Flash and Bones: Temperance Brennan, Book 14

I am a hard-core Bones fan, and last summer started reading the books that the series is based on. Her writing style amuses me and I love the mysteries... That said, this was probably the worst book in the series. That doesn't mean it's bad, but there's much less science in the book than normal; I learned more about NASCAR than I did about forensics (Ms. Reichs is a real live forensic anthropologist much like her Temperance Brennan counterpart). I really look forward more to the books set in Canada than the Charlotte, NC settings--I like Detective Andrew Ryan better than "Skinny" Slidell.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't read it if you like a good mystery, but I'd highly recommend some of her earlier books before this one... 206 Bones is spectacular (her first), Cross Bones is a wild ride, and Grave Secrets is wonderful.

If you like the TV show and you haven't read any of her books, start with those, as this one might turn you off the series if you start here, it's totally not up to her normal level. :)

The narrator has voiced other books in the series and does a great job with the southern accents.

I've loved earlier Kathy Reichs books, but this one didn't do anything for me. It's about 40% plot/action, and about 60% question after question, recapping and emphasizing the various insolvable mysteries. I solved it, pretty quickly, and then slogged through hours of things like:
did Jim love Kathy?
did Mike know that Jim loved Kathy?
did Kathy love Jim?
did Sara know?
until I was saying
why am I still listening to this?
how much longer is this book?
will it ever end?

Also, I got some history lessons about NASCAR. I like the lessons about forensics. Car racing, not so much.

I'll probably buy future books from Reichs, but I sincerely hope she starts working more on plot, and less on just wordcount. The characters are interesting, and there are many ways that the stories CAN develop, so why don't we just go ahead and develop something?

The narration was good - the speaker was very easy to listen to, and I would definitely listen to her narration again.

I love the Temperance Brennan books and frequently listen to them more than once. This time, however, I was disappointed. Maybe because Andrew Ryan was mostly a footnote, her daughter was a bored "also mentioned", and the plot/character development seemed thin. I was interested in the NASCAR information, but could have gotten most of it for free from Wikepedia.

I always really enjoy the forensics and science behind the discoveries, as well as the depth of description and background that Reichs provides.

This book is a bit weaker than some of her other books; it felt a bit rushed somehow. However, it's still the same old Brennan that we love.

Some people have complained about the abundance of NASCAR, and I was concerned that it would be to much. I didn't have a problem with it, however, and I am not a fan of the sport. It is well explained and relevant to the story, so for me it just became part of the background.

I love Kathy Reichs and the way she weaves a story together.

Linda's performance of this sounded like she disliked the story altogether.

I had to quit listening and purchase the book in print.

No--but it was okay.

She is an excellent reader! I think she has good energy and voice qualities for this particular series.

This is possibly not the best of the Bones series--but it is quite good. Several others have commented on missing a couple of the usual characters--and that is true, but this remains a good book--don't pass on reading it. If the book lags at all in places, the narrator more than keeps it moving.

That is one had a few twists and turns I couldn't as easily predict who did it as in other book.

Well Temperance of course would of loved for her to be more proactive instead of the damsel in distress again.

a good book better one of the series.

If you are a first time reader to this series do not start here start from book 1 and don't worry the books get better as you go on. However if you are looking for a gripping edge of your seat novel that you can't put down and come back to these books are not for you. If you are into human science and some chemistry well these series do touch base with a lot of knowledge with in the story lines of factual science, that I find interesting.

I have read all previous Temperance Brennan books, and seems they are just not as exciting or intense as the first books. Before, I couldn't wait until a new release, but now, I put Reichs on the bottom of my wish list. Sorry - just need more to keep my attention.

Yes

Tempe is always so relaxing to spend time with. I love her attitude to life and profession. She inspires me to be better in every area of my life, and she's not even trying to influence me!!!

This one is solid and easy to listen to. I always find her to be excellent as a story teller.

Awesome, another winner

The action and suspense, and story line are exceptional

Linda does a splendid job of portraying the story line, She is the best.

Just another awesome book

Would recommend this book to every