Bones on Ice by Kathy Reichs

Bones on Ice

by Kathy Reichs

A new, exclusive straight-to-digital Temperance Brennan short story from Kathy Reichs, world leading forensic anthropologist and No.1 bestselling author of Déjà Dead, Bones of the Lost and Bones Never Lie.

The daughter of a wealthy and influential Charleston family has been missing on Mt Everest for three years. Presumed dead, her remains had been irretrievable until an earthquake caused her body to move down the mountain.

The family want only one person to identify her remains: Tempe Brennan.

Though reluctant to take the case, Tempe soon realises that the girl did not die of natural causes. It seems the victim was murdered and all her fellow climbers fall under suspicion.

But which one is the killer? And if Tempe gets too close to the truth, will they kill again?



Also gives readers the first chance to read the opening chapters of Kathy’s highly anticipated new Temperance Brennan novel, Speaking in Bones, out in July.

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

3 of 5 stars

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I enjoy watching the hit show Bones staring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan so I decided to jump in at book 17.5 and accepted an audio of Bones on Ice by Kathy Reichs. This novella features a preview of the next book Speaking in Bones. Brennan was personally requested to handle the identification of a frozen mummified human corpse believed to be Brighton Hallis, a young American girl who died from a fall while attempting to climb Everest. This was an engaging thriller despite its short length and while I enjoyed it, I would have preferred a full-length novel.

Brennan begins the identification process and methodically examines the severely damaged corpse. Brennan is very hands on and speaks to fellow climbers. Her forensic investigation begins to uncover anomalies that point to murder. The science and Brennan’s meticulous methods fascinated me. Her inquisitive nature gets her into trouble as she begins to unravel this mystery.
I was hoping to meet Ryan her love interest but he was only briefly mentioned. Much of the investigation takes part in the lab, on the phone, and through conversations with a local detective. I enjoyed the case but as a novella, as it did not allow the luxury of any extras or in-depth discoveries.

I enjoyed the author's writing style and attention to detail. She mixes in humor and interesting facts as she constructs a clever and suspenseful tale. She lays out clues and together Brennan and the reader solve the murder.

The narration fell flat but the blame may be entirely mine. I kept imagining Emily Deschanel voice. (The actress who portrays Brennan on the hit TV show Bones) I think she performed Brennan's narrative well particularly her inflections and tones, but I don't feel it necessarily enhanced my experience.

Overall Bones of Ice was an interesting case and excellent way to try this author. I am hoping to read Speaking in Bones next.

Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 12 August, 2015: Finished reading
  • 12 August, 2015: Reviewed