Review: Deja Dead

Deja Dead Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Kathy Reichs
Class/Genre: Mystery Forensics Woman Main Character
Series: Dr. Temperance Brennan # 1

Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs has Temperance Brennan as a forensic anthropologist, like Reichs, herself. In this, her first novel, Reichs has Tempe seeing patterns in the forensics of the bodies she is examining that suggests a serial killer. However, the police aren't taking her seriously. Set in Montreal, Quebec, the dialogue and descriptions are salted, liberally, with French, most, but not all, were translated. Tempe, because she feels shunned by the police force, takes it on her own to doing some field investigation; alone -- in the dark -- unarmed. This gets her into trouble the first time out, but she keeps doing it.

All in all, I liked the book, but I had a few minor problems with it. First, was the French. I understand the saying, "When in Rome..." but I don't have a head for the French language and I find it incredibly distracting to wade through. Secondly, I don't understand why the police wouldn't take her observations seriously. Why else would she even work there in that capacity if to be ignored when something's found? Sure, it aids in the suspense, but without some reason, it seemed a bit of a stretch. Third, given that she's ignored, her solution to do her own investigation seemed amateurish (of the character, not of Reichs). Finally, the relationship with her friend, Gabby, seemed too strained. I kept wondering why were friends at all. Gabby would call Tempe for support or help with a problem, but then wouldn't tell her what the problem was. As soon as Gabby was out of "harms way", she'd clam up.

In spite of these, I really enjoyed the book. Most of the above were minor annoyances. I'd just finished a short, fast and easy read, so maybe I just wasn't ready for something more robust. The French thing will probably keep me front going to the follow-ups too quickly, but I will definitely get back to her. I saw a special on A&E about Kathy Reichs' day job, which I found fascinating (I didn't know she was a forensic anthropologist). That is why I picked this up in the first place. I liked the forensic science. I liked how the seemingly unrelated events resolved themselves. I liked the growing relationship between Tempe and Ryan. And, who knows, maybe this series will even motivate me to learn French.

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jeff Kreider - RAM

Book Review: Deja Dead