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Are you a fan of thrilling crime mysteries with a dash of forensic science? If so, you’re in for a treat with Kathy Reichs‘ gripping series featuring the brilliant forensic anthropologist, Temperance Brennan.
With numerous books under her belt, it’s easy to get lost in the world of bone-chilling mysteries and scientific intrigue.
To help you keep track of all the excitement, I’ve put together a complete, printable list of Kathy Reichs’ books in chronological order. Let’s dive in!
Common Questions | Books in Order | Printable List
Common questions
1. In what order should you read Kathy Reichs books?
To fully immerse yourself in the gripping world of forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, it’s best to read Kathy Reichs’ books in chronological order. Start with her debut novel, “Deja Dead” (1997), and follow the thrilling journey through each installment as the character evolves and faces new challenges.
While each Kathy Reichs’ novel is a self-contained story, reading the books in order provides a richer and more immersive experience. The series follows the character development of Temperance Brennan and may reference past events and character arcs. However, readers can still enjoy individual books as standalone mysteries without feeling lost.
2. How many books are in the Kathy Reichs series?
There are a total of 27 books in the Kathy Reichs series featuring Temperance Brennan. The series began with “Deja Dead” in 1997 and has continued to captivate readers through various fascinating mysteries and forensic investigations.
3. What are the Temperance Brennan books in order?
Here is the list of the Temperance Brennan novels in chronological order:
- Deja Dead (1997)
- Death Du Jour (1999)
- Deadly Decisions (2000)
- Fatal Voyage (2001)
- Grave Secrets (2002)
- Bare Bones (2003)
- Monday Mourning (2003)
- Cross Bones (2003)
- Bones: Buried Deep (2006) (with Max Allan Collins)
- Break No Bones (2006)
- Bones to Ashes (2007)
- Devil Bones (2008)
- 206 Bones (2009)
- Spider Bones (2010) (aka Mortal Remains)
- Flash and Bones (2011)
- Bones Are Forever (2012)
- Bones In Her Pocket (2013) (novella)
- Bones of the Lost (2013)
- Swamp Bones (2014) (novella)
- Bones Never Lie (2014)
- Bones on Ice (2015) (novella)
- Speaking in Bones (2015)
- A Conspiracy of Bones (2020)
- First Bones (2020) (novella)
- The Bone Code (2021)
- Cold, Cold Bones (2022)
- The Bone Hacker (2023)
4. Are there any TV or movie adaptations of Kathy Reichs’ books?
Yes, Kathy Reichs’ character, Dr. Temperance Brennan, was the inspiration for the hit TV show “Bones,” which aired from 2005 to 2017. The show adapted several of the book series’ elements, characters, and forensic science concepts into a successful and long-running crime drama.
5. Is there a new Temperance Brennan book on the horizon?
“The Bone Hacker,” published in 2023, is the latest book in the Temperance Brennan series. However, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on Kathy Reichs’ official website or publisher announcements for any news on upcoming releases or new additions to the series.
6. Are Kathy Reichs’ books based on real-life cases?
Kathy Reichs, a forensic anthropologist herself, draws inspiration from her real-life experiences and expertise when writing the Temperance Brennan novels. While the stories are fictional, they are grounded in scientific accuracy and often explore real-world forensic techniques and challenges faced by forensic experts.
7. Can I enjoy Kathy Reichs’ books if I’m not familiar with forensic science?
Absolutely! Kathy Reichs’ writing skillfully weaves forensic science into her narratives without overwhelming the reader with technical jargon. The books are accessible to readers of various backgrounds and interests, making them enjoyable for those curious about forensic science as well as fans of thrilling mysteries.
Kathy Reichs Books in Order
1997
Deja Dead
In Kathy Reichs’ debut novel, “Deja Dead,” forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan is drawn into a harrowing investigation when the dismembered remains of a young woman are discovered in Montreal.
As Brennan meticulously pieces together the victim’s identity and traces the killer’s every move, she becomes embroiled in a deadly cat-and-mouse game with a cunning serial killer.
The gripping narrative, combined with the fascinating world of forensic science, will keep readers enthralled until the shocking conclusion.
1999
Death Du Jour
In “Death Du Jour,” Brennan finds herself facing a chilling series of deaths with disturbing similarities in Montreal. As she joins forces with a charismatic forensic pathologist, their pursuit of the truth leads them to the shadowy world of religious fanatics and ancient rituals. Racing against time, Brennan must decipher the killer’s deadly agenda before more lives are claimed, all while coming to grips with her own troubled past.
2000
Deadly Decisions
When a teenage girl goes missing, Brennan’s personal and professional lives collide in “Deadly Decisions.” As she delves into the world of biker gangs and drug trafficking, she faces the most heart-wrenching decision of her career. With her best friend’s daughter’s life hanging in the balance, Brennan must navigate treacherous waters and make choices that will forever change her life.
2001
Fatal Voyage
In “Fatal Voyage,” Brennan’s forensic expertise is called upon when a plane crash in North Carolina leaves no survivors. As she painstakingly examines the remains, she discovers clues that point to a sinister plot. In a race against time, Brennan must unravel the truth behind the disaster, even if it means risking her own life to bring the culprits to justice.
2002
Grave Secrets
In “Grave Secrets,” Brennan travels to Guatemala to unearth the remains of massacre victims. As she seeks justice for the dead, she becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation that involves corruption, cover-ups, and the unsettling reality of human rights violations. Unraveling the mysteries of the past comes with a heavy price, as Brennan’s relentless pursuit of truth puts her in the crosshairs of ruthless individuals.
2003
Bare Bones
“Bare Bones” thrusts Brennan into the hunt for a sadistic serial killer, whose heinous crimes span multiple states. As she pieces together the clues, she faces personal challenges, including a troubling connection to the victims and the precarious state of her love life. With danger lurking at every turn, Brennan must rely on her wits and expertise to stop the killer before more lives are lost.
2003
Monday Mourning
In “Monday Mourning,” Brennan confronts the heart-wrenching reality of missing and unidentified persons. As she uncovers the tragic stories behind these lost souls, she becomes embroiled in a complex case with unexpected twists. Juggling her professional responsibilities and personal connections, Brennan races against time to bring closure to the families left behind while wrestling with the emotional toll of her work.
2003
Cross Bones
Traveling to Israel in “Cross Bones,” Brennan becomes entangled in a centuries-old mystery involving religious relics and ancient secrets. With religious tensions and powerful adversaries threatening her safety, Brennan must navigate a treacherous landscape to uncover the truth hidden deep within history’s shadows.
2006
Bones: Buried Deep
Collaborating with Max Allan Collins, Kathy Reichs presents “Bones: Buried Deep,” in which Brennan investigates a high-profile murder case. As she works alongside a detective with a unique approach to solving crimes, she delves into the world of fame and obsession, unearthing shocking truths that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
2006
Break No Bones
In “Break No Bones,” Brennan’s plans for a peaceful dig in South Carolina turn into a grim discovery of human remains. As she unearths clues from both the past and the present, she finds herself confronting powerful adversaries willing to go to great lengths to protect their secrets. With danger closing in, Brennan must rely on her intellect and resourcefulness to unearth the truth and bring justice to the long-forgotten victims.
2007
Bones to Ashes
“Bones to Ashes” sees Brennan revisiting her painful past when the disappearance of her childhood friend becomes the focus of a present-day investigation. As she dives deep into her own memories and those of other missing girls, she uncovers a shocking web of deception, leading her to confront a ruthless killer determined to keep his dark secrets buried.
2008
Devil Bones
In “Devil Bones,” Brennan finds herself in the midst of a bizarre murder investigation with ritualistic undertones. As she delves into the world of voodoo and dark magic, she faces skepticism from law enforcement and struggles to make sense of the enigmatic crime scene. Faced with both ancient beliefs and modern evil, Brennan must put her forensic skills to the test to solve this chilling case.
2009
206 Bones
In “206 Bones,” Brennan finds herself in a nightmarish situation when she wakes up in a shallow grave with no memory of how she got there. As she embarks on a quest to recover her memory and identify her would-be killer, she becomes entangled in a convoluted investigation that puts her professional expertise to the ultimate test.
2010
Spider Bones (aka Mortal Remains)
The discovery of a soldier’s remains in North Carolina sparks a transcontinental investigation in “Spider Bones.” Brennan’s pursuit of the truth takes her to Hawaii, where she collaborates with an eclectic cast of characters, including a mysterious detective with secrets of his own. This globe-trotting adventure exposes a web of lies and deceit, leaving Brennan to untangle the threads before more lives are ensnared.
2011
Flash and Bones
Brennan’s forensic expertise is called upon once again in “Flash and Bones” when a NASCAR racer meets a tragic end. Amidst the high-octane world of racing, Brennan must use her skills to determine whether the death was an accident or a premeditated act of violence. Racing against time, she navigates the high-speed world of NASCAR, where danger lurks both on and off the track.
2012
Bones Are Forever
“Bones Are Forever” takes Brennan on a poignant journey involving murdered infants and a mother on the run. As she races to locate the killer, her maternal instincts kick in, making this case deeply personal. With the clock ticking and emotions running high, Brennan must confront the darkest corners of humanity to bring justice to the innocent victims.
2013
Bones In Her Pocket
This novella follows Brennan as she investigates a case involving missing body parts. Despite its brevity, “Bones In Her Pocket” is packed with intrigue, showcasing Brennan’s tenacity and resourcefulness in solving complex mysteries.
2013
Bones of the Lost
In “Bones of the Lost,” Brennan confronts the harrowing reality of human trafficking when a young girl’s remains are found in Charlotte, North Carolina. As she traces the victim’s journey from Afghanistan, Brennan is forced to confront the brutal world of international crime and the resilient spirit of those seeking justice for the voiceless.
2014
Swamp Bones
In “Swamp Bones“, Brennan teams up with a local detective to investigate a series of murders in the swamps of Louisiana. The atmospheric setting adds to the suspense as they navigate the treacherous waters of the bayou to catch a cunning killer.
2014
Bones Never Lie
A chilling cold case resurfaces in “Bones Never Lie,” challenging Brennan to reopen an investigation from years ago. With the killer seemingly taunting her from beyond the grave, Brennan must face old demons and confront a malevolent adversary determined to keep the truth buried.
2015
Bones on Ice
“Bones on Ice” finds Brennan in an unexpected and suspenseful scenario when a routine autopsy turns into a battle of wits against a manipulative killer. As she navigates the complex web of deception, Brennan must use her forensic expertise and intuition to expose the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface.
2015
Speaking in Bones
In “Speaking in Bones,” Brennan receives a disturbing gift: a skull with a message carved into it. Determined to solve the mystery behind this macabre present, she uncovers a shocking series of events that lead her into the path of a dangerous and elusive killer. As she edges closer to the truth, she must navigate the treacherous waters of online forums and dark secrets.
2020
A Conspiracy of Bones
In this thrilling 19th installment, “A Conspiracy of Bones,” Brennan faces her most dangerous foe yet: an invisible killer who seems to anticipate her every move. As she navigates the world of online gaming and cryptic clues, Brennan must rely on her forensic acumen and instincts to outwit this brilliant adversary before they strike again.
2020
First Bones
“First Bones” takes readers back in time to Brennan’s early years as a forensic anthropologist. In this novella, she recounts her first case—a haunting murder mystery that would set the stage for her illustrious career. Readers will witness the beginning of her journey into the world of forensic science and the determination that fueled her rise as one of the most renowned forensic experts.
2021
The Bone Code
In “The Bone Code,” Kathy Reichs presents her twentieth thrilling novel featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. When a series of bizarre disappearances occurs on the islands of Turks and Caicos, Tempe is called to examine the remains of a person struck by lightning.
As she unravels the mystery, she finds herself entangled in a sinister labyrinth with potentially worldwide consequences.
As the clock ticks ominously, Tempe becomes a target, and she must rely on her expertise to navigate the dangerous landscape.
2022
Cold, Cold Bones
In the twenty-first installment, “Cold, Cold Bones,” Temperance Brennan finds herself confronted with a gruesome discovery—a human eyeball placed on her back porch. Following the GPS coordinates etched into the eyeball, she uncovers a series of murders eerily reminiscent of her prior cases.
With her daughter’s life at stake and a perplexing pattern unfolding, Tempe must join forces with detective Erskine “Skinny” Slidell and her beau, Andrew Ryan, to unravel the sinister motives behind the killings and confront the shadows of the past.
2023
The Bone Hacker
In the latest thrilling addition to the series, “The Bone Hacker,” Dr. Temperance Brennan is back to face a tech-savvy adversary. A series of disappearances on the islands of Turks and Caicos leads her to investigate new technology that might unleash global havoc.
As she untangles the clues, she discovers a disturbing connection between the victims, but the motive remains elusive. With danger closing in, Brennan must navigate the world of cybercrime and protect herself as the ticking clock pushes her closer to the edge.
Printable List
Here’s a convenient printable list of Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan novels in chronological order.
Feel free to use this list as a reference while you embark on your thrilling journey through the world of forensic mysteries with Dr. Temperance Brennan:
Simply click the print button on your browser to have this list handy as you dive into the captivating world of Temperance Brennan’s forensic adventures.
Final thoughts
Kathy Reichs’ background as a forensic anthropologist infuses authenticity into her writing, making her books not only engrossing but also educational. You’ll find yourself learning fascinating details about forensic techniques and investigative procedures while being engrossed in thrilling and sometimes chilling mysteries.
Whether you are a long-time fan of forensic crime fiction or a newcomer to the genre, Kathy Reichs’ Temperance Brennan series offers something for everyone. The books strike the perfect balance between forensic science, character development, and intricate plots, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
If you’re a fan of intelligent mysteries, strong female protagonists, and a glimpse into the world of forensic science, these novels are sure to become your next favorite page-turners.
I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive list of Kathy Reichs books in order. Let me know if you found the printable list useful, as well.
Happy reading! 📖