REVIEWS+

Spider Bones

by Kathy Reichs
Scribner. Aug. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-1-4391-0239-8. $26.99. F
COPY ISBN
In this tepid series entry (after 206 Bones), forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan finds herself immersed in a bizarre case of mistaken identity. A body is pulled from a small pond near Montreal, the victim of an underwater autoerotic experiment gone awry. Even more troubling is the man's identity: John Charles Lowery was supposed to have died in 1968 after a fiery helicopter crash in Vietnam. But if this man is Lowery, who was buried in his place four decades ago? This latest puzzle will lead Temperance to the Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii, where her persistent questions will place her life, and those she loves, in mortal danger.
VERDICT Despite the lush tropical setting and fascinating premise, this title is too convoluted and contrived to be truly enjoyable. And the once sizzling chemistry between Temperance and Det. Andrew Ryan has vanished, replaced by a tiresome, wisecracking repartee. For extremely loyal Reichs fans only; others new to the series may want to search out her superior earlier titles instead. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 3/1/10.]
Reviewed by Makiia Lucier, Moscow, ID , Jul 01, 2010
Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?