A good installment in this series. I can’t say I was surprised by the bad guy, but it was still an enjoyable ride.

Cold, Cold Bones by Kathy Reich is my first time reading one of the books in the series that crafted the “Bones” television show. Even though “Bones” is no longer a current television program, it remains one of my favorite shows and the book did not disappoint this Temperance Brennan (Bones) fan!

Cold, Cold, Bones is easily a stand-alone book for being #21 in the Temperance Brennan series. There are adequate references to prior history of the characters that make it effortless for “new-to-series” readers to understand their connections.

Temperance “Tempe” Brennan is a forensic anthropologist, divorced, and mother of an adult daughter, Katy. This story has Katy settling in North Carolina after her honorable discharge from the Army and Tempe trying to balance her work and her worry over Katy’s apparent PTSD. As the mother of a Marine Corps veteran, I appreciated the overlay of some of the issues our military members and their families face while enlisted and during their transition to civilian life.

Tempe has handled many cases throughout her career but when a box containing an eyeball is left on her porch, she soon discovers that cases from her past are being reenacted. With no choice but to pursue the person responsible for these grisly actions, Tempe learns that it is someone with something very personal against her.

Tempe’s dry sense of humor and wit provide a lighter note at times without taking anything away from the suspense of the storyline. I look forward to the installment of the Temperance Brennan series.
Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for this e-ARC.

Winter has come to North Carolina and, with it, a drop in crime. Freed from a heavy work schedule, Tempe Brennan is content to dote on her daughter Katy, finally returned to civilian life from the army. But when mother and daughter meet at Tempe’s place one night, they find a box on the back porch. Inside: a very fresh human eyeball. I have been reading this series for more than 20 years and every story feels every bit as fresh as the first. With a crime rooted in the past, Temperance has her hands full but with an interesting cast of characters to assist including some old, familiar faces. As always, this series left me anxious for the next book. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

I’ve been reading Kathy Reichs Temperance Brennan series for years and years now. The older books were so enjoyable and eerie - great mysteries but the last few books, in my opinion, have not been nearly as entertaining. It seemed to me that this one went back to the rewarding way of writing. I enjoyed every minute of this story.
Brennan’s daughter Katie has finally retired from the military and has bought a house near Brennan. While at Brennan’s house while catching some lunch, an eyeball with hidden GPS coordinates on it gets delivered to Brennan. That leads to body after body. Someone is copying all of Brennan’s old cases. Who is targeting Brennan? Why is Katie not returning any of her phone calls or texts? And why is there a blizzard happening in North Carolina?
Though I did figure out who dunnit before the ending, I wasn’t quite sure for most of the book. It definitely kept me on my toes going back and forth. Brennan was funny and sarcastic, at least in her head, as always. It was a quick, fun read and I’m so glad that she’s back to her old self.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the chance to review this book.
This was a really good one. It is the 21st book in the Temperance Brennan series. This is one of my favorite series since Kathy started writing it.
This book did not disappoint. I really enjoyed it. The writing is great. There are always some twists and turns and surprises in all of these books.
This one was fast paced and very enjoyable to read. I can’t wait for book 22!!!

This is the twenty-first Temperence Brennan novel, and it finds author Kathy Reichs in a bit of a retrospective mood, although that is not obvious at first. The story begins with the shocking delivery of a box containing a fresh eyeball on Tempe's back porch. A bit of detective work reunites the eyeball with the corpse's head it came from, but the mystery of why it was sent to Tempe remains. It is the beginning of a series of killings which become increasingly familiar. There is no apparent pattern to them, but they all point to murder cases that she solved over the years.

As the cases pile up the intent seems increasingly personal. Someone is targeting Tempe, and they may possess knowledge that only a law enforcement insider could have. Next there's a mummified corpse discovered at a state park, which looks like a suicide...at first. When her friend Charlie Hunt dies in what is clearly another staged suicide (echoing a past case, like the others), things have definitely become personal. And the possible disappearance of Tempe's daughter Katy lurks in the background almost the whole time.

Tempe compares all of the current copycat murders with the past ones she helped solve. There was public information about many of them, but some of them involved details that could only be obtained from medical records. She is just putting together her suspect theory when the killer brings things to a head. It's a thrilling, nail-biting conclusion, although I have to say that I saw it coming before Tempe did. I suppose that means that Reichs is playing fair with her clues, but I'm usually more surprised by mysteries.

Thanks to NetGalley for a Digital Review Copy.

It's always a treat to learn there's a new Bones back in town - not only do I love the books (this is the 21st), but it's one of few book series that, IMHO, translated well to the small screen. I don't think I've missed a single book, and I'm pretty sure I didn't miss an episode of the TV series either, which, according to sources I checked, aired 246 episodes over 12 seasons.

Anyhow, this book brings forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan back between the pages, and she's wintering at home in North Carolina, helping her daughter Katy get settled in after a stint in the military. Suffice it to say, then, that they're both a bit unsettled when a box turns up on her porch that contains a human eyeball. Say what? Then, she gets a call from her sweetie Andrew Ryan's private eye partner, "Skinny" Slidell, and off they go to find a body that appears to be missing an eyeball - except that the remains are on the well-seasoned side while the eyeball is, well, fresh.

As still other strange things happen - like a running feud with a neighbor who's convinced Tempe is trying to scare his son to death and at least one more body - suspicions arise that what's happening now may be mirroring some of her old cases. But she can't seem to connect the dots, nor convince Skinny of that possibility. Meantime, Katy - who's having some trouble readjusting to civilian life - is struggling but doesn't want mom's help. And then she goes missing.

If I have a complaint, it's that Tempe goes off on her own a little too often despite advice from her police and P.I. friends, and she's usually too intelligent and sensible to do that (although I'll give her a bit of a pass because she's frantically trying to find her daughter). All the goings-on are unsettling, after all, but things start to come together especially well after Andrew returns from the case he's been working on and tries to help. But can they figure out what's really going on before it's too late to save Tempe? Or Katy? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out. As for me, I'll just thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review another good one.

Kathy Reichs is consistently good at her craft. This is another intriguing mystery with echoes from the past that has Tempe running from one grisly discovery to another, beginning with an eyeball on her doorstep. The usual North Carolina cast of characters shows up to help her, but there is just not enough Ryan. Maybe next time.

Y’all, I absolutely love the Temperance Brennan series so much! The newest installment “Cold, Cold Bones” was another great read following Tempe around my hometown to figure out why the newest local serial killer is copying her old cases! One thing I love that @kathyreichs does in her writing is that she uses real places in Charlotte and other cities to make her stories more realistic. Swipe left to see my notes on the real Charlotte references in this book. I also love that the quality of her stories endures and she finds fresh plots for Tempe to explore. This is her 21st novel in this series!

I highly recommend reading this book and complete series! I have already ordered my physical copy of this book and I’m looking forward to hearing Kathy speak about this novel on July 7 to benefit the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library foundation 🖤

Thank you @netgalley and @scribnerbooks for allowing me to read this book ahead of publication in exchange for my honest review.

This is #21 of the Temperance Brennan series. You can read them in order or as a standalone. I have read. Most of this series and enjoyed them. Temperance is a forensic pathogist in N.C. and Canada. If you Iiked TV series Bones it is loosely based on these books. This one not as exciting as some but still a good story.
Thank you Kathy Reichs, the Publishers and Net Galley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A typical, wonderful Kathy Reichs book that takes place almost completely in NC this time. The plot revolves around a copy-cat killer who is murdering people in the same way as previous cases she's investigated. Tempe's daughter, recently separated from the Military, figures strongly in this book. I raced through it and couldn't read fast enough! Recommended for Reichs' many fans as well as those who enjoy books by Patricia Cornwell.

After a series of copycat crimes based on cases Tempe worked on plus her daughter disappearing, the gang work together to solve the case. Slidell, Ryan, and a whole slew of called in favors helps Brennan figure out who held a major grudge against her enough to kill and maim innocent people and give Temperance bumps, bruises, and concussions of her own.

Oh, Temperance Brennan, where have you been so long? I've neglected you long enough! How have I let my devotion to Kathy Reichs slip?? I don't know, but I've regained my love for this dynamic duo. Just as Tempe is enjoying the North Carolina winter in her cozy little home and getting back in the know with her daughter, Katy. She receives a gruesome package delivered to her door....a human eyeball. Not just an eyeball, but one inscribed with GPS coordinates. Yikes! And this is how it begins, an avalanche of deaths that mimic some of Tempe's previous cases. Tempe is surrounded by her usual cadre, including her love, Ryan, and the grumpy detective Erskine "Skinny" Slidell. Daughter Katy just moved back to Charlotte and is onboard for this one, too. Tempe and crew work hard to try to solve these cases, but don't put it all together until it's almost too late. While it may sound like the typical Tempe case, this one goes way beyond and picks up speed along the way. The pace is awesome and will have you holding your breath all the way to the end. This genre is my favorite and no one does it better than Tempe and Kathy. My thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC which I received in exchange for my review. Publication date is July 5, 2022. You will love it!

This is another in the series of Temperance Brennan. I have read them all. The stories continues to develop as Tempe's daughter returns to civilian life and is challenged with new cases. While I enjoy the stories, this does not have as much forensic anthropology of many of her past stories. She is a detective and it does have that aspect, I did not think it was enough as I really like the forensic aspect of the main character. I would definitely not read this as a stand-alone but that is my opinion.
Thank you for the early copy for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for a pre-release of Cold, Cold Bones. Kathy Reichs is by far one of my favorite authors. This new book in her series didn't disappoint. In fact, I think her books keep getting better and better! Right off the bat, there was intrigue and suspense to draw you into the story. The story kept me on the edge of my seat flipping pages to find out what would happen next. You're in for a real rollercoaster ride. Now 21 books into the series, I love that the characters (and their relationships with one another) continue to grow and evolve. I can't wait for book #22!

In this fast-paced novel, Temperance is tasked with connecting the dots between a series of new cases and cold cases she worked on in previous years. At first, she doesn't make the connections. She is just haunted by a nagging feeling that her subconscious is trying to tell her something. It's not just business. It's personal, and the suspense and tension build when the killer begins targetting people close to Tempe. The plot creates an intricate puzzle - a puzzle with lots of pieces that don't seem to fit together. That is, until they do. Kudos to the author for another suspense-filled tale.

This is a mystery of cold, cold revenge. Tempe is being stalked by someone who is reenacting cases that she worked on early in her career. She has just welcome back her daughter, Katy, who is most likely suffering from PTSD and she finds an eyeball on her porch with map coordinates etched on it. That is just the beginning of a twisty mystery. Some parts were a little slow, but the perp caught me off guard. Really good read from Kathy Reichs as always.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. Thanks for the opportunity.

Cold, Cold Bones by Kathy Reichs is a highly recommended novel of suspense and the twenty-first in the Temperance (Tempe) Brennan Series.

Forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan is helping her daughter Katy unpack after returning to civilian life from the army. The two meets at Tempe's to eat when they find a box on the back porch containing a human eyeball. What's even more strange is that there are GPS coordinates etched into the eyeball which lead Tempe and Skinny to a Benedictine monastery where the answer to the missing eyeball is found and more questions arise. When a mummified corpse shows up in a state park, Tempe notices a pattern, a pattern that continues in the novel.

Detective Erskine "Skinny" Slidell, now retired but still volunteering with the CMPD cold case unit, is there to help. It seems that someone is killing people in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area in such a way to mimic or reenact Tempe's former cases. There is a copycat killer out there who has a grudge against Tempe, but what is the motive? Things escalate when Katie disappears and Tempe worries that she is a victim of the killer.

With the active copycat killer there are a whole caseload of former investigations presented in the narrative, which makes for a good way to build the tension and suspense in the plot while providing the numerous details about the current and former homicides. Tempe is her usual self with plenty of sarcastic comments and Skinny is the same great detective but dedicated curmudgeon he usually is.

Those who are familiar with the series will appreciate and enjoy this latest installment. The interest here is in the cases themselves and following the clues rather than the motivation of the killer. In fact many readers will likely know who is responsible before it is made clear in the plot. Anyone new to the series can still enjoy Cold, Cold Boness and will find it compelling and entertaining. There is enough background information provided on the characters to keep you interested without feeling as if you are missing some important information.

Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Scribner via NetGalley.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Edelweiss, Google Books, and Amazon.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for the eARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is one of many in a series. It reads well as a stand alone, well I think so, but it is hard to say as I already know the characters. I have read a few, some I liked some not so much. This one I really enjoyed. I liked the dynamics between Tempe and her daughter. I was unexpected surprised that I liked it so much. Truly an enjoyable read. 4 stars

Winter has come to North Carolina and, with it, a drop in crime. Freed from a heavy work schedule, Tempe Brennan is content to dote on her daughter Katy, finally returned to civilian life from the army. But when mother and daughter meet at Tempe’s place one night, they find a box on the back porch. Inside: a very fresh human eyeball.

GPS coordinates etched into the eyeball lead to a Benedictine monastery where an equally macabre discovery awaits. Soon after, Tempe examines a mummified corpse in a state park, and her anxiety deepens.

There seems to be no pattern to the subsequent killings uncovered, except that each mimics in some way a homicide that a younger Tempe had been called in to analyze. Who or what is targeting her, and why?

Helping Tempe search for answers is detective Erskine “Skinny” Slidell, retired but still volunteering with the CMPD cold case unit—and still displaying his gallows humor. Also pulled into the mystery: Andrew Ryan, Tempe’s Montreal-based beau, now working as a private detective.

Could this elaborately staged skein of mayhem be the prelude to a twist that is even more shocking? Tempe is at a loss to establish the motive for what is going on…and then her daughter disappears.

At its core, Cold, Cold Bones is a novel of revenge—one in which revisiting the past may prove the only way to unravel the present. (Goodreads synopsis)

I have been waiting for this particular plot in a long time. Normally, Tempe’s career is attacked or someone she works with doesn’t like her. Those prevalent themes have become repetitive in mystery thrillers. I am glad that now we see how Tempe’s career, and how she conducted herself, may have put her in danger.

The one thing I have to ask is what is going on with Ryan and Tempe? I thought he lived with her now, but he appears to be traveling far away. I thought I heard once that Hathy doesn’t want the romance to overwhelm Tempe’s story, but isn’t that a part of Tempe’s story? It feels so flip-floppy. I would like them to go back to the partnership they had before Ryan became a father and a PI. Have them romantic partners as well as law enforcement partners. That seemed to work well.

The other issue I have is how no one ever seems to answer their phones. If Slidell was concerned for her, then why doesn’t he ever answer his phone? But on that score, if someone is stalking Tempe then why does everyone dismiss her thoughts and feelings regarding Katy? I probably would have lost it on Skinny Slidell at some point towards the end of the novel, if it were my child, PTSD or not.

Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.