Review of Evil Bones (Temperance Brennan, #24)
From the moment I cracked open Evil Bones, the latest installment in Kathy Reichs’ beloved Temperance Brennan series, I was brimming with excitement. After all, who doesn’t love diving into a new mystery with a familiar face? Temperance has been my go-to gal in the realm of forensic thrillers, and I was eager to see what dark secrets lay hidden in Charlotte this time. However, as the plot unfolded, I found myself reflecting on that age-old dilemma: sometimes comfort can come with a side of disappointment.
In this chapter, Tempe finds herself amidst a strange string of incidents involving small dead animals—yes, you read that right. From unsuspecting rats to a poor pooch, Charlotte becomes a grotesque canvas for a shadowy figure. When the macabre art escalates, so does Tempe’s involvement, leading her to team up with Skinny Slidell, a detective whose charm is as potent as a fish market’s aroma (and that’s saying something). While the eerie setting offers tantalizing chills, the real thrill fizzles as the narrative meanders like a lost tourist, accumulating red herrings that don’t quite keep the momentum alive.
While Reichs is often praised for her forensic expertise, I felt this time the scientific discoveries took a backseat, trading the pulse-pounding dissection of human remains for half-hearted autopsies of critters. I missed the gripping edge of the forensic details, which usually leave me captivated and craving more. Instead, I found myself frustrated by Tempe’s almost reckless behavior. Yes, we adore her for her tenacity and smarts, but at times, she felt more like a hapless wanderer than the sharp-witted forensic anthropologist I’ve come to love.
The inclusion of Tempe’s great-niece, Ruthie, was a mixed bag; although there’s an attempt to build character depth, I found Ruthie’s teenage rebellion rolled out like a predictable trope from a lesser teen drama. On the flip side, there were sweet moments with Tempe’s daughter, Katy, that offered glimpses of warmth and connection amidst the chaos.
The pacing felt uneven, with the climax arriving faster than my afternoon coffee could kick in. Just when I thought we were gearing up for a showdown, the denouement zipped by, leaving a trail of loose plot threads that felt like they desperately needed more attention. The big reveal was underwhelming, giving off more of an “is that it?” vibe rather than the climactic twist I was hoping for.
However, even with its faults, Evil Bones isn’t without charm. Kathy Reichs has a knack for creating tension, and there were highlights that kept me engaged, including Tempe’s persistent sleuthing and glimpses of her resilience. Ultimately, this book feels like that comfort meal you crave but realize is missing a certain spice. There are twists that keep the pages turning, but the overall punch didn’t quite land.
In conclusion, I’d recommend Evil Bones to devoted fans of the Temperance Brennan series who are keen to stay updated on the gang. However, if you’re new to this world of forensic intrigue, you might want to start with an earlier installment that sparkles a bit more brightly. I’m landing on a solid 3.5 stars here. Will I keep reading? Absolutely. But I’m left wishing for more Ryan, a little less of the “fishing uncle” vibe from Slidell, and a Tempe that remembers her past experiences in survival!
Whodunit Award: For Making Me Suspicious of Every Single Squirrel in Charlotte.
A big thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for providing the ARC. It’s a worthwhile read, even if it’s not the wild ride I was hoping for!
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