by Kathy Reichs
Part of Temperance Brennan, book 22
First published 2023
Temperance Brennan arrives in Turks and Caicos to examine a lightning strike victim. She discovers an unusual tattoo that connects to a disturbing pattern. Young male tourists have been vanishing from the islands for years. Seven years ago, the first victim turned up with his hands severed. The others disappeared completely. Recently, new evidence surfaces that only Tempe can decode. The victims share nothing obvious except the bizarre places where their remains appear. All seemed unlikely targets for violence. Tempe considers whether gang violence explains the crimes, but the evidence points elsewhere. She uncovers clues suggesting the stakes extend far beyond the islands. A dangerous new technology threatens global consequences. Time runs short as Tempe races to solve the mystery. Soon she realizes the killer has marked her as the next target.
Genres: adventure, mystery, crime, thriller
Vibes: dark, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, race-against-time, targeted-protagonist
Setting: Turks and Caicos
320 pages · Hardcover · Scribner
Content warnings: violence