|
This is my first Kathy Reichs novel, and now I wonder why I waited so long! Temperance Brennan is a sound, believable character with flaws, emotion, and a great sense of humor. "I abhorred Dupree's position. His goal was money, earned by any means that wouldn't get him indicted. Screw the rain forest, the wetlands, the seashore, the dunes, the culture that was here when the English arrived. Dickie Dupree would implode the Temple of Artemis if it stood where he wanted to slap up condos."
Tempe Brennan, a feisty anthropologist working with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, is summoned to assist with an archaeological field school on Dewees, a barrier island north of Charleston, South Carolina. This was to be a pleasurable venture, as well as a return to familiar territory for Tempe. When a body is found in a makeshift grave during their dig, the story is off and running. As the body count grows, certain elements of each death are similar and start telling a story much deeper and more mysterious than originally surmised.
When scalpel marks are found on bones from each of the victims, and vital tissues and organs are discovered to have been removed, the plot really takes off. Who could have done this? The causes of death are all unique. As local suspects are identified, and one by one dismissed from consideration, the reader must look beneath the surface information and seek out yet another probable suspect. What role does the free clinic play in all of this? Several paths lead to their door. Is the charismatic televangelist involved? We keep asking why. Who could gain from the deaths of homeless people?
Kathy Reichs, a forensic anthropologist for the province of Quebec, shows her expertise through her protagonist. Her ninth book featuring Tempe Brennan provides international intrigue, friendship, a spot of romance, and perfect pace. The plot moves steadily as well as logically, while allowing the reader to absorb the critical elements as they're exposed. A creative, smart and fun whodunit, this book is sure to be a favorite among fans of "CSI," "Bones," "Crossing Jordan," and "Forensic Files." One of only 56 certified United States forensic anthropologists, she knows her stuff!
Reichs has included the skills, technology and terminology that her readers have come to expect from her expertise in the anthropological and forensic fields of science. BREAK NO BONES will charm you, as well as challenge you.
--- Reviewed by Margaret Fletcher
 Click here now to buy this book from Amazon.com.
Click here to get the audiobook from Audible.com.
© Copyright 1996-2008, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.
Back to top.
|
