Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Synopsis:

Unexpectedly called in to the Charlotte PD’s Cold Case Unit, Dr. Temperance Brennan wonders why she’s been asked to meet with a homicide cop who’s a long way from his own jurisdiction. The shocking answer: Two child murders, separated by thousands of miles, have one thing in common—the killer. Years ago, Anique Pomerleau kidnapped and murdered a string of girls in Canada, then narrowly eluded capture. It was a devastating defeat for her pursuers, Brennan and police detective Andrew Ryan. Now, as if summoned from their nightmares, Pomerleau has resurfaced in the United States, linked to victims in Vermont and North Carolina. When another child is snatched, the reign of terror promises to continue—unless Brennan can rise to the challenge and make good on her second chance to stop a psychopath.

But Brennan will have to draw her bitter ex-partner out of exile, keep the local police and feds from one another’s throats, and face more than just her own demons as she stalks the deadliest of predators into the darkest depths of madness.

Review:

I have religiously watched the TV series with the family from the beginning, so began reading the series earlier this year, having only gotten through Deja Dead – the first book in the series.  I was then offered the opportunity to read this book…so here I am writing a review for the latest book 🙂 .

I try to read a series in print (and in sequential order if possible) before watching the TV show or movies but the TV series and book series are different enough that one will not ruin the other. I began the book anticipating a great read and was not disappointed.   While I did not have the history of Tempe’s prior interactions with Anique Pomerleau from reading prior books in the series, it did not detract from the read.  All the “history” that was needed to fully comprehend the back story was appropriately integrated into the story.

I love the angst between Tempe and Andrew Ryan.  The interaction between the two is like a familiar glove…fits well but just not quite the same as before.  Tempe knows how to get what she needs from Andrew and in the end…all is good.  But I shall wait for the next book to see if they remain as ex’s…..or was something rekindled in this latest book?

I did find it difficult that the deaths were of children, but bad things happen to people young and old. I applaud the writing of the descriptions of the dead bodies (i.e. maple syrup – can’t say more without giving anything away) though at times it did make me a bit squeamish.  Luckily, that graphic part was not too long winded and then the story continued on in the sleuthing department.  I found it disturbing (but I find this so in real life as well) that crimes against persons are frequently unsolved for many years, if ever.  The diabolical minds of serial killers are an interesting thing and Kathy Reichs’ descriptions are gripping – really made this reader shudder at the depravity of some people!

I found this psychological thriller engaging and kept me thinking.  A few red herrings to make the story interesting; kept this reader guessing until the end.  And even when all was figured out, the way the ending to the story was told was riveting. I will definitely go back and fill in the missing 15 or so books to this series 🙂 .