It's the second-to-last day of archaeological field school. Dr Temperance Brennan's students are working on a site of prehistoric graves on Dewees, a barrier island north of Charleston, South Carolina, when a decomposing body is uncovered in a shallow grave off a lonely beach...The skeleton is articulated, the bone fresh and the vertebrae still connected by soft-tissue; the remains are encased in rotted fabric and topped by wisps of pale, blond hair - a recent burial, and a case Tempe must take. Dental remains and skeletal gender and race indicators suggest that the deceased is a middle-aged white male - but who was he? Why was he buried in a clandestine grave? And what does the unusual vertical hairline fracture of the sixth cervical vertebrae signify? While Tempe is trying to piece together the evidence, her personal life is thrown into turmoil. When a bullet - intended, perhaps, for her - puts Tempe's estranged husband Pete in hospital, her unexpectedly emotional response complicates her on-off relationship with Detective Andrew Ryan...But before long, another body is discovered - and Tempe finds herself drawn deeper into a shocking and chilling investigation, set to challenge her entire view of humanity. ..
Break No Bones
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Amazon Review
It must be harder and harder for Kathy Reichs to keep each new novel as forceful and dramatic as the one before--not that delicate effects (which are not Reichs’ thing!) are particularly easy, but there is a danger in a certain fatigue setting in for the reader when an author puts them so comprehensively through the ringer with each novel as Reichs does. Break No Bones is proof positive that the author still knows how to cannily ring the changes on theme of her earlier work--this one is every bit as unsettling as Bare Bones or Grave Secrets, but the path Reichs takes to our pulse rate is somewhat different.
Dr Temperance Brennan is working with her students at an archaeological field school on an Island near Charleston , South Carolina. A decomposing corpse is discovered in a shallow grave, showing evidence (connected vertebra, etc.,) that the body has not been dead for long. While engaged in this mystery, Tempe’s own life encounters real havoc when a bullet, possibly meant for her, hospitalises her estranged husband Peter; and her new relationship with Detective Andrew Ryan is in trouble. But, as so often before, cracking a mystery may cost her her life.
All of this is handled with the assurance that we have come to expect from Reichs, but there are new things here: Reichs' sense of structure has always been strongly linear, but the extra looseness of the narrative pays dividends in disorienting the reader. Set pieces, too, are more integrated, though with all the usual capacity to raise hairs on the back of the neck. When so many authors are repeating themselves to ever-diminishing effect, it’s good to see Reichs is clearly not content to rest on her laurels.
--Barry Forshaw
Review
"You'll want to keep turning the pages long after lights out to find out what happens next . Reichs' real-life expertise gives her novels an authenticity that most other crime novelists would kill for " (Daily Express )
"Reichs' seamless blending of fascinating science and dead-on psychological portrayals, not to mention a whirlwind of a plot, make Break No Bones a must read" (Jeffery Deaver )
"With Kathy Reichs the reader knows they're in the hands of an expert" (Sunday Express )
"Brennan is a winner, and so is Reichs" (Daily News )
"A truly impressive writer" (We Love This Book ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
"Reichs' seamless blending of fascinating science and dead-on psychological portrayals, not to mention a whirlwind of a plot, make Break No Bones a must read" (Jeffery Deaver )
"With Kathy Reichs the reader knows they're in the hands of an expert" (Sunday Express )
"Brennan is a winner, and so is Reichs" (Daily News )
"A truly impressive writer" (We Love This Book ) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Once you get behind the strongly American version of English and the Reichs style of short-sentenced rhetoric, there is a good story lurking in this book.
Normally, I can understand those small differences between English English and American English, but there were just too many times, whilst reading this book, that I just had no idea what was meant!
The narrative is also littered with three-letter acronyms, some explained, some not; and unfamiliar words that don't appear in my version of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Eventually, I became lazy, giving up on trying to reference these words and approximating my understanding based on the context.
The story is based on the interesting similarities between the injuries sustained at the moments of death of a couple of corpses found in Southern California and is littered with descriptions of the incompetent and arrogant people that Dr Temperence Brennan encounters during her investigations.
I almost gave up half way through, but I am unable to leave anything in my life unfinished. I'm happy that I didn't submit to that temptation, as the ending makes it all worthwhile, and the language does mellow a little in the last few chapters.
I would have been happier if somebody had recommended that I await the English translation before embarking on this read, and that is exactly what I would recommend to any prospective British readers.
However, don't take my word for it. Walk into a bookshop, pick up a copy, open it anywhere and read two or three pages. If you can go with the language and style, buy it because you are sure to enjoy the story. Otherwise, replace it on the shelf in the hope that it will be re-published in your own native tongue someday soon.
Normally, I can understand those small differences between English English and American English, but there were just too many times, whilst reading this book, that I just had no idea what was meant!
The narrative is also littered with three-letter acronyms, some explained, some not; and unfamiliar words that don't appear in my version of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Eventually, I became lazy, giving up on trying to reference these words and approximating my understanding based on the context.
The story is based on the interesting similarities between the injuries sustained at the moments of death of a couple of corpses found in Southern California and is littered with descriptions of the incompetent and arrogant people that Dr Temperence Brennan encounters during her investigations.
I almost gave up half way through, but I am unable to leave anything in my life unfinished. I'm happy that I didn't submit to that temptation, as the ending makes it all worthwhile, and the language does mellow a little in the last few chapters.
I would have been happier if somebody had recommended that I await the English translation before embarking on this read, and that is exactly what I would recommend to any prospective British readers.
However, don't take my word for it. Walk into a bookshop, pick up a copy, open it anywhere and read two or three pages. If you can go with the language and style, buy it because you are sure to enjoy the story. Otherwise, replace it on the shelf in the hope that it will be re-published in your own native tongue someday soon.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have loved every Kathy Reichs book that I have read. With this book it has taken me a lot lot longer than normal to read, Kathy seems to have slowed the pace in this book and hence the constant heart rate whilst reading has slowed (any Kathy fan will know what I mean) I have really struggled to stay with the plot and at times had to force myself to read on but I await the next thrilling book and hope for a little more pace in the next one.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
By Stacey Woods
Format:Hardcover
I've read all of Kathy Reich's books, and was very disappointed by Cross Bones, Temperance Brennan's last outing. So I was thrilled to see that Break No Bones had really returned to the form which I have come to expect from Reichs. The story is well thought out and has some surprising elements by the end, the writing is slick, with snappy dialogue and Temperance Brennan's life has gotten no less complicated over the past year. Unfortunately for me, I've now read the book and will have to wait a year til the next one - I feel a revisit of the book shelf is in order!
The premise of this story is that Brennan unearths a body that shouldn't be there during an archaeology field school, tied in with this is the discovery of another body and the investigation of a Church-run free clinic by Brennan's estranged husband. Not only does Brennan have difficulties living in the same house with Pete (said estranged husband), but she also has to deal with her relationship with a jealous Mountie - your favourite and mine, Andrew Ryan. The only criticism I have of this novel is the ambiguity of the ending, there is no real closure with this book, but then I guess that's why I'm excited about the next one!
The premise of this story is that Brennan unearths a body that shouldn't be there during an archaeology field school, tied in with this is the discovery of another body and the investigation of a Church-run free clinic by Brennan's estranged husband. Not only does Brennan have difficulties living in the same house with Pete (said estranged husband), but she also has to deal with her relationship with a jealous Mountie - your favourite and mine, Andrew Ryan. The only criticism I have of this novel is the ambiguity of the ending, there is no real closure with this book, but then I guess that's why I'm excited about the next one!
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Jane Doe
Format:Hardcover
After Cross Bones, I didn't automatically buy Break No Bones. I actually read the blurb on the jacket first! This is something I've never done before with Kathy Reichs' books. I needn't have worried, however, because this is Reichs at her best, if not THE best. BUY IT - don't let Cross Bones put you off.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By K-G
Format:Hardcover
Oh much, much better! I'm so happy. Following on from Cross Bones, I was worried Kathy Reichs had gone off track slightly but she is back to her best with her latest offering - Break No Bones.
A lot more focus on the personal life of Tempe this time round (no bad thing) as both Pete and Ryan get envolved in her case. Slight shame that I came to the conclusion before Tempe did but it didn't really detract from what is basically a good story.
At the back there is a note from KR saying the TV show Bones is from an earlier time in Tempe's life. Whilst nice to mention the show, its a shame she didnt just explain - as I feel - that the Tempe on the show is not the same person as the Tempe in the books (otherwise she would have Katy and be married to Pete at that point). Small point but...
Looking forward to the next one again now. Well done.
A lot more focus on the personal life of Tempe this time round (no bad thing) as both Pete and Ryan get envolved in her case. Slight shame that I came to the conclusion before Tempe did but it didn't really detract from what is basically a good story.
At the back there is a note from KR saying the TV show Bones is from an earlier time in Tempe's life. Whilst nice to mention the show, its a shame she didnt just explain - as I feel - that the Tempe on the show is not the same person as the Tempe in the books (otherwise she would have Katy and be married to Pete at that point). Small point but...
Looking forward to the next one again now. Well done.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By C. Wilcox
Format:Hardcover
I'm sorry, I just can't agree with the other reviews. I've read every one of Kathy's 'Tempe Brennan' series and found Break No Bones the weakest by far. Although it went into more depth about Tempe's personal relationships, did she love Ryan?, did she still love Pete? etc, etc, the storyline lacked a certain 'meatiness' that was in every other book. Little very exciting happened at all until I'd read most of the book and then I found it very much an anti-climax and the ending was very much as you expected. Sorry Kathy, but you've written much better - but don't stop now!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bones
Being a big fan of Bones the TV series it was only a matter of time before I turned to Kathy Reichs books and I'm so glad I did. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Val
5.0 out of 5 stars
Break No Bones
Best on of Kathy Reich's books I've read so far. Getting better with every one. Roll on the next one.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. Jillian Malcolmson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not like Cornwall
A very good read kept you on the edge right to the end.
Reich's uses her knowledge of past cases that she has been involved in at times for me she goes into to much detail... Read more
Reich's uses her knowledge of past cases that she has been involved in at times for me she goes into to much detail... Read more
Published 5 months ago by D & D
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good read
Good read. As all hers are. Started it on the plane ride on holiday , passed 9 hours very well .
Published 5 months ago by ch
4.0 out of 5 stars
Kathy Reichs always good
Like her characters, interesting plot that keeps you guessing, a good light read that I find easy to pick up
Published 6 months ago by Emma
5.0 out of 5 stars
Break no bones
If your a Kathy Reichs fan, then this will not dis-appoint.Tempe at her best yet again.
I cant go on holiday now without Kathy,it wouldnt be the same. Read more
I cant go on holiday now without Kathy,it wouldnt be the same. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Rivashaun
4.0 out of 5 stars
Break no Bones
As all ways Temperance Brennan showed her resilience and forethought as the challenging quests are placed upon her.the book is hard to put down even for a cup of tea.
Published 10 months ago by Spike Spears
5.0 out of 5 stars
Break no Bones
Great storyline. The anticipation throughout the book is really good. The story keeps you on your toes waiting for the next bit of excitement. Couldn't put it down. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Mrs. Pa Gillies
2.0 out of 5 stars
not my style
thought iw ould like these books as I like it on TV but do not like the style of writing
Published on 12 Jun 2011 by Shooting Star
4.0 out of 5 stars
Slow start but then couldn't put it down
I enjoy Kathy Reichs books and while avoiding my third attempt at Don Quixote I got distracted by this book. Read more
Published on 16 April 2011 by Holiday Maker
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