Title:	Bare Bones
	Author:	Kathy Reichs
	Published:	Pocket Star Books, 2003
	No. of Pages:	383
	Cover Price:	$7.99 US

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In Kathy Reichs’ novel, Bare Bones, Tempe Brennan is tending her ex-husband’s dog, Boyd, and so when she is invited to a picnic with her daughter, Katy, she takes him along. Since Boyd is very friendly, he chases the kids and runs around the picnic grounds; unfortunately, he discovers a shallow grave full of bones. Tempe is called to a plane crash of suspected drug runners, and finds a suspicious substance around the bodies, and as if she doesn’t have enough work to do, investigates the remains of a dead infant found burned in a stove. Andrew Ryan, her on-again, off-again detective boyfriend from Montreal, has planned to visit during his vacation, and rather than running off to the beach together as planned, helps investigate the three seemingly unrelated cases.

One of Kathy Reichs’ trademarks in her novels is the familiarity she generates with her characters; readers have the feeling that these are real people they are actually acquainted with and can relate to. Katy introduces a new boyfriend to her mother at the picnic, Tempe doesn’t particularly like or trust him, and there are suspicions throughout the book as to whether he is connected with the nefarious goings-on.

During the investigations, Tempe is in danger during several scenarios in the book, as well as Katy, and, as the bodies of long-missing persons turn up, the suspense elevates, and the novel takes a very different and unexpected route, with, of course, a surprise ending.

Even though Bare Bones deals with murder and serious crimes, the book is upbeat and quick, easy reading. Once started, it’s hard to put down without finding out what happens to each of the characters. Unfortunately, there is one issue that is not resolved in the book having to do with Katy’s boyfriend, but the book is definitely worth reading, and Tempe Brennan fans are sure to forgive any discrepancies and will enjoy it immensely.

This book was purchased with personal funds and no promotion of the book was solicited by the author or publisher.

This book may be purchased at Amazon: Bare Bones: A Novel (Temperance Brennan Novels)