Into the Woods

Forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan returns to the scene of the crime—for the 19th time— in Kathy Reichs’ latest novel, A Conspiracy of Bones.

- YOLANDA CROUS

As a forensic anthropologist, Kathy Reichs spent decades helping put murderers away before becoming inspired to fictionalize her experiences with the creation of heroine Temperance Brennan. The resulting best-selling novels, in turn, inspired the 12-season TV juggernaut Bones. Now Brennan is back in A Conspiracy of Bones, which begins when a man without a face or hands is discovered in the woods. Watch talked to Reichs, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, about mystery, murder, and why Stephen King’s advice doesn’t work for her.

When this book catches up with Temperance, what’s happening in her life?

She’s not in a good place. She’s got issues with her boss. She’s got health issues. Part of the fun of a murder mystery is to follow the clues and see if you can solve it, but you also want to get involved in the life of the heroine.