Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs (2007, Hardcover)

A brother's murder led to Acadia
Kathy Reichs new novel flowed from sisters' resolve to get an autopsy
Aloma Jardine MONCTON, N.B. (Jul 28, 2007)
Temperance Brennan normally sticks to solving cases in Montreal and North Carolina, but the forensic anthropologist's career has also taken her to Guatemala and Israel. In her next adventure, Tempe Brennan, the fictional heroine of author and forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs' bestselling series of novels, will travel even farther off the beaten path. Tempe is heading to New Brunswick. In Bones to Ashes, the discovery of the skeleton of a young girl in New Brunswick brings Temperance back to her childhood as she is reminded of the disappearance of her young Acadian friend Evangeline. The story of how Reichs came to write a novel based in New Brunswick would make a bestseller itself. It began with a murder 26 years ago this month. In 1981, New Brunswick missionary Raoul Leger was serving in Guatemala in the midst of the country's bloody civil war. When he was killed in July of that year, the Guatemalan government said he died with a group of guerrillas who committed suicide rather than surrender. His body was repatriated to Canada several months later. But Leger's family never bought the official version of events and in 2001 his sisters Andra and Clola Leger were invited by a National Film Board crew to visit Guatemala to try to unravel the mystery surrounding his death. Andra Leger says that trip made them realize how important it was that they had their brother's body. Many of the estimated 200,000 people killed during the civil war simply disappeared. They also realized Raoul's body may help bring justice by providing evidence of war crimes. 'I foolishly thought it was as simple as calling the Moncton Hospital and asking for an autopsy,' Leger says, smiling as she recalls how complex the whole process was. Leger was finally told an autopsy on a 20-year-old body required the expertise of a forensic anthropologist and the only one east of Montreal was Kathy Reichs. Leger had no idea Reichs was famous. She had no idea she was even an author. She knew only this woman might be able to give her family some answers and help them close a painful chapter in their lives. 'I bugged her every day,' she says, explaining how she sent e-mail after e-mail asking for help in navigating the red tape involved in getting her brother's body exhumed and transported to Montreal to a facility equipped to handle the autopsy. Reichs patiently answered each e-mail, rerouting Leger to the proper people. The two finally met in Montreal in December 2001 when the autopsy was performed. As they said goodbye, Reichs made a quip about not getting five or six e-mails a day anymore. 'Are you going to miss me?' Leger asked. 'Maybe,' Reichs replied, and so the two women continued to e-mail each other, Reichs from wherever in the world her work happened to take her, Leger from her quiet home in Cocagne, about 30 kilometres northeast of Moncton. Reichs, who speaks French fluently, had been fascinated with the Legers' Acadian accent when they met in Montreal. Leger says, 'Then last February she sends me an e-mail -- hers are always one-liners -- 'What do you think if my next book is based in New Brunswick?'' Leger started sending Reichs bits and pieces of New Brunswick and Acadian history -- the deportation in 1755, rum running off the coast, the leprosy hospital in Tracadie -- and Reichs made plans for a visit

Like Ms. Reichs other books Tempe is again found in a case regarding bones that have been found in an unusual situation except this time it will take her back in time to her childhood and a friend who mysteriously disappeared one summer. It is a very thrilling ride just like her other books and brings you to an end you don't expect. A good read.

Another great book by Kathy Reichs! Where forensic science takes center stage, and the rest of life falls in around it! A great story about a womans love for her job, long lost memories, and not having time for a social life. Only seems to remind me of my own life. Job being to demanding, recalling past events, and not having enough days in the week for a social life. Katy Reichs has a way of making it all work in a wonderful story of life, love, death and bones.

I really like "Bones" - the TV show on Fox based on these books. I had read one and now want to read all the rest. Good story, good character development. Read it cover to cover in about 2 days.

Enjoy this author tremendously. Have read all her books. They are informative from a medical standpoint and very enjoyable.

If you're into forensic science, true-crime, forensic anthropology, or just want a fantastic "mystery" to read, then I strongly recommend anything by Kathy Reichs, including this book. She has an amazing writing style that, as a writer and editor myself for over 20 years, is unmatched.

I purchased this book after reading "Break No Bones", which is the better of the two books in my humble opinion, but all of her stuff is fab. I'm a HUGE fan of the TV show Bones starring Emily Dechanel & David Boreanaz, so it was natural for me to pick the books up and start reading them once I saw them.

I've studied forensics in the past and I'm just starting out working missing persons cases, so it was important to me to read her work because while the characters are fiction, the core stories behind them are not and she is very honest about that.

Kathy is smart, classy, fluid, and her Temperance Brennan novels are an absolute hoot when you look at the entire work as a whole. I have enjoyed every one I've read, recommend them to everyone I know interested in the aforementioned fields, and will continue to recommend them for years to come. Simply put, you won't find better. =)

Purchased this on E-bay because I could not find it used at local bookstores. As always, Kathy Reichs is brilliant in her writing as well as plot line. There are some authors that keep you waiting for their next installment. Kathy Reichs is definately one. I think go get a diet Pepsi and re-examine one of the older books. Go Tempe!

I have read all of Reich's books and enjoy her writing and subject matter. This story dealt with numerous dead bodies and could be a little confusing. I think a second reading is needed. The focus on the Acadian culture was very interesting.

I have been a fan of Kathy Reichs since Deja Dead and have enjoyed the suspense and forensic anthropology that she weaves into each novel. Another big reason I have followed the Tempe Brennan series is her romance with Andrew Ryan. In Bones to Ashes, Ms. Reichs again pulled the rug out from loyal followers of the Ryan-Brennan relationship - I don't want to say too much to ruin the plot for those that purchase the book. Needless to say, I was so disappointed with the plot change that I could barely finish the book. Also, once I finished the book, there was no closure to many open plot lines. If you are a Ryan fan, I do not recommend this book.

Kathy Reichs at her best. Her books keep getting better. Visit thenandnow2002 for great book values and more.

I really enjoy Kathy Reichs' books. She brings a lot of experience to her writings. I love a good mystery. She usually throws in a little romance too.

My wife watches the show up to four times a day. I too am a big fan. This will be the first book, but I'm sure there will be more to come. And considering that I am a collector of items of value (especially with signatures) it's just one more thing of personal value.

Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs (2007, Hardcover) great book i love the tv show and the book is great look brand new

I do not have the book yet but I do not need it to already know i love it! Kathy Reichs is one of my favorite authors and I have all her other books.

I am a Kathy Reichs fan and buy all of her books. Bones to Ashes, however, is not her best work. The constant use of a French word or phrase with English translation immediatly following really slowed down reading and just plain GOT ON MY NERVES! I found it much harder to get deeply involved in the plot with these frequent interruptions. If I had wanted to learn French I would have taken it in college.