Ep 7. Kathy Reichs

Hardcover Mysteries is a fascinating series that takes viewers behind-the-scenes of some of the most gripping and mysterious works of fiction. Each episode follows the journey of a different author as they reveal the inspiration for their work, the creative process and the secrets that lie within the pages of their books.

In season 1 episode 7, we follow the acclaimed author Kathy Reichs, who is known for her bestselling crime novels and the TV series based on her work, Bones. Reichs is not only a writer, but she's also a forensic anthropologist, which gives her a unique perspective on storytelling.

The episode begins with a glimpse into Reichs' childhood and how she developed an interest in science. She was fascinated with skeletons and would often collect animal bones in the woods near her home. Little did she know that her childhood hobby would lead her to a career as a forensic anthropologist and later, a writer.

Reichs' debut novel, Deja Dead, was published in 1997 and introduced readers to her protagonist, Temperance Brennan. Brennan is a forensic anthropologist who solves crimes using bone analysis and forensic science. The character was inspired by Reichs' own experiences working in the field, and the episode shows how she blends fact with fiction to create her compelling stories.

One of the most interesting parts of the episode is when Reichs takes viewers on a tour of her lab, showing them how she examines bones and identifies the cause of death. She talks about the challenges of working with decomposed and burned remains and how that translates into her writing.

The show also offers a glimpse into Reichs' creative process. She talks about how she starts each book with a crime scene in mind and then works backward to figure out how the crime was committed. She also discusses how she uses real-life cases as inspiration and how she weaves those elements into her novels.

Reichs is a prolific writer, having published over 20 books in the Temperance Brennan series as well as several standalone novels. The episode touches on some of her most popular titles, including Deja Dead, Grave Secrets, and Cross Bones. It also highlights how her books have been adapted into the hit TV series Bones, which ran for 12 seasons.

Throughout the episode, Reichs proves to be an engaging and insightful storyteller. She talks openly about her struggles with dyslexia and how it has influenced her writing. She also shares personal anecdotes about her experiences working on criminal cases and how they have impacted her life.

Overall, Hardcover Mysteries season 1 episode 7 is a fascinating look at the life and work of Kathy Reichs. It's a must-see for fans of crime novels, forensic science, and anyone who's interested in the creative process behind writing bestselling books.