Book Reviews of Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan, Bk 8)

I am currently working my way through the Temperance Brennan series. In general, I like the books a LOT. They are exciting, filled with interesting scientific detail about bones, and usually satisfying.

I have mixed feelings, though, about this one. The coincidences pile up alarmingly, and the really mysterious part of it -- do any of these ancient bones really have anything to do with Jesus or his family? -- is not brought to closure. We never find out the truth of the matter. Of course, you have to expect that--Reichs can't expect us to swallow a story that concludes they've found the tomb of Jesus' family or his skeleton. So she merely teases us with the possibility--on and on for many, many pages--and then leaves us hanging.

I also found the pace to be a bit off. I got very tired of Tempe asking herself long paragraphs of unanswered questions. Such as: Could these bones really be this? Or could they be that? Where was Jake? Where was Ryan? Why did so-and-so do this? Who did that? What do the cats mean?

It makes Tempe's head ache, and it made my head ache. I could do with a lot less internal questioning. It's tedious.

And then there's the matter of Tempe carting around an ancient skeleton in a hockey bag, taking it with her on wild goose chases, and in general treating it as if it were about as important as her lunchbox. Not likely.

But with those complaints registered, it's still a book worth reading, as it advances the career of Tempe Brennan and Andrew Ryan. If you read the series, you'll care about these two interesting people. Because I've read the other books, I need to know what has happened to the characters, even if the story isn't always as satisfying as I'd like it to be.

Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs has Temperance Brennan investing a murder in Montreal that leads her to Israel. She helps an archeologist dig up bones that people are willing to kill to hide. There is a question of the origin of the bones and whether they are from Jesus and his family. This is not my favorite by Reichs, but I did like the story with the historical tie ins.

I did not enjoy the last two books in the Tempe Brennan series, but this one was terrific. A very complicated plot, but worthwhile reading. This isn't a book you would want to "start" and then come back to in a few weeks ! Tempe comes across two sets of bones with mysterious origins in the middle east. Discovering their ancestry may unravel biblical truths held sacred. An excellent read.

Good book. Interesting story built around true facts. Gave a small snapshot of different interest groups in Isreal and the potiential impact of the archeological truth.

I started reading the "Bones" books, after I began to watch the TV series. I love the main character, Temperance. It is forensic, so it is graphic and gory, but I like that.

I did not like this book as much as I have enjoyed most of her other books. As a Christian I was offended by much of this book. However, it kept me interested in what she was going to say next and as usual, she does it well.

Excellent fun read, dealing with some of the new Da Vinci Code-esque theories on the life of Christ.

This is Kathy Reichs' most recent book. A case that begins in Montreal with the killing of an Orhodox Jewish man leads Tempest Brennan, forensic anthropologist, travels to Israel to solve the most controversial case of her career. I love this series! This book was on a par with her others--which means fascinating and thrilling!

Tempe Brennan is back in the latest Kathy Reichs novel!

In this book, a man is murdered and a stranger gives Tempe a photo, stating that the skeleton in the photo is the reason for the death. Tempe then begins a long journey searching for the identity of the skeleton (and the murderer of the victim in the morgue), ultimately leading her to Israel.

This book has lots of information to wrap your mind around. It gives several theories about Jesus and his family (like in The Da Vinci Code), but still focuses on the science of forensic archaeology. The wonderful passion between Tempe and Andrew Ryan is still very prevalent in this book as well.

I didn't like it. It is as simple as that. I tried to like it. I have read all of the Kathy Reichs books in the series up to this one and, I found this story lacking. I kept walking away from reading it, and, in then end, I didn't finish it. I had only a few more pages to go and I just closed the book and threw it on the floor. As I was reading I kept hoping the story would improve but it never did.

Truly enjoyed this book. Might even read it again.

my first kathy reichs book... definitely better than the show (Bones on FOX) a really good book if you like history and international travel stories

could not get through it

My favorite Reichs so far.

This IMO is one of the best in the series. Combines a 2000 year old mystery with a modern one.

Another great book by Reichs!

Excellent!

This was a great book. Another of Reichs best. Will give you a lot to think about!!

A great mystery!

Usual excellent writing style, and a fascinating premise to boot!

I found this book a little different than her others but still very good.

Kathy Reichs does it again.

Great story on the par of DeVinci Code.

Kathy Reichs gets better with every book. I loved this book!