Our intrepid hero, Temperance Brennan is called in to examine two bodies found in a medical waste container in South Carolina, and discovers a link to a cold case in Montreal from 15 years ago. While working with Ryan in Montreal and in South Carolina with Detective Vislosky, Brennan faces down enemies on both sides of the border while South Carolina is combatting a deadly virus.

I have read all of the Temperance Brennan series, from book one to now. I feel like something has changed, but I can't pin point what. This book was an improvement from the last trip out with Tempe - thankfully our regular cast of characters like Birdie and Ryan are back while the slightly more abrasive/irritating characters of Mama and Sliddell are off on their own adventures.

I liked the concept of this case. The matching waste containers, the cases being linked between South Carolina and Montreal and the way Tempe consistently oversteps her role as a forensic anthropologist harken back to some of the earlier novels. But, the comparison stops there for me. The older books were full of Tempe and Ryan solving cases, going on wild capers and were full of action and suspense. The last few books seem to have lost that mojo and drive forward. This book was no exception. While miles better than the last book (I couldn't summarize that book beyond the horrific CSA link because it was less than memorable), there are still missteps here. The back fourth of the book gets really, really bogged down in the science. While I appreciate Reichs explaining it so a lay person could understand (ish), it was still just so much science that it pulled me out of the story. Not only was it a ton of science, it was a ton of science that is borderline unbelievable so that made it even harder to follow. The biggest thing that pulled me out of this story, were two mentions fairly early in the book. The first was when Tempe mentions she's reading the latest Karin Slaughter book . Slaughter is my favorite author in this genre, so it was jarring but that may be an "only me" thing. The other was when Anne is watching Bones. I may be misremembering but I didn't think the series was a "thing" in the book series. Regardless of if it is or not, it was an odd choice to make.

While I find most all books in the Brennen series enjoyable, the above mentioned issues did keep me from rating the book higher. It is still a good summer read, one that would be great to take to the pool or the beach.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Simon & Schuster, for allowing me access to the Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.

Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan is called to examine a body that washed up in a storm, and makes a connection to a cold case from 15 years earlier. This book reveals how vulnerable our society could be to diseases caused b y genetic manipulations.

Another in the "Bones" series by Kathy Reichs (the 20th). I have never watched the television series. I tried it once for a few minutes, but the actress just didn't fit my "picture" of Tempe Brennan, so I was turned off to it......Anyway, my thoughts....

Reading another Kathy Reichs Temperance Brennan “Bones” novels is like visiting with an old friend. A very intelligent friend who is sometimes not so smart when placing herself in dangerous situations. I always gleam some new information from her novels, whether it be in the area of forensic anthropology or, in this book, genetics

It’s difficult to put down one of Ms. Reichs' novels as her foreshadowing of events at the ends of chapters keeps the intrigue going and prods the reader to go on for “just one more chapter"

I enjoy Reichs’ writing. She has a clever way with words and a good sense of humor comes through. While this can be read as a standalone, I think you will not enjoy it as much without knowing backstories and histories that have been developed in past novels. Can’t wait for #21!

Better than previous book in the series. Okay story line. But I read to escape reality, and the nod to Covid and vaccines here were just annoying. Too much too soon. I found it wearing. And the romance between Ryan and Brennan was too "cute " in this one, almost forced or gratuitous.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Another excellent entry in the Temperance Brennan series. Tempe and Birdie go on several trips to solve two cases, fifteen years apart, but intrinsically linked.

Excellent addition to the Temperance Brennan series. A return to the formula of earlier books with a gripping mystery, plenty of plots twists, and the weaving together of different story lines to a final and satisfying conclusion.

The occasional reference to Covid-19 in the past tense felt a bit presumptive, as several places around the U.S. (and the world) are still dealing with the impact. However, by the time the book is published and available for mass-consumption, it might be more appropriate. Plus, this will allow the book to "age well" over time. In addition, the fact that the plot deals specifically with mRNA vaccines (though not Covid-related) and describes the science behind them in an easily-digestible format makes the book very relevant to current events.

Oh, and I hope we get to see more of Vislosky in future installments. She is The Best.

It was described as being “An absorbing look at the sinister uses to which genetics can be put, and featuring a cascade of ever-more-shocking revelations, The Bone Code is Temperance Brennan’s most relevant case yet - one that gives new meaning to today’s headlines” and I agree with that however it also feeds on our future fears of DNA experimentation and inoculated humans of all ages. What if every needle used in vaccine inoculation was then added to the database of drug manufacturing.

Although plot lines are stretched so far one’s imagination does not fully process all the connections. Temperance makes sure plot lines are recycled to remain relevant in the story. All the little cliff hangers at end of chapters are charming, keeping the reader alerted and turning pages. I highly recommend this book. #20 is a must read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, SIMON & SCHUSTER, for this Advanced Reader Copy and the opportunity to read and review “ Bone Code ” written by Kathy Reichs.

This is the first Kathy Reichs book I've read, and it was great. Much better than the TV show, tho I was a fan of that, too! Tempe is a wonderful character, good at translating medical jargon into layman's terms for us. Now I have to go back and read all the other books! Good problem to have.

This book is amazing! I am going to have to read more by this author. I love how she goes into very specific science, but manages to explain it in a way that makes it understandable for people who have no instinctive scientific skills. I also picked up a few French words along the way. On top of all that, the plot is interesting and I couldn't wait to see how it ended.

The story line grabs you from the beginning and keeps you in suspense. Was great to read about the past characters but at times it did get a little difficult to want to keep going. The author may want to add a little more flare and spark to help keep readers wanting more

I've sporadically read this series, though I was an avid fan of the "Bones" TV show.

This book is set in a post-Covid-19 world, and some of the tie-ins with headlines was interesting, though I'm not at a point where I want this issue to be in the books I'm reading for escape. It was just too much too soon, so I wanted to point that out for other potential readers.

This installment wasn't quite as riveting as some of the others in the series, and it took much longer for the pace to pick up and pull me in than expected. There are a lot of scientific explanations, which could lose some readers who are unfamiliar with this series. However, fans of the prior books will likely enjoy this one, as well.

I've read several books by this author and have always enjoyed everything I've read, so I was looking forward to reading this book. I must say it didn't disappoint. This book was easy to read and fast paced and kept me wanting to read more. I highly recommend this book.

Best bones book in a while! In this one Dr. Brennan connects an unsolved case from the past with a current case with explosive results. When she and Ryan are run down one night and Ryan barely makes it out alive, they must figure out quickly why so they can stop a killer who's been on the run from the law for years. The tension ramps up with explosions literal and figurative when evil plots are exposed. Overall definitely worth a read. I'd say this is Reichs best effort in years and I hope it's indicative of what's yet to come!

A huge thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Tempe is faced with a case that is very familiar to her. The details match a case she had years ago, a case that was never solved. Tempe has never been satisfied with the way the older case ended, no resolution. Now she has a case almost identical, the first case was in Quebec, now she is in South Carolina with 2 more victims. How can the cases be related? This book wasn’t the best in the series but it also wasn’t the worst. I had trouble getting invested in learning where the book was going. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Kathy Reichs’ The Bone Code, set in a post-covid world, follows forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan as she is called in to examine the bones of two bodies found in a medical waste container. But this isn’t just any case; it brings up memories of another almost identical case that went cold fifteen years ago. While Tempe works to uncover the link to the two cases, a major outbreak of capnocytophaga, which spreads from pets and can cause death in humans, is causing panic.

Overall, I enjoyed this book. Having never read a Temperance Brennan novel, I enjoyed getting to know the characters. Reichs does a good job of brushing the reader up on Tempe and the others so that I never felt like I was missing too much. Although I’m sure had I read the other novels, I would have a better insight into these recurring characters’ personalities and lives. I found the science around vaccines, molecular genetics, and genome editing fascinating. One thing that slowed the reading down for me was the descriptions of the geographical locations. While some were important for the story, some just felt tedious. Overall, I think this was a wonderful crime mystery.

"#1 New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs returns with her twentieth gripping novel featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, whose examinations, fifteen years apart, of unidentified bodies ignite a terrifying series of events.

On the way to hurricane-ravaged Isle of Palms, a barrier island off the South Carolina coast, Tempe receives a call from the Charleston coroner. The storm has tossed ashore a medical waste container. Inside are two decomposed bodies wrapped in plastic sheeting and bound with electrical wire. Tempe recognizes many of the details as identical to those of an unsolved case she handled in Quebec years earlier. With a growing sense of foreboding, she travels to Montreal to gather evidence.

Meanwhile, health authorities in South Carolina become increasingly alarmed as a human flesh-eating contagion spreads. So focused is Tempe on identifying the container victims that, initially, she doesn’t register how their murders and the pestilence may be related. But she does recognize one unsettling fact. Someone is protecting a dark secret - and willing to do anything to keep it hidden.

An absorbing look at the sinister uses to which genetics can be put, and featuring a cascade of ever-more-shocking revelations, The Bone Code is Temperance Brennan’s most astonishing case yet - one that gives new meaning to today’s headlines."

I'm glad we live in a world where there is always more Bones.

Excellent addition to the series whether you have read the others or not. Intriguing mystery that allows readers to learn about gene technology along with Dr. Brennan. The information about mRNA was especially timely because of Covid-19. Characters are always nice to visit.

Once again we get a complex but engrossing mystery that combines whodunnit with some really cool science. Tempe continues to be a scrappy, fun, and likable heroine, and in THE BONE CODE we find her tackling issues involving genealogy, infectious disease, and genetics. I found the mystery engaging and interesting, and while sometimes I was a bit concerned about things treading towards 'harder' sciences that I'm used to, Reichs mostly breaks it down into terms and descriptions/concepts that a non-science mind like me can handle. Also strangely topical, given that there are many themes in here that have to do with mRNA vaccine technology, which felt timely and sometimes a little too real. And maybe some of the reveals and plot points involving wrongdoing for profit is a bit poorly timed, given that we are trying to vaccinate our population right now and there are already enough people who are too suspicious to get their shots.... Do I think this book would have an effect on this? Probably not. But it didn't really sit well....

I enjoyed this new Tempe Brennan adventure! It wasn't as strong as the previous one, but there was still a lot to like about it.

This is the first book that I have read by Kathy Reichs and it won't be the last. The Bone Code is not only a good thriller, but an interesting one as well. I was impressed how Reichs managed to tie everything together to show a common theme among the cases in the book. No threads are left untied which is a refreshing change with every thriller these days ending with a cliffhanger.

Being a fan of Bones the show, I am surprised that none of these books have found their way into my TBR queue before now. The book is a good read, plenty of whodunnit, procedural type anthropology mystery stuffs that if you are a reader who likes the show, you will like the book. The two (somewhat minor) things that began to drive me crazy before the end was the liberal sprinkling of French phrases immediately followed by their English translations (the books take place partly in Montreal). It just takes up extra time, does nothing to further the plot, and it got repetitive to read the same phrases twice. The second thing is that every chapter ends with a “commercial break” type cliffhanger. *She gets a phone call* “Little did she know that it would change the entire course of her day.” Insert commercial break. Almost every chapter. And at first, I felt very “I must read fast NOW!!! Tell me what has her shaken!” By the end, I was just “Oh look, another foreshadowing plot teaser, dun dun duuuuun.” *Sigh*

Overall, still a very good read, and I think I will go back and try read some of her older stuff to see how it compares.

I received an ARC but my opinions are all mine.