Book Reviews of Deja Dead (Temperance Brennan, Bk 1)

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.

This author is a Forensic Anthropologist. She brings her forensic expertise to the reader. The reader can experience the senses--sight, sounds, smells, and the ups and downs of being a forensic scientist. You may not be able to sleep for various reasons--one of which might be that you just can't seem to stop reading the book.

the book has a lot of details so the reader has to play close attention.

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!

In the year since Tempe left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolina, work had often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. But when an unidentified female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in gabage bags, Tempe detects an alarming pattern within the grisly handiwork-and she plunges into 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. But her investigation is about to place those closest to her in danger - her best friend and her own daughter - in mortal danger....

graphic in the morgue

Don't read this book when you're at home alone! It's chilling--but also hard to put down.

"Kathy Reichs takes the reader from the morgue to the streets f Quebec like a seasoned novelist. Patricia Cornwell's heroine, Kay Scarpetta, has an able colleague in Reichs' Temperance Brennan."
-Linda Heinzman, Jacksonville Times Union

Temperance is like Kay Scarpetta with less political savvy. If you like the early Patricia Cornwell books, you will like this one.

First book by this author for me....it was very well written and kept me on my toes most of the way through.

Another good book by Kathy Reichs. Good suspenseful read.

When the bones of a woman are discovered in the grounds of an abandoned monastery, Dr Temperance Brennan of the Laboratoire de Medecine Legale in Montreal is convinced that a serial killer is at work. The detective in charge of the case disagrees with her, but he is forced to revise his opinion.

Tempe Brennan is a nice addition to Kay Scarpetta. A great forensic pathology thriller.

A great read. Enjoyed it cover to cover. Couldn't put it down.

Love the series of stories about female forensic anthropologist with thirst for field work.

Dr. Tempe Brennan, a trowel-packing forensic anthropologist from North Carolina, works in Montreal's Laboratoire de Medecine Legale examining recovered bodies to help police solve missing-persons cases and murders. It's clear to Tempe that the remains of several women killed and savagely mutilated point to a sadistic serial killer, but she can't convince the police. Determined to prevent more brutal deaths, she sleuths solo, tracking her quarry through Montreal's seedy underworld of hookers, where her anthropologist friend Gabby, doing her own scary research, is being stalked by a creep.

One of the best murder mystery writers of today--every one of her books is fabulous and a great read. The main character is a forensic anthropologist who must unravel the murder.

Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist working in Quebec. She has seen several murders that she thinks are linked, but no one else does, so she decides to investigate on her own to stop a serial killer.

If you like Patricia Cornwell's books, you will probably like this one. Please be aware that the Tempe in these books is not like the Tempe on the TV show "Bones", even though the books are suppose to be the inspiration for the show.

A great vacation read.

Great book. The first in the series that the FOX tv show "Bones" is based on. I would recommend this book highly.

I enjoyed this book. It has a lot of details about forensic anthrolopolgy. It is rather graphic in it's descriptions. However, it was very suspensful and I read it in a very short time. I was hooked by it! If you can handle the graphic descriptions I would highly recommend it.

A Tempe Brennan mystery. Her investigation, this time, will put herself and her best friend and her daughter in mortal danger.

Kathy Reichs' first book about Temperance Brennan. Exciting story.

Another great book for the author whos writes the TV series "Bones". You won't be able to put it down!
Elaine

A great read for people who also like Patricia Cornwell, as far as the forensics and mystery. There was less gore, but it was also a little less "leave all the lights on," too, if you like that sort of thing.

This is my first Kathy Reichs book but it will not be my last! I loved the little bits of technical stuff thrown in here and there!

I enjoy the series, books are fascinating. Even more so when you realize this is her actal field.

This is my first book by Kathy Reichs. It was a little difficult to get into but once the action started it never stopped and never disappointed. Very good book

From Library Journal: "A superb new writer introduces her intrepid heroine to crime fiction. Dr. Tempe Brennan, a trowel-packing forensic anthropologist from North Carolina, works in Montreal's Laboratoire de Medecine Legale examining recovered bodies to help police solve missing-persons cases and murders. It's clear to Tempe that the remains of several women killed and savagely mutilated point to a sadistic serial killer, but she can't convince the police. Determined to prevent more brutal deaths, she sleuths solo, tracking her quarry through Montreal's seedy underworld of hookers, where her anthropologist friend Gabby, doing her own scary research, is being stalked by a creep. Despite her ability to work among fetid, putrefying smells that "leap out and grab" and her "go-to-hell attitude" with seasoned cops, Tempe is as vulnerable as a soft Carolina morning. When a grinning skull is planted in her garden, her investigation turns personal and escalates to an intense and satisfying conclusion. Except for imparting an excess of lab information, Reichs, also a forensic anthropologist, drives the pace at a heady clip. A first-class writer, she dazzles readers with sensory imagery that is apt, fresh, and funny (e.g., "fingers felt cold and limp, like carrots kept too long in a cooler bin"). Recommended for all fiction collections, this read is sure to be in demand. -?Molly Gorman, San Marino, Cal. Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

TV show "Bones" based on this book.

GREAT READING

Loved reading about Montreal as well as the process of forensic anthropology. Kathy Reichs is great at exposition - I can't stand it when authors have their characters overexplain or do it unrealistically and she avoids it in a subject which requires lots of explanation.

In the year since Tempe left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolins, 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. Her determined chase is about to place those closest to her-her best friend and her own daughter=in mortal danger.

In the year since Tempe left behind a shakey marriage in North Carolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. But when a unidentified female corpse is discovered metiulously dismembered and stashed in garbage bas, Tempe detects an alarming patter within the grisly handiwork and her professional detachment gives way to a horrowing search for a killer in the city's widing streets/.

With little help from the police, Te,pe 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 closedt to her, her best friend and her own daughter in mortal danger.

The FIRST Tempe Brennan book. After seeing the TV show, "Bones" it was great to get the background for the series. This was an edge of your seat suspense/thriller with great forensic background. I'm looking forward to more of this series.

I can't believe I waited so long to read this series! The good thing is I can now catch up by reading them back to back!

Enjoyable read. A bit more forensic gore than I like (I don't mind the forensic science parts at all). I liked the main character, but if you're looking for "Bones" you won't see much of her (and none of the tv characters).

I loved this book, Kathy Reichs writes a very descriptive thriller that holds you to the end. She also paints a very realistic view on the lifes on law enforcement and what it takes to catch a criminal.

She's recently become one of my favorite authors!

In the Patricia Cornwell Line. Good new author, great characterand plot. Keeps you interested all the way!

Kathy Reichs does it again...wonderful!

Debut Kathy Reichs book. Some decent humor along with the drama.

The FIRST book in the series featuring Temperance Brennan who is a forensic anthropologist in the Province of Quebec abd in North Carolina.

A great start to the Temperance Brennan series. I was very please with this book!

SCARY ENOUGH TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON AND THE DOG INSIDE BUT ALSO A GOOD MYSTERY READ. AS WITH CORNWELL, IT'A FEMALE CORONER WHO IS A FORENSIC ANTHROLPOLOGIST. THE AUTHOR, KATHY REICHS, REALLY IS ONE SO THE BOOKS RINGS WITH AUTHENTICITY. VERY CSI ESQUE. IN THIS BOOK, SHE'S TRACKING A SERIAL KILLER OF 5 WOMEN INCLUDING A PERSONAL FRIEND.
YOU CAN'T PUT IT DOWN. IT'S NOT WHO YOU THINK IT IS!

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