Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist, is all set to start examining some Peruvian mummy dogs when an apparent hit and run takes her attention. The girl has no identification, no house key, and no personal belongings except for a tiny pink shoulder purse. She seems so alone. Temperance is determined to find out who she is and why she is alone. To complicate things, her impending ex asks her to be a consultant in a military inquiry. It seems that a marine, a nephew of a friend, has been accused of murdering unarmed civilians in Afghanistan. The bodies are about to be exhumed and Temperance has been asked to determine bullet trajectory. And, by the way, she needs to fly to Afghanistan immediately.

This quick paced adventure takes us from Georgia to Afghanistan and back. The background detail is great, especially in Afghanistan, where the constant threat from insurgents is felt on every page. I like Temperance. She is a very believable character with a great personality. Although it required a stretch of the imagination to accommodate the interweaving of all the plot threads, I enjoyed this well-written book.

eGalley review Publication date 8.27.13