Fire and Bones: A Temperance Brennan Novel

Reichs’s rewarding 23rd mystery featuring Temperance Brennan (after The Bone Hacker) finds the forensic anthropologist unraveling a complicated conspiracy in Washington, D.C. Brennan’s hopes for a getaway with her PI boyfriend are dashed by an urgent request from Jada Thacker, D.C.’s interim medical examiner, who’s probing a fire at an illegal Airbnb that killed four unidentified people. The case’s key questions—who was killed and whether the blaze was arson—are complicated by evidence that the building was used as a meth lab, and by Temperance’s discovery of a fifth corpse in the sub-basement. While investigating the building’s history, Temperance learns of its involvement in a 20th-century bootlegging operation, and decides to team up with a local journalist to learn more. Soon, more bodies pile up and other fires break out across the city, indicating the resurgence of a long-dormant gang. Reichs nimbly balances developments in Temperance’s romantic life with a propulsive investigation whose copious twists never feel cheap. Not only does this work as an entry point for series newcomers, it’s sure to satisfy longtime fans. (Aug.)