◄Back
to Reviews Page
An autopsy (in more detail than
I would have cared for, but this is forensics after all) sets the stage for a
wild ride of international intrigue. Of course, it’s murder and solving that
murder is ultimately what the book is all about. It does, however, take quite a
detour before we get the solution.
The book actually starts off with a bit of a foreword detailing the factual
material upon which the story is based, a historical excavation of bones and
artifacts from the Masada site in Israel. A photograph is presented to
Temperance outside the autopsy room indicating that it is somehow related to the
victim. Before it’s over, Dr. Brennan and her friend Detective Ryan both find
reason to go to Israel to conclude the story. The murder, outside of being the
catalyst for the story, almost becomes secondary.
It’s a bit difficult sometimes to tell where the facts end and the fiction
begins. It’s a fascinating story all by itself, and the mixing of historical
fact with fiction along the lines of The Da Vinci Code (it’s actually mentioned
in Cross Bones) makes for a great story but leaves a lot of questions.
Michele Pawk does a good job with a difficult narration. To read these stories
effectively, especially since they start in Montreal, the narrator needs a
pretty good command of French, and in Cross Bones, Hebrew and Arabic are thrown
in. Add to this the diverse cast of characters and it proves a challenge that
Michele does a good job with it. If you know any of the languages you might find
reason to criticize some of the pronunciation but it doesn’t detract from the
story.
I’m giving this one 3 ears for fans of the Temperance Brennan series, but only 2
for newcomers or converts from the TV series. If you’re a fan of the TV series,
you’ll probably want to try another one of the series before this one. The only
other one I’ve read at this point is Deja Dead which I would highly recommend as
an alternative starting place (it is actually the first book). The TV series is
based on the books, and there is mention of past events from the books on the
series, but they’re not quite the same. I’ve enjoyed both but they are different
in many ways.
About Ken Reiss - Ken is a long time
audiobook listener having little time to read but spending a lot of time
in the car. Mysteries, Old Time Radio and non fiction all occupy his
time, but a good detective story is by far the favorite. In addition to
audiobook reviews, he writes a monthly column for a popular electronics
magazine and reviews of communications equipment.
He has an MBA from Webster University in St. Louis where he teaches evening classes. He lives in the St. Louis area with his wife
and three dogs.
◄Back
to Reviews Page
