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Temperance Brennan #8
Cross Bones
A gripping and explosive thriller from internationally acclaimed forensic anthropologist and New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs, featuring Temperance Brennan and Detective Andrew Ryan on the trail of a modern murder and an ancient biblical mystery.
Examining a badly decomposed corpse is de rigueur for forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. But puzzling damage on the body of a shooting victim, an Orthodox Jewish man, suggests this is no ordinary Montreal murder. When a stranger slips Tempe a photograph of a skeleton unearthed at an archaeological site, Tempe uncovers chilling ties between the dead man and secrets long buried in the dust of Israel. Traveling there with Detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe plunges into an international mystery as old as Jesus, and centered on the controversial discovery of Christ's tomb. Has a mastermind lured her into an elaborate hoax? If not, Tempe may be on the brink of rewriting two thousand years of history—if she can survive the foes dead set on burying her.
Examining a badly decomposed corpse is de rigueur for forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. But puzzling damage on the body of a shooting victim, an Orthodox Jewish man, suggests this is no ordinary Montreal murder. When a stranger slips Tempe a photograph of a skeleton unearthed at an archaeological site, Tempe uncovers chilling ties between the dead man and secrets long buried in the dust of Israel. Traveling there with Detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe plunges into an international mystery as old as Jesus, and centered on the controversial discovery of Christ's tomb. Has a mastermind lured her into an elaborate hoax? If not, Tempe may be on the brink of rewriting two thousand years of history—if she can survive the foes dead set on burying her.
496 pages, ebook
First published June 28, 2005
1162 people are currently reading
13194 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Reichs
152 books17.4k followersKathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of North Carolina, and for the Laboratoire des Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale for the province of Quebec. She is one of only fifty forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. A professor of anthropology at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Reichs is a native of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. at Northwestern. She now divides her time between Charlotte and Montreal and is a frequent expert witness in criminal trials.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,330 reviews
April 13, 2023
“The idea of Mary as a mama is a mega-problem for the Vatican”
The routine examination of a corpse in the Montreal murder of an orthodox Jewish man leads forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan to Israel where she becomes involved with a centuries old mystery that may undercut the basic beliefs of the world’s monotheistic Abrahamic religions. And Brennan knows that nobody will be thanking her for solving the mystery and disclosing to the world what religion would prefer to remain something that must be taken on faith!
A medical thriller based on biblical mysteries and the possibility of the scientific world crossing swords with the Vatican held promise but, sadly, CROSS BONES ended up as a waste of several hours’ reading time that can never be recovered. Reichs’ staccato writing style is irritating in the extreme. Temperance Brennan, as a scientist – a forensic anthropologist, to be more exact – is portrayed as playing a serious detective and is allowed to poke her nose into dangerous and risky circumstances where she simply does not belong. No rational reader could fail to wonder what Reichs was thinking when she had her character wandering down these ridiculous trails! The ending of the novel came like a road in a heavy fog that drove straight off the end of the cliff! At this point, Reichs had obviously decided the novel’s word count was high enough and she wanted to move on to something else. In general, the plot is a non-linear hot mess that is all but impossible to unwind and decipher.
The only saving grace that rescued CROSS BONES from an ignominious one-star trashing was the occasional sidebar essay on matters medical and scientific that was a welcome break from the tedium of the plot-line – DNA polymorphisms; current research on the possible use of genes to predict certain physical traits such as eye or skin colour; differences between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA; and so on.
There are many fine novels in the Temperance Brennan series. CROSS BONES, #8 in a body of work that now extends to twenty novels, is not one of them. If you’re sufficiently NON-obsessive-compulsive that the thought of leaving a title out in your reading doesn’t give you the shivers, I highly recommend you pass this one by.
Paul Weiss
The routine examination of a corpse in the Montreal murder of an orthodox Jewish man leads forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan to Israel where she becomes involved with a centuries old mystery that may undercut the basic beliefs of the world’s monotheistic Abrahamic religions. And Brennan knows that nobody will be thanking her for solving the mystery and disclosing to the world what religion would prefer to remain something that must be taken on faith!
A medical thriller based on biblical mysteries and the possibility of the scientific world crossing swords with the Vatican held promise but, sadly, CROSS BONES ended up as a waste of several hours’ reading time that can never be recovered. Reichs’ staccato writing style is irritating in the extreme. Temperance Brennan, as a scientist – a forensic anthropologist, to be more exact – is portrayed as playing a serious detective and is allowed to poke her nose into dangerous and risky circumstances where she simply does not belong. No rational reader could fail to wonder what Reichs was thinking when she had her character wandering down these ridiculous trails! The ending of the novel came like a road in a heavy fog that drove straight off the end of the cliff! At this point, Reichs had obviously decided the novel’s word count was high enough and she wanted to move on to something else. In general, the plot is a non-linear hot mess that is all but impossible to unwind and decipher.
The only saving grace that rescued CROSS BONES from an ignominious one-star trashing was the occasional sidebar essay on matters medical and scientific that was a welcome break from the tedium of the plot-line – DNA polymorphisms; current research on the possible use of genes to predict certain physical traits such as eye or skin colour; differences between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA; and so on.
There are many fine novels in the Temperance Brennan series. CROSS BONES, #8 in a body of work that now extends to twenty novels, is not one of them. If you’re sufficiently NON-obsessive-compulsive that the thought of leaving a title out in your reading doesn’t give you the shivers, I highly recommend you pass this one by.
Paul Weiss
February 18, 2022
This is a series that I parked many years ago and I am glad I finally got back to it.
In this Tempe finds herself examining bones that are apparently of great religious importance and this leads her to Israel. But as people who come in contact with the bones start to meet with sudden death she is soon fearful for her own life.
Some interesting historical and biblical facts in this instalment.
In this Tempe finds herself examining bones that are apparently of great religious importance and this leads her to Israel. But as people who come in contact with the bones start to meet with sudden death she is soon fearful for her own life.
Some interesting historical and biblical facts in this instalment.
August 14, 2023
Although on paper this is not my usual kind of book, I actually really enjoyed it and would ready more by Kathy Reichs.
Three stars.
Three stars.
May 13, 2015
Another dead body, another Kathy Reichs mystery!
This novel revolves around religion, and could be compared to a Da Vinci Code of the death and crime world. If anyone is interested in religion, and enjoys crime novels, this book would be for them! Orthodox Jewish, Christianity and other religions are mentioned and described in this book along the way. It is not the typical Kathy Reichs book since religion is one of the main focuses, but overall it was a good novel!
Andrew Ryan is a big helper in this novel, and to me it seemed like he was involved more in this novel than some of the previous ones. Romance is slightly involved in this novel, but it more along the lines of 48% religion, 48% crime and 2% romance.
I found this book very boring, due to the constant talk of religion. I would have liked to learn more about bones and what the different markings meant for the different era skeletons. There was far to much religious talk and descriptions for my liking.
Five out of five stars, nonetheless! Kathy Reichs made a book that kept me interested and wanting to continue reading the next book!
This novel revolves around religion, and could be compared to a Da Vinci Code of the death and crime world. If anyone is interested in religion, and enjoys crime novels, this book would be for them! Orthodox Jewish, Christianity and other religions are mentioned and described in this book along the way. It is not the typical Kathy Reichs book since religion is one of the main focuses, but overall it was a good novel!
Andrew Ryan is a big helper in this novel, and to me it seemed like he was involved more in this novel than some of the previous ones. Romance is slightly involved in this novel, but it more along the lines of 48% religion, 48% crime and 2% romance.
I found this book very boring, due to the constant talk of religion. I would have liked to learn more about bones and what the different markings meant for the different era skeletons. There was far to much religious talk and descriptions for my liking.
Five out of five stars, nonetheless! Kathy Reichs made a book that kept me interested and wanting to continue reading the next book!
July 16, 2024
Re-Read 2024
In my initial review, I gave this novel 3 stars. However, upon revisiting it, I enjoyed it so much that I've upgraded my rating to 4 stars.
Original Review
In book 8, Dr. Temperance Brennan finds herself travelling from Montreal to Israel to track down a killer and the mystery behind ancient skeletal remains that could turn the lives of the religious faithful upside down.
I will put aside the fact that there are many Dan Brown comparisons in the book. However, it didn't take away my enjoyment from seeing our main protagonist return to her roots in archeology. Also, the story takes place in one of my favourite countries, Israel( I spent three beautiful weeks in the country in 2015, and I cannot wait to go back ) and visited the location of Masada. I think having some background on the history and the places made me feel as if I was returning home.
Although the killer took me by surprise in the end, it was only because I was thinking so big when the answer was so obvious. A good quick read.
Goodreads Review 02/10/16
Re-Read& Edit 16/07/24
In my initial review, I gave this novel 3 stars. However, upon revisiting it, I enjoyed it so much that I've upgraded my rating to 4 stars.
Original Review
In book 8, Dr. Temperance Brennan finds herself travelling from Montreal to Israel to track down a killer and the mystery behind ancient skeletal remains that could turn the lives of the religious faithful upside down.
I will put aside the fact that there are many Dan Brown comparisons in the book. However, it didn't take away my enjoyment from seeing our main protagonist return to her roots in archeology. Also, the story takes place in one of my favourite countries, Israel( I spent three beautiful weeks in the country in 2015, and I cannot wait to go back ) and visited the location of Masada. I think having some background on the history and the places made me feel as if I was returning home.
Although the killer took me by surprise in the end, it was only because I was thinking so big when the answer was so obvious. A good quick read.
Goodreads Review 02/10/16
Re-Read& Edit 16/07/24
February 13, 2009
I read murder mysteries when my brain needs a rest and I want to escape. I tend to find an author and read all of her/his work beginning with the first book published. That's what I've done with Kathy Reich with the exception of this book. I didn't have the next two in her Temperance Brennan collection, so I skipped ahead to Cross Bones.
Reading this book felt timely as Tempe heads to Israel, so it was trippy to read a story that was taking place at sites I was hearing about on the news daily. It's a good story that's based on a snippett of a story about an archelogical dig. Reich does great research, and she has clearly been to the places about which she is writing.
This was a fast, enjoyable read and though interesting, not is intricately plotted as some of her earlier pieces. Perhaps that's because her research needed to be impeccable when addressing the subject matter of the the ongoing religious conflict between Jews, Christians and Muslims.
Reading this book felt timely as Tempe heads to Israel, so it was trippy to read a story that was taking place at sites I was hearing about on the news daily. It's a good story that's based on a snippett of a story about an archelogical dig. Reich does great research, and she has clearly been to the places about which she is writing.
This was a fast, enjoyable read and though interesting, not is intricately plotted as some of her earlier pieces. Perhaps that's because her research needed to be impeccable when addressing the subject matter of the the ongoing religious conflict between Jews, Christians and Muslims.
March 4, 2024
This is the 8th book in the Temperance Brennan series, this is the lowest rating I have given to one of these books so far. Without giving away too many spoilers the main plot line of this book follows a possible discovery of Jesus's body. For some reason I often don't get on with books with a lot of religious elements, I just find that they drag and are a bit boring. There is a lot of background given in this book about religion and I just felt it slowed everything down.
Although there was some action in this book it was minimal in comparison to the other books in the series. Brennan's character development/life seems to come to a stop too, I think because this book is complicated there wasn't time for anything else but this was unrealistic.
Overall a below average read for me, but not awful. I will be continuing with the series and hoping the next book steps up it's game a little otherwise I might have to have a little break from this series.
Although there was some action in this book it was minimal in comparison to the other books in the series. Brennan's character development/life seems to come to a stop too, I think because this book is complicated there wasn't time for anything else but this was unrealistic.
Overall a below average read for me, but not awful. I will be continuing with the series and hoping the next book steps up it's game a little otherwise I might have to have a little break from this series.
December 31, 2008
I would actually give this book 2.5 stars if that was a possibility. Since it's not, I rounded down.
I'm a huge fan of the TV show "Bones." So when I encountered this book by "Bones" creator Kathy Reichs at a second-hand bookstore, I grabbed it, thinking that of course I would like the book too.
I was kind of wrong. I didn't hate the book, but it took me some time to get through it. Reichs's writing style is somewhat staccato - her descriptive prose is written in half-thoughts, like she's checking off items on a list, sort of the way her brain probably works while she's examining skeletal remains at her day job. Unfortunately, we're not all forensic anthropologists, so as a layperson, I'd appreciate a little more insight into the subject matter she's writing about. And even though it was published only two months later, the book feels like a "Me too!" companion to "The DaVinci Code."
That said, I just picked up another of her books at the same store. It cost a dollar, and I don't like to dismiss an author out of hand, having read only one of her books. So we'll see.
I'm a huge fan of the TV show "Bones." So when I encountered this book by "Bones" creator Kathy Reichs at a second-hand bookstore, I grabbed it, thinking that of course I would like the book too.
I was kind of wrong. I didn't hate the book, but it took me some time to get through it. Reichs's writing style is somewhat staccato - her descriptive prose is written in half-thoughts, like she's checking off items on a list, sort of the way her brain probably works while she's examining skeletal remains at her day job. Unfortunately, we're not all forensic anthropologists, so as a layperson, I'd appreciate a little more insight into the subject matter she's writing about. And even though it was published only two months later, the book feels like a "Me too!" companion to "The DaVinci Code."
That said, I just picked up another of her books at the same store. It cost a dollar, and I don't like to dismiss an author out of hand, having read only one of her books. So we'll see.
November 25, 2014
Honestly, I want to give the book 1.5 stars, but it won't let me. For series, a one star means I definitely won't read the next book, but in this case, I probably will. However, this book was a chore to get through. I feel like Reichs was jumping on the Dan Brown bandwagon with this book. At an autopsy of a Jewish importer in Montreal, Brennan is handled a photo of a skeleton unearthed at Masada, but the skeleton was never included in the official reports. Could this be the skeletal remains of Jesus? This book had three problems which drive me crazy: 1) too much detail, 2) too stupid too live syndrome, and 3)too preachy. I like science, but even I got sick of the numerous discussions of carbon dating, mitochondrial DNA, and other too in-depth too care descriptions. There was too much detail that failed to move the story along, and instead, it felt as though someone had tied a lead balloon to the narrative pace. Second, I know narrative tension arises when the protagonist puts himself or herself in danger. Yet, when an intelligent woman knows that a killer is on the loose repeatedly running into danger blindly or compromising a crime scene becomes unbelievably frustrating. Finally, in case I wasn't already thinking "Thank goodness, this book is over" when I neared the end, the author has to throw in the "all religions are the same why can't we all get along." Normally, I wouldn't mind so much, but it was just the icing on the cake of "was anything in this book really necessary". The actually mystery of who murdered the Jewish importer was really only explored on 30-40 pages of a 348 page book. My least favorite Temperance Brennan book, so far, let's hope they get better, or the next one will be getting one star.
d-n-f
January 30, 2025This one was a bit too religion and history focused for me. A lot of information and not that much science, bone inspection, or murder mystery, which is what I’m usually here for. Ah well! You win some you lose some.
June 21, 2011
How disappointing! I enjoy mysteries because they make me think, they are usually well researched and can either teach me something or challenge me in some way, or make me laugh. Since this book was written by a former forensic scientist, I thought there would be something here. Instead, Reichs is one of the most condescending writers I've read. Instead of using a plot, she advances the action by having the main character ask herself redundant questions - sometimes eight of them in a row. She is so unconfident in her writing skills that she puts a stupid cliffhanging statement at the end of each chapter. Her characters are lame and predictable, her plots forced and her endings contrived. I really wonder about the state of the publishing industry when so many manuscripts never make it through the slush piles, but such garbage as this is published. Its my first and last of this series, and actually I rented the audiobook because Barbara Rosenblat was narrating it, and I figured whatever she did was worth listening to. Poor woman! After narrating such fine authors as Nevada Barr and Elizabeth Peters, she must have suffered through this one.
December 24, 2015
An average forensic procedural mystery. In this one Tempy is called to examine centuries old bones supposedly retrieved from the Massada massacre site of biblical times. People have already paid with their lives in trying to acquire this skeleton, which she calls Massada Max. A couple of archeologists are of the view that the skeleton is of Christ himself. Theories abound that Christ died as a ripe old man after having progeny of his own, and amidst an extended family. Tempy is drawn to Israel, in the wake of the finding, and , as usual lives are in danger. Her longtime boy friend, DI Andrew Ryan is also there following the investigation of a related murder. As usual she is embroiled in high intensity adventure.
Learnt lots about the history of Judaism and Christianity, thouh Islam was touched only briefly upon.
Learnt lots about the history of Judaism and Christianity, thouh Islam was touched only briefly upon.
November 14, 2018
Good.. but not my favorite?
Cross Bones is the 8th installment for the Temperance Brennan series. In it, Temperance is travelling from Montreal to Israel. Why? Well, it's to track down some mysterious killer and solve a slightly religious murder. In this book, it seems that the skeletal remains may or may not be the bones of Jesus's family.
Interesting.. but I didn't really care for the religious take this time around. I am catholic and all.. but it was just boring to listen to. The only thing that kept me engaged was trying to figure out who the real killer was ...and after finding that out, I was shocked. I liked that I had no idea who the killer was and now I can't wait to dive into the next audio - whenever that will happen.
Overall, it was okay.
Cross Bones is the 8th installment for the Temperance Brennan series. In it, Temperance is travelling from Montreal to Israel. Why? Well, it's to track down some mysterious killer and solve a slightly religious murder. In this book, it seems that the skeletal remains may or may not be the bones of Jesus's family.
Interesting.. but I didn't really care for the religious take this time around. I am catholic and all.. but it was just boring to listen to. The only thing that kept me engaged was trying to figure out who the real killer was ...and after finding that out, I was shocked. I liked that I had no idea who the killer was and now I can't wait to dive into the next audio - whenever that will happen.
Overall, it was okay.
November 19, 2012
This is probably the most cohesive and entertaining Tempe Brennan novel since Fatal Voyage. It doesn't suffer from the odd dialogue or sometimes cumbersome or confusing plots. And gone are the quasi-teenaged approach in regards to how Tempe handles her relationship with Ryan.
A murdered orthodox Jew turns up in Montreal, shot execution style. How does this fall into Tempe's lap? A strange man gives her a photo that was supposedly given to him by the deceased. A photo showing an old skeleton that was unearthed in Israel. A very special skeleton that supposedly has ties to the murder victim. What makes the skeleton so special? There's speculation that the skeleton could be that of Jesus himself.
Sound a little far fetched? Maybe at first glance, but this plot is based on actual facts and events. The James ossuary in Israel, the tombs at Massada, etc, etc.
This book is very reminiscent of something that would be written by a James Rollins or Dan Brown. Even the latest Robin Cook book has a similar theme: an ancient finding shrouded in mystery that could turn long standing modern religious dogma on its ear. Robin Cook's latest book, Intervention, had the same type of plot profile, only this book was done to much better effect.
No more seemingly unrelated family dramas for Tempe in this book. No more 'I'm too proud to ask Ryan what's really on his mind!' infantile handling of their relationship. They're together, they're an item, they still work together and they do it well. Those are a few of the things that have kept the past few Tempe books from really shining; the fact that they've often deviated from the main plot with sub plots (usually of a personal or familial nature) that have nothing to do with the overall story of the book and make the novel seem disjointed.
Very concise, very entertaining and full of interesting facts about early Christian religion and Israeli history.
A murdered orthodox Jew turns up in Montreal, shot execution style. How does this fall into Tempe's lap? A strange man gives her a photo that was supposedly given to him by the deceased. A photo showing an old skeleton that was unearthed in Israel. A very special skeleton that supposedly has ties to the murder victim. What makes the skeleton so special? There's speculation that the skeleton could be that of Jesus himself.
Sound a little far fetched? Maybe at first glance, but this plot is based on actual facts and events. The James ossuary in Israel, the tombs at Massada, etc, etc.
This book is very reminiscent of something that would be written by a James Rollins or Dan Brown. Even the latest Robin Cook book has a similar theme: an ancient finding shrouded in mystery that could turn long standing modern religious dogma on its ear. Robin Cook's latest book, Intervention, had the same type of plot profile, only this book was done to much better effect.
No more seemingly unrelated family dramas for Tempe in this book. No more 'I'm too proud to ask Ryan what's really on his mind!' infantile handling of their relationship. They're together, they're an item, they still work together and they do it well. Those are a few of the things that have kept the past few Tempe books from really shining; the fact that they've often deviated from the main plot with sub plots (usually of a personal or familial nature) that have nothing to do with the overall story of the book and make the novel seem disjointed.
Very concise, very entertaining and full of interesting facts about early Christian religion and Israeli history.
November 19, 2025
First and foremost this book contains a butt load of science, forensics, archeology, and biblical history. if none of these things are your jam, move on unless you want to learn something new. There is action, but not in the sense that most people expect. Most of the action is in scientific discoveries. I personally loved the book because I have an interest in science, forensics and archeology. Anything religion based normally bores me, but this was fascinating because there was the element of "What if?" As usual with this author, the book was well written and can't wait to read the next one.
August 21, 2014
First the good--
Reichs is a competent enough writer. If nothing else, she knows how to hook the reader in moving to the next chapter with corny cliffhangers...and some of them are really cornball-- a cheap conversational style of writing at times that just weakens the overall impact of the book.
The author has obviously visited the Holy Land and knows the territory fairly well.
The Bad--
Ryan's constant reference to "tap pants" and other sexual innuendo. I know that the author wants us to comprehend that these two people tend to have the hots for one another-- but after awhile, the repetition of the sexual nature of their relationship begins to come across as juvenile.
This story made little sense at times. A set of bones from Masada, supposedly (no, possibly) belonging to Christ-- threatens to set Christianity and Judaism on its head! Okay-- it gets partially resolved, but the reader never gets full resolution of "dem bones"
Brennan continues to stupidly put herself in danger doing stuff no lab technician ever would. The same problems persist in CSI type stories where the CSI techs act more like detectives...
I know that this is a popular series.. popular enough to inspire a tv series.. but it just doesn't seem to be my cup of tea. There are some interesting tidbits about bones, DNA, etc. but those often are spouted off in a manner that made me feel like I was reading a college biology textbook instead of a murder mystery thriller. Reichs knows the forensic details very well.. however, I can't get past the characters that I just can't really bring myself to like or care about because they are acting so oddly.
Reichs is a competent enough writer. If nothing else, she knows how to hook the reader in moving to the next chapter with corny cliffhangers...and some of them are really cornball-- a cheap conversational style of writing at times that just weakens the overall impact of the book.
The author has obviously visited the Holy Land and knows the territory fairly well.
The Bad--
Ryan's constant reference to "tap pants" and other sexual innuendo. I know that the author wants us to comprehend that these two people tend to have the hots for one another-- but after awhile, the repetition of the sexual nature of their relationship begins to come across as juvenile.
This story made little sense at times. A set of bones from Masada, supposedly (no, possibly) belonging to Christ-- threatens to set Christianity and Judaism on its head! Okay-- it gets partially resolved, but the reader never gets full resolution of "dem bones"
Brennan continues to stupidly put herself in danger doing stuff no lab technician ever would. The same problems persist in CSI type stories where the CSI techs act more like detectives...
I know that this is a popular series.. popular enough to inspire a tv series.. but it just doesn't seem to be my cup of tea. There are some interesting tidbits about bones, DNA, etc. but those often are spouted off in a manner that made me feel like I was reading a college biology textbook instead of a murder mystery thriller. Reichs knows the forensic details very well.. however, I can't get past the characters that I just can't really bring myself to like or care about because they are acting so oddly.
May 24, 2025
A good story linking a murder in Montreal to Masada in Israel. Tempe investigates the murder of a Jewish man who stole a skeleton from a museum in Paris. Ryan goes with Tempe to Israel and we go done a rabbit hole of DNA which I found confusing. I didn’t enjoy the amusing banter between Ryan and Tempe.
The setting of Jerusalem was excellent and the archaeological discussion about bones, ossuaries and shrouds. In the end the murderer is one with the oldest motives in the world.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The affair Gesser was having with his female colleague seems obvious and you have to wonder why Ryan didn’t investigate that angle. I liked the car chase beside the Dead Sea and the plot around the discovered tomb being Jesus’s family was intriguing.
The setting of Jerusalem was excellent and the archaeological discussion about bones, ossuaries and shrouds. In the end the murderer is one with the oldest motives in the world.
SPOILERS AHEAD
The affair Gesser was having with his female colleague seems obvious and you have to wonder why Ryan didn’t investigate that angle. I liked the car chase beside the Dead Sea and the plot around the discovered tomb being Jesus’s family was intriguing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2018
Started to read this and realised I have in fact already read it years ago, it wasn't my favourite of the series so far, I am no longer a fan of 'Da Vinci Code' and conspiracy theory plot lines but I will continue with the series and hope they return to more familiar themes.
November 25, 2024
Kathy Reichs’ eighth Temperance Brennan novel, “Cross Bones”, is unlike any of her other novels in this series. Set in Israel (for the most part), Tempe has traveled to help a friend uncover the identity of bones that were discovered in a tomb dating back to the days of Jesus.
When a dead man is found shot to death in Montreal, Tempe uncovers strange damage to the corpse. During the autopsy, a man slips Tempe a photo of an articulated skeleton in a tomb and hints that this skeleton may be the reason the man was killed. As Tempe investigates the facts behind the photo, she finds herself traveling to Irael and being pulled into a dangerous case. Her colleagues and friends are dying as someone is desperate to keep the identity of the bones a secret. Along with her partner, Andrew Ryan, Tempe has to tread lightly to uncover the identity- and stay alive in the process.
Reichs’ writing is always unique. Full of scientific language and procedure that is not only educational but also interesting, and sharp, sarcastic conversations, it is easy to love Tempe and cheer her on. “Cross Bones” provides a far away locale for its setting, in the famous archaeological site of Masada, in Israel. Like the rest of her Brennan novels, this one, too, was based on one of Reich’s cases but not directly. She was inspired to write a novel based on the research being completed by a close friend and then continued to research and travel in order to bring more realism and personality to the plot.
Although this novel was very different from Reich’s others, it does not mean that it was any less enjoyable. Uncovering the secrets of an Israeli tomb that may or may not contain the bones of Jesus and/or his relatives? How very Dan Brown.
I love Reichs’ Brennan novels, especially because it isn’t necessary to read all of her novels in any kind of chronological order (although I am attempting to do so). With the exception of a very small few, the characters in every novel are different and, usually, not connected to the previous novels in any way, so it’s easy to jump right in.
I am slowly making my way through all of the Brennan novels but Reichs is one of those authors who serve as a comfort read for me. I know what to expect from Reichs and I know I will be entertained while also learning a little something. Brennan is a great character, as is Ryan, and her quirky and eccentric ways and quick, sharp humor always give me a few laughs alongside the desiccated bones.
When a dead man is found shot to death in Montreal, Tempe uncovers strange damage to the corpse. During the autopsy, a man slips Tempe a photo of an articulated skeleton in a tomb and hints that this skeleton may be the reason the man was killed. As Tempe investigates the facts behind the photo, she finds herself traveling to Irael and being pulled into a dangerous case. Her colleagues and friends are dying as someone is desperate to keep the identity of the bones a secret. Along with her partner, Andrew Ryan, Tempe has to tread lightly to uncover the identity- and stay alive in the process.
Reichs’ writing is always unique. Full of scientific language and procedure that is not only educational but also interesting, and sharp, sarcastic conversations, it is easy to love Tempe and cheer her on. “Cross Bones” provides a far away locale for its setting, in the famous archaeological site of Masada, in Israel. Like the rest of her Brennan novels, this one, too, was based on one of Reich’s cases but not directly. She was inspired to write a novel based on the research being completed by a close friend and then continued to research and travel in order to bring more realism and personality to the plot.
Although this novel was very different from Reich’s others, it does not mean that it was any less enjoyable. Uncovering the secrets of an Israeli tomb that may or may not contain the bones of Jesus and/or his relatives? How very Dan Brown.
I love Reichs’ Brennan novels, especially because it isn’t necessary to read all of her novels in any kind of chronological order (although I am attempting to do so). With the exception of a very small few, the characters in every novel are different and, usually, not connected to the previous novels in any way, so it’s easy to jump right in.
I am slowly making my way through all of the Brennan novels but Reichs is one of those authors who serve as a comfort read for me. I know what to expect from Reichs and I know I will be entertained while also learning a little something. Brennan is a great character, as is Ryan, and her quirky and eccentric ways and quick, sharp humor always give me a few laughs alongside the desiccated bones.
May 9, 2019
Cross Bones is the 8th book in Kathy Reichs's Temperance Brennan forensic mystery series. I found it to be one of the more interesting ones so far.
Temperance is working at her 2nd job as forensic anthropologist assisting the Montreal coroner. (For those not familiar with the books, Temperance works in South Carolina most of the time, but spends time also in Montreal as part of an arrangement.) This story starts off with Temperance assisting with two bodies, one who is found in a chimney and another who may have committed suicide. His autopsy is witnessed by members of the Jewish community as well. During this autopsy, Tempe is given a photo of a skeleton and is advised that is the reason for the victim's 'murder'.
Thus starts an adventure that will take Tempe and her lover, police detective Andrew Ryan to Israel in search of further evidence and also to discover if the bones might be those of Jesus Christ. It's an intriguing story; a murder mystery and an investigation into the history of Jesus' family. The story moves along very nicely and provides an interesting history of the archeological digs in Israel as well as a nice glimpse of the country itself.
I did find some of it confusing, especially the story (which is based on a true one) of the discoveries in Masada. As well, the possible implications of discovering the body of JC, if it turns out to be the case in this story, and its impact on Christianity, Judaism and even Islam are examined, sometimes a bit too much. There is lots of action and the interactions between Tempe and Ryan are excellent. All in all it was a fascinating mystery and a joy to read. I have found that sometimes Kathy Reichs seems to be going through the motions, but not in this story. (4 stars)
Temperance is working at her 2nd job as forensic anthropologist assisting the Montreal coroner. (For those not familiar with the books, Temperance works in South Carolina most of the time, but spends time also in Montreal as part of an arrangement.) This story starts off with Temperance assisting with two bodies, one who is found in a chimney and another who may have committed suicide. His autopsy is witnessed by members of the Jewish community as well. During this autopsy, Tempe is given a photo of a skeleton and is advised that is the reason for the victim's 'murder'.
Thus starts an adventure that will take Tempe and her lover, police detective Andrew Ryan to Israel in search of further evidence and also to discover if the bones might be those of Jesus Christ. It's an intriguing story; a murder mystery and an investigation into the history of Jesus' family. The story moves along very nicely and provides an interesting history of the archeological digs in Israel as well as a nice glimpse of the country itself.
I did find some of it confusing, especially the story (which is based on a true one) of the discoveries in Masada. As well, the possible implications of discovering the body of JC, if it turns out to be the case in this story, and its impact on Christianity, Judaism and even Islam are examined, sometimes a bit too much. There is lots of action and the interactions between Tempe and Ryan are excellent. All in all it was a fascinating mystery and a joy to read. I have found that sometimes Kathy Reichs seems to be going through the motions, but not in this story. (4 stars)
December 18, 2025
Hmmm, well my feelings about this book are mixed. Yes, it was largely based on archaeological and anthropological facts and recent (within the last 60 years) expeditions and discoveries. Yes, in that regard it was better than the DaVinci Code by Dan Brown. However, the book gave a great buildup with the main storyline, but was a huge let down when it came time to wrap it up and connect all the dots. It's as if she got to the end and decided she was just as tired of writing it as I was of reading it and then just ended it real quick to put the book and everyone else out of there misery. I enjoyed the book because of what the story was developing into, unfortunately I didn't enjoy the book because of how it ended. It was very rushed. Not one of my favorites...
April 9, 2020
Another great read from Kathy Reichs, but this time, there was a definite Da Vinci Code vibe which I LOVED
February 5, 2024
Waaaay to big of a conspiracy for me to get into it though I liked the ending kind of being a twist on that. But at some point they joke that this isn't The Da Vinci Code but it felt a bit just too much like the Da Vinci Code and joking about it doesn't change that. I hope we stick with less ancient bones in the future.
October 31, 2019
3.5 A solid Temperance Brennan story.
August 3, 2016
I'm a uni student studying, of all things, forensic anthropology, and I had to read this book for an archaeology class examining archaeological practices in fiction. Whatever your interest level in the subject matter, I wouldn't recommend this book for a few reasons:
First is the repeated lack of speaker tags. This was one of the most frustrating things about this book. There were huge chunks of dialogue where there was absolutely no indication of who was saying what. Even in conversations between just two characters, it was difficult to keep track, because there would be nothing letting the reader know which of them spoke first.
Quite a bit of the paragraph and sentence structure just didn't make sense to me, especially as a writer. I frequently found myself staring at sentences and paragraphs just thinking "why would someone write it that way?" An example that has stuck in my mind since near the very beginning of the book is:
These three paragraphs felt very awkward as a whole, mostly due to the sentence "Did Avram Ferris put a gun to his own head, or did someone else do the honors?" There was really no need for that sentence to be there, and it disrupted the structure and flow. It sort of felt like it was an attempt at a cop show one-liner that was shoehorned in where it didn't belong. And this is just one example of the awkward phrasing throughout the novel.
All the sexual innuendo and references to Ryan and Brennan's sex life that were stilted and awkward at best and juvenile at worst. It's a pretty trivial complaint (especially considering it doesn't take up too much "screen" time), but it just got tiresome pretty quickly.
Now on to the less trivial stuff:
The whole plot felt like it was trying to jump on the DaVinci Code bandwagon without seeming too much like a retread of The DaVinci Code, and as a result, it wound up feeling like, well...a retread of The DaVinci Code.
(and here is where the spoilers start)
And finally, the thing that really killed this book for me and just left me feeling uncomfortable the entire time I was reading it was the antisemitic tropes that make up a large part of the plot, particularly the Big Jewish Conspiracy trope. When a skeleton that is believed by some to possibly be Jesus (spoiler: it's not) is found, the Israeli archaeologists refuse to release information to the public about it, and a Canadian Jewish archaeologist goes so far as to steal the skeleton from a French museum and smuggle it into Canada to hide it with a friend. There's no real explanation given for why a Jewish archaeologist would feel the need to go to such lengths to hide a skeleton they believed to be Jesus, so the whole thing comes off as very "the Jews covered it up because that's what they do." In contrast, Jake Drum was set up as a gentile archaeologist trying to bring the truth out from the shadows of the Shady Jewish Conspiracy and into the light.
It certainly didn't help that every single named Jewish character in this novel was regarded with suspicion beyond what would normally be expected in a mystery novel. Or that when the killer (who was Jewish) was revealed, one of her primary motives for the murder was greed because she wanted to be cut in when the victim sold the skeleton (another thing we are given no explanation for, which again comes off as "the Jewish guy was gonna sell the skeleton for money because Jews like money").
And as another reviewer pointed out, the portrayal of Chevra Kadisha was also a problem. First, they are not unique to Israel, and exist in Jewish communities all over the world. Second, their purpose is to care for the recently deceased until they're buried. Reichs took a group of people who perform a very important task and provide support and comfort to grieving families and tried to turn them into some Orthodox Jewish equivalent of Bible Belt Christian fundamentalists who threaten high school biology teachers.
I know Biblical archaeology and ancient mysteries are appealing, but Reichs probably should have stayed away from Jewish history and culture.
First is the repeated lack of speaker tags. This was one of the most frustrating things about this book. There were huge chunks of dialogue where there was absolutely no indication of who was saying what. Even in conversations between just two characters, it was difficult to keep track, because there would be nothing letting the reader know which of them spoke first.
Quite a bit of the paragraph and sentence structure just didn't make sense to me, especially as a writer. I frequently found myself staring at sentences and paragraphs just thinking "why would someone write it that way?" An example that has stuck in my mind since near the very beginning of the book is:
Bullet in. Bullet out. Trajectory. Manner of death.
So what was the problem? Did Avram Ferris put a gun to his own head, or did someone else do the honors?
The problem was that the affected parts of Ferris's skull looked like puzzle pieces dumped from a box.
These three paragraphs felt very awkward as a whole, mostly due to the sentence "Did Avram Ferris put a gun to his own head, or did someone else do the honors?" There was really no need for that sentence to be there, and it disrupted the structure and flow. It sort of felt like it was an attempt at a cop show one-liner that was shoehorned in where it didn't belong. And this is just one example of the awkward phrasing throughout the novel.
All the sexual innuendo and references to Ryan and Brennan's sex life that were stilted and awkward at best and juvenile at worst. It's a pretty trivial complaint (especially considering it doesn't take up too much "screen" time), but it just got tiresome pretty quickly.
Now on to the less trivial stuff:
The whole plot felt like it was trying to jump on the DaVinci Code bandwagon without seeming too much like a retread of The DaVinci Code, and as a result, it wound up feeling like, well...a retread of The DaVinci Code.
(and here is where the spoilers start)
And finally, the thing that really killed this book for me and just left me feeling uncomfortable the entire time I was reading it was the antisemitic tropes that make up a large part of the plot, particularly the Big Jewish Conspiracy trope. When a skeleton that is believed by some to possibly be Jesus (spoiler: it's not) is found, the Israeli archaeologists refuse to release information to the public about it, and a Canadian Jewish archaeologist goes so far as to steal the skeleton from a French museum and smuggle it into Canada to hide it with a friend. There's no real explanation given for why a Jewish archaeologist would feel the need to go to such lengths to hide a skeleton they believed to be Jesus, so the whole thing comes off as very "the Jews covered it up because that's what they do." In contrast, Jake Drum was set up as a gentile archaeologist trying to bring the truth out from the shadows of the Shady Jewish Conspiracy and into the light.
It certainly didn't help that every single named Jewish character in this novel was regarded with suspicion beyond what would normally be expected in a mystery novel. Or that when the killer (who was Jewish) was revealed, one of her primary motives for the murder was greed because she wanted to be cut in when the victim sold the skeleton (another thing we are given no explanation for, which again comes off as "the Jewish guy was gonna sell the skeleton for money because Jews like money").
And as another reviewer pointed out, the portrayal of Chevra Kadisha was also a problem. First, they are not unique to Israel, and exist in Jewish communities all over the world. Second, their purpose is to care for the recently deceased until they're buried. Reichs took a group of people who perform a very important task and provide support and comfort to grieving families and tried to turn them into some Orthodox Jewish equivalent of Bible Belt Christian fundamentalists who threaten high school biology teachers.
I know Biblical archaeology and ancient mysteries are appealing, but Reichs probably should have stayed away from Jewish history and culture.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2010
Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist splitting time between Montreal and North Carolina is drawn into a *really* cold case. As in a set of bones that looks to be around 2000 years old. While working on a case involving the murder of a Jewish merchant, a picture of an old skeleton is given to her by an anonymous person who thinks it's the reason the merchant was killed. Digging deeper (no pun intended), she actually ends up in possession of the skeleton in the picture she received (quite likely found at Masada) and there's a strong chance that the identity of the bones could really mess up some major theology for a number of groups. Brennan has to stay alive, figure out if the bones belong to Jesus Christ, and try and solve the murder of the merchant, all at the same time. A number of people would like to see the bones just "disappear", and if Brennan has to disappear along with them, so much the better...
As you can tell, there's some strong parallels to Code in the story. Jewish history would need to be rewritten if the bones belong to Christ, and the entire Christian faith would collapse if the resurrection is proven to be false. There are some real "alternative view" scenarios thrown in, so if the story catches your attention you can actually delve into it further. The ending left a bit to be desired, but overall it was an enjoyable read and a nice addition to the Tempe series.
As you can tell, there's some strong parallels to Code in the story. Jewish history would need to be rewritten if the bones belong to Christ, and the entire Christian faith would collapse if the resurrection is proven to be false. There are some real "alternative view" scenarios thrown in, so if the story catches your attention you can actually delve into it further. The ending left a bit to be desired, but overall it was an enjoyable read and a nice addition to the Tempe series.
September 25, 2020
eh?:
p153: Matthew 13:55: 'Is not his mother called Mary and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?'
Ok, so the preview at the end of the last book was for this, but was titled Break No Bones incorrectly.
Just an aside, I dunno how people can put up with it. Maybe because it gives them a chance to be irrational, a chance to be insane without admitting it, without consequences, maybe.
Just a note, Bones (the television series) premiered a year before this was released, prompting 'bones'
in every title henceforth, I think.
p153: Matthew 13:55: 'Is not his mother called Mary and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?'
Ok, so the preview at the end of the last book was for this, but was titled Break No Bones incorrectly.
Just an aside, I dunno how people can put up with it. Maybe because it gives them a chance to be irrational, a chance to be insane without admitting it, without consequences, maybe.
Just a note, Bones (the television series) premiered a year before this was released, prompting 'bones'
in every title henceforth, I think.
October 11, 2014
Good book. Mystery surrounding bones that were discovered at Masada and the characters are romping through Israel for this book. I enjoy these books and this plot definitely caught my attention. The end was not as good as the rest of the story but all in all kept me turning the pages. I like these books.
Read
July 23, 2016Bought this book as I have bought most of Temperance Brennan and not got round to reading most of them, however i picked this book up to read and just didn't fancy the storyline in this one, so I'm afraid I abandoned it.
May 11, 2021
very complicated to read and so had to go slow many times. But was a great plot
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