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Temperance Brennan #3
Deadly Décisions
Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint is shot dead on a Montreal street. A North Carolina teenager disappears from her home and parts of what may be her skeleton are found hundreds of miles away. For Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist in both Montreal and North Carolina, the deaths kindle deep emotions that propel her on a harrowing journey into the world of outlaw motorcycle gangs. As a scientist, Tempe should remain dispassionate. As a caring individual, she yearns to take the killers off the streets. Emily Anne was cut down in a biker crossfire. The North Carolina victim, Savannah Osprey, was last seen hitching a ride with a transient biker. Tempe's nephew, Kit, is intrigued by motorcycles. Does he understand the difference between legitimate riders and gangs, or is he too mesmerized to comprehend that outlaw bikers are big trouble? With her boss Pierre LaManche in the hospital, and her friend Andrew Ryan disturbingly unavailable, Tempe begins a perilous investigation into a culture where evil often wears a mask.
2001 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 25, 2000
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19785 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Reichs
152 books17.3k followersKathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of North Carolina, and for the Laboratoire des Sciences Judiciaires et de Médecine Légale for the province of Quebec. She is one of only fifty forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and is on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. A professor of anthropology at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Dr. Reichs is a native of Chicago, where she received her Ph.D. at Northwestern. She now divides her time between Charlotte and Montreal and is a frequent expert witness in criminal trials.
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
Awards:
Arthur Ellis Award
◊ Best First Novel (1998): Deja Dead
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,409 reviews
November 13, 2017
Kathy Reichs’s creation of Temperance Brennan appeared to be a mirror image of the author. Reichs was a forensic anthropologist for the state of North Carolina and the province of Quebec, Canada when I first read this many years ago. Deadly Decisions is the third book in this series and while it's too hit and miss overall, this one is a nice read.
Temperance is called away from Quantico when a young girl named Emily Anne becomes an innocent victim in the escalating turf war between biker gangs in Canada. It has become serious enough that a Special Operations Unit called Caracajou has been formed, and Temperance is asked to join it. Once she does, she learns in heartbreaking fashion how the sophisticated network of the new mafia uses some very old and horrifying methods to remain in control.
Reichs writes Brennan as a classy professional who has overcome a drinking problem in her past. Though widely respected in her field, she has at best a respectful relationship with the stuffy French detective named Claudel with whom she often works. Reichs weaves these details naturally into the crime story, unlike Patricia Cornwell, who eventually let all Scarpetta’s hang-ups and neuroses, and those of Lucy, ruin that series.
Deadly Decisions is a good read, and there is excellent atmosphere in this one. When the body of a second girl buried years before is discovered, Reichs is at her very best. She provides tense excitement but colors it with sadness. The portion about the careful excavation of a body so badly decomposed that only the girl’s bones, and the mystery of who killed her are left for Temperance to uncover is particularly well written.
Also within the narrative Reich's provides touching moments, such as the releasing of balloons at Emily Anne’s funeral. There is an understanding by the author in regard to violence, and how it often occurs suddenly and without time to mourn. Minor but important details such as this add depth to a genre which has increasingly become sensationalized with brutality and gore, desensitizing the reader and removing any resonance. Not the case here, I'm happy to say.
This is a classy read in a genre that has become bloated, and has very much gone astray. Author Kathy Reichs imbues Temperance Brennan with professionalism and humanity, all the while remaining focused on the crimes and the victims. She fleshes out Temperance into a real person we would want on our side in such circumstances. This is a series that found solid ground with this one, and this particular entry is well worth checking out.
Temperance is called away from Quantico when a young girl named Emily Anne becomes an innocent victim in the escalating turf war between biker gangs in Canada. It has become serious enough that a Special Operations Unit called Caracajou has been formed, and Temperance is asked to join it. Once she does, she learns in heartbreaking fashion how the sophisticated network of the new mafia uses some very old and horrifying methods to remain in control.
Reichs writes Brennan as a classy professional who has overcome a drinking problem in her past. Though widely respected in her field, she has at best a respectful relationship with the stuffy French detective named Claudel with whom she often works. Reichs weaves these details naturally into the crime story, unlike Patricia Cornwell, who eventually let all Scarpetta’s hang-ups and neuroses, and those of Lucy, ruin that series.
Deadly Decisions is a good read, and there is excellent atmosphere in this one. When the body of a second girl buried years before is discovered, Reichs is at her very best. She provides tense excitement but colors it with sadness. The portion about the careful excavation of a body so badly decomposed that only the girl’s bones, and the mystery of who killed her are left for Temperance to uncover is particularly well written.
Also within the narrative Reich's provides touching moments, such as the releasing of balloons at Emily Anne’s funeral. There is an understanding by the author in regard to violence, and how it often occurs suddenly and without time to mourn. Minor but important details such as this add depth to a genre which has increasingly become sensationalized with brutality and gore, desensitizing the reader and removing any resonance. Not the case here, I'm happy to say.
This is a classy read in a genre that has become bloated, and has very much gone astray. Author Kathy Reichs imbues Temperance Brennan with professionalism and humanity, all the while remaining focused on the crimes and the victims. She fleshes out Temperance into a real person we would want on our side in such circumstances. This is a series that found solid ground with this one, and this particular entry is well worth checking out.
December 4, 2008
This book made me wonder why some female mystery authors choose to endow their female protagonists with so much unecessary angst. Reichs is one of several authors that I've read lately who is guilty of this. The protagonist can't just solve crime. She has to juggle relationship issues, neurotic family and friends, pets, concerns about her appearance (hair and weight), money worries, etc and catch a murderer. Yeah, I know that those are all "real" concerns, but if I wanted to read a book about women's issues, I'd pick something from Oprah's list. Why can't female detectives just solve murders? Male detectives aren't worrying about their weight! Or their significant others. To quote Henry Higgins, "Why can't a woman, be more like a man?" Authors, please don't pander to what you think women want. Please just create a strong, female character who kicks ass, takes names, and solves crime.
September 8, 2021
مازالت الكاتبة وعالمة الأنثروبولوجيا " كاتي رايكس " تبهرني بعرضها لأدق التفاصيل التي تخص الطب الشرعي ، فهى لا تكتب رواية جريمة عادية بل مثيرة وآسرة بالتفاصيل المعقدة المتشابكة وشخصيات تثير اهتمامك....
هنا عالمة الطب الشرعي " برينان " تتولى دوراً في فريق يكافح جرائم عصابات المخدرات وعمليات الانتقام المتبادلة بينهم والتي تضيع معها حياة العديد من الأبرياء ، كما أنها تمكنت من العثور على أجزاء من هيكل عظمي يخص فتاة مفقودة وعليها العثور على بقية الأجزاء للتأكد من هوية الفتاة...
تنتقل معها من النبش على الهياكل العظمية إلى مختبرات العلوم القضائية ، تلهث وراءها وهى تحاول العثور على المزيد من الأدلة ، ما أن تلتقط أنفاسك حتى تراها تسحبك من ذراعك لكى تحاولا تجنب طلقات الرصاص الطائشة أو لربما التي تستهدفنا في محاولة تبدو لي بأنها لن تُخطىء....
ولكن هنا ثمة ثغرات قليلة كانت تعكس عدم توخي الحذر بالحفاظ على سرية معلومات التحقيقات الجنائية ، وايضاً التهاون في الإدلاء بالتفاصيل واتخاذ خطوات متهورة ومندفعة حيث التراجع عنها يعد صعباً إن لم يكن مستحيلاً...
تحاولين التقاط عدة كرات بيد واحدة بمحاولاتك متابعة عدد لا يحصى من الجرائم في آن معاً...
هنا عالمة الطب الشرعي " برينان " تتولى دوراً في فريق يكافح جرائم عصابات المخدرات وعمليات الانتقام المتبادلة بينهم والتي تضيع معها حياة العديد من الأبرياء ، كما أنها تمكنت من العثور على أجزاء من هيكل عظمي يخص فتاة مفقودة وعليها العثور على بقية الأجزاء للتأكد من هوية الفتاة...
تنتقل معها من النبش على الهياكل العظمية إلى مختبرات العلوم القضائية ، تلهث وراءها وهى تحاول العثور على المزيد من الأدلة ، ما أن تلتقط أنفاسك حتى تراها تسحبك من ذراعك لكى تحاولا تجنب طلقات الرصاص الطائشة أو لربما التي تستهدفنا في محاولة تبدو لي بأنها لن تُخطىء....
ولكن هنا ثمة ثغرات قليلة كانت تعكس عدم توخي الحذر بالحفاظ على سرية معلومات التحقيقات الجنائية ، وايضاً التهاون في الإدلاء بالتفاصيل واتخاذ خطوات متهورة ومندفعة حيث التراجع عنها يعد صعباً إن لم يكن مستحيلاً...
تحاولين التقاط عدة كرات بيد واحدة بمحاولاتك متابعة عدد لا يحصى من الجرائم في آن معاً...
April 4, 2011
For someone so "smart" Tempe Brennan sure does some dumb things. Running into the line of fire, blatantly ignoring directives from seasoned detectives, going to biker bars alone at night, etc. The plotting in these books would be pretty good if the author didn't continually have her heroine behave in such an idiotic way in order to create suspense or reveal important plot threads. I also do not appreciate that some member of Tempe's family or a close friend is always somehow involved with the criminals and of course is put in danger. There are way too many coincidental happenings as well. Tempe must "happen" to know someone in every law enforcement agency or field on the continent.
However, I enjoyed the technical details about crime solving that were imparted in such a way that they fit into the story. I liked the fact that there was less unexplained/untranslated French in this book than the last two. I learned quite a lot about Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs, which was interesting.
Even though every chapter ends on a (heavy-handed) cliffhanger (seriously, I find myself going "da-da-DAAH" in my head, you know, the melodramatic sound effect?), I had absolutely no trouble putting the book down and going to sleep. Maybe that's why it took me 13 days to read 300 pages. (Usually I read 90-100 pages per day.)
Also: If you're looking for books about the "Bones" TV show, you will be disappointed. I already knew that, but I still find myself disappointed. I guess I expected better.
However, I enjoyed the technical details about crime solving that were imparted in such a way that they fit into the story. I liked the fact that there was less unexplained/untranslated French in this book than the last two. I learned quite a lot about Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs, which was interesting.
Even though every chapter ends on a (heavy-handed) cliffhanger (seriously, I find myself going "da-da-DAAH" in my head, you know, the melodramatic sound effect?), I had absolutely no trouble putting the book down and going to sleep. Maybe that's why it took me 13 days to read 300 pages. (Usually I read 90-100 pages per day.)
Also: If you're looking for books about the "Bones" TV show, you will be disappointed. I already knew that, but I still find myself disappointed. I guess I expected better.
October 21, 2019
..
Dr. Kathy Reichs is a real-life forensic anthropologist for the State of North Carolina and is also a professor at The University of North Carolina. Tempe Brennan holds the same positions in the series. Although loosely based on the T.V. movie series 'Bones', there are many significant differences between the two.
DESCRIPTION
From the New York Times bestselling author of Speaking in Bones—“Fans of TV’s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation should be in heaven” (People) stepping into the world of forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan, star of Kathy Reichs’s electrifyingly authentic bestsellers.
Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint is fatally shot on a Montreal street. A North Carolina teenager disappears from her home, and parts of her skeleton are found hundreds of miles away. The shocking deaths propel Tempe Brennan from north to south, and deep into a shattering investigation inside the bizarre culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs—where one misstep could bring disaster for herself or someone she loves.
The book introduces a sister, a nephew, and a budding romance with Andy Ryan, a police detective she has worked cases upon in Canadian jurisdiction. The reader is exposed to the scenery and culture in Canada and North Carolina simultaneously. It is an engaging storyline that keeps the reader intrigued. I think the series is worth reading and will be checking the remainder of the series out with enthusiasm.
However, each volume is extensive in length. I usually prefer a longer length, after having invested the time and energy to get acquainted with the characters and visit far-away lands.
Each book in the series is able to stand on its own and concludes with a solution to the murder delegated to investigation in that installation.
..
Dr. Kathy Reichs is a real-life forensic anthropologist for the State of North Carolina and is also a professor at The University of North Carolina. Tempe Brennan holds the same positions in the series. Although loosely based on the T.V. movie series 'Bones', there are many significant differences between the two.
DESCRIPTION
From the New York Times bestselling author of Speaking in Bones—“Fans of TV’s CSI: Crime Scene Investigation should be in heaven” (People) stepping into the world of forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan, star of Kathy Reichs’s electrifyingly authentic bestsellers.
Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint is fatally shot on a Montreal street. A North Carolina teenager disappears from her home, and parts of her skeleton are found hundreds of miles away. The shocking deaths propel Tempe Brennan from north to south, and deep into a shattering investigation inside the bizarre culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs—where one misstep could bring disaster for herself or someone she loves.
The book introduces a sister, a nephew, and a budding romance with Andy Ryan, a police detective she has worked cases upon in Canadian jurisdiction. The reader is exposed to the scenery and culture in Canada and North Carolina simultaneously. It is an engaging storyline that keeps the reader intrigued. I think the series is worth reading and will be checking the remainder of the series out with enthusiasm.
However, each volume is extensive in length. I usually prefer a longer length, after having invested the time and energy to get acquainted with the characters and visit far-away lands.
Each book in the series is able to stand on its own and concludes with a solution to the murder delegated to investigation in that installation.
..
January 30, 2025
Did I know what was happening in this book? No! Did Tempe make some not-so-smart decisions? Yes! But did I have fun? Also yes!
Captivating and interesting as per usual, these books are my fav palate cleansing mystery/crime/science reads.
Captivating and interesting as per usual, these books are my fav palate cleansing mystery/crime/science reads.
June 7, 2024
A decent read but a slower than I expected and not as good as it’s predecessor. Brennan follows takes another case that takes us on a wild ride about gang culture and gruesome murders. I would recommend reading these books in order as Brennan is growing as a character and her relationships with others would be confusing without having read the previous books in this series.
The book in the series so far have been very gruesome and this is no exception Kathy Reichs’ attention to details is second to none. She must do so must research to create some of these chapters it is admirable. Although this was a good read I thought the plot wasn’t as strong as the plots in the previous books and I wasn’t as invested in this one. Having said that, I will 100% be carrying on with this series.
The book in the series so far have been very gruesome and this is no exception Kathy Reichs’ attention to details is second to none. She must do so must research to create some of these chapters it is admirable. Although this was a good read I thought the plot wasn’t as strong as the plots in the previous books and I wasn’t as invested in this one. Having said that, I will 100% be carrying on with this series.
November 1, 2021
-4.5 actually. Reich's book is fast-paced. Full of dry, droll police and medical gallows humour.
When innocent blood is spilled, she deciphers the shattering truth it holds. Whilst using up her stressed out life line
-Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint is fatally shot on a Montreal street. A North Carolina teenager disappears from her home, and parts of her skeleton are found hundreds of miles away.
-The shocking deaths propel Tempe Brennan from north to south, and deep into a shattering investigation inside the bizarre culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs — where one misstep could bring disaster for herself or someone she loves.
-But she has to find justice for 2 both innocent victims:
Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint and justice for sad Savvannah Claire Osprey. 12 years old, suffering psychological and low confidence because of a rare medical condition. Loosely translated as water on the brain. Aided by both parents not showing any real parental love.
Brennan moves between north Montreal to the south of USA and deep into a shattering investigation inside the bizarre culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs. Where one misstep could bring disaster for herself or someone she loves.
UNPUTDOWNABLE
When innocent blood is spilled, she deciphers the shattering truth it holds. Whilst using up her stressed out life line
-Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint is fatally shot on a Montreal street. A North Carolina teenager disappears from her home, and parts of her skeleton are found hundreds of miles away.
-The shocking deaths propel Tempe Brennan from north to south, and deep into a shattering investigation inside the bizarre culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs — where one misstep could bring disaster for herself or someone she loves.
-But she has to find justice for 2 both innocent victims:
Nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussaint and justice for sad Savvannah Claire Osprey. 12 years old, suffering psychological and low confidence because of a rare medical condition. Loosely translated as water on the brain. Aided by both parents not showing any real parental love.
Brennan moves between north Montreal to the south of USA and deep into a shattering investigation inside the bizarre culture of outlaw motorcycle gangs. Where one misstep could bring disaster for herself or someone she loves.
UNPUTDOWNABLE
June 27, 2011
Done with Kathy Reichs. You know how some thrillers and mysteries are "OK," but a cut below "excellent"? Reichs is on the low end of OK. I can see how her work has popular appeal, but frankly it's trite, repetitive, formulaic, and not really compellingly written. (I can deal with trite and formulaic if something is really well-written.) After three of the Temperance Brennan books (and I might have read the fourth, but they're so uninspiring I neither remember nor care), I don't think Reichs is going to get any better.
I'll stick with TV's Brennan, thanks. I'm glad that the producers of "Bones" were able to transcend these mediocre novels to make a really good show.
I'll stick with TV's Brennan, thanks. I'm glad that the producers of "Bones" were able to transcend these mediocre novels to make a really good show.
December 1, 2008
I think I liked this one in the series the best so far. Dr. Temperance Brennan keeps her instances of running off by herself and doing something knuckle-headed down to a minimum.
February 14, 2008
Deadly Decisions doesn't vary much from the pattern established in Reichs' first two Temperance Brennan novels. This one (again) features one of Brennan's friends/family in peril, and (again) teaches us much more about forensics than your average episode of CSI.
This time the featured forensic topic was blood spatter. Five pages worth of lecture, which I have to admit that I didn't read. I skimmed until I found the conclusion: "so this means that the victim was beaten before he was shot?" I don't think my enjoyment of the book suffered for my laziness.
The villains in Deadly Decisions are OMCs, Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs. Apparently there's a biker war in Montreal, and innocent bystanders are getting caught in the crossfire. Brennan volunteers for a multi-agency task force to address the problem, and as a result, she (and her readers) are treated to not one, but two lecture presentations about the history of OMCs in the U.S. and Canada. These presentations are complete with overhead and slide projectors. Like the blood spatter, the storyline would have made just as much sense even without such deep background. I realized the details were a severe distraction when I found myself putting down the book so I could construct an organization chart to keep track of all the parent clubs and puppet clubs.
Maybe I'm just overly critical because this isn't my usual genre. Overall, it's a perfectly entertaining read. I just wish the surprises had been more... surprising.
This time the featured forensic topic was blood spatter. Five pages worth of lecture, which I have to admit that I didn't read. I skimmed until I found the conclusion: "so this means that the victim was beaten before he was shot?" I don't think my enjoyment of the book suffered for my laziness.
The villains in Deadly Decisions are OMCs, Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs. Apparently there's a biker war in Montreal, and innocent bystanders are getting caught in the crossfire. Brennan volunteers for a multi-agency task force to address the problem, and as a result, she (and her readers) are treated to not one, but two lecture presentations about the history of OMCs in the U.S. and Canada. These presentations are complete with overhead and slide projectors. Like the blood spatter, the storyline would have made just as much sense even without such deep background. I realized the details were a severe distraction when I found myself putting down the book so I could construct an organization chart to keep track of all the parent clubs and puppet clubs.
Maybe I'm just overly critical because this isn't my usual genre. Overall, it's a perfectly entertaining read. I just wish the surprises had been more... surprising.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2025
2.5 ⭐ Bym powiedziała.
June 12, 2025
Esta vez Brennan se ve envuelta en varios homicidios supuestamente cometidos por un par de club de motorizados que están llenado la ciudad de disparos, matando hasta a gente inocente "por error". Pero no es solo eso, además tiene a su sobrino en su casa en Montreal, después de haber regresado de unas vacaciones con su padre en las montañas. Y si no fuera suficiente, su "amigo" Ryan, con quien estaba teniendo una relación mas romántica, es acusado de trafico y venta de drogas. O sea, el mundo de Brennan esta patas arriba y ella no conoce otra forma de estabilizarse que trabajando intentando resolver los crímenes y metiendo a los culpables a prisión. Pero, podrá averiguar que es lo que pasa con su sobrino? Y Ryan? Será cierto de lo que lo acusan? Podrá descubrir quienes son los cadáveres que descubrieron y sus asesinos?
No puedo negar que este autor tiene una facilidad para que se te alboroten los nervios al final de cada libro, pero también resulta redundante que siempre tiene que haber alguien de la familia de la prota en peligro para que ella realmente se meta en el candelero. Además, para ser una mujer que hace tanto ejercicio, y que la han secuestrado tantas veces, conoce muy poco de defensa personal y se vuelve histérica en segundos.
Pero bueno, cada prota tiene sus características, y parece que esas son las de ella. Pero la serie esta entretenida e interesante, ya comenzamos a ver el cambio de tecnología, con los celulares, las computadoras personales, redes internas y photoshop. Así que seguiré leyendo la serie.
No puedo negar que este autor tiene una facilidad para que se te alboroten los nervios al final de cada libro, pero también resulta redundante que siempre tiene que haber alguien de la familia de la prota en peligro para que ella realmente se meta en el candelero. Además, para ser una mujer que hace tanto ejercicio, y que la han secuestrado tantas veces, conoce muy poco de defensa personal y se vuelve histérica en segundos.
Pero bueno, cada prota tiene sus características, y parece que esas son las de ella. Pero la serie esta entretenida e interesante, ya comenzamos a ver el cambio de tecnología, con los celulares, las computadoras personales, redes internas y photoshop. Así que seguiré leyendo la serie.
October 23, 2016
I'm not sure whether I didn't like this as much as some of the other Temperance Brennan novels I've read due to it being one of the earlier in the series, or whether I'm just getting a bit tired of aspects of this novel that I didn't like. It was somewhat predictable, somewhat heavy with technical aspects, somewhat reliant on unbelievable co-incidences.
The novel focuses on Brennan's involvement in a case following the discovery of bones/corpses thought to be related to biker gang activity in Montreal. Some of the involvement of the central character rang true, but there were also aspects of the narrative where I just couldn't believe a forensic anthropologist would be involved - Mary Sue alert. The crimes that result from one load of deaths and the authorities becoming involved, it starts to threaten the central character as well as her close friends and family. This seemed a bit ridiculous.
There was a lot of scientific explanation with respect to pathology and anthropology. As interesting as this sort of thing is, in a novel it felt rather clunky an insertion and like the author was saying 'I have done my research and you are going to have the benefit of my expertise in this area, regardless of how it sits in the story'. The wise-cracking sass was funny most of the time, but just silly on occasion. The dénouement was reliant on some somewhat unbelievable heroicness on the part of the central character and a few supporting cast who'd been barely mentioned till they turn up to save the day at the last minute.
Oh, and I just couldn't understand the way a 19yr old male character felt like someone several years younger. Maybe the character was immature, maybe Americans treat their teenagers differently to British folk, I just compared him to myself when I was that age (had been left home a year, relatively capable) and couldn't feel much common ground.
So yes, I'll probably not read many more Kathy Reichs - there are plenty other books in the genre which I tend to prefer.
The novel focuses on Brennan's involvement in a case following the discovery of bones/corpses thought to be related to biker gang activity in Montreal. Some of the involvement of the central character rang true, but there were also aspects of the narrative where I just couldn't believe a forensic anthropologist would be involved - Mary Sue alert. The crimes that result from one load of deaths and the authorities becoming involved, it starts to threaten the central character as well as her close friends and family. This seemed a bit ridiculous.
There was a lot of scientific explanation with respect to pathology and anthropology. As interesting as this sort of thing is, in a novel it felt rather clunky an insertion and like the author was saying 'I have done my research and you are going to have the benefit of my expertise in this area, regardless of how it sits in the story'. The wise-cracking sass was funny most of the time, but just silly on occasion. The dénouement was reliant on some somewhat unbelievable heroicness on the part of the central character and a few supporting cast who'd been barely mentioned till they turn up to save the day at the last minute.
Oh, and I just couldn't understand the way a 19yr old male character felt like someone several years younger. Maybe the character was immature, maybe Americans treat their teenagers differently to British folk, I just compared him to myself when I was that age (had been left home a year, relatively capable) and couldn't feel much common ground.
So yes, I'll probably not read many more Kathy Reichs - there are plenty other books in the genre which I tend to prefer.
February 1, 2025
3.5 Stars for Deadly Decisions: Temperance Brennan, Book 3 (audiobook) by Kathy Reichs read by Lorelei King.
Temperance is pulled back to Quebec when two rival motorcycle gangs start clashing and innocent bystanders end up dead. If she’s not careful, her or her family may end up dead too.
Temperance is pulled back to Quebec when two rival motorcycle gangs start clashing and innocent bystanders end up dead. If she’s not careful, her or her family may end up dead too.
September 15, 2018
The further into this series I get the more I can enjoy it for what it is rather than comparing it to the tv adaptation Bones. Like with the second book I listened to this one on audio, one slight annoyance is that the narrator was different and so the voices for all the characters changed making it a little difficult to re-adjust and familiarise myself with who was speaking. The story line was interesting, informative and relatively fast paced. There are new developments with characters that lead to many questions that later link back to the main story. One major repetitive similarity I have found so far throughout the series is that there has always been some member of Brennan's family that is threatened on in dangers, with the first book it was her daughter, the second her sister and now it's her nephew. However I will say that during this book I did enjoy getting to know her nephew Kit, and found him to be an interesting character and his involvement did make sense. Audio book is definitely the way forward with this series as there are some parts of the book that are very heavy with scientific and forensic information and I think it's easier to digest when listening as it's as if you're in a class and someone is explaining everything rather than having to sift through a textbook.
November 2, 2018
OKAY WHAT THE HELL DETECTIVE RYAN?!?!?! WHAT THE HELL!!!
UGH, Deadly Decisions made me want to murder him! Also.. what is this strange fascination with trying to kill Brennan and her family? Is there going to be a book where everyone is safe?
Other than that, I'm lowkey happy that Brennan was in the good ole VA. Now.. if she could do a hop, skip, and jump into DC - I would be even happier guys! Anyhoo, the new investigation in her life is with a motorcycle club. There's also another thing going on in her life and that has to deal with Ryan. Ugh, bad guy! He deserves a time out for the shit he has put me through.
I liked getting to meet Kit, her nephew.. but I also feel like he caused a bunch of drama into her life as well. I also feel like Tempy gets herself into a whole bunch of shit. Things could've easily gone another way for her but she decided to go against what everyone was telling her. It was a bit frustrating to listen to.
Overall, I liked the book but it could've been better.
UGH, Deadly Decisions made me want to murder him! Also.. what is this strange fascination with trying to kill Brennan and her family? Is there going to be a book where everyone is safe?
Other than that, I'm lowkey happy that Brennan was in the good ole VA. Now.. if she could do a hop, skip, and jump into DC - I would be even happier guys! Anyhoo, the new investigation in her life is with a motorcycle club. There's also another thing going on in her life and that has to deal with Ryan. Ugh, bad guy! He deserves a time out for the shit he has put me through.
I liked getting to meet Kit, her nephew.. but I also feel like he caused a bunch of drama into her life as well. I also feel like Tempy gets herself into a whole bunch of shit. Things could've easily gone another way for her but she decided to go against what everyone was telling her. It was a bit frustrating to listen to.
Overall, I liked the book but it could've been better.
January 28, 2021
Terzo libro di Kathy Reichs che ha per protagonista la dottoressa Temperance Brennan, antropologa forense che lavora tra Los Angeles e Montreal.
I libri della Reichs sono thriller sempre molto avvincenti, ben congegnati e pieni di azione e colpi di scena. Molto interessante è anche tutto lo sfondo di indagini di antropologia forense, che la scrittrice descrive sempre con dovizia di particolari, essendo lei stessa un’antropologa forense.
Resti umani è ambientato a Montreal e spesso vengono descritti luoghi della città. Mi sono divertita a leggere seguendo i protagonisti con Google maps alla scoperta di una città che non conoscevo e che ho scoperto essere bellissima.
Mi chiedevo come mai i libri fossero così diversi dalla serie televisiva Bones, che ha per protagonista la dottoressa Temperance Brennan, e ho scoperto che la serie è ispirata al lavoro e alla vita della scrittrice Kathy Reichs e non al personaggio letterario.
I libri della Reichs sono thriller sempre molto avvincenti, ben congegnati e pieni di azione e colpi di scena. Molto interessante è anche tutto lo sfondo di indagini di antropologia forense, che la scrittrice descrive sempre con dovizia di particolari, essendo lei stessa un’antropologa forense.
Resti umani è ambientato a Montreal e spesso vengono descritti luoghi della città. Mi sono divertita a leggere seguendo i protagonisti con Google maps alla scoperta di una città che non conoscevo e che ho scoperto essere bellissima.
Mi chiedevo come mai i libri fossero così diversi dalla serie televisiva Bones, che ha per protagonista la dottoressa Temperance Brennan, e ho scoperto che la serie è ispirata al lavoro e alla vita della scrittrice Kathy Reichs e non al personaggio letterario.
November 20, 2023
Temperance Brennan returns in the third novel in Kathy Reichs’ “Bones” series, “Deadly Decisions”.
A nine-year-old girl is killed after being caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs. Then, a woman who went missing from South Carolina years ago reappears (or, her skull does anyway) hundreds of miles away. When Temperance Brennan is called in to investigate the bones and tell their stories she finds herself deep into the world of outlaw motorcycle gangs, reaching across two continents. As Tempe discovers the connection, she puts her nephew and herself in grave danger as she quickly becomes a target.
“Decisions” is your typical Kathy Reichs’ Tempe Brennan novel- there’s bones to scientifically analyze in ways only Temperance can. Although this seems like it would be repetitive and dull, Reichs always delivers something riveting and gripping and each novel is better than the last. In “Decisions”, Brennan crosses two borders to delve deep into the motorcycle club culture, providing the reader with a whole new experience.
Reichs is unique in that she manages to entertain her readers while still educating them. Her scientific methods of analysis are always discussed in detail without ever being boring and, in this novel in particular, she describes the hierarchy of motorcycle gangs, and I was riveted from the get-go. I don’t know how she does it so consistently, but Reichs is clearly an incredible storyteller.
Reichs’ novels can always be read as stand-alones, but I wanted the challenge of reading the entire “Bones” series from beginning to end, and I’m glad I did. The novels flow together well when read together, providing minute pieces of information that make the next novel that much more enjoyable.
Brennan is a character I will always root for, and I’m excited to see where her relationship with Andrew Ryan goes. I love the intensity and the passion Brennan has, along with her candor and intelligence, that make her a diamond in the rough. Brennan manages to shine in a male-dominated industry, and Reichs pulls no punches when it comes to extrapolating on the attitudes of certain male figures in law enforcement. The realism and believability of her novels help to make Tempe that much more honest and relatable. I love every adventure that Temperance Brennan brings me on- and no one could do it better than Kathy Reichs.
A nine-year-old girl is killed after being caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs. Then, a woman who went missing from South Carolina years ago reappears (or, her skull does anyway) hundreds of miles away. When Temperance Brennan is called in to investigate the bones and tell their stories she finds herself deep into the world of outlaw motorcycle gangs, reaching across two continents. As Tempe discovers the connection, she puts her nephew and herself in grave danger as she quickly becomes a target.
“Decisions” is your typical Kathy Reichs’ Tempe Brennan novel- there’s bones to scientifically analyze in ways only Temperance can. Although this seems like it would be repetitive and dull, Reichs always delivers something riveting and gripping and each novel is better than the last. In “Decisions”, Brennan crosses two borders to delve deep into the motorcycle club culture, providing the reader with a whole new experience.
Reichs is unique in that she manages to entertain her readers while still educating them. Her scientific methods of analysis are always discussed in detail without ever being boring and, in this novel in particular, she describes the hierarchy of motorcycle gangs, and I was riveted from the get-go. I don’t know how she does it so consistently, but Reichs is clearly an incredible storyteller.
Reichs’ novels can always be read as stand-alones, but I wanted the challenge of reading the entire “Bones” series from beginning to end, and I’m glad I did. The novels flow together well when read together, providing minute pieces of information that make the next novel that much more enjoyable.
Brennan is a character I will always root for, and I’m excited to see where her relationship with Andrew Ryan goes. I love the intensity and the passion Brennan has, along with her candor and intelligence, that make her a diamond in the rough. Brennan manages to shine in a male-dominated industry, and Reichs pulls no punches when it comes to extrapolating on the attitudes of certain male figures in law enforcement. The realism and believability of her novels help to make Tempe that much more honest and relatable. I love every adventure that Temperance Brennan brings me on- and no one could do it better than Kathy Reichs.
July 18, 2018
Our intrepid forensics lady is knee deep in skeletons and a biker insurrection in Canada. Ms Reichs does a good job of weaving science with action, and the usual humor.
January 16, 2019
Brennan with Hells Angels, Heathens, dirty cops and an errant nephew. I was really worried for her nephew for a while there. Glad it turned out the way it did. Great story! Loved it.
October 10, 2014
A terrible thing has happened. A little girl was caught in the crossfire between two rival motorcycle gangs in Montreal. She had nothing to do with whatever retributions were being meted out. Nonetheless, because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, nine-year-old Emily Anne Toussant is dead. Her body is on an autopsy table at the Laboratoire de Sciences Judiciaires et de Meicine Legale in Montreal, where Dr. Temperance Brennan works as a forensic anthropologist. She can and has handled bodies in the worst condition imaginable. But even she cannot be emotionally distant when little girls have become autopsy clients.
Brennan, as usual, has a great many things going on in her life. Her favorite man, not quite a boyfriend but they were getting there, Andrew Ryan, is apparently a criminal, secretly selling drugs at the same time he was pursuing his duties as a SQ homicide detective. Brennan’s nephew, 19-year-old Kit, unexpectedly shows up at her condo, angry at his parents. Unfortunately for everyone, his new interest in Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which perhaps because of his parents’ neglect, has sharpened his fascination with the motorcycle gangs. Soon there is police evidence Kit is hanging out with the very same people who are being investigated for various disappearances and murders surrounding the motorcycle gangs. (They seem the coolest to him.) When Lyle Crease, investigative reporter with CTV, begins to stalk Tempe for the gang murder story and her work as the Forensic Anthropologist for Quebec’s police forces, she finds herself unable to shake him. Her friend and supporter, Dr. Pierre LaManche, is seriously ill. Sergeant-Detective Luc Claudel, a detective who despises women, refuses to give her any information about Emily Anne’s death even though she is part of the gang investigation team and he is putting signifiant blocks in her way wherever he can to stop Brennan from her part of the investigation.
Sigh. At lease her kitty still likes her…
Brennan, as usual, has a great many things going on in her life. Her favorite man, not quite a boyfriend but they were getting there, Andrew Ryan, is apparently a criminal, secretly selling drugs at the same time he was pursuing his duties as a SQ homicide detective. Brennan’s nephew, 19-year-old Kit, unexpectedly shows up at her condo, angry at his parents. Unfortunately for everyone, his new interest in Harley-Davidson motorcycles, which perhaps because of his parents’ neglect, has sharpened his fascination with the motorcycle gangs. Soon there is police evidence Kit is hanging out with the very same people who are being investigated for various disappearances and murders surrounding the motorcycle gangs. (They seem the coolest to him.) When Lyle Crease, investigative reporter with CTV, begins to stalk Tempe for the gang murder story and her work as the Forensic Anthropologist for Quebec’s police forces, she finds herself unable to shake him. Her friend and supporter, Dr. Pierre LaManche, is seriously ill. Sergeant-Detective Luc Claudel, a detective who despises women, refuses to give her any information about Emily Anne’s death even though she is part of the gang investigation team and he is putting signifiant blocks in her way wherever he can to stop Brennan from her part of the investigation.
Sigh. At lease her kitty still likes her…
July 13, 2012
The first book was great, in spite of a few iffy coincidences. The writing is good, the science is fascinating, and the story rolls nicely - though the level of detail tends to slow it down a bit. We don't need to know what Tempe eats at every meal, the exact route that she takes to every new location, and exactly what building/view can be seen in any given direction.
The second book was pretty good, though I thought the author was doing some back-peddling where the romantic interest was concerned - because now that we're in series mode, we can't have the characters come together so easily, hmm? Still like the forensics, the writing, the story, the characters - but could've done without a rehash of the first plot: first the best friend is in peril, now the sister. And, gee, those coincidences are even more heavy-handed.
By the third book, I'm out of patience with the formula. Felt bad, but couldn't finish.
Still, good for page-turners, great for series lovers - if you're a fan of the genre and don't mind formula. Hey, maybe the books get more original by number... seven? Eight? Eleven?
The second book was pretty good, though I thought the author was doing some back-peddling where the romantic interest was concerned - because now that we're in series mode, we can't have the characters come together so easily, hmm? Still like the forensics, the writing, the story, the characters - but could've done without a rehash of the first plot: first the best friend is in peril, now the sister. And, gee, those coincidences are even more heavy-handed.
By the third book, I'm out of patience with the formula. Felt bad, but couldn't finish.
Still, good for page-turners, great for series lovers - if you're a fan of the genre and don't mind formula. Hey, maybe the books get more original by number... seven? Eight? Eleven?
November 17, 2018
3.5/5
The amount of times Tempy wonders if something or other was a deadly decision was super annoying. I love when the title appears in a book, but the amount of times it was said in this was repetitive and was quickly redundant.
The addition of Tempy's nephew, Kit, gave the book some more drama. But this asshole frustrated me to no end. He was such a stupid kid, and I just knew he was going to get into trouble the second he arrived in Quebec.
The motorcycle gang violence made this quite a graphic and violent read, but it also upped the danger levels. Exploded people are really gross to read about, just a warning. One thing that constantly surprises me is all of the new people introduced in each book. It seems like there's at least 5 new characters that Tempy calls every book for information/help in her case.
The amount of times Tempy wonders if something or other was a deadly decision was super annoying. I love when the title appears in a book, but the amount of times it was said in this was repetitive and was quickly redundant.
The addition of Tempy's nephew, Kit, gave the book some more drama. But this asshole frustrated me to no end. He was such a stupid kid, and I just knew he was going to get into trouble the second he arrived in Quebec.
The motorcycle gang violence made this quite a graphic and violent read, but it also upped the danger levels. Exploded people are really gross to read about, just a warning. One thing that constantly surprises me is all of the new people introduced in each book. It seems like there's at least 5 new characters that Tempy calls every book for information/help in her case.
September 13, 2015
Temperance Brennan on tv is a great, funny, albeit antisocial woman. But the antisocial part makes her even more fun to watch. Temperance Brennan in the book is the most unprofessional anthropologist I have ever seen. In every book I read about her it says that she's very good in keeping her personal and professional life apart, but she keeps doing just the opposite in every book I read. Maybe she's delusional. It also seems like she feels to be above everyone else, for instance the detectives and her sister. I think she is meant to come across as a good example of a woman, but Kathy Reichs fails so hard.
Kit really needs a good lesson, he's a stupid, overindulged boy who thinks he can do whatever he wants.
I wonder why I keep reading these books.
Kit really needs a good lesson, he's a stupid, overindulged boy who thinks he can do whatever he wants.
I wonder why I keep reading these books.
July 13, 2023
I did not enjoy this installment as much as the last two. Perhaps it was because of the motorcycle gang warfare as the subject. I had a difficult time keeping up with each gang and their sub-groups, and with the gang characters. It was too convoluted. I did enjoy “seeing” Tempe and the gang again and “meeting” her nephew Kit, but this was just no-hum for me. I will however read the next book in the series😊
October 9, 2013
Fast-pace read. Delightful.
June 23, 2017
Temperance Brennan returns to Montreal, Canada, to face the bones of an innocent and two bikers. There is a gang war brewing and she is soon called to a biker clubhouse where more bones are found, including the head and two leg bones of an unknown child. The findings drive her to get to the bottom of the mystery of why the two children were killed, who the second one is and along the way, to keep her teenage nephew Kit (whose father took him fishing and then left him on Brennan's doorstep) out of harms way.
On top of all that, her friend and would be love interest Lieutenant-Detective Andrew Ryan is under investigation for corruption.
There's a lot happening in this book, a lot to understand about gangs, terminology, etc. but underneath, there is a good, basic story with the forensic anthropologist being the one putting together the various clues. I enjoyed reading it.
On top of all that, her friend and would be love interest Lieutenant-Detective Andrew Ryan is under investigation for corruption.
There's a lot happening in this book, a lot to understand about gangs, terminology, etc. but underneath, there is a good, basic story with the forensic anthropologist being the one putting together the various clues. I enjoyed reading it.
July 18, 2020
Deadly (boring) decision to read this one.
Boredom started at around one fourth through and progressively increased. Completed the book only because I want to complete the series ..
Plus the fact that I am doing sort of a BR with Srividya helped .
Am not going to talk much about this one which involves I) Tempe digging out bone after bone ,ii) biker gangs , iii)Kit her obnoxious nephew .. and IV)some mystery surrounding Ryan arrested for sale of drugs .
Boredom started at around one fourth through and progressively increased. Completed the book only because I want to complete the series ..
Plus the fact that I am doing sort of a BR with Srividya helped .
Am not going to talk much about this one which involves I) Tempe digging out bone after bone ,ii) biker gangs , iii)Kit her obnoxious nephew .. and IV)some mystery surrounding Ryan arrested for sale of drugs .
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