Review: The Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs

The newest Temperance Brennan novel lives up to expectations. It’s a fast-paced mystery with cliffhanger chapters that make this the perfect summer mystery to binge read. It’s even set in sunny the Turks and Caicos Islands.

I have read a lot of the Bones series and enjoyed their bingeability. I especially love that there’s just enough repeat information that if you want to start in the middle of the series, a well timed recap of important information is presented to you (also helpful if you read the last ones while ago!).

If you love a sunny murder-mystery that’s perfect to binge on the beach, check it out when it hits stores on August 1st.

Although I have read Kathy Reichs before, the setting is really the draw for me of this novel. The book was, as always, engaging and offered a good mix of storyline and science.

That you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thought the mystery in this novel was paced well and kept me intrigued throughout the novel to find out the truth and how it all came to be.

I did have some issues, not sure if they are stylistic or just an irritant to read, but I felt like this book was written almost as if for a lower reading level than adults - although there were a lot of acronyms used related to policing, whoever else was in the conversation (or even Tempe to herself), would repeat it back and explain what the term was. It felt ok once in a while, but it was every single time an acronym was used and it was irritating.

Also Tempe, who is not a cop, kept telling the lead detective what to do, like he doesn't know?

All in all, a good mystery, but it felt offbrand from the other 21+ novels/novellas. I wish there was more science to it like the other ones.

Oh Tempe, you had me at Turks and Caicos!

Temperance Brennan (Tempe), forensic anthropologist extraordinaire, pursues her latest mystery set in the Turks and Caicos. Tempe starts the story working on her usual caseload at Montreal's medical examiner's office. But she soon flies to investigate a series of intriguing murders set on the tropical islands. An island detective needs Temperance to identify the latest bodies in hopes of solving murders and disappearances of the past 7 years.

In one of Tempe's most dangerous cases yet, she is working alone without the backup of her boyfriend or colleagues. Can she find the evidence before the killer finds her?

I have enjoyed this series for many years. I especially like that the main character commutes and works in both Montreal and Charlotte, North Carolina. Kathy Reichs, the author, also alternated working as a forensic anthropologist in both of these locations. I find it adds authenticity to the science in the stories. This is a satisfying entry in the series, although I admit to missing the usual cast of characters.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read in exchange for an honest review.

Tempe Brennan heads to Turks and Caicos to help local law enforcement with recovered bones believed to be connected to a serial killer. This is a short book but there was A LOT going on. Reichs keeps her writing style of brief and sharp sentences. No nonsense writing and it really does lend itself well to the Brennan novels. We also see the return of Ryan and development of their relationship together. Overall, it's just what you would expect.

The Bone Hacker is Kathy Reichs 22nd book in this series.

Tenpe catches a case of a possible lightening strick bictim that has an unusual tatto that toes him to the Turks and Caicos. After liasing, with their police for assistance in identifying, Tempe ends up flying to the islands which leads her down a path of a pile of bodies that keep adding up. Time is ticking and Tempe finds herself a target as well!

I absolutely love this book and this series. The cases are so interesting and keep you wondering and thinking all the way thru. I love following the stories of all the characters but this book adds an element of meeting new characters on the island that is refreshing.

I highly recommend this book to all readers that enjoy mystery but also the whole series!

Thank you to Kathy Reichs, Scribner and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Bone Hacker is probably the 15th Kathy Reichs book that I have read. This one takes place primarily in Turks and Caucus which makes a nice change of scenery.

I rate this a 4 star, just like all her other books. I love the scientific explanations and for the most part the plot, and all the recurring side characters.

There are two main things in all her books that drive me crazy. Not enough to stop reading them but for me to remove one star. One is the overuse of dated words or phrases :
Cockwomble
Jackshit
Mooks
Cowabunga
Kemosabe
The second is all the acronyms used. It's insane how many there are. She even abbreviate Air Canada to AC !

I will still always be down for Kathy Reichs! Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.