Temperance Brennan books in order

Q: "How many books are in the Temperance Brennan series?"

"There are 33 books in the Temperance Brennan series, published between 1997 and 2025."

Q: "What is the first book in the Temperance Brennan series?"

"The first book in the Temperance Brennan series is First Bones, published in 2020."

Q: "Do you need to read the Temperance Brennan books in order?"

"Each book works as a standalone mystery, but reading in order lets you follow Tempe's personal life and relationships as they develop across the series. Starting with Deja Dead gives the best introduction to the character."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	First Bones	2020	Kathy Reichs	N/A
2	Déjà Dead	1997	Kathy Reichs	Buy
3	Csont és bőr	1999	Kathy Reichs	N/A
4	Death du Jour	1999	Kathy Reichs	Buy
5	Deadly Decisions	2000	Kathy Reichs	Buy
6	Fatal Voyage	2001	Kathy Reichs	Buy
7	Voyage fatal	2001	Kathy Reichs	N/A
8	Grave Secrets	2002	Kathy Reichs	Buy
9	Síri titkok	2002	Kathy Reichs	N/A
10	Bare Bones	2003	Kathy Reichs	Buy
11	Monday Mourning	2004	Kathy Reichs	Buy
12	Cross Bones	2005	Kathy Reichs	Buy
13	Break No Bones	2006	Kathy Reichs	Buy
14	Bones to Ashes	2007	Kathy Reichs	Buy
15	Devil Bones	2008	Kathy Reichs	Buy
16	206 Bones	2009	Kathy Reichs	Buy
17	Spider Bones	2010	Kathy Reichs	N/A
18	Spider Bones / Mortal Remains	2010	Kathy Reichs	Buy
19	Flash and Bones	2011	Kathy Reichs	Buy
20	Bones Are Forever	2012	Kathy Reichs	Buy
21	Bones in Her Pocket	2013	Kathy Reichs	Buy
22	Bones ofthe Lost	2013	Kathy Reichs	Buy
23	Swamp Bones	2014	Kathy Reichs	Buy
24	Bones Never Lie	2014	Kathy Reichs	Buy
25	Bones on Ice	2015	Kathy Reichs	Buy
26	Speaking in Bones	2015	Kathy Reichs	Buy
27	Faking a Murderer	2017	Kathy Reichs	N/A
28	A Conspiracy of Bones	2018	Kathy Reichs	Buy
29	The Bone Code	2021	Kathy Reichs	Buy
30	Cold, Cold Bones	2022	Kathy Reichs	Buy
31	The Bone Hacker	2023	Kathy Reichs	Buy
32	Fire and Bones	2024	Kathy Reichs	Buy
33	Evil Bones	2025	Kathy Reichs	Buy

The Temperance Brennan series follows forensic anthropologist Tempe Brennan as she uses her expertise with bones and human remains to help solve crimes. Set primarily in Charlotte, North Carolina and Montreal, Quebec, the books draw heavily on author Kathy Reichs’ own career in forensic anthropology.

Starting with Deja Dead in 1997, the series has grown to over thirty novels. Each book centers on a new case that requires Tempe’s specialized knowledge, while her personal life — relationships, family complications, and professional rivalries — develops across the series. The books inspired the TV show Bones, though the television version of the character differs from the novels.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in the Temperance Brennan series?

There are 33 books in the Temperance Brennan series, published between 1997 and 2025.

What is the first book in the Temperance Brennan series?

The first book in the Temperance Brennan series is First Bones, published in 2020.

Do you need to read the Temperance Brennan books in order?

Each book works as a standalone mystery, but reading in order lets you follow Tempe’s personal life and relationships as they develop across the series. Starting with Deja Dead gives the best introduction to the character.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order