Fire and Bones

Fire and Bones by Kathy Reichs
8/6/24; 288 pages
Scribner
Temperance Brennan Series #23

Fire and Bones by Kathy Reichs is the very highly recommended investigative mystery and the twenty-third novel in the long running series featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. This time Tempe finds herself involved in a Washington, DC, arson investigation.

Dr. Jada Thacker, Washington’s interim medical examiner, calls Tempe and begs her to help identify victims of a deadly fire in an illegal Airbnb located in the Foggy Bottom area of Washington, DC. She agrees even though it means cancelling vacation plans with Andrew Ryan. Tempe ends up having to drive to the city and then stay with television news reporter Ivy Doyle who is a friend of Tempe’s daughter, Katy because all the hotels in the area are booked up. The team finds the expected four victims in the burnt rubble and an unexpected fifth corpse in a burlap bag in the building’s subcellar.

The history of the area, as the location where the group of bootleggers and racketeers known as the Foggy Bottom Gang operated, seems to be interesting but irrelevant - until it doesn't. Tempe stays on in DC longer than planned to help as the investigation expands after another fire occurs in the same area. She also wants to identify the unknown fifth victim found in the subcellar.

The writing is excellent in Fire and Bones. This outing of Tempe was interesting and the complex investigation held my complete attention. Along with the detailed investigation and the history of the area, Reichs occasionally lightens up the tension with humor. The plot will keep you fully invested in the action as the tension rises right to the end.

Tempe is a well known character to many readers, but Fire and Bones can be read as a standalone novel. Readers new to the series may not have all the background information and long running character development, but there is enough information provided in the narrative to meet Tempe Brennan. The case shines in this outing and that should hold the attention of anyone wanting to read a fast-paced and interesting investigative mystery. Thanks to Scribner for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.