Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

The eleventh gripping Temperance Brennan thriller from world-class forensic anthropologist, Kathy Reichs, no.1 bestselling author of Break No Bones and Bones to AshesAn underground chamber is exposed in a seedy, dilapidated house with sagging trim and peeling paint...In the dark cellar, a ritualistic display is revealed. A human skull rests on a cauldron, surrounded by slain chickens and bizarre figurines. Beads and antlers dangle overhead.Called to the scene is forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan. Bony architecture suggests that the skull is that of a young, black female. But how did she die? And when? Then, just as Tempe is working to determine post-mortem interval, another body is discovered: a headless corpse carved with Satanic symbols.As citizen vigilantes, blaming Devil-worshippers, begin a witch-hunt, intent on revenge, Tempe struggles to keep her emotions in check. But the truth she eventually uncovers proves more shocking than even she could have imagined...

The first and last time I read Kathy Reichs was a very long time ago, and I don't even remember which Tempe title it was. I normally won't pick a book in the middle of a series but it sounded the most interesting in the very limited selection of audiobooks at the National Library of Malaysia via Overdrive, which I was keen to test drive.

Fortunately it didn't matter that I was starting in the middle. Dr Brennan's professional and private life were meticulously outlined and described so that a newcomer is all caught up. I imagine that if I were to read this in print, I would have skimmed over chunks of text describing scientific methods that only vaguely made sense to me. That was the most slow-moving parts.

I usually don't do audiobooks because I prefer print, but I've been looking for something to fill my time when I'm not engaging my brain in a passive task like walking to dog or doing chores.

Having said that, I've come to appreciate Lorelei King's voice acting through the 8-10 hours we spent together. Her range of voices and accents was impressive.