Kathy Reichs is an American crime writer, forensic anthropologist, and academic. She is best known for her series of novels featuring the character Temperance Brennan. Reichs' novels are heavily influenced by her own experiences as a forensic anthropologist, which she uses to weave intricate plots and authentic forensic detail into her stories.
- Kathy Reichs was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1950.
- She earned a Ph.D. in physical anthropology from Northwestern University in 1977.
- Reichs has worked as a forensic anthropologist for both the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in North Carolina and the Laboratoire des sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale in Quebec.
- She began writing fiction in the late 1990s and published her first novel, Deja Dead, in 1997.
- To date, Reichs has published over twenty novels, several of which have been adapted for television.
- In addition to her writing, Reichs has also worked as a consultant for the popular television show Bones, which is based on her books.
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Reichs' debut novel, which introduces the character of Temperance Brennan and follows her investigation into a serial killer in Montreal.
The seventeenth novel in the series, in which Brennan investigates a cold case involving a missing young girl.
The eighteenth novel in the series, which sees Brennan investigating the murder of a controversial personality and uncovering a web of deception and betrayal.
While the TV show Bones was inspired by Reichs' novels and shares some character names and concepts, the books and the show are quite different. The novels often feature more complex plots and deal with darker subject matter, while the show has a more lighthearted, procedural tone.
Reichs' novels deal with mature themes and contain graphic descriptions of violence and death, so they are not typically recommended for young audiences.
Reichs draws heavily on her own experiences as a forensic anthropologist, as well as consulting with experts in fields such as pathology, law enforcement, and other medical specialties.
Reichs' writing style is often described as fast-paced and detailed. Her novels are known for their intricate plotting, scientific accuracy, and authentic forensic detail.
While each of Reichs' novels can be read as a standalone story, they do follow a chronological sequence and certain plot points may carry over from one book to the next, so it is recommended to read them in order.