Book Review: Deadly Decisions (Temperance Brennan #3) by Kathy Reichs

I picked this one up cheap from a second hand bookshop over ten years ago. Having made the decision to embark on a reading challenge that involves reading all the books on my shelves, which 

a) have been there for too long (i.e. more than five years) and 

b) have been earmarked for a clear-out after reading, 

'Deadly Decisions' by Kathy Reichs fulfilled both criteria.

Deadly Decisions, Temperance Brennan #3 by Kathy Reichs

Despite never having read any of the books in Reich's Temperance Brennan series, I somehow knew that I wouldn't enjoy it. Previous attempts to get into the story never worked out and I gave up about two pages into the book.



I simply wasn't interested in the subject matter (biker gangs and revenge killings). In the end, I  finally persevered and completed reading it two days ago.

In Deadly Decisions, Tempe's professional involvement as a forensic anthropologist is required when a series of shootings claim the lives of rival bikers and lead investigators to discover further casualties, whose skeletons are unearthed within the perimeter of one of the bikers' clubhouses. Privately, Tempe is going through a rough time with her love interest, Andrew Ryan, and her nephew Kit, who conveniently happens to have a strong interest in all things Harley Davidson, decides to temporarily move in with her.

Forensic science buffs might enjoy Reichs's books. If detailed accounts of human anatomy or blood splatter analysis float your boat, then this book series won't disappoint. A forensic anthropologist herself, Reichs provides her readers with a great deal of insight into the field of forensics. 

All those who look for well-rounded plot lines, realistic characters or psychological suspense will be left disappointed. By and large, Deadly Decisions feels formulaic, contrived and is full of badly engineered coincidences, including Kit's profound interest in motorcycles and Ryan's presence in a biker bar just at the right time to 'save' Tempe from harm.

All in all, it wasn't as bad as expected and turned out to be a quick read, but I certainly wouldn't go out of my way to read another book in the series based on this experience. Having said that, I have Cross Bones (Temperance Brennan #8) on my shelf, which is also on my list of books to read and subsequently clear-out.

Judging by most of the reviews I have come across, Deadly Decisions is generally not considered the best book in the series, even amongst Reichs fans. I'm hoping that Cross Bones will be more enjoyable.