Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan Novels)
by Kathy Reichs
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Book Summary Information
Author: Kathy ReichsEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2005-06-28
ISBN: 0743233484
Number of pages: 368
Publisher: Scribner
Book Reviews of Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan Novels)
Book Review: A good mix of fiction, anthropology, archaeology, and religious theory
Summary: 5 Stars
When bodies in Montreal are too decayed or in too many pieces, or the cause of death too complex for the coroner's office, forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan is called. A seemingly routine examination of a gunshot victim leads Tempe to a case that will take her from Canada to Israel in search of the bones the victim may have been killed for. Soon, the ancient and mysterious bones take center stage as Tempe, along with Detective Andrew Ryan and archeologist Jake Drum, try to learn who this ancient skeleton really was so that no one else will have to die trying to steal or hide it.
Kathy Reichs's latest book, CROSS BONES is, on the surface, a crime novel with an emphasis on forensics. But as the plot unfolds it becomes clear that she is tackling much larger and more controversial issues. Tempe Brennan and the others soon have reason to believe that the bones the man in Montreal was killed for may actually be Jesus! Or, if not Jesus, then either a blood relation or perhaps someone from Masada. In any case, the identity of the skeleton has potentially huge ramifications for world religions and history.
At the center of the story are several theories about the life of Jesus as well as the details about the Jewish freedom fighters at Masada: Did Jesus survive the crucifixion and live many years afterward? Did he have a family with many siblings or perhaps children of his own? Did he actually end up at Masada? Reichs's story is not really like THE DA VINCI CODE although it skirts around some of the same theories. In fact, it actually refers to Dan Brown's novel a few times. Reichs is instead interested in ancient history as known through anthropology and archaeology, and the murders are a way to get us all to Israel and give urgency to the quest to understand the skeleton.
Fans of murder mysteries, detective fiction and forensic drama, as well as those interested in religious fiction, all will find something to enjoy in CROSS BONES. The forensic anthropology aspect is detailed without being very gruesome or overly scientific. It is a fun and interesting whodunit with religious implications but without being preachy or even very religious in nature itself. The writing is solid and the pace is just right, perhaps a bit slower and less dramatic than similar novels or even Reichs's previous Tempe Brennan books. Tempe Brennan is a likeable and, for the most part, realistic character.
Reichs bases some of her story on actual archaeological finds (and frauds) in Israel, giving just enough truth to make it quite interesting and unique. She references the work of archaeologist James Tabor as well as the controversial James Ossuary, supposedly discovered by Oded Golan in Israel several years ago. Indeed, you can find a plethora of information about many of the artifacts, archeology and theories she refers to online or in the library.
CROSS BONES is a good mix of fiction and nonfiction presenting many alternate theories about the life of the historical Jesus.
--- Reviewed by Sarah Rachel Egelman
Summary of Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan Novels)
A gripping and explosive new thriller from internationally acclaimed forensic anthropologist and New York Times bestselling author Kathy Reichs, featuring Temperance Brennan and Detective Andrew Ryan on the trail of a modern murder and an ancient biblical mystery...When an Orthodox Jewish man is found shot to death in Montreal, Temperance Brennan is called in to examine the body and to figure out the puzzling damage to the corpse. Unexpectedly, a stranger slips her a photograph of a skeleton and assures her it is the key to the victim's death. Before she knows it, Tempe is involved in an international mystery as old as Jesus, and one that could lead to the rewriting of two thousand years of religious history.
As Tempe investigates, she learns that the stranger's picture shows bones uncovered during an archaeological dig. She discovers the Montreal shooting victim ran an import business that just might have been a front for the trading of black market antiquities. Along with Detective Andrew Ryan and biblical archaeologist Jake Drum, Tempe travels to Israel to probe the origins of the skeleton and the ancient crypt in which it was found. Together they make a startling discovery that raises radical questions about Christ's death and places them squarely in the middle of a swirling controversy. Could one of the tombs really be Christ's last resting place? Are the bones in the ancient ossuary the last remnants of James, the brother of Jesus, as the inscription claims? Or has someone concocted an elaborate hoax?
Using her skills as a forensic scientist, Tempe plunges into the most controversial case of her career. The stakes have never been higher -- the more she learns, the greater the danger. And though Ryan is sexier and more engaging than ever, he may not be able to protect Tempe in this place where there seem to be so many foes.
Cross Bones, with its lightning pace, intricately plotted story, riveting and state-of-the-art forensic detail, is Kathy Reichs's most compelling and dramatic novel yet.
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