Writing: 4/5 Plot: 4/5 Character:4/5
Number 21 in the Temperance Brennan series. Tempe is a forensic archeologist, and this series is full of interesting technical bits of the trade (sometimes a little too gross for me but so easy to skim if necessary!). This one opens with an unexpected eyeball delivery to her doorstep one find winter morning. From there things escalate rapidly as a madman appears to be copycatting many of Tempe’s cases, but they go off the charts when Tempe’s newly returned Afghanistan vet daughter goes missing. Plenty of action but not a lot of needless stress for the reader (this is a good thing). Some fascinating tidbits about knotology, preppers, and crematorium offerings pepper the mix. Additionally, Reich’s writing style cracks me up — I add a few of her one liners for illustration. This series is the basis for the TV crime drama “Bones.” I’ve only read a few of the books — absolutely not necessary to read in order. Fun read.
Quotes:
“Fine,” I said with the enthusiasm I typically reserve for plunging a toilet.
“The grapes were at least half a decade past their prime. And warm from the hours spent cuddling the sandwich.”
“After waiting out customers with requirements more complex than Patton’s at El Alamein, my turn finally came.”
“Inadequacy vied with melancholy for control of my emotions.”
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book was published on July 5th, 2022.
Books to look forward to ... 