Devil Bones, the 11th novel in the series featuring anthropologist, Dr. Temperance (Tempe) Brennan, finds Dr. Brennan called to the scene of a grisly discovery in the sub-basement of a Charlotte, North Carolina house that being renovated. The scene includes a cauldron, a recently deceased chicken, beads, statues, and a human skull and femur. Also included in the pot is a photograph of a light-skinned teenage girl of mixed race. Could it be her skull that was found in the cauldron?
Unlucky at Love?
Adding to Brennan's angst is the fact that her long-time love has returned to Montreal to try to work things out with his daughter's mother in the face of the daughter's drug problem. No matter how many times Brennan stares at the telephone, it's just not ringing. To add to the irritation, her ex-husband, Pete is eager for her to meet his fiance, a blonde 20-something who bears as little resemblance to Brennan as could be possible. Just what she needs. Even though she describes herself as "five-five, feisty, and forty-plus," she's not feeling so spry lately.
Brennan's daughter, Katy (who is now working in the prosecutor's office) thinks she has a solution to Brennan's love life problems. She's arranged for her mother to have dinner with a "hunky" older man in the office, Charlie Hunt. It just so happens that Brennan knows Hunt all too well. They went to high school together. She will admit, though, that he is still very attractive.
Santeria or Voodoo?
In an attempt to solve the basement crime--or even determine if a crime has been committed--Brennan refreshes her knowledge of Afro-Caribbean fringe religions, including Santeria and Voodoo. Such ritualistic religions began during the slave era when Africans, barred from practicing their native religions, sought to mask their traditional practices with Catholic saints, imagery, and icons. Most of these sects are benevolent, but some have a darker, evil side.
With Devil Bones, Reichs delivers another quality, well-documented mystery. The action is fast-paced and it's interesting to learn the history behind Voodoo, Santeria, and similar beliefs. With Devil Bones, Reichs also gives the reader a better look into Brennan's personal life and past. Altogether a good read, both for "Bones" fans and those new to the series.
About Kathy Reichs
Kathy Reichs, like Dr. Brennan, is a forensic anthropologist, who divides her time between Charlotte and Montreal. Her first novel, Deja Dead won the 1997 Ellis award for a first novel and hit the New York Times bestseller list. Devil Bones is her 11th novel. You can read more about Ms. Reichs on her website.
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