Cold, Cold Bones - Kathy Reichs

Settling in to listen to the latest in Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan tale feels like catching up with an old friend. Cold, Cold Bones is the 21st entry in this long running series. Reichs moves the series along in real time.

In this latest book, forensic anthropologist Tempe receives a box containing a gruesome item. Why was it sent to her? And then there's another murder - and another. And it hits her - the methods are very familiar.....

What do I enjoy about this series? I like Tempe, her intellect, her drive, her tenacity - and yes, her crime solving skills. I enjoy her inner dialogue as well, as she attempts to puzzle out what's going on. And what she's really thinking but can't say out loud. 

Every good sleuth needs a sidekick and Tempe's is retired Detective Erskine 'Skinny' Slidell. He's gruff,  speaks his mind and doesn't suffer fools. But, the two have respect for each other's skills and determination. They play off each other well.

There's a personal side as well with her cat Birdie, her beau, private eye Andrew Ryan and daughter Katie. 

The plotting for Cold, Cold Bones is intricate and will keep the listener on their toes. Reichs knows what she's writing as Tempe owns Reichs' real life skill set. She is herself a forensic anthropologist. The cases and settings benefit greatly from this knowledge. There's always a few unrelated 'shake your head' tales in the books as well. I wonder how much is based on actual cases.

I've chosen to listen the last few entries and have really enjoyed them. The reader is Linda Emond and she gives an excellent performance. She's been the voice of Tempe in previous books. I appreciate the continuity. Her voice captures the character perfectly and suits the mental image of Tempe that I've built over the years. She has an interesting voice - there's a slight gravelly undertone and it rises and falls within a single sentence punctuating a point, reaction or emotion. A voice that carries an authoritative tone when needed. A voice that matches the age of the character. Emond speaks clearly, enunciates well and is pleasant to listen to. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of Cold, Cold Bones.