Bones of the Lost

A Temperance Brennan Novel, Book 16

By: Kathy Reichs

Narrated by: Linda Emond

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Kathy Reichs returns with her 16th riveting novel featuring forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan, whose examination of a young girl killed in a hit and run in North Carolina triggers an investigation into international human trafficking.

When Charlotte police discover the body of a teenage girl along a desolate stretch of two-lane highway, Temperance Brennan fears the worst. The girl’s body shows signs of foul play. Inside her purse police find the ID card of a prominent local businessman, John-Henry Story, who died in a horrific flea market fire months earlier. Was the girl an illegal immigrant turning tricks? Was she murdered?

As the case deepens, Tempe must also grapple with personal turmoil. Her daughter, Katy,, grieving the death of her boyfriend in Afghanistan, impulsively enlists in the Army. Meanwhile, Katy’s father, Pete, is frustrated by Tempe’s reluctance to finalize their divorce. As pressure mounts from all corners, Tempe soon finds herself at the center of a conspiracy that extends all the way from South America, to Afghanistan, and right to the center of Charlotte. "A genius at building suspense" (New York Daily News), Kathy Reichs is at her brilliant best in this thrilling novel.

©2013 Kathy Reichs (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

Fun!

Any additional comments?

I just started reading the Temperance Brennan series this summer. I devoured the first fifteen, and was eagerly awaiting the release of "Bones of the Lost". It is difficult to assign this installment a specific rank among my favorites, but I will definitely re-read it, probably more than once. The only other books I've looked forward to re-reading so enthusiastically have been 206 bones and Bones to Ashes.

In this installment we see a stronger, more resilient Tempe. Just when I thought the character was growing somewhat stagnant, Reichs delivers a dramatically complex plot, complete with a myriad of professional and personal pitfalls Tempe must navigate. In the process, she reveals several new avenues that this series could explore, and, as usual, delivers one terriffic mystery!

Don't let the publisher's summary fool you. While Tempe's divorce from Pete does figure into the plot, the author focuses more on the challenge she faces disentangling the small details of her life from her long-time spouse than she does on the "will she or won't she sign?" question. The big interpersonal challenge Tempe faces in this novel is conveyed more by the absence of a certain familiar detective from active participation in most of the book--but when he does eventually show up, watch out!

Is this book the pinnacle of literary creativity and story-crafting ingenuity? No, not really. But is it a fun, fast-paced book that will leave you waiting for the next novel in the series? You bet!

Tempe is always fun

Would you consider the audio edition of Bones of the Lost to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked Tempe's relationships with the other male characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Tempe rides again

Any additional comments?

A fun mystery that kept the reader guessing.

A Grest Read!

one o fMs Reich's best! So many sad parts, and yet some funny abd happyones,s too.

Linda Emond is superb!

I’ve been working my way through this series. I’ve really enjoyed the books overall. Linda Emond is perfect with the voices. Something about this story though and the liberties that Brennan was taking really irked me more than usual. I haven’t listened in a while, so I’m not sure if it was more than usual or not. Still a good and surprising story overall.

Action Packed with Tempe Brennan Sass

While the subject of this book is heartbreaking, Reichs navigates the topic with a well told story. As usual, our heroine, Temperance Brennan is her brilliant scientist self, with a little bit of sass.

I'm done

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I used to love these books. I couldn't wait until the next one came out. But the last couple of books lacked any substance. The story wasn't compelling. Also the writing which is mostly question and answer style, got too repetitive and boring.
Spoiler Warning: In this particular story the fact that ALL of the various story lines came together was just too far fetched for me. I had figured out what was the problem with "Candy" early in the book and just waiting for Tempe to get it.
I love the Ryan character and the fact that he made a cameo in this book also irritated me.
Anyway, I'm done with the Tempe books. I'll use my time with something that is entertaining.

What do you think your next listen will be?

Royal Blood

This Was Horrible

Would you try another book from Kathy Reichs and/or Linda Emond?

No

Has Bones of the Lost turned you off from other books in this genre?

No

What three words best describe Linda Emond’s performance?

Fair, Fair, Fair

What character would you cut from Bones of the Lost?

There are absolutely no memorable characters.

Any additional comments?

This may be the worst book I have wasted time on. It was poorly written. It was virtually impossible to follow. The performance was fair at best.

Don't bother

What disappointed you about Bones of the Lost?

Too little story, too many coincidences,

Which character – as performed by Linda Emond – was your favorite?

Tempie's character was the best.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Linda Emond's narration adds the only bit of interest in the book.