The Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs Book Review

About the Book:

Called in to examine what is left of a person thought to have been struck by lightning, Tempe traces an unusual tattoo to its source and is soon embroiled in a much larger case. Young men—tourists—have been disappearing on the islands of Turks and Caicos. Seven years earlier, the first victim was found in a strange location with his left hand hacked off; subsequently, two other visitors vanished without a trace. But, recently, tantalizing leads have emerged and only Tempe can unravel them.

Maddeningly, the victims seem to have nothing in common—other than the odd places where their bodies turn up, and the fact that none seems likely to have been involved in criminal activity. Do these attacks have something to do with the islands’ seething culture of gang violence? Tempe isn’t so sure. Disturbingly, she discovers evidence that what’s at stake may actually have global significance.

It isn’t long before the sound of a ticking clock grows menacingly loud. Then Tempe herself becomes a target.

My Review:

This is another good novel featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. Even though it is way down the line, it reads pretty well on its own. Reichs has done a good job of giving us a unique setting. I liked reading about the land and culture of some of the lesser known islands in the Caribbean.

Brennan is a good heroine. She is tenacious in her investigation, insisting she help a reluctant local police detective. She explains many technique used in her work and I appreciate learning about them. I also like the good balance Reichs provided of Brennan's personal life and her work.

The plot is complex, beginning in Quebec and then moving to the islands. There seems to be no connection to the murdered people Tempe is asked to investigate. And then there is the unexplained drifting pleasure boat discovered with several bodies on board. There are many surprises along the way and a twist at the end I did not see coming at all. There is a heart stopping bit of suspense near the end too.

I have really liked this series. Considering Brennan's work, this book is not for the faint of heart. There are some pretty grizzly scenes described in the book. Readers who like a feisty heroine with a complex mystery to solve and who are not too squeamish will like this book.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Kathy Reichs’s first novel Déjà Dead, published in 1997, won the Ellis Award for Best First Novel and was an international bestseller. To date, she has written twenty-two novels featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. Kathy was also a producer of Fox Television’s longest running scripted drama, Bones, which was based on her work and her novels. One of very few forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, Kathy divides her time between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Montreal, Québec. Visit her at KathyReichs.com or follow her on Twitter @KathyReichs, Instagram @KathyReichs, or Facebook @KathyReichsBooks. Photograph © Marie-Reine Mattera

Simon & Schuster, 336 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)