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hmgelo02's review
3.0
I've been reading Kathy Reich's books for about seven years now, ever since I discovered the first three or four in our library. Every year since then I've kept an eye out for the next book in her Temperance Brennan series, because I enjoy reading them so much. Although I'm a serial reader - once I begin a series I generally want to read every one in order, without reading anything else in between - I like that these books can each stand on their own. Although they incorporate many of the same characters and she makes references to previous cases in her subsequent books, one does not need knowledge of the previous books to get invested in each new one. I love when an author can do that for his/her readers.
This book seemed much more straightforward to me than most of her previous books. There was much more science and investigating, and far fewer personal details. A new reader to Reich's books might not understand that her working relationship with the lead male is far deeper and much more convoluted than she lets on in this book. A new reader might not understand her work situation, which is a combination of living and working between her homes in Charlotte, NC and Quebec. I'm not sure if her choice to pull back from these aspects of Tempe's life are in response to reader feedback (more science, less personal drama?) or because she had a specific agenda in writing this novel.
In the epilogue, Reichs quotes her characters' final statements in response to the situation detailed within this novel. Mainly, that being trained within one aspect of forensics does not make one an expert in all areas. Or (in my own words) that watching every episode of CSI, NCIS, and the other acronymed TV shows does not make one any more of a crime scene expert than the actors playing them. I very much felt that with the writing of this book, Reichs was trying to make a point to that end... and I think she succeeded.
But for me, this novel fell short of her other others. Though it took Tempe almost the entirety of the book to "realize" the situation at hand, I picked up on it and predicted its outcome very early on. I missed the deeper interaction between the characters I've gotten to know, and I missed feeling her inner turmoil along with her. Although I very much enjoyed reading this book, I hope that in future ones she'll return to the more deeply layered and multifaceted aspects of Tempe.
This book seemed much more straightforward to me than most of her previous books. There was much more science and investigating, and far fewer personal details. A new reader to Reich's books might not understand that her working relationship with the lead male is far deeper and much more convoluted than she lets on in this book. A new reader might not understand her work situation, which is a combination of living and working between her homes in Charlotte, NC and Quebec. I'm not sure if her choice to pull back from these aspects of Tempe's life are in response to reader feedback (more science, less personal drama?) or because she had a specific agenda in writing this novel.
In the epilogue, Reichs quotes her characters' final statements in response to the situation detailed within this novel. Mainly, that being trained within one aspect of forensics does not make one an expert in all areas. Or (in my own words) that watching every episode of CSI, NCIS, and the other acronymed TV shows does not make one any more of a crime scene expert than the actors playing them. I very much felt that with the writing of this book, Reichs was trying to make a point to that end... and I think she succeeded.
But for me, this novel fell short of her other others. Though it took Tempe almost the entirety of the book to "realize" the situation at hand, I picked up on it and predicted its outcome very early on. I missed the deeper interaction between the characters I've gotten to know, and I missed feeling her inner turmoil along with her. Although I very much enjoyed reading this book, I hope that in future ones she'll return to the more deeply layered and multifaceted aspects of Tempe.
patchworkbunny's review against another edition
3.0
A bit predictable, I'm sure someone has tried to sabotage Tempe's career a few times already. It didn't feel over simplified like the last book did but the series is starting to lose its sparkle.
mollyctoone's review
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
eyleen's review
2.0
This was my first go at a Kathy Reichs book and I'm admitting defeat after only two days of reading.
I wanted to read an exciting story and instead got lectured on everything that the main characters ever passed by, even a VERY detailed description of the Chicago transportation system was included. I couldn't care less!
Sorry Kathy, we won't be friends...
I wanted to read an exciting story and instead got lectured on everything that the main characters ever passed by, even a VERY detailed description of the Chicago transportation system was included. I couldn't care less!
Sorry Kathy, we won't be friends...
ameserole's review
4.0
Pretty good audio.
206 Bones is just another book in the Temperance Brennan series where she finds herself in trouble. It's pretty consistent so I just knew before diving in that something crazy was going to happen. Just like in the TV show, Bones, Tempe is kidnapped. She's in danger and doesn't really know where she is until the end of the book. Of course, she's betrayed by someone that was working with - which a good twist.
I liked this book because I wasn't really dealing with Ryan being a dumb guy. Or their relationship going through something stupid. I mean, he still was a jerk in some ways when he was drinking.. but people usually are.
The case that Tempe was working on was pretty interesting but I will admit.. I did, at one point, lose interest. Not because I was bored with the book.. but I just kind of ended up daydreaming about something else lol. Or my dog would just be annoying and want my love.
Overall, I enjoyed the audio and I can't wait to dive into the next one. I'm hoping that Brennan will change her ways and not be so easily to catch.. but eh, I'm not that hopeful either.
206 Bones is just another book in the Temperance Brennan series where she finds herself in trouble. It's pretty consistent so I just knew before diving in that something crazy was going to happen. Just like in the TV show, Bones, Tempe is kidnapped. She's in danger and doesn't really know where she is until the end of the book. Of course, she's betrayed by someone that was working with - which a good twist.
I liked this book because I wasn't really dealing with Ryan being a dumb guy. Or their relationship going through something stupid. I mean, he still was a jerk in some ways when he was drinking.. but people usually are.
The case that Tempe was working on was pretty interesting but I will admit.. I did, at one point, lose interest. Not because I was bored with the book.. but I just kind of ended up daydreaming about something else lol. Or my dog would just be annoying and want my love.
Overall, I enjoyed the audio and I can't wait to dive into the next one. I'm hoping that Brennan will change her ways and not be so easily to catch.. but eh, I'm not that hopeful either.
travmanrn's review against another edition
4.0
I love bones and i loved this book. Def want to read more by her.
krobart's review
3.0
I find the Tempe Brennan books that take place in Montreal more interesting than those in Charlotte for some reason, perhaps because they seem more atmospheric. The Tempe Brennan series is the very lightest of mystery reading, but the books are rapidly turning into action novels rather than the interesting explorations in forensics that they started out to be.
See my complete review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/206-bones/
See my complete review here:
http://whatmeread.wordpress.com/tag/206-bones/
eveak's review
2.0
I really like Kathy Reichs and I'm glad I hung in there for the whole book but I didn't really get hooked ... I'm not sure why I didn't and what was missing. The story never really engaged me and while I understood her frustrations it seemed just a bit scattered vs what I've come to expect from her. I do understand and appreciate the point that seemed to have been guiding the story line (and that is explained at the end) but getting there was a bit rough to me. I finished the book and am glad I did but it took a bit more determination and work than it usual.
heatherg213's review
3.0
I love me some David Boreanaz. Way before there was Team Edward, there was Angel, the tortured vampire with a soul from Buffy the Vampire Slayer. What does David Boreanaz have to do with a Kathy Reichs novel, you ask? Nothing-except that he now plays a characters on Bones, a television show VERY loosely based on Kathy Reichs character Temperance Brennan. I give you this background on DB as an explanation for my love of said show, despite the fact that the only things that the show and Kathy Reich's actual books have in common is the name of the main character and her profession. If you want the REAL Temperance Brennan, you have to read the books.
Like her latest book, 206 Bones. There's a lot going on in this one, even though it is one of her shorter books. There is a sabotage plot, a serial murderer, and a 40 year old missing person's case. The best part-Andrew Ryan, the hot Quebecois police officer, is back. He's done with the mother of the child he just found about about, and he is ready to get back to business with Tempe. Question is, is she ready for him? (I for one am rooting for them to get back together-hot guys that speak French are quite a catch!)
As usual, the story is fast paced, and there is lots of really interesting forensic anthropological goodness. The title of the book, of course, refers to the number of bones in the human body. One thing of interest for Chicago-dwellers is that the setting for the first part of the book is Elmhurst. Tempe, who's originally from Illinois, comes back to visit her former in-laws, and while here she gets sucked into a missing persons case. I so enjoyed reading that part of the book-the body is found at the Thornton Quarry, just below the bridge that take Interstates 294 and 80 over the large hole in the ground where my daughter thought the Flintstones lived when she was little. This is, oh, about five minutes from my house. I drive over that bridge so often it doesn't even trigger my bridge phobia. Every step of their time in Chicago was recognizable to me...I love it when an author takes the time to get the details right.
I have to admit, I've felt let down by the last couple Reichs books. It seemed like she was phoning it in, and I thought that maybe concentrating on the show was taking away from her writing. But this book gives me hope that we are going to get out of the doldrums and get back to the fascinating exploration of forensic anthropology that is a Temperance Brennan novel.
Like her latest book, 206 Bones. There's a lot going on in this one, even though it is one of her shorter books. There is a sabotage plot, a serial murderer, and a 40 year old missing person's case. The best part-Andrew Ryan, the hot Quebecois police officer, is back. He's done with the mother of the child he just found about about, and he is ready to get back to business with Tempe. Question is, is she ready for him? (I for one am rooting for them to get back together-hot guys that speak French are quite a catch!)
As usual, the story is fast paced, and there is lots of really interesting forensic anthropological goodness. The title of the book, of course, refers to the number of bones in the human body. One thing of interest for Chicago-dwellers is that the setting for the first part of the book is Elmhurst. Tempe, who's originally from Illinois, comes back to visit her former in-laws, and while here she gets sucked into a missing persons case. I so enjoyed reading that part of the book-the body is found at the Thornton Quarry, just below the bridge that take Interstates 294 and 80 over the large hole in the ground where my daughter thought the Flintstones lived when she was little. This is, oh, about five minutes from my house. I drive over that bridge so often it doesn't even trigger my bridge phobia. Every step of their time in Chicago was recognizable to me...I love it when an author takes the time to get the details right.
I have to admit, I've felt let down by the last couple Reichs books. It seemed like she was phoning it in, and I thought that maybe concentrating on the show was taking away from her writing. But this book gives me hope that we are going to get out of the doldrums and get back to the fascinating exploration of forensic anthropology that is a Temperance Brennan novel.