" Bare Bones", by Kathy Reichs

Temperance Brennan book 6

The story begins with Tempe and Andrew Ryan looking forward to spending a romantic vacation together away from the pressure of their professions. But once again their romantic interlude is scuttled when their expertise is required.

At the scene of a small plane crash, Tempe is needed to investigate and identify the remains. While buried up to her neck in dead bodies, other cases are sent her way in the form of sub-plots: one is the charred body of a new born and the other is a foul discovery by her hyperactive dog Boyd. Naturally, Tempe pursues various leads and puts her life on the line to find the truth.

The story in general is quite witty and offers many complicated facets. Some may feel keeping track of the many suspects and victims of the numerous cases taxing. Nevertheless the author skilfully brings everything together, with a narrative that is rich in medical details and a style of writing that is snappy, shrewd and humorous.

Ms Reichs has given us another novel with just the right blend of action, suspense, grisly descriptions and romance.