The hunt for a serial killer who mutilated animals has escalated to humans in this fast-paced story. There is plenty of suspense and twists to keep you guessing who the killer is and hoping the killer can be stopped before another victim is found. Crumbs of critical clues are woven throughout the story only to be fully revealed at the end!

Disclaimer: This novel depicts animal and human torture and death. Readers be advised. Forensic Anthropologist Temperance Brennan is back for book 24. Yet more strange occurrences in North Carolina. Dr. Brennan is called in to assist with identification of mutilated animals posed in a ritualistic style. As the frequency and types of animals victimized seem to escalate, Brennan and her co-investigators believe the suspect will begin to target human victims. What they can agree on is this perpetrator is evil and preying upon the innocent. Can the team identify the killer in time before Brennan and her loved ones end up the next targets?

I enjoy this series but still spend a portion of the narrative yelling at our protagonist to learn from past mistakes. Haven't we learned by now to install better security in your home and to not wander around alone with a killer on the loose? Tempe! Please pay closer attention to your surroundings!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher Scribner for providing an eARC in exchange for my review.

I will caveat this review in first noting that I am an avid fan of Ms. Reichs books, having read all of her previous novels.

What is Evil? Evil Bones, the newest installment of the Temperence Brennan novels by Kathy Reichs, delves into this long-standing question that continues to shift along with societal norms and beliefs.

Tempe and Slidell are faced with a series of gruesome murders that show a disturbing pattern of escalation, which Tempe must solve before the murderer strikes too close to home.

That being said, this newest novel fell short of delivering an easy reading, suspenseful, and satisfying conclusion I have become accustomed to and left me wanting so much more when I finished the book.

Pros:
I loved the premise of the book, I felt it was well thought out and got me thinking of evil and where the lines are drawn within our society and the discrepancy in which each of us defines that which is evil.

Add in the usual cast of Tempe’s long-time lover/partner, Ryan, her often prickly daughter Katy and a new to the scene niece, full of teenage angst and rebellion, and this should have been a slam dunk.

Cons:
I think my biggest critique is that this book was too short. The lead up to the conclusion was as well written and executed as ever, with twists that I didn’t see coming. I was over 90% into the book when it started climbing towards climax and then…… disappointment.

The ending seemed too rushed with the final chapters seeming out of joint and difficult to follow, leaving me confused and wondering if I missed a chapter in-between. The book could have been half-again as long and taken the time to provide a more satisfying conclusion.

Final Thoughts:
Evil Bones was an irritating combination of fantastic premise and suspense that you would expect from Reichs that just didn’t quite make it to reaching a satisfying end. Fans may still find moments to enjoy, but this installment doesn't quite live up to the high bar set by earlier novels in the series.

This favorite author has again written a page turner with familiar characters. Family and friends…red herrings along with suspense…this is a cannot put down novel. The story moves quickly.
It is almost like reading nonfiction with a twist. Guessing and predicting…wondering how the story will end. Sometimes almost correct. Wanting to skip to the end to see. Not missing one page as the author always has surprises. Thanks Netgalley

I have read this entire series and love Tempe.
This book is full of twists and turns that kept me up way past my normal bed time and gave me an ending i can honestly say i did not see coming. Kathy Reich writes an incredible story that has mystery and even humor rolled into one incredibly wonderful story. Tempe's relationship with her daughter, With Ryan and even with Slidell. All part of the story. Definitely recommend, and can be read as stand alone but better with back story

Such a whirlwind of a book! As a longtime lover of the Bones TV show this was my first dip in the books that inspired it and it was fun seeing a different take on the Tempe that I love! Can't wait to finally read the other books in the series.

Thanks Net Galley and Kathy Reichs!

Evil Bones is a fast-moving thriller that blends gruesome crimes with forensic precision. Animal mutilations serve as the terrifying prelude to human targets—and Brennan’s relentless pursuit highlights both scientific methodology and the darker depths of human nature.

One of my favorite series. This is a smart and engaging thriller that keeps you turning the pages.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy for an honest review.

I read the latest in one sitting on a plane yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Great to have Tempe back on the care, and chilling and entertaining for sure. Happy to chat up as always! Can’t wait for the next one!