Devil Bones

A Novel

By: Kathy Reichs

Narrated by: Linda Emond

#1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs takes us to Charlotte, North Carolina, where America’s favorite forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan must thwart a demonic plot involving ritual sacrifice before the town’s vengeful citizens take matters into their own hands.

In a house under renovation, a plumber uncovers a hidden cellar and makes a grisly discovery: a decapitated chicken, animal bones, and cauldrons containing beads, feathers, and other relics of religious ceremonies. In the center of the shrine rests the skull of a teenage girl. Meanwhile, on a nearby lakeshore, the headless body of a teenage boy is found by a man walking his dog.

Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan is called in to investigate, and a complex and gripping tale unfolds. Nothing is clear—neither when the deaths occurred, nor where. Was the skull brought to the cellar or was the girl murdered there? Why is the boy’s body remarkably well preserved? Led by a preacher turned politician, citizen vigilantes blame devil worshippers and Wiccans—and Temperance will need all of her expertise to get to the real culprit first.©2008 Temperance Brennan, L.P.; (P)2008 Simon and Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Loved it! I'm amazed by how seamlessly Reichs makes the transition from forensic jargon to snappy, funny dialogue -- scientist to great storyteller. What's not to admire and envy?" -- Sandra Brown, author of Play Dirty

"Reichs is a standout...[with] a formidable way of incorporating science with character and plot.... Her expertise is snappily and entertainingly delivered." -- Booklist

Kathy Reichs does it again

In a house being renovated a plumber finds a cellar that wasn't supposed to be there and finds a cauldron full of beads, feathers and other things relating to a religious ceremony.The skull and some kettles containing bones and various fetishes suggesting Santeria or some other alternative religion may tie in with two headless bodies, one found floating in a river and another marked with Satanic symbols. Furious when a local politician uses the cases as an excuse to whip up hostility against little-understood religions, Temperance gets called in when with the animal bones, a human skull is found. Furious when a local politician uses the cases as an excuse to whip up hostility against little-understood religions, Tempe is far from convinced that the Wiccan who is arrested is guilty. When Rinaldi, one of the detectives she's working with, is killed in a drive-by, Tempe falls off the wagon but soldiers on, mortified, until she finally makes the connections between the crimes that lead to a close call with death and a startling conclusion. On top of the case, Tempe got some personal stuff going on, her lover Ryan has gone back to Canada to be a father to his daughter, her ex-husband is getting married to a much younger woman and her daughter is bored with her job. I liked this one, you learn a little bit more about her personal life, I liked the tie in with pagan religions. This probably wasn't her best one but her worst one yet.

great book once again

what a great story. brennan's speech at the end rings true today. can't wait to read (hear) the next book.

Really enjoyed this one!

This is such a good narrator and the storyline is very good, with all kinds of twists and turns!

I had to laugh at the author's choice of naming one of the characters "Tequila", and one "Cuervo" (unless they're spelled differently)! All that was missing were, "Jose", and "Margarita"! :)

Not Kathy Reichs best

I love all of Kathy Reichs novels of Temperance Brennan. And this narrator, Linda Emond, is my favorite for the audible versions. However, this book is chock full of history lessons and geographical info that in my opinion serve no purpose. Almost makes me wonder if the author was padding her pages. Combined with the very bad southern accent (more Amos & Andy than Southern) from the usually talented narrator, this is my least favorite of the audible Bones books.

Devil Bones

Very slow start. Too many medical terms explained.
Good story line and ending was good.