Publisher: Simon and Schuster Audio
Published: July 6, 2021
Source: Publisher
Summary:
Number-one New York Times best-selling author Kathy Reichs returns with her 20th gripping novel featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, whose examinations, 15 years apart, of unidentified bodies ignite a terrifying series of events.
On the way to hurricane-ravaged Isle of Palms, a barrier island off the South Carolina coast, Tempe receives a call from the Charleston coroner. The storm has tossed ashore a medical waste container. Inside are two decomposed bodies wrapped in plastic sheeting and bound with electrical wire. Tempe recognizes many of the details as identical to those of an unsolved case she handled in Quebec years earlier. With a growing sense of foreboding, she travels to Montreal to gather evidence.
Meanwhile, health authorities in South Carolina become increasingly alarmed as a human flesh-eating contagion spreads. So focused is Tempe on identifying the container victims that, initially, she doesn’t register how their murders and the pestilence may be related. But she does recognize one unsettling fact. Someone is protecting a dark secret – and willing to do anything to keep it hidden.
An absorbing look at the sinister uses to which genetics can be put, and featuring a cascade of ever-more-shocking revelations, The Bone Code is Temperance Brennan’s most astonishing case yet – one that gives new meaning to today’s headlines.
My thoughts:
This is the 20th book in the Temperance Brennan series and I just love this series. It’s a series that stays fresh, and even with the little hiatus, seems to be going strong…and I could not be happier!
I loved that this latest installment really digs into the science, more so than ever before. While it is set post-Covid (which I have to say I really appreciated!!!), I found it quite fascinating the rather in-depth dive into genetics and vaccines. For some, this may be a little off-putting or too much, but I just loved it.
I also loved that once again, we find Tempe going back and forth between North Carolina and Montreal, quite a few times in fact. I love how sharp and laser-focused Tempe can be. Little details that most people would miss, Tempe picks up on and it is just amazing.
The story moves quite quickly, aided by the fact that most chapters end with mini-cliffhangers, which begs you to keep reading. I loved the fact that Tempe was able to tie together a cold case from Montreal to her current case in North Carolina…the way her brain works is just a marvel! She of course has help from Andrew Ryan, and their relationship seems to be in a pretty good place…though there is a rather unsettling incident that could change the dynamics. And we have the introduction of a new character, Detective Tonia Vislosky. I’m curious to know if she will be sticking around or if this is a one-time appearance.
I’m a big fan of this series and love being back in Tempe’s world. This latest installment is twisty and completely gripping, and while it can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the series from the beginning…it’s totally worth it!
Audio thoughts:
I was so happy to see that Linda Emonds was the narrator for this book. She has narrated previous books in this series and does such a great job bringing Tempe to life. She really is very consistent with the voices, which to me, is important – it’s doesn’t matter how long it’s been since I’ve last listened to a book in this series, as soon as I start listening, I’m right back in the zone! That’s how good and unique her characterization is of the characters she does.
Books in this series:
- Deja Dead 14. Flash & Bones
- Death du Jour 15. Bones are Forever
- Deadly Decisions 15.5 Bones in Her Pocket
- Fatal Voyage 16. Bones of the Lost
- Grave Secrets 16.5. Swamp Bones
- Bare Bones 17. Bones Never Lie
- Monday Mourning 17.5. Bones on Ice
- Cross Bones 18. Speaking in Bones
- Break No Bones 19. A Conspiracy of Bones
- Bones to Ashes 20. The Bone Code
- Devil Bones
- 206 Bones
- Spider Bones
