Deja Dead: A Novel

Written by Kathy Reichs

Narrated by Amy Irving

From the New York Times bestselling author of Speaking in Bones, the first Temperance Brennan novel in the “cleverly plotted and expertly maintained series” (The New York Times Book Review).

Her life is devoted to justice—even for those she never knew.

In the year since Temperance Brennan left behind a shaky marriage in North Carolina, work has often preempted her weekend plans to explore Quebec. When a female corpse is discovered meticulously dismembered and stashed in trash bags, Temperance detects an alarming pattern—and she plunges into a harrowing search for a killer. But her investigation is about to place those closest to her—her best friend and her own daughter—in mortal danger…

“A genius at building suspense” (Daily News, New York), Kathy Reichs’s Temperance Brennan books are ripe with intricate settings and memorable characters” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).

• Language: English
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Release date: Sep 1, 1997
• ISBN: 9780743546201

Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs’s first novel Déjà Dead, published in 1997, won the Ellis Award for Best First Novel and was an international bestseller. Fire and Bones is Reichs’s twenty-third novel featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. Reichs was also a producer of Fox Television’s longest running scripted drama, Bones, which was based on her work and her novels. One of very few forensic anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, Reichs divides her time between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina. Visit her at KathyReichs.com or follow her on Twitter @KathyReichs, Instagram @KathyReichs, or Facebook @KathyReichsBooks. 

Reviews for Deja Dead

[mpolino_3 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

After reading a number of the Temperance Brennan novels I finally got around to Kathy Reich's debut novel and I found that I enjoyed it more than some of the subsequent novels. Without giving anything away, I definitely see a pattern of Brennan discovers killer, killer comes after Brennan, somebody else saves Brennan. The pattern gets thin over time but I can certainly see why this book was a hit.

[catalogthis · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Reichs doesn't spare the details or dumb the forensics down for the reader, which is something I appreciate. This version of Temperance Brennan is much more interesting than her TV counterpart (no offense to Emily Deschanel intended). I can't help but wince some of these similes though: "I still couldn't escape the feeling.... It gnawed at me like a hamster with a carrot." And three pages later, this gem: "I needed him here like I needed a yeast infection." Ouch.Either she eases off on the goofy language later in the book, or I got so wrapped up in the action that I sent my inner snob packing and just lost myself in the story. Whatever the case, I was glued to the pages for the second half.

[elvisettey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was my first foray in this series, and I'm not sure who this book is targeted at. People who like hard-core forensic science coupled with damsel in distress scenerios? People who like brainy women who do incredibly stupid things? The ability to live with paradox is a must in reading this book. Can you really believe that the woman who pulls off stunning, inventive forensic breakthroughs (described in excruciating detail) is the same woman who will go on a body-hunt at night . . . alone . . . in the middle of a storm?It was a first novel. Maybe the series gets better. It has the workings for improvement: good setting, characters with potential for improvement (they're interesting enough; if some of their paradoxes and inconsisties could be resolved, then they could grow, and if there could be established a strong supporting cast, that would help all the more-- there's not one yet), interesting legal setup. Needs some editing in the forensics parts; we don't need a whole chapter on photo enlargement. Some forensics is good; we're pushing the threshold here. I haven't seen the TV series and can't compare the book to that.

[becky_mckenna-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I've been on a rough ride with my mystery books this week. Kathy Reich has crafted a highly intelligent thriller with very realistic detail when it comes to the forensic science of the investigation. I'm curious about Tempe and sense the sadness in her over her recent divorce. Despite her personal difficulties, she's a brilliant forensic anthropologist and makes fantastic contributions to the investigating crime team, even though the men seemed to be dismissive more often than not. It took a bit to warm up to Ryan, but in the end I could appreciate both Ryan and Claudel.

I've never watched the TV series "Bones" (hey...I'm a bookworm, okay?) so I can't speak to any comparisons, but the actual plot and execution of the actual story was excellent. I don't mind all the French, it provided a unique feel for the Montreal setting. What killed things for me? All the unnecessary descriptive text that made this painful to finish. It cost this book severely. Otherwise, it could've easily been a five star read. After finishing the book, I learned there is an abridged audio version, which is equal to about 170 pages, therefore eliminating all that wordiness.

I'm sure Ms. Reichs has grown immensely in her writing skills since this was first written and the series has come to be very successful. I'll continue to read her work, but will avoid unabridged versions until I get to more current books.

[eadieb-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

TV show, Bones, is based upon this series. Tempe Brennan, Quebec‘s director of forensic anthropology, is in search of a serial killer which has killed her best friend and has her daughter in mortal danger. A slow beginning but fascinating look of working in a coroner‘s office. Harrowing plot and characters. Impeccable writing and suspenseful. Looking forward to book 2 and recommended to those who love gripping thrillers.

[bookconcierge · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I arrived late to the party of fans of this author. This is a good mystery starring Tempe Brennan, forensic anthropologist. I'll definitely read more.

[melzyrose90-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Let me preface this review by stating that the Tempe Brennan series from Kathy Reichs is absolutely not what you see on the tv series, Bones. If that is what you are hoping for/ expecting, you may want to walk away from these books. However, considering Deja Dead is a reread for me, I was anticipating this major difference.First off, while the version of Dr. Brennan in this novel differs significantly than the TV counterpart, I actually found that I preferred the book character on account of the extra dimension; Tempe's flaws, along with the added back story, made her character appear more human to audiences. My only disappointment in the character department is that there is no Booth; however, I have high hopes for Detective Ryan.As for the actual story, the mystery was pretty decent with an adrenaline-pumping resolution, although I did notice that there were a few points where the story got bogged down with medical jargon and procedures. Also, as other readers have noted, there were a few too many similes throughout the novel. However, personally, I did not find these complaints a complete 'book-ruiner' as, for the most part, I did enjoy Deja Dead.In terms of the narration, there is not much to say other than it was not good. While I did get used to it (somewhat), there were an awful lot of mouth sounds and other noises coming through in the audio that were unpleasant to listen to.Overall, despite poor narration, Deja Dead was an intriguing enough serial killer mystery that I would probably recommend to my fellow crime/thriller fans.I look forward to checking out the rest of the series.

[lyndainoregon · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Similar to Patricia Cornwall's stuff. Temperance Brennan is a forensic pathologist working in Quebec. The writing is good and the character likeable, but this first book in the series is marred by the main character going all Nancy Drew and doing really dumb things in her pursuit of a serial killer the cops don't believe exists.

[deaconbernie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an overly long book that tells a thrilling tale while psychologically evaluating the principal character. She vacillates between teaching us and sharing her terror of the moment. The Temperance Brennan of Reichs' books is very different from the character in the TV series "Bones." I will, however, keep reading Reichs.

[jennybeast · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Ok, so I like the Bones tv series, but haven't watched it in ages. I thought this would be a good way to get a different POV on that character -- my bad, this book series is not the same as the tv show at all. Despite the same character name, these books are about Fictional Temperance Brennan. The tv show is based on fictional Kathy Reichs. Fascinating, but not what I was expecting to read at all, so I'm not sure how much my reaction to the book was colored by disappointment that it wasn't what I was expecting to read.

This is a perfectly solid thriller-y sort of mystery, with a refreshingly 40-something protagonist, really interesting forensic science, and a great setting in Quebec. The plot and pacing worked well, the story is a good one. The reason that it has a low star rating from me is because I found the main character to be infuriating to read. At one point she goes on and on about how one of her colleagues is a misogynist who won't listen to her -- something that frustrates her a lot. She's offended that he thinks she's a loose cannon who doesn't listen to anyone and is always going her own way, even when it's bad for the investigation and for the department and for her own safety. -- all that would be fine, but then she turns around and does absolutely everything he says -- she's a loose cannon who doesn't listen to anyone and is always going her own way, even when it's bad for the investigation and for the department and for her own safety -- consistently, pigheadedly, and stupidly. It was beyond irritating, and I'm definitely not going to continue reading this series. I read for character, this character isn't for me.

[destinyisntfree · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have long been a fan of the TV show Bones. When I found out the series was based on books, I dove right in, looking forward to getting my fix while waiting for the newest episodes to be available on Hulu.

I was rather surprised to see how much different the book was from the television show. I was absolutely floored, honestly, as there were so many drastic differences from what I was expecting. I always do this to myself. If I watch something, I have to read the book. If I read and enjoy the book, I have to watch whatever was based off of it or vise versa. I really should stop that. The two can never coincide close enough.

But overall, I really enjoyed the book. While I was disappointed in some of the differences, those differences also kept me interested because it was hard to know what would be coming next.

From start to finish this is a heart pounding, action packed novel that will keep you guessing and keep you on your toes. If you love a good murder mystery, you definitely want to pick this one up and give it a read.

[payday1999-430350 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I picked this book up because I really like the Bones TV show and I was expecting something different than what I got. Even though it was different, I still enjoyed this book. If you take it away from the Bones series and think of it as a different entity the book is pretty good.

[lamour_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Dr. Temperance Brennan is the forensic anthropologist for Quebec. Her specialty is bones. In the case that she is involved with her, a body is discovered buried in plastic bags and in an advanced status of decomposition. Reichs pulls no punches in her descriptions of what the technicians experience as they carefully uncover and remove a body from a burial site. In this case, the bodies have been dismembered and some parts such as the hands and head may be missing.Convinced that this murder is very similar to an earlier case from a year ago, Brennan starts to suspect a serial killer. However the police with whom she works do not agree and one detective takes a very hostile attitude her and challenges her at every turn. As she digs deeper into the murders that in her view have reached five, her life appears to be threatened.While the narrative makes the book difficult to put down, the reader will also learn a great deal about the science of death, crime labs and forensic anthropology.

[amandanan · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Heavy with jargon but she paints vivid scenes with all her details. I figured out the end before I read it, and I didn't cheat! I read it on my Kindle and it's too difficult to "flip to the last page."

[gbelik_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is the first Temperance Brennan novel and is a good introduction to the character and her work.

[tvnerd95 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

So I went back and re-read this one because in the recent Tempe books she is started to get on my nerves. Well apparently when I was younger, her characteristics didn’t bother me but this re-read found me wanting to strangle her as much as the killer wanted to. So this will be a ramble fest – I apologize in advance.

The mystery is very intriguing and it really grips you but I found myself going “just spit it out” a lot because I felt like the characters new something but wouldn’t admit until the author was ready. Not a big problem but the author kept dropping hints and you’re like just say it.

Temperance Brennan has got to be one of the most annoying characters ever written. She really shows a lack of something as it relates to her relationship with the law enforcement side of the house. Sometimes you’re like this is completely unrealistic and put in the book to simply allow for Dr. Brennan to be put in dangerous situations. There were many times when she should have just waited for one of the police officers to call her back versus charging out there. She spends most of the book griping and bitching about and at her best friend which makes it very hard to understand her concern for Gabby’s welfare.

The other thing I noticed is that Dr. Brennan seems to be plaqued by the same things over and over in each book. A disgruntled co-worker who may or may not file a complaint against her, a complete disregard for the police’s ability to do their job because she would rather risked her own life than put them at risk, a family/friend/loved one in danger – I probably should not have read this book after reading some of the other ones.

I know you are wondering why then did I give 3 stars. Well for one the supporting characters, the mystery and the actual villain were very good and for two the narrator, Barbara Rosenblat, does do a great job for this book. I like the way she gives Dr. Brennan’s inner monologue a different tone so that you can recognize it and she does an excellent job with all the different characters and accents.

[starknits_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Tempe isn't as awesome as she is in the show but she's still pretty cool! I look forward to the next book

[aliceanna-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Has nothing in common with the character from Bones except for sex, name and occupation. But that's OK. This Temperance Brennan was pretty entertaining as well. Good for a debut novel although several plot points were telegraphed way ahead of time. The one thing that bugged the hell out of me was that in the days before cell phones were ubiquitous everyone had a pager but in the book nobody could ever get in touch with anyone with the police? So dumb. But it set up Brennan's solo "heroics" I suppose. Frankly, she wasn't terribly bright with how she put herself and others in danger all the freaking time. Wait. Now that I think about it, I'm deducting another half star for a reckless female character too stubborn for anyone's good. I think I'll try one more in the series before I decide whether or not, she's worth my time.

[dasam-5 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Like much amateurish plotting, Reichs feels the need to have her main characterful do stupid things to increase the suspense. Brennan is supposedly a brilliant woman. But even after she convinces her colleagues that there is a serial killer, she goes out on her own to investigate and put herself at risk. And when it is clear to everyone that she is herself being stalked, no one guards her except almost by accident in the end. Silly. Ruins a decent book.

[leslie398 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was disappointed by some of the incredibly stupid things that Brennan did. Her character was quite different from what I had expected from the TV show - in some ways better, but in others worse. I might have given this 3* if it had been half as long...Also I found Rosenblat's audible swallowing sounds irritating in the audiobook narration.

[jbarringer-2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Brennan is no more sensible in this book than she is in the TV show, but at least in this book the focus is more on the forensics and criminal investigation, not so much on Brennan's romantic interests and lack of social skills. She seems to have a tendency to not see threats to her own safety, and she makes really stupid decisions about going off investigating dangerous places and people alone, which strains credulity sometimes. Still, for a crime series, I liked this one so far.

[northern_light-1 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

As a big fan of the Scarpetta novels I picked up this book as it was said by some to be even better! How anyone came to that conclusion is beyond me.

Temperance Brennan is a forensic pathologist in Montreal and called to look at bones discovers a possible link to previous bodies.

Sadly this book seems to be a poor imitation of the Scarpetta books from the lone female who has difficult relationships and a daughter (a niece in PC's books), to a police officer who she lusts after!

I did enjoy the way we were taken into the language and culture of the area but it went on and on and times.

The story-line was at times rather convoluted and rather hard to believe.

It could have been a lot better if it had been more original and not relied on cliches.

[smilez4u1390 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Although the overall story was interesting and thrilling, I found this book to be a bit slow. The main character's inner dialogue often seemed distracting and rather took away from the excitement of the story.

[andrew1theqm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A good overall story line, but longer than it needs to be. Slow moving in sections and too desriptive, at times. Less technical detail would be an improvement. Her first book but would be happy to read another to see if style improves.

[theyodamom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

4.5 stars. Dark, gory, realistic, deeply disturbing and seeping with mystery and twists. Tempe takes on on a medical anthropologists journey through some very nasty and too close for comfort cases she is involved in. We live every detail with her, all the descriptions graphically described and discussed. Yes, I enjoyed it thoroughly, even if it left my with an upset stomach.
My first reading of this author. I will read her work again, but I don't think I'll rush out to get it. I need a break.

[kristymk18-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first thing I suggest before reading this book, which inspired the TV show, Bones, is to completely separate the two in your mind. I love the show, and had heard it varied greatly from Reichs' books, therefore I was hesitant to pick them up. But, my curiosity (thankfully) got the best of me and I decided to go into Deja Vu with my mind a blank slate.

The story revolves around Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist, who transplanted from North Carolina to Montreal. Here, she is thrust into the search for a killer, working with the Montreal police (who seem a bit chauvinistic) to try and find justice. Throughout the book Brennan tends to go off on her own, without police protection, in order to gather more clues or flush out leads and ideas she has. Part of this is due to the fact that (many of) the detectives do not take her seriously; however, there were times I was smacking my forehead wondering why she'd do something so foolish. Still, she discovers evidence and information that proved vital to the investigation. As the killer gets more bold, the stakes rise and soon it is Brennan who is in danger.

I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of characters and hope to see them in the next book. Their wry humor fits nicely with the police and crime scene setting. Brennan's internal dialogue touched on an array of topics from sports to religion to literature. It makes her character so much more multi-dimensional than if she was only strictly a brain. My favorite are all of the random sport cliches she throws in to motivate herself.

Deja Vutakes place in 1994 and you are thrown back to a time where there are no cell phones or internet (except for university email that is rarely used). It is an added frustration and common occurrence that no one can ever be reached by phone. The earlier invention of the cell phone could have saved them from so many issues!

I had no problem delving into Deja Vu and devouring the world and mysteries Reichs had created. I actually enjoyed how different it is from Bones as I felt I was reading something entirely new and had no need to compare the nuances of the two.

[creighley_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The books is one of the from which the TV sjhow, Bones, was adapted. Temperance's marriage is in shambles and she has gone to Quebec to explore the city. She finds herself involved in trying to solve the brutal murders of several females. (Very different from the TV series.)

[daniexj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A dead woman is found partially disjointed and in a state of advanced decomposition. So, Doctor Temperance Brennan gets called in.Temperance is a forensic anthropologist. So basically she's a sort of Medical Examiner who works on very, very decomposed bodies (or bodies who otherwise don't have anything but bones), and finds cause of death or even who the person is (or at least facts about age, height, sex, weight, etc.) from the bones.She has a daughter, a mostly ex-husband, and she also managed to live both in Montreal Canada and work with the ME there, as well as work in North Carolina as a professor and Forensic Anthropologist down here as well. (Although this book was only set in Canada).It was interesting how much back story Reichs got into this first novel in the series, and for the most part it didn't feel forced.The plot was a bit heavy on the foreshadowing, but the amazing characterization of the characters was awesome. Especially Detective Luc Claudel's story line, which was masterfully weaved through the entire plot of the novel and managed not to fall into cliches either.A great start to an interesting (if gruesome) forensic mystery series.

[csayban · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Temperance Brennan is the ideal main character to build a crime series around. Strong but flawed, Tempe shows the reader all sides in Deja Dead. Avoiding the heavily mined ground of detective leads, Reichs provides us the unique perspective of a forensic pathologist, which I thoroughly enjoyed for the educational value alone. But Reichs doesn't stop there. All of her characters are interesting and memorable. Strong dialog and turbulent relationships keep things entertaining and the pursuit of the killer is engaging and authentic. I am completely hooked on this series and am really looking forward to reading and collecting all of the installments - 17 and counting as of this review. Reichs has created a really gripping series with a wonderful lead character. I can't wait to read the next one.

[nelliemc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The first of the Temperance Brennan novels, like many probably I came to this by enjoying the TV show Bones. This is not the same. The Temperance Brennan here us an older woman, separated from her husband, living and working part time in Quebec and in S. Carolina. This book, the first in the series, is set entirely in Canada. It introduces what will no doubt be a continuous cast if characters, including the obligatory brooding policeman/ to be lover. The story is good, if a little too long, and there's a fair amount of dry forensics, but it's well-written, the characters are complex, and still likeable, overall a respectable debut and a cut above average for mystery novels.