Richard M. (algernon99) -
Helpful Score: 5
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 2
Even though this book is an easy read and suspenseful enough, I was a bit disappointed about Reichs' foray into the daVinci-Code realm.
When forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan examines the body of a murdered Jew who dealt in Holy Land antiquities, someone slips her an old photograph of a skeleton which proves to be the key of not only the old Jew's death, but also to a much larger mystery.
When forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan examines the body of a murdered Jew who dealt in Holy Land antiquities, someone slips her an old photograph of a skeleton which proves to be the key of not only the old Jew's death, but also to a much larger mystery.
Helpful Score: 2
I enjoy Kathy Reichs, but this was not one of my favorites.
It became "too involved", and I had trouble following it.
It became "too involved", and I had trouble following it.
Richard M. (algernon99) -
Helpful Score: 1
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.
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.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Jacqueline L. (jkslove2read) reviewed Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan, Bk 8) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was one of the best Tempe books I have read to date. It kept me reading straight through. I would recomend this one to anyone.
Helpful Score: 1
Author: Kathy Reichs
A Temperance Brennan novel.
The author, like her main character is a forensic anthropologist.
In this book, there are mentions of the family of Jesus, the bones found at Masada and possible links between them.
As a historical thriller, there are also killings, travels around the world and mysteries to be solved.
I was not "sold" on this author's writing style, but the story was intriguing, albeit skimpy - what ifs? with few answers - an interesting trip.
A Temperance Brennan novel.
The author, like her main character is a forensic anthropologist.
In this book, there are mentions of the family of Jesus, the bones found at Masada and possible links between them.
As a historical thriller, there are also killings, travels around the world and mysteries to be solved.
I was not "sold" on this author's writing style, but the story was intriguing, albeit skimpy - what ifs? with few answers - an interesting trip.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent fun read, dealing with some of the new Da Vinci Code-esque theories on the life of Christ.
Helpful Score: 1
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.
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.
A novel that takes current news headlines and weaves them into a compelling story.
Tempe must perform an autopsy on a highly decomposed body of an Orthodox Jewish man. As she is leaving a man, "a friend of the family", gives her a photo of a skelaton and implies that the man was killed because of it.
She must get to the bottom of this mystery...Little does she know that in order to do that she and Ryan will travel half way around the world to Isreal and become involved in additional deaths, attacks on her person, fanatic religious sects, and corrupt officials.
Just like normal.
A extremely enjoyable and quick read.
Tempe must perform an autopsy on a highly decomposed body of an Orthodox Jewish man. As she is leaving a man, "a friend of the family", gives her a photo of a skelaton and implies that the man was killed because of it.
She must get to the bottom of this mystery...Little does she know that in order to do that she and Ryan will travel half way around the world to Isreal and become involved in additional deaths, attacks on her person, fanatic religious sects, and corrupt officials.
Just like normal.
A extremely enjoyable and quick read.
another story with Dr. Temperance Brennan...which were good until they tried to turn her into a TV show...which is absolutely NOT like the original character at all. But her books are always great.
Kathy Reichs is the queen of forensic thrillers. Kathy Reichs takes Dan Browns religious conspiracy one step further.
Oneof her best.
This is another excellent book by Kathy Reichs. A great read.
I didn't like this as well as the other Temperance Brennan books. It seemed somewhat contrived, for want of a better a description. It is still worth reading as are all Ms. Reichs' books if you find forensic work interesting.
Absolutely loved the book!
Interesting twists in this one.Very deep at times.
I found this book a little hard to follow, but still a good book.
Great story on the par of DeVinci Code.
I haven't read very many of her books finding them so full of information my eyes cross.
This was such a book, but a very good one. I like the history of Masada and how she tied all that to murder.
This was such a book, but a very good one. I like the history of Masada and how she tied all that to murder.
I LOVED it, but I'm an Anth major so I'm not sure if it would appeal to everyone or just people with a particular interest in the field. Fast read.
ShaiLynne J. (LoveBeingMOM) -
As usual Tempe and Agent Ryan are in over their heads and must use all of their connections, brain power and muscle to get out alive and solve the murder.
Did they really find the tomb of Jesus and his family? You do not find out the answer, as in real life the answer is often unknown. However, you are given much to think about.
As always, Kathy Reichs delivers a story that pulls you in.
Did they really find the tomb of Jesus and his family? You do not find out the answer, as in real life the answer is often unknown. However, you are given much to think about.
As always, Kathy Reichs delivers a story that pulls you in.
A Tempe Brennen mystery al la The Davinci code. Its fast pace keeps you on the edge until the last chapter. A good one!!
I am an enormous fan. Have read every book in the series now. I have to admit, this was my least favorite. I HAD to read it of course, but it was a bit too much historical religious detail to wade through. I caught myself skimming....
Kathy Reich's Temperance Brennan series are as good as Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series. I liked this book very much. It has a very current
DaVinci Code type story line.
DaVinci Code type story line.
Tempe starts with a murder in Montreal and ends up in Israel. Tempe recovers a long lost skeleton that dates back 2000 years. An associate convinces her to go to Israel to follow up on things that he has discovered. Has he found the family tomb of Jesus? Has the remains of Jesus been found? Can such revelations throw the world in chaos? Will the basis of all faiths be revealed to be false? Tempe and Ryan, a montreal cop, try to find answers with the help of cohorts in Israel.
Interesting and good book.
Interesting and good book.
Bridget J. (bridgetjohn-89) reviewed Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan, Bk 8) on + 28 more book reviews
Great Book!
very good as all her books are
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.
Typical Tempeance Brennan, exciting and keeps you thinking. Questions Jesus family ties on the line with The DaVinci Code. Good Quick reading.
Barbara S. (barbsis) -
I was listening to the audiobook of this and got as far as the 7th disk of 10 - roughly page 320. I just couldn't stand it any longer - extremely religious which I am not and have no interest in at all. I guess I should have read the premise before picking this one up. It is totally outside my comfort zone and interests. It's basically about a skeleton that was found in Jerusalem in the 1960s which is purported to be of Jesus Christ. This is Tempe's journey to Israel and her encounter(s) with various people trying to kill her in order to get the skeleton for whatever reason. Lots and lots of depth into the Christian religion, (and Jerusalem as well as various Arab religions, etc) and what this discovery (if in fact it is Jesus) will do to world religions.
The only thing I liked about this book was Andrew Ryan's dry humor. His one-liners are absolute killers.
The only thing I liked about this book was Andrew Ryan's dry humor. His one-liners are absolute killers.
great as always.
Lots of technical detail. Takes place in Israel centered on controversial discovery of Christ's tomb. Standard Reichs.
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.
Patricia C. (NovelTgirl) -
One of my favorite writers!
This author's gritty crime novels are the inspiration for the Fox TV series "Bones". If you like CSI and forensic crime drama mystery, this is for you!
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!
Good Book. Reichs answer to the Da Vinci Code. Lots of intrigue and plot moves quickly. Keeps your attention to the end.
Very good.
Another one for my daughter. She loves he books.
Kathy Reichs gets better with every book. I loved this book!
My favorite Reichs so far.
Excellent!
Kathy Reichs does it again.
Anthropologist Temperance Brennan, is examining a badly decomposed corpse, and has found this was no ordinary murder. As usual Kathy Reichs has another good mystery.
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.
Usual excellent writing style, and a fascinating premise to boot!
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
A great mystery!
Marlene W. (KansasSunflower) -
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.
Priscilla B. (Skeeter1942) reviewed Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan, Bk 8) on + 131 more book reviews
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!
I found this book a little different than her others but still very good.
This was a great book. Another of Reichs best. Will give you a lot to think about!!
Examining a badly decomposed corpse is de rigueur for forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. But puzzling damage on the body of a shooting victim, an Orthodox Jewish man, suggests this is no ordinary Montreal murder. When a stranger slips Tempe a photograph of a skeloton unearthed at an archaeological site, Tempe uncovers chilling ties between a dead man and secrets long buried in the dust of Israel. Traveling there with Detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe plunges into an international mystery as old as Jesus, and centered on the controversial discovery of Christ's tomb.Has a mastermind lured her into an elaborate hoax? If not, Tempe may be on the brink of rewriting two thousand years of history-if she can survive the foes dead set on burying her.
More of Temperance Brennan's adventures
Andy T. (MayberryFlyBaby) -
could not get through it
Examining a badly decomposed corpse is de rigueur for forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. But puzzling damage on the body of a shooting victim, an Orthodix Jewish man, suggests this is no ordinary Montreal murder. When a stranger slips Tempe a photograph of a skelton unearthed at an archaeological site, Tempe uncovers chilling ties between the dead man and secrets long buried in the dust of Israel. Traveling there with Detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe plunges into an international mystery as old as Jesus, and centered on the controversial discover of Christ's tomb. Has a mastermind lured her into an elaborate hoax? If not, Tempe may be on the brink of rewriting two thousand years of history--if she can survive the foes dead set of buying her.
Excellent book written by Kathy Reichs, full of suspense, thrills, and especially chills. Will keep those pages turning until you come to the final one.
Excellent book written by Kathy Reichs, full of suspense, thrills, and especially chills. Will keep those pages turning until you come to the final one.
Her newest book.
Going back in time
What the author does with this series: Kathy Reichs started off slow but gets better and better. This is part of the series called the Tempe Brenner â Forensic Anthropologist. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. Tempe is a anthropologist who works for medical examiners in Montreal, Quebec and Charlotte North Caroline
Even though the books are often very detailed in both location and the examination of the remains, the story often moves faster than you expect.
Do you need to read this series in order: YES or you miss out on too much of the back stories.
Triggers: This is a book about medical examiners at its core, so lots of references to dead bodies, some are described in strong detail (in a forensic way).Our anthropologist ends up in some life threatening situations and on a couple of occasions in the series, animals are killed, sometimes gratuitously. Relatives of Tempe often in up wounded as the bad persons try to get to her through her family.
This book had a very different setting, which made it great.
An orthodox Jew is found shot dead in Montreal, the mutilated body is barely recognizable. Extreme heat has accelerated decomposition, and made it virtually impossible to determine the bullet trajectory. But just as forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan is attempting to make sense of the fracture patterning, a mysterious stranger slips her a photograph of a skeleton, assuring her it holds the key to the victim's death...The trail of clues leads all the way to the Holy Land where, together with detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe makes a startling discovery - but the further Tempe probes into the identity of the ancient skeleton, the more she seems to be putting herself in danger...
What the author does with this series: Kathy Reichs started off slow but gets better and better. This is part of the series called the Tempe Brenner â Forensic Anthropologist. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. Tempe is a anthropologist who works for medical examiners in Montreal, Quebec and Charlotte North Caroline
Even though the books are often very detailed in both location and the examination of the remains, the story often moves faster than you expect.
Do you need to read this series in order: YES or you miss out on too much of the back stories.
Triggers: This is a book about medical examiners at its core, so lots of references to dead bodies, some are described in strong detail (in a forensic way).Our anthropologist ends up in some life threatening situations and on a couple of occasions in the series, animals are killed, sometimes gratuitously. Relatives of Tempe often in up wounded as the bad persons try to get to her through her family.
This book had a very different setting, which made it great.
An orthodox Jew is found shot dead in Montreal, the mutilated body is barely recognizable. Extreme heat has accelerated decomposition, and made it virtually impossible to determine the bullet trajectory. But just as forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan is attempting to make sense of the fracture patterning, a mysterious stranger slips her a photograph of a skeleton, assuring her it holds the key to the victim's death...The trail of clues leads all the way to the Holy Land where, together with detective Andrew Ryan, Tempe makes a startling discovery - but the further Tempe probes into the identity of the ancient skeleton, the more she seems to be putting herself in danger...
excellent condition: never read.
