(Published by Arrow)
The eighth outing for Tempe Brennan begins with a seemingly routine examination of a gunshot victim, which leads Tempe to a case that will take her from Canada to Israel in search of the bones the victim may have been killed for. Soon, the ancient and mysterious bones take centre stage as Tempe, along with her lover Detective Andrew Ryan and archaeologist Jake Drum, try to learn who this ancient skeleton really was so that no one else will have to die trying to steal or hide it. The closer they get to the answer, the more danger Tempe finds herself in.
Kathy Reichs’s latest book is, on the surface, a crime novel with an emphasis on forensics. But as the plot unfolds it becomes clear that she is tackling much larger and more controversial issues. It soon becomes clear that the identity of the skeleton has potentially huge ramifications for world religions and history.
Cross Bones takes the heroine out of her milieu and places her in Israel keeping the series fresh and interesting. Tempe is a brilliant and strong willed woman who is determined to get the answers she seeks even if it means putting herself in dangerous situations. Readers who love fast-paced action-packed thrillers will definitely want to read the book.
Reichs bases some of her story on actual archaeological finds (and frauds) in Israel, giving just enough truth to make it quite interesting and unique. She references the work of archaeologist James Tabor as well as the controversial James Ossuary, supposedly discovered by Oded Golan in Israel several years ago. Indeed, you can find a plethora of information about many of the artefacts, archaeology and theories she refers to online or in the library.
Also by Kathy Reichs
Bare Bones
Grave Secrets