Tempe (for Temperance) Brennan is an interesting character. In this, the first novel in the series, she is working in Montreal as a forensic anthropologist. Murder victims are found, she is caught up in the search for the killer, and circumstances get quite dicey for her.

It is well written. I had a quarrel with the story, however. I know I am in the minority here--vastly in the minority, I might add. It seems that one of the main ingredients of a modern bestseller thriller novel is that the main character must be in deadly peril. The serial killer somehow becomes fixated on the detective or medical examiner or whoever is the focus of the novel. I hate that. I had to stop reading Patricia Cornwell because of it--I mean, really, how many dang serial killers can there be in Raleigh, NC? One a year it seems, which is how often a new novel came out. And what are the odds that every one of those serial killers would decide they wanted to kill the medical examiner?

So in this first novel, the killer is looking to do away with the medical examiner! Talk about deja vu!

I decided that although the book was fun to listen to, I was through with this series for the same reason I had to quit Cornwell. Then I ran across a taped version of one of the later novels in the series for a very low price when I had just run out of tapes to listen to. I bought it, and am now 3/4ths of the way through listening to it. It's good. It doesn't (exactly) involve the killer(s) trying to kill Tempe, so maybe Reichs isn't a victim of thriller-writer syndrome after all.

At any rate, this is a good story and the ones that follow seem to be even better.

I enjoy the "Bones" television series and wanted to read the books the show was based after. Don't expect too many similarities between the characters. I found them quite different in personalities. Though, that's not to say I didn't enjoy the book. I found it a very good book. The characters were interesting to read about and the storylines all tied in very well. It was a great book and I'm looking forward to reading all the others in this series!

I'd really like to say that I loved this book, but I didn't. Generally, medical and science mysteries are among my favorites and, while I will probably continue with this series, I found this book rather rough. The science was excellent and well done, obviously showing the author's knowledge and experience in the field, but neither the characters nor the plot particularly engaged me. Worth reading, just not a great first entry into a series.

I didn't care for this book. I was bogged down by all the medical/technology jargon and struggled with the French comments. Could have done without reading this book. Nothing like the tv show.

Not sure about this one. It is my first Kathy Reichs book, and I think I was expecting something more like the "Bones" TV series which is based on these books. I found Brennan to be a much less sympathetic character in the book than on the TV series. While the story was compelling, I found the book to be overly dark and violent. Some may like that, but I would have preferred to see more of the brilliant, but socially inept Tempe that we know from "Bones". I may try another in the series, but not for a while.

I didn't feel much sympathy for Tempe; I'm not middle-aged, I'm not a recovering alcoholic, I don't have children. I didn't learn much of use about the book's setting; street name upon street name does not a description make. I wasn't frightened at any point; the book is the first in a series, so we know Tempe makes it through the book alive. Finally, the writing was a bit over-the-top in places, as is typical of the genre. I won't continue with this series.

Dr. Temperance Brenna, the wry, impassioned director of forensic anthropology for the province of Quebec is driven to unravel shocking acts of violence by reading the bones of the dead.

In the year since Tempe left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. But when an unidentified female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in garbage bags, Tempe detects an alarming pattern within the grisly handiwork--and her professional detachment gives way to a harrowing search for a killer in the city's winding streets. With little help from the police, Tempe calls on her expertise, honed in the isolated intensity of the autopsy suite, to investigate on her own. But her determined chase is about to place those closest to her-her best friend and her own daughter-in mortal danger.

Reichs is able to capture forensic anthropology to a "T" because that is what she actually does. This was her first novel and I hope she continues to have Tempperance Brennan in many more novels. I would have thought that reading about forensic anthropology would have been a bit dry, but Reichs is able to convey the mystery and intensity into her writing. It is never boring, so pick this up and get reading!

Pretty good read - somewhat predictable but a great airplane or weekend book. Above average for genre

Not a bad read. Comparable to Patricia Cornwell. You got a feeling of some things that were going to happen and also that some of the leads just didn't add up. Very quick read that just sucks you in. I also learned a little French!

Good book for first time author Kathy Reichs. I love the series Bones but like the character on tv more then character in book. The author got a little long winded in areas and I had a hard time with all the french comments throughout the book. Other then those little things very good story line. I have already ordered Book 2 to see if her writing improves.

Read All Book Reviews of "Deja Dead Temperance Brennan Bk 1"

This book is a great way to start the Tempe series! It definitely keeps your interest with the twists, turns, and a-ha moments... she just goes a bit overboard with describing events, places, and characters. All in all, a good read. She sure knows her stuff!

i really enjoyed this book, it was suspenseful and not exactly what i expected

The back of the book reads "Kathy Reichs blasts into Patricia Cornwell te4rritory_and into the New York Times bestseller list - with this critically acclaimed debut novel inspired by Reichs' own career. Dr. Temperance Breannan, the wry, impassioned director of forensic anthropology for the province of Quebec, is driven to unravel shocking acts of violence by reading the bones of the dead.

"In teh eyar since Tempe left behind a shaky marriage in Nroth Caroolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. But when an unidentified female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in garbage bags, Tempe detects an alarming pattern within the frisly handwork...."

Okay, that's enough...the rest is up to you...you read it and see what YOU think of it.

I love the TV series "Bones". As on TV Tempe helps solve the mystery even though her field is the bones. Recommend to everyone. Takes place in Quebec and gives you insite to that city.

Excellent Murder Myster Book. At points I thought I had read it before because it was so close to one that J Patterson had written (after Reichs book was published). I liked the little bits of french in it and the culture notes about Canada . . . making it a little bit educational while entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more of her books. TV WATCHERS BE WARNED -- "Bones" is LOOSELY based on these books. This heroine is middle aged, divorsed (almost) and has a college aged daughter . . . unlike the young gorgeous single hollywood character of the TV show.

These books are nothing like the TV series, although I now enjoy both. I like that there is a French connection - I get to read the French and know what it says before the translation - although there is not too much French. The mystery is great - sure there is murder and mayhem - but it is more about putting the pieces together than gore. You also get to learn about a lot science and procedure - very interesting stuff, especially when it is not in a textbook!

Good first book for the series. You empathize with Tempe's frustration in trying to convince people that she is right about the connection between the murders and her determination to prove herself to the "brass." Highly recommend.

This is the first Tempe Brennan mystery. It's set in Montreal and is one of the best plotted, first mysteries I have ever read. I also think it's her best mystery.

From the author who inspired the Fox television drama "BONES" - Note: the author, Kathy Reichs, is a board-certified forensic anthropologist. Great read!

i enjoy the style of kathy Reichs"s writing and a good story

Really good! This is the first book of hers I have read, and I selected it because it is the first of her series. I can't wait to read the next ones!

Read All Book Reviews of "Deja Dead Temperance Brennan Bk 1"