Reviews

Swamp Bones by Kathy Reichs

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Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan returns in a chilling eBook original novella from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs. In the prequel to Reichs’s upcoming thriller Bones Never Lie, Tempe takes a much-needed vacation—but murder follows wherever she goes.

Although a trip to Florida is supposed to be about rest and relaxation, there’s no such thing as a day off for Dr. Temperance Brennan. She has come to visit her friend, a dedicated ornithologist who’s researching the threat that intrusive Burmese pythons pose to indigenous bird species in the Everglades. While sorting through the stomach of an eighteen-foot specimen, they make a disturbing discovery: bones that are unmistakably human. And when Tempe spots the telltale signs of murder by a very different kind of predator, she’s drawn into a case with its roots in the darkest depths of the swamp.

I'm a huge fan of Kathy Reichs and love her books, so it's no surprise that I've awarded this such a high score. The writing is clear and concise, the supporting characters interesting and full-bodied, and Tempe her usual headstrong, feisty self.

I really like the setting of Swamp Bones; Tempe off on vacation, only to get caught up in a murder case. That this would happen is quite predictable, but somehow that doesn't matter. Reichs engaging writing drags you in, pulling you alongside Tempe for the ride.

I think this novella would be an ideal starting point for anyone new to reading Reichs; it's the prequel to the novel Bones Never Lie, so whets the appetite for things to come. This novella is such easy reading because it is so well written. It's Reichs at her enthralling best, giving you no option but to read 'just one more chapter' before getting totally engrossed and finishing the whole thing! Don't say I didn't warn you!

angie_stl's review

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4.0

This novella was slightly below average for a Tempe Brennan book, but that still means a solid 4 1/2 stars. Dr Reichs always keeps the mystery going pretty well in her books, but I have to say I figured this one out a whole 2 chapters before Tempe. That's a new record for me! I enjoyed all the info on the pythons in Florida, though I'd heard of them being there, I had no idea the problem was so bad. It's definitely a reminder to never introduce a new, wildly adaptive, species in to nature. Don't dump your piranhas in a lake because they got to big for your tank, or dump a dog out on a country road just because he got bigger or was more hyper than you expected. It never works out well for anyone, most especially the animals.

dgignac's review against another edition

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4.0

I’m usually not a huge fan of novellas, but this one works. It was just the right length for the story/case. I learned a little bit more about snakes than I would have liked... but otherwise all good.