Flash and Bones (Temperance Brennan #13)

Written by: Kathy Reichs

271 Pages

Random House

ISBN:978-0-434-01535-1

Reviewed by: Cecilia Jansink

In the stunning latest offering from forensic anthropologist and author Kathy Reichs, we enter a world of fast cars, cold cases, right-wing politics and stonewalling from the FBI.

When a hand is found submerged in a rusty drum packed with asphalt at the dump next to the Charlotte raceway; Tempe Brennan knows things are going to get complicated. After all, it is race week and the reporters are already circling the story like sharks after bait, but before a proper examination can be carried out, the FBI confiscate the evidence and conveniently have it destroyed.

No one gets between Dr Brennan and her quest for answers – not even the Feds. When a NASCAR engineer brings her the story of the 12 year old disappearance of his sister and her boyfriend, Tempe is more determined than ever to discover the truth. Only problem is more bodies pop up than answers.

I must admit I am a huge fan of Reichs but the last few novels had, in my opinion, fallen a little flat. Thankfully, “Flash and Bones” has the feel of classic Tempe and reminds us of why she became such a phenomenon in the first place.

“Flash and Bones” is a high octane tour through the shady dealings of militant groups, NASCAR and its groupies, and the lengths the FBI will take to ensure national security. Throw a certain forensic anthropologist into the mix and you know for sure things are about to take a deadly and dangerous turn.

It is as though Reichs has gotten back to basics and focused more on crafting a suspenseful murder mystery than Tempe’s topsy-turvy love life. Sure we still get a glimpse into what is happening behind the scenes: there’s new drama with Pete and Summer; Ryan still has her puzzled; and there’s a new hunk-o-spunk on the scene – but the balance is perfect.

The characters are larger than life, the plot thick and fast, and the humour quick witted.  And in my opinion, what’s the best thing about delving into Tempe’s world? There is always something new to learn, whether you’re a new reader or not.

So step out the pits and onto the circuit, and join Tempe for one heck of a ride.

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If you’re coming to Supanova in Melbourne, Sydney or Perth then Dymocks are offering Sharp Shooter free with each copy of Sharp Turn. Two for One deal.. Don’t miss out!

And here’s a neat review for Sharp Turn.

‘Set in Perth the story winds around the drug market, unrequited love, low level lust, bad guys, good guys and unexpected guys to make a very readable story … A great summertime read; light, enjoyable, fast paced and almost believable!’ Blue Wolf reviews.

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Delighted to say I’ve been guest blogging over at the Paperback Dolls about my favourite obsession!

And here is a rather cool review for Sharp Turn.

Sharp Turn is the second book in this series about Tara Sharp, a private investigator of sorts.  Tara is a sexy, car loving, West Australian girl with the unusal ability to read auras. The series is similar to the Janet Evanovich books, but with a unique Australian flavour.  Sharp Turn has motorbikes, gorgeous love interests, an assistant with narcolepsy and a runaway teenager. Fun, action packed and well written, they are a joy to read for all fans of sassy women heroines. — Leanne, Kiama Library

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I’m very delighted to say that Sharp Turn will be book of the month for Tara Moss’s Book Club on 13th Street in February. Fingers crossed my In Conversation will also be up there. The 13th Street website has recently undergone a face lift and some of the content is still to be reinstated. When it is, you MUST check out Tara’s In Conversation with crime authors. They are really fabulous interviews. I particularly love the ones with Kathryn Fox and Neil Cross.

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Broken- Martina Cole

reviewed by Cels Jansink

“Broken” is another in Martina Cole’s series featuring DI Kate Burrows. After catching the Grantley Ripper, Kate thought she would never face such a sadistic force again, but now children are being abandoned in deathly situations – and it seems, although they claim no knowledge, that the mothers are behind it.  If that wasn’t enough to handle, her lover, supposed reformed hard man Pat Kelly has problems of his own – problems that could turn deadly. Can Kate find the link between the children and the culprits and manage to save her relationship at the same time?

For those who have previously joined Kate and Pat in “The Ladykiller”, “Broken” will bring you up to date with Pat’s struggle to go straight for Kate and the deep ties that draw them together despite straddling different sides of the law. “Broken” is captivating and leaves you with deep-seated remorse towards the human condition and how society as a whole can let children slip through the cracks. At the same time it highlights just what some mothers are willing to do to provide for their children. The hunt for the “bad guy” will leave you guessing – with a shocking outcome.

Once again Cole has woven a tale filled with intrigue, love and a battle against the darker parts of our nature. The characters are haunting, and even those that you can’t wait to see get their comeuppance, will have you feeling a little sorry for the way circumstances have twisted them. The plot is thick with twists and turns and packs plenty of punch as we experience the action from plenty of different angles.

Well worth a read!

Headline Publishing Group

ISBN-10           0747255415

ISBN-13           9780747255413

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Google alerts brought me a nice new review for Sharp Shooter over at The Southland Times. “This has plenty of humour, real people and action galore. I’m looking forward to the next one in the series.”

I’ve also seen a rough of the new cover and it’s going to be great. Same theme, bright colours, Tara looking like she means business! Can’t wait to share but it needs a few tweaks yet.

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As I sit down to my manuscript for book 2 today, I find Tara is up to hijinks again. I swear she does it when I’m not around and then I have to come in and clean up the mess!

And here’s a review that’s popped up in the Townsville Bulletin.

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I love stumbling across nice reviews! Gloss Magazine in NZ said this about Sharp Shooter…  ’At times absolutely hilarious, this book is a fantastic escapist easy read – perfect for a rainy Sunday or a long day at the beach. I read it in a day. Really enjoyable.’  4/5

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Tara Sharp has her own Facebook page. As of sometime next week, you’ll be able to follow some ‘inbetween books’ stories of Tara’s exploits as told through her Facebook page. They’ll be short, funny punchy mysteries to keep you entertained while you wait for the next book – and they are for free. Spread the word among your mates to sign up now as one of Tara’s friends and catch the beginning of the first story.

And over at TICON4 you can read a new review for Sharp Shooter.

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This review has been posted on We Read by Maree:

Sharp Shooter is the first adventure (but hopefully not the last) of aura-reading, crime-fighting Aussie chick Tara Sharp, who manages to get herself in all sorts of trouble despite the fact she lives at home with her parents & a couple of crazy pet galahs. This genre isn’t my usual read (the cover says for fans of Evanovich – I’ve never read one of her books) but the fast-paced action, humour and cast of nutty characters make reading this book an absolute hoot! It’s set in the author’s home town of Perth, and there are lots of great little Aussie touches. I loved the way the author, Marianne Delacourt, brought all the threads of this crime-fighting mystery together at the end, while, I’m hoping, paving the way for more adventures for this feisty Perth chick. A fun read, perfect for the beach. 4/5

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