The Bone Hacker - Kathy Reich

The Bone Hacker is the 22nd book in Kathy Reichs' long running Temperance Brennan series. 

For those who haven't read this series yet, Tempe is a forensic anthropologist who works with both American and Canadian labs, cases and police forces. 

The Bone Hacker finds Tempe examining the remains of a person who has been killed by a lightning strike. Or have they? Her findings may be a link to other cases on the islands of Turks and Caicos.

I have always liked Tempe as a lead character. She's intelligent, tenacious and doesn't back down. Her inner dialogue gives the reader a better sense of 'knowing' her. And it's quite funny at times.

The solving of the cases always fascinates me. In addition to the forensics clues, Tempe's intuitions, skill sets and determination are put to good use.

Taking the setting to a new location also gives us some new supporting players. Two Turks and Caicos police added a lot to this tale.

The case itself is different and led to some answers I hadn't expected when the book started. (And you'll find out where the title comes in!)

The Bone Hacker kept me engrossed from the first chapter to the last. Another great entry in the series, and I'm looking forward to the 23rd. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Bone Hacker.

The Bone Code - Kathy Reichs

It's hard to believe that The Bone Code is the 20th book in Kathy Reichs' Temperance Brennan series! Having read or listened to the previous novels, it felt like catching up with an old friend.

Tempe is a forensic anthropologist who works on both sides of the border in Montreal and South Carolina. When a medical waste container washes up in a Carolina storm and is opened, the contents are horrific. Two bodies. Tempe is called in and recognizes the way the bodies are wrapped is identical to an unsolved fifteen year old case in Montreal. Could they be this far apart and related?

What do I enjoy about this series? I like Tempe, her intellect, her drive, her tenacity - and yes her crime solving skills. Those skills have been used in each and every book from Reichs. She knows what she's writing -Tempe owns Reichs' real life skill set. The mysteries and outcomes benefit greatly from this knowledge. This latest is no exception with DNA is at the heart of The Bone Code. I'll leave it there, but the plot is very, very current. I always learn a lot from the medical and forensic bits of the plot. The plotting for The Bone Code is intricate and will keep the listener on their toes. In addition to this main plot, there are other seemingly disparate threads, with one of them eventually being connected to the bodies in the barrels. Others are just 'shake your head' tales.

Another constant thread in this series is Tempe's relationship with long time beau Quebec Detective Andrew Ryan, now a PI. The dialogue between the two is fun and the romance believable. And lets not forget well traveled Birdie - the cat.

This was another great entry in this long running series. I'm looking forward to #21!

I chose to listen to The Bone Code and was very happy to see that Linda Emond was the reader. She has narrated at least the last ten books in the series. The continuity is great as she has become the voice of Tempe for me, matching my mental image. 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. And a voice that matches the age of the character. Emond speaks clearly, enunciates well and is easy to understand. She does a great job with the French phrases as well. Emonds has interpreted Reichs' novel very well - an excellent performance. Hear for yourself - listen to an excerpt of The Bone Code.