I was disappointed in Kathy Reichs' last Temperance book and am so glad she has now returned to form. Back are all the familiar elements: the ubiquitous Birdie, Ryan (fallible once more), the angst, the mystery, the suspenseful writing .. No trace of Mama, whom I found very annoying last time out, or Slidell, thank goodness. The story is original and intriguing and maintains the character of the series. Just enough technical jargon to keep it on point, without straying into the realms of fantasy. I shall await the next instalment with interest.