Deadly Décisions is the third Temperance Brennan novel by Kathy Reichs. This time around she is getting involved in the biker gang scene when she is asked to identify the remains of identical twin bikers, something that is rather difficult, and becomes determined to help as the explosion that caused their deaths also killed a little girl. She gets dragged farther in when the police in Montreal get word of some bodies buried on the grounds of the headquarters for a local biker gang. While investigating that they find an extra set of unrelated remains that may end up tying back to Charlotte and the biker gangs near there. As Tempe finds herself worried about the possibility of a biker war, due to a another biker showing up dead, she also finds out that her friend turned boyfriend and local detective Andrew Ryan has been charged with drug possession and dealing with considerable evidence against him. When her nephew Kit shows up she also has to worry about protecting not only herself but also him from what has the potential to be another deadly and explosive case.
This book is as impressive as the earlier books as it continues Brennan’s adventures and perils in solving crimes while also seamlessly switching between the heavy forensics and the heavy emotions on top of navigating between two drastically different settings, Charleston and Montreal. I have to admit that I am genuinely impressed by how well this is all blended together to create such a compelling story. Perhaps the best part is how believable this story is as I can easily see these events, or ones remarkably similar, potentially taking place in our world. I can tell just by reading how much research must take place to get that level of nitty-gritty reality that is present. Something I greatly appreciate about this series is the emphasis that is placed on proper police and forensic procedure. It may not be readily apparent but if you look it is there and fits perfectly into the story when included. I often find it frustrating when this gets overlooked in storied that really should address that. What makes the story entertaining is just how much Brennan wants to do whatever it takes to solve the crimes but is often constrained by those procedures and that is something I can totally agree with. Procedure is something that needs to be acknowledged as people need to be aware of how it works and how it restricts authorities. Getting back to the book though I was also rather impressed by the complexity of the storyline as the case, or cases, was exceedingly complex and convoluted. They were also interconnected in some surprising ways as well. I found myself just waiting to see how it would all play out at the end. I will admit that there were a few times I really wondered about Brennan considering everything that was happening. Overall it was a pretty good addition to a pretty good series so I am happy to give it four out of five stars.
This is a great example of the mystery or crime genre so if you happen to enjoy those you should really consider trying this one. It is technically part of a series but you can also more or less read it as a stand alone as well. The previous two books would provide some background knowledge on the character but have no bearing on the main storyline. This is aimed at adults and it does get rather graphic at times so I am going to agree with that one. While it could be read by younger readers I would say no one younger than about sixteen and only with the knowledge that it can get rather graphic and violent. It was good and fairly enjoyable though so if it sounds like your thing consider trying it. Remember to share your thoughts in the comments if you do.