective. A surprise finding on examination of the remains has her so intrigued, a career change results.
This prequel introduces the arrogant and messy Erskine (Skinny) Slidell, the elegant Eddie Rinaldi, and a man who has been Tempe’s unfailing mentor from the start of her career, Tim Larabee. Husband Pete is still on the scene, and sister Harry also gets a mention. The banter between Tempe and Slidell is often hilarious. This small dose of Tempe Brennan touches on AIDS, the light spectrum for visualisation of ink on documents and forensic dentistry. An excellent Tempe taster.
Bones in her Pocket: Tempe is called out to an Artists Colony at Mountain Island Lake in North Carolina, where a bag of bones has washed up. Tempe assumed that this is part of the corpse belonging to some leg bones she has examined, until she finds this corpse already has legs. Masses of tiny bones accompanying the skeleton add an element of intrigue.
This little story has a missing Environmental Sciences student, a crazy-sounding, arrogant environmental protestor, a lecherous lecturer and a gossipy museum volunteer. Tempe gives us interesting tidbits on under water decomps and manages to get herself into hot water.
Swamp Bones: 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?
Bones on Ice: The well-connected Hallis family matriarch insists that Tempe conduct the post mortem on her daughter, whose remains are uncovered after the Nepal earthquake. Brighton Hallis died whilst scaling Mt Everest some three years previously, and her remains were unrecoverable at the time. Tempe finds many things she would expect after three years of exposure to freezing temperatures. But she also finds the unexpected, and her contact with Bright’s climbing companions raises more questions than it answers.
In amongst the suspense and intrigue, Reichs manages to include lots of interesting facts about deaths on Everest, hypothermia and the bizarre associated behaviours, the effects of altitude and temperature on decay and preservation of a corpse, obtaining prints from dehydrated fingers and the effects of freezing on dentition.
First Bones: a prequel to the very first Temperance Brennan novel, Déjà Dead. As Tempe sits at the bedside of a dying friend, she looks back on the case that started her career in forensic anthropology. Tempe’s session of scoring foramina of cremains in the lab at UNCC for her PhD dissertation is disturbed by a request to examine the remains of victim found burnt beyond recognition in a trailer. Her reluctance to abandon her research is outweighed by a convincing argument from a Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD detective. A surprise finding on examination of the remains has her so intrigued, a career change results.
This prequel introduces the arrogant and messy Erskine (Skinny) Slidell, the elegant Eddie Rinaldi, and a man who has been Tempe’s unfailing mentor from the start of her career, Tim Larabee. Husband Pete is still on the scene, and sister Harry also gets a mention. The banter between Tempe and Slidell is often hilarious. This small dose of Tempe Brennan touches on AIDS, the light spectrum for visualisation of ink on documents and forensic dentistry. An excellent Tempe taster.
November 3, 2016
Review coming soon!
May 17, 2017
Das ursprüngliche Zuhause dieser Rezension ist der WortWelten-Blog:
http://wort-welten.blogspot.de/
Gleich vier Kurzgeschichten aus dem Universum der forensischen Anthropologin Dr. Temperance Brennan hält dieses Buch bereit. Vier ganz unterschiedliche Geschichten. Ob nun der Schmuggel bedrohter Tiere, Raubvögel, Kletterpartien auf die höchsten Berge der Welt oder aber mysteriöse verkohlte Leichen - Tempe nimmt es mit allem auf. Und das zu lesen macht einfach Spaß, wie ich finde. Als kleines Schmankerl begleitend zur bekannten Buchreihe macht dieses Buch eine wirklich tolle Figur. Und ganz besonders der allererste Fall der "Knochenjägerin", der hier erstmals veröffentlicht wurde, hat es mir angetan. Und auch Gletscher des Todes, die dritte Kurzgeschichte und ... und ... und ... Ach, lassen wir das. Das Buch ist toll und einzig meine ausgeprägte Schlangenphobie und die etwas magere erste Geschichte hindern mich daran, die volle Bestwertung zu geben. So also ...
http://wort-welten.blogspot.de/
Gleich vier Kurzgeschichten aus dem Universum der forensischen Anthropologin Dr. Temperance Brennan hält dieses Buch bereit. Vier ganz unterschiedliche Geschichten. Ob nun der Schmuggel bedrohter Tiere, Raubvögel, Kletterpartien auf die höchsten Berge der Welt oder aber mysteriöse verkohlte Leichen - Tempe nimmt es mit allem auf. Und das zu lesen macht einfach Spaß, wie ich finde. Als kleines Schmankerl begleitend zur bekannten Buchreihe macht dieses Buch eine wirklich tolle Figur. Und ganz besonders der allererste Fall der "Knochenjägerin", der hier erstmals veröffentlicht wurde, hat es mir angetan. Und auch Gletscher des Todes, die dritte Kurzgeschichte und ... und ... und ... Ach, lassen wir das. Das Buch ist toll und einzig meine ausgeprägte Schlangenphobie und die etwas magere erste Geschichte hindern mich daran, die volle Bestwertung zu geben. So also ...
December 17, 2017
For novellas, these are pretty good short stories! Must read for Kathy Reichs fans!
April 13, 2018
The reason I pick up a new "bones" book is because I know what to expect. I like that! There are times when all I want to do is read for enjoyment. I want something that I am not forced to delve into the book in great depth but it still paints a full story. Kathy Reichs always delivers with the Tempe Brennan series. I'm ok with the main character's stupidity and the over-the-top police work if the forensics is spot on and believable! Undoubtedly the best part of these books is the believable forensics. (Ok that and maybe Skinny Slidell's imaginative vocabulary!!!) I've heard some criticize because it's too technical. Nonsense! If it was fake I could't read it. This book was perfect to take along on vacation. Not only was it a Bones book, it was a collection of 4 short novellas. Although all of them were new to me, I must caution that 3 of stories are previously published so be mindful of that before purchasing this book.
Rating and review of each novella in the order they appear in the book-
Novella #15.5 Bones in Her Pocket My rating = 4 stars
Of all of the stories I'd say this was the weakest link. However, I feel it was adequate and still interesting but it seemed to end without much wrap up. The biggest fault I could find is that it lacked a bit of closure and polish.
Novella #16.5 Swamp Bones My rating = 4 stars
I know this is going to sound very petty but the only reason this story is not getting a higher rating is that it dealt primarily with two of my most hated things. Alligators and snakes. Ack!! Maybe someday I'll share my story about nearly ending up as alligator kibble! However, I did enjoy reading about the main character, Tempe, in the Florida Everglades instead of the normal North Carolina.
Novella #17.5 Bones on Ice My rating = 4.5 stars
I found this story fascinating! I wish the author would have kept this work and created a full length novel as she talked about in the acknowledgments. I think it would have been a truly great Bones book. This story dealt with identification of bones recovered from a Mt. Everest climb. My biggest and probably only fault with this story is that I would have preferred that Tempe been present in Kathmandu somehow instead of being back in North Carolina. I think it would have made the action and story so much more exciting than doing everything remotely.
Novella #0.5 First Bones My rating =5 stars
I loved this story because we finally get some "back story" on Tempe. I know we've read a bit here and there about her childhood but this story shows how she got into the world of Forensic Anthropology. I do wish it had been more in depth though. I am cutting it some slack because this story was chock full of Skinny Slidell! My favorite "Bones" character. Also there is a major development in the series because we lose one of the team. I'm surprised she did this is in a Novella. I have yet to read what is the next chronological book in the series to see how it's handled, but now I can't wait.
To explain a bit about sequence of the story
# 0.5 is written as a flashback and the team member dies in what would actually be between #18 and #19. I do not know why the powers that be chose to market this novella an origin story and put it at # 0.5 but alas they did. I believe it should have come later in the sequence like the way most of us have already read the series because we know the character and the death means something to us. If a person starts with this novella it will not have the same impact.
How I figured my rating overall (4 x 4.5 x 4.5 x 5) / 4 = 4.3 so therefore rounded down to 4 stars
4*/ 4.18
Rating and review of each novella in the order they appear in the book-
Novella #15.5 Bones in Her Pocket My rating = 4 stars
Of all of the stories I'd say this was the weakest link. However, I feel it was adequate and still interesting but it seemed to end without much wrap up. The biggest fault I could find is that it lacked a bit of closure and polish.
Novella #16.5 Swamp Bones My rating = 4 stars
I know this is going to sound very petty but the only reason this story is not getting a higher rating is that it dealt primarily with two of my most hated things. Alligators and snakes. Ack!! Maybe someday I'll share my story about nearly ending up as alligator kibble! However, I did enjoy reading about the main character, Tempe, in the Florida Everglades instead of the normal North Carolina.
Novella #17.5 Bones on Ice My rating = 4.5 stars
I found this story fascinating! I wish the author would have kept this work and created a full length novel as she talked about in the acknowledgments. I think it would have been a truly great Bones book. This story dealt with identification of bones recovered from a Mt. Everest climb. My biggest and probably only fault with this story is that I would have preferred that Tempe been present in Kathmandu somehow instead of being back in North Carolina. I think it would have made the action and story so much more exciting than doing everything remotely.
Novella #0.5 First Bones My rating =5 stars
I loved this story because we finally get some "back story" on Tempe. I know we've read a bit here and there about her childhood but this story shows how she got into the world of Forensic Anthropology. I do wish it had been more in depth though. I am cutting it some slack because this story was chock full of Skinny Slidell! My favorite "Bones" character. Also there is a major development in the series because we lose one of the team. I'm surprised she did this is in a Novella. I have yet to read what is the next chronological book in the series to see how it's handled, but now I can't wait.
To explain a bit about sequence of the story
# 0.5 is written as a flashback and the team member dies in what would actually be between #18 and #19. I do not know why the powers that be chose to market this novella an origin story and put it at # 0.5 but alas they did. I believe it should have come later in the sequence like the way most of us have already read the series because we know the character and the death means something to us. If a person starts with this novella it will not have the same impact.
How I figured my rating overall (4 x 4.5 x 4.5 x 5) / 4 = 4.3 so therefore rounded down to 4 stars
4*/ 4.18
August 24, 2019
Well this one was a surprise to me - (I am after all supposed to be concentrating on the books I already have on the go - although you know me, when has that ever stopped me).
I will admit I have read the "Bones" series off and on for a while now however I think this is the first of the short story - novellas - books that Kathy Reichs wrote.
As the GR introduction states this is a book of 4 novellas which span the fictional carrier of Temperance Brennan. As a result it gives an interesting insight in to how the book character was formed, I guess as Kathy Reichs wrote and as the characters biography slowly was filled out.
Each story runs for about 80 to 100 pages which for me is ideal. It is just right to develop the plot and flesh out all the various characters but not too many pages that it feels like it turns in to a medical journal.
Like I said earlier an distraction that sort of took over things - it was also perfect to read while I travelled with work another bonus when you are stilling in a hotel room away from home comforts (read distractions)
I will admit I have read the "Bones" series off and on for a while now however I think this is the first of the short story - novellas - books that Kathy Reichs wrote.
As the GR introduction states this is a book of 4 novellas which span the fictional carrier of Temperance Brennan. As a result it gives an interesting insight in to how the book character was formed, I guess as Kathy Reichs wrote and as the characters biography slowly was filled out.
Each story runs for about 80 to 100 pages which for me is ideal. It is just right to develop the plot and flesh out all the various characters but not too many pages that it feels like it turns in to a medical journal.
Like I said earlier an distraction that sort of took over things - it was also perfect to read while I travelled with work another bonus when you are stilling in a hotel room away from home comforts (read distractions)
February 11, 2017
Oh, Kathy Reichs how I've missed you and Temperance Brennan. I have to say you know how to write a novella and make it seem like a complete novel, unlike some writers. I learned a lot in these 4 stories dealing with dangers from nature and animals helped by human involvement. I especially enjoyed learning how Temperance Brennan got her start with the ME office.
March 29, 2021
The Bone Collection by Kathy Reichs is a collection of 4 murder cases solved by forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan including her first case which introduced her to this field. An outstanding collection of stories, each different and introducing us to a different aspect of bone analysis and forensics. Educational as well as enthralling and captvating.
February 13, 2017
This is a collection of four short stories, three of which have already been out for publication before. You might have already read them, like I have. So only the fourth one, First Bones, will be new to you and I.
The fourth story was short no sweet, but in a sad way. 3.5 stars.
The fourth story was short no sweet, but in a sad way. 3.5 stars.
November 4, 2016
I always love Kathy reichs and this book did not disappoint at all. As it's a collection of stories it's easy to settle down and read a whole story at a time Good bedtime reading
November 13, 2016
A collection of all the short Temperance Brennan stories written so far including one, which outlines how she became a Forensic Anthropologist.
November 17, 2016
I enjoyed these novellas just as much I do Kathy Reichs' longer novels. I think they would act as a good introduction to the Brennan series if you haven't read any of those yet.
January 24, 2022
Prime ossa
Vede l’esordio come antropologa forense di Temperance Brennan che viene catapultata suo malgrado in una sala autoptica.
Argomento centrale, a parte i soliti delitti e lo studio delle ossa, sono l’HIV e l’AIDS e la paura e l’emarginazione che derivano da queste due condizioni, accompagnate - come spesso succede - dall’ignoranza.
Ossa in tasca
Il corpo di una ragazza viene trovato in una sacca sulle rive di un lago, in una zona destinata all’osservazione dei uccelli che ospita anche un centro di recupero per volatili. E fin qui...
Purtroppo l’argomento trattato va oltre e fa male: il maltrattamento degli animali, in questo caso cani di ogni razza; realtà inverosimili e aberranti per la procreazione e la vendita irregolare di cuccioli. Vere e proprie “fabbriche”... da pelle d’oca.
Ossa di palude
«L’uccello mangia la vittima, il serpente mangia l’uccello. E poi venne il cane che morse il gatto che si mangiò il topo.»
Che al mercato mio padre comprò, mi balenò nella mente. Niente male, sceriffo.
Molti esemplari di pitoni Burma hanno invaso le paludi alla periferia di Miami, Florida. Nello stomaco di uno di loro vengono rinvenute piccole ossa umane: un piede.
Una vacanza che per Tempe si trasforma in una indagine a tempo pieno. Bracconaggio, allevamenti clandestini e vendite al mercato nero di pelli per linee lussuose di abbigliamento e accessori... e denaro a palate chiaramente.
Ossa di ghiaccio
Letto non molto tempo fa. Gli ho ridato una sbirciatina solo per confermare il mio giudizio dell’epoca.
Qui il mio commento di allora:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Adoro Kathy Reichs. E niente... Mi ha incantata anche con questi racconti. Alcuni meritavano di essere un po’ più lunghi.
🔠 Alphabet Titoli: O
🌎 LdM - Sfida 2022: Giallo
✍️ K.R.
Vede l’esordio come antropologa forense di Temperance Brennan che viene catapultata suo malgrado in una sala autoptica.
Argomento centrale, a parte i soliti delitti e lo studio delle ossa, sono l’HIV e l’AIDS e la paura e l’emarginazione che derivano da queste due condizioni, accompagnate - come spesso succede - dall’ignoranza.
Ossa in tasca
Il corpo di una ragazza viene trovato in una sacca sulle rive di un lago, in una zona destinata all’osservazione dei uccelli che ospita anche un centro di recupero per volatili. E fin qui...
Purtroppo l’argomento trattato va oltre e fa male: il maltrattamento degli animali, in questo caso cani di ogni razza; realtà inverosimili e aberranti per la procreazione e la vendita irregolare di cuccioli. Vere e proprie “fabbriche”... da pelle d’oca.
Ossa di palude
«L’uccello mangia la vittima, il serpente mangia l’uccello. E poi venne il cane che morse il gatto che si mangiò il topo.»
Che al mercato mio padre comprò, mi balenò nella mente. Niente male, sceriffo.
Molti esemplari di pitoni Burma hanno invaso le paludi alla periferia di Miami, Florida. Nello stomaco di uno di loro vengono rinvenute piccole ossa umane: un piede.
Una vacanza che per Tempe si trasforma in una indagine a tempo pieno. Bracconaggio, allevamenti clandestini e vendite al mercato nero di pelli per linee lussuose di abbigliamento e accessori... e denaro a palate chiaramente.
Ossa di ghiaccio
Letto non molto tempo fa. Gli ho ridato una sbirciatina solo per confermare il mio giudizio dell’epoca.
Qui il mio commento di allora:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Adoro Kathy Reichs. E niente... Mi ha incantata anche con questi racconti. Alcuni meritavano di essere un po’ più lunghi.
🔠 Alphabet Titoli: O
🌎 LdM - Sfida 2022: Giallo
✍️ K.R.
August 1, 2021
This is my first read by Kathy Reichs but not my last. Enjoyed her writing style. Used to watch the tv show Bones but my interest fizzled out. Hope I can find these at the library.
November 13, 2016
These 4 novellas are perfect for the reader who wants a quick, easy read and then move onto something else. I had read 2 out of the 4 novellas so it was an even quicker read for me. First Bones broke my heart. It was nice to see Tempe's first case and how she and Skinny traded barbs back then. Both of them appeared to be "newbies" and were each kind of set in their ways even at the beginning of their working relationship. Tempe begins the story sitting bedside in the Surgical Trauma ICU and begins to reflect on how her career began. She was just trying to get her Ph.D. and minding her own business when fate changed her life's direction a bit. Skinny saw the usefulness of her even back then and used her to further his cases along. Tempe and Pete were still married and he was already trying cases. We soon discover how grave the situation is at the present and Tempe is left reeling with the news. Even though she knows what is coming, she is unprepared for it at the end. It was touching and the ending was a bit shocking.
November 18, 2016
I wasn't going to re-read the first three novellas since I'd already read them when they were released so I skipped to First Bones... and didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped. It was good, but it wasn't great. It contained wonderful lines like "...we sit in a quiet made up of a hundred small sounds." The end made me cry. But, overall, it just didn't wow me.
I went back and re-read the other three novellas, thinking perhaps I just wasn't in the mood/was misremembering the quality... nope; I loved them just as much after a second reading. I read through First Bones again, thinking perhaps I'd enjoy it more after the second reading... nope, still not my cup of tea.
Individually, the first three novellas each got 5 stars. If I were to give First Bones an individual rating, I'd have to give it 3. This pains me both as a lover of origin stories and a massive fan of Kathy Reichs.
I went back and re-read the other three novellas, thinking perhaps I just wasn't in the mood/was misremembering the quality... nope; I loved them just as much after a second reading. I read through First Bones again, thinking perhaps I'd enjoy it more after the second reading... nope, still not my cup of tea.
Individually, the first three novellas each got 5 stars. If I were to give First Bones an individual rating, I'd have to give it 3. This pains me both as a lover of origin stories and a massive fan of Kathy Reichs.
November 15, 2016
I'm a big fan of Kathy Reichs but not really a fan of the novella. Still, I enjoyed these stories and, as always, love Ms Reichs' writing style - short sharp sentences and wry observations about the characters Tempe meets along the way. Looking forward to the next full length novel.
June 9, 2017
The Bone Collection was a great way for me to be introduced to a new-to-me author. As a rule, I’m not a huge fan of anthologies. I find that the stories are over before they’ve really had a chance to begin. The Bone Collection contains four stories within its 388 pages. It had a bit more meat and potatoes to the stories.
I’m not going to get into a review of each story, but look at the collection as a whole. What I ended up doing was reading one of the stories between larger books that I was reading. It was a nice change of pace between my other books, and left me fresh for the next one, in fact, I started looking forward to reading the next story in The Bone Collection.
Never having read Reichs before, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Reading her bio, you certainly know that her expertise in the content is second to none. But I was blown away by her writing chops. Temperance Brennan is a fantastic character. I loved the sarcasm that was dripping from her thoughts and dialogue. It is the best when an author can write about such dark subject matter and still leave me in stitches. It is a balancing act that is difficult to master, but Reichs has it down to a science.
After this introduction to Kathy Reichs, I will certainly be spending more time in the world of Temperance Brennan.
*I won a copy of this book through a giveaway on Goodreads.
I’m not going to get into a review of each story, but look at the collection as a whole. What I ended up doing was reading one of the stories between larger books that I was reading. It was a nice change of pace between my other books, and left me fresh for the next one, in fact, I started looking forward to reading the next story in The Bone Collection.
Never having read Reichs before, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect. Reading her bio, you certainly know that her expertise in the content is second to none. But I was blown away by her writing chops. Temperance Brennan is a fantastic character. I loved the sarcasm that was dripping from her thoughts and dialogue. It is the best when an author can write about such dark subject matter and still leave me in stitches. It is a balancing act that is difficult to master, but Reichs has it down to a science.
After this introduction to Kathy Reichs, I will certainly be spending more time in the world of Temperance Brennan.
*I won a copy of this book through a giveaway on Goodreads.
April 25, 2020
I really enjoyed these 4 short stories. I worried at first that because they were published in between books I'd already read that they might be hard to place in the series, but it really didn't matter. I'm not sure which story was my favourite...maybe "Swamp Bones" because I like the setting. All in all though, these were just plain good stories...no bones about it :).
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