Grave Secrets by Kathy Reichs

A Mystery/Thriller, 2002 by Scribner, 315 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

This isn’t really a bad thing, just worth mentioning. Every time I tackle this series I have to remind myself it’s not the Bones show I love. Sure it’s Temperance Brennan and she’s a forensic anthropologist, but that’s where the similarities end.
The love triangle didn’t work for me. It felt forced and awkward. Plus there’s always one obvious answer for Tempe’s romantic life and it’s not this new guy who showed up in this book.
The middle felt a little muddled. I had trouble keeping track of characters this time, which never happens.
This one won’t affect my review but it’s worth mentioning. The audiobook has weird pauses. I recommend skipping the audio for this one if you have other options.

Satisfying mystery. What I love about this series is they don’t get it right on the first try every time. You watch these characters follow a clue and it might not be right. I love that!
Science forward. The author’s background in forensic anthropology allows her to keep the science in place in these books. It’s fascinating and accurate.
Great characters. The major ones like Tempe and Ryan, of course, but a lot of the minor characters feel realistic and relatable in this one.

Fans of crime TV shows like Bones or CSI where science is driving the hunt for the bad guys. Although, again, I’ll say you have to remind yourself that this ISN’T Bones … just similar.