Cross Bones

A Novel

By: Kathy Reichs

Narrated by: Michele Pawk

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

When an Orthodox Jew is found shot to death in Montreal, Temperance Brennan is called in to examine the body and to figure out the puzzling damage to the corpse. Unexpectedly, a stranger slips her a photograph of a skeleton and assures her the picture is the key to the victim's death. Before she knows it, Tempe is involved in an international mystery as old as Jesus, a mystery that could rewrite 2000 years of religious history.

Tempe learns that the stranger's picture shows bones uncovered during an archeological dig. She discovers the Montreal shooting victim ran an import business that might have fronted for the trade of black market antiquities. Along with Detective Andrew Ryan and biblical archeologist Jake Drum, Tempe travels to Israel to probe the origins of the skeleton and the ancient crypt in which it was found.

They make a startling discovery that raises radical questions about Christ's death and places them squarely in the middle of a swirling controversy. Could one of the tombs really be Christ's last resting place? Or, has someone concocted an elaborate hoax?

©2005 Kathy Reichs; 2005 Simon and Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"Such bloody good beach reading." ( USA Today)

"There's nothing like a morgue mystery to brighten up a summer day." ( Entertainment Weekly)

"Likely to leave you with the shivers of an ice storm." ( People)

Not a fan of this story

I have enjoyed Kathy Reich books but this one I found disappointing. Subject matter is controversial and the story dragged on in parts.

Made me think...

Really enjoyed this book! I like Kathy's writing in general but found this story keeping me wanting more. I read one comment that it was too much like a scientific lecture, and I can see where some might find that the details of miocondral dna a bit tedious but I found it fascinating. Well worth your time.

A case of biblical proportion!

In Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs, Temperance Brennan takes on a case of biblical proportions. A murder in Montreal leads to the discovery of a skeleton nicknamed Max which may prove to be the bones of Jesus. Tempe travels to Israel with Andrew Ryan where the trail leads to a mysterious tomb. A brilliant read and great listen Michele Pawk delivers a polished performance.

My Favorite So Dar

Where does Cross Bones rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of best "Bones" books I have read, my favorite of the series so far. Maybe because I am obsessed with disproving the "Jesus" theory! Loved this one.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Cross Bones?

Being underground with a Jackal!

What does Michele Pawk bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Love her reading style, she gives Brennan and the others such great life, her and Emond are my favorite narrators.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Made me think REALLY HARD!

story about a coroner

This coroner finds herself to be above reproach in all aspects of her life whether personal or professional.
Endless details that bore the reader.

?production trouble?

There were several "glitches/skips" in the recording that made following difficult listening at the time.

Shades of Dan Brown

I loved the background info woven into the plot. The conspiracy theories were fascinating. But the ending was firmly grounded in reality and plausibility.

Good book...

The only issue I've had with this book is some chapters have really long pauses between the end and new chapter identification. Not all chapters, but enough and sporadic to where you think something is wrong with your device.

better than the reviews

I liked this one. like her other books for me, they take awhile to get good.

great book

This is one of the best I've listened to so far. I am really glad I have found this author. She never disappoints!!