Kathy Reichs Quotes & Sayings

Parallel tough-guy nods. Man fix boat! Man be strong!
"What now?" I asked, hoping to divert the two from actually beating their chests. — Kathy Reichs

Baravetto was unconscious when we found him," Hi said. "What'd you do to the guy?"
"Kicked him in the balls, then brained him with a rolling pin. Twice. — Kathy Reichs

I rolled my eyes. "Kit is looking for a job in Nova Scotia."
"Canada?" Despite everything, Hi chuckled. "Have a good time, eh? Don't fight with any moose. Meese. Whatever."
"Shut up." Against all expectation, I giggled. At least I had my friends. — Kathy Reichs

Won't you take me to Monkey-Town? — Kathy Reichs

Whom to invite? Upon which gallant young men should I bestow the honor of walking me across a ballroom three time?
Such a hot ticket. I don't want to start a riot. — Kathy Reichs

I tend to watch a lot of movies at home. It's nice to be close to the refrigerator with my pyjamas on and just relax. — Kathy Reichs

Booth: "You're a smart ass, you know that?"
Brennan: "Objectively I'd say I'm very smart, although it has nothing to do with my ass. — Kathy Reichs

The air's okay," Jake — Kathy Reichs

Many fiction writers who put the science in don't get it right. — Kathy Reichs

An elite confederacy of nerds. My peeps — Kathy Reichs

Most Bolton students were scions of the city's wealthiest families. My crewe stuck out like hooker at church. We werent part of their pampered, priveliged world, and many of our classmates were quick to remind us of that fact. Taunting the "boat kids" was practically a varsity sport. — Kathy Reichs

Contacting a government office on a weekend is like phoning the Pope on Easter morning. — Kathy Reichs

My first book was the most successful debut novel in the U.K. ever and every one of my books has reached number one in the U.K. Clearly the British know brilliance when they see it. — Kathy Reichs

Jordan's gone, bros." Cole wiped crumbs from his greasy sweatshirt. "He bugged out right after you jokers gave him the third degree. Said CU wasn't for him." He snorted. "Y'all are, like, the leading cause of dropout around here. — Kathy Reichs

You all right now?"
"I'm exceptional. Wonderful. Thanks for the concern. You complete me. — Kathy Reichs

Ideas come easily to me, enacting them comes harder. I usually let things go. Perhaps it's an escape hatch, my way of allowing myself to double back and ease out the side door on a lot of my schemes. Irresolute about my social life, obsessive in my work. — Kathy Reichs

If you want to be an anthropologist, you need to study physical anthropology specialized in bones. If you want to be a forensic chemist, get a degree in chemistry. Do you want to do DNA work? Get a degree in microbiology. And do well. Study hard and go to graduate school. — Kathy Reichs

Amazing." Hi stripped off his shirt, wrung it out. "Score one for your honker." "Thanks, I think." I cocked my chin at Hi's substantial midsection. "Nice abs." "Yeah, I work out twice a month. No expectations. But stop hitting on me, it's embarrassing. — Kathy Reichs

One of the surprising things I hadn't expected when I decided to write crime fiction is how much you are expected to be out in front of the public. Some writers aren't comfortable with that. I don't have a problem with that. — Kathy Reichs

Yo, warden. When do we eat around here? I'm hypoglycemic, plus I've got a hernia. And rabies simplex D. Basically, I need a ton of pills or my arms will fall off. — Kathy Reichs

As a pirate, she once undressed a fencing instructor using only her sword! — Kathy Reichs

Tell me why, Been. Why would you trick us in the first place?"
Ben stopped pacing. Looked directly at me. "Don't you know?'
I shook my head,confused.
"To impress you, Victoria Brennan." His voice cracked. "I wanted you to think that I was special."
The words rocked me.
Oh, Ben.
"He'd started this madness ... for me?
'You were spending all that time with Jason," Ben said softly, staring at his shoes. "skipping around town with your new perfect guy. Cotillion this. fund-raiser that. I hated it. Hated him. When I finally told Rome, he said that I needed to amaze you. Said I needed to figure out a way to make you see me. — Kathy Reichs

Hi shook his head. The guy's not a rocket scientist. Or a rock scientist. He's dumb, is what I'm saying. — Kathy Reichs

Who's going to rob us? A crackhead crab? A jellyfish junkie? — Kathy Reichs

Irritation. The right lower limb was visible through a fresh cut in the plastic. — Kathy Reichs

Back home, I ate Bojangles chicken with Bird and watched a rerun of 'Bones.' For some reason, the cat is nuts about Hodgins.

(From Dr. Tempe Brennan in "Bones Never Lie" by Kathy Reichs. It made me chuckle!) — Kathy Reichs

Hi, already doused, was nonchalant. "Did the bad Indian throw you in the water, boy?" Taking a knee, he ruffled Coop's ears. "Been there."
Hi was referring to Ben's claim of ties to the Sewee, a North American clan folded into the Catawba tribe centuries ago. He'd even named his boat Sewee.
"I feel your pain," Hi continued. "Thanksgiving was a huge mistake."
Coop licked Hi's face.
"Not nice," I joked. "You'll sour Jewish-Sewee relations."
"It's true, I take it back," Hi said. "Our peoples have a rich history of mutual respect. Long live the alliance! — Kathy Reichs

Remember, I might be the wind, but you control the kite. — Kathy Reichs

I desecrated my own house?" Chance snorted in disbelief. "Then swam out to Fort Sumter and played paint-by-numbers on the walls, all to make Benjamin Blue like me? Don't flatter yourself, kid."
Ben's eyes cut like diamonds. "You act like such a big shot. But you don't fool me. Do you have any friends, Chance? Is there a single person who cares where you are right now?"
"Ben!" I blurted, horrified. "That's not - "
"You're one to talk." Chance stepped closer to Ben and matched him glare for glare. "I've never betrayed my friends. Not like you, eh, Benjamin?"
Ben's whole body went still. "What did you say?"
"Guys, guys!" Hi half rose, palms up. "There's no need for anyone to get upset. I've got Go-Gurt in the mini-fridge. I know when I get hungry, my manners can - "
"Shut up, Hi." Ben and Chance, in unison. — Kathy Reichs

Or was the chill I felt triggered by forces other than wind? — Kathy Reichs

Okay. Computer and — Kathy Reichs

Ben smiled for the first time all afternoon. It was nice to see. When he deigned to flash his pearly whites, Ben went from sullen boy to charming young man. I much preferred the latter. — Kathy Reichs

I work with the dead, but I am working for the living. — Kathy Reichs

I've been accused of being a minimalist writer. I don't like a lot of verbiage in there. — Kathy Reichs

Death in anonymity is the ultimate insult to human dignity. — Kathy Reichs

Deer in headlights.
Cornered suspect.
Mouse in the open, owls circling. — Kathy Reichs

the guy had a hot date — Kathy Reichs

Gift cards?" Hi's complaining brought me back to the present. "Why not just hand me a note that says: I don't care enough to make an effort."
April 7. Hiram Stolowitski's sixteenth birthday.
"When exactly were we supposed to shop?" Shelton was scrolling Rex Gable emails on his laptop. "It's been a hectic week, bro."
"I bought you Assassin's Creed six weeks before your birthday," Hi shot back. "Waited in line all afternoon. The guy behind me smelled like fish tacos, but I stuck it out."
Ben clapped Hi's shoulder. "If it helps, I didn't remember to get you any gift. Tory and Shelton picked that up. I signed the card though. See? Ben. Right there."
"These are the memories that scar," Hi huffed. "I'm gonna be so complicated when I grow up. I'll probably film documentaries. — Kathy Reichs

We caught him," I said. "Thats the fun part." For us, at least. I doubt the fish would agree. — Kathy Reichs

Again, I checked my rear. — Kathy Reichs

Then Ben tugged my elbow. Nodded to his left.
"Kit?"
"Yeah?"
"Can you pull the car around? I'll be there in a sec."
Kit's gaze flicked to Ben, then he nodded. "Five minutes."
As my father strode away, Shelton and Hi both unleashed dramatic yawns.
"Welp." Hi stretched his arms over his head. "I'd better go check on various things that aren't right here. You coming, Shelton?"
"Oh, you know it." Hiding a smile. "Stuff to do. No time to waste."
They hurried off together, chuckling quietly.
Thanks, guys. This couldn't be more awkward.
Ben was looking at me, a soft smile on his lips.
Panic. — Kathy Reichs

Kit leaned forward. "But if you're up to something, know that I'm ready. The days of Kit the Clueless are over. I'm watching you guys like a ... like a ... like a really good watcher of things." He cocked his head. "An owl, maybe?"
"Up to something?" I flapped a breezy hand. "Pshh. Relax."
"Kit's not so good with similes," I said, wiping down a steel counter. "I would've gone with a hawk, or maybe the Hubble telescope. I guess owl works. — Kathy Reichs

Murder mysteries are puzzles that are fun to resolve. — Kathy Reichs

My line of work makes you aware of the fragility of life. You can get up in the morning, eat your cornflakes, blow-dry your hair, go to work and end up dead. — Kathy Reichs

Static cackled from the cafeteria speaker. A bored female voice come on. "Victoria Brennan, please report to the headmaster's office. Victoria Brennan to the headmaster's office."
Classmates glanced our way. Whispers sprang up around me.
"Not good." Shelton was reaching for his earlobe.
"Tell them you have amnesia," Hi said. "Or dementia. Pretend you're Joan of Arc."
"Thanks for the support, guys. If I'm not back for class, look for my body in the harbor."
Hiram's hand flew up. "I call her iTunes collection. Shelton can have the mutt."
"Nice. — Kathy Reichs

Whitney smacked Coop's snout while simultaneously pressing herself deeper into the couch. Coop fixed her with an unblinking ice-blue stare, gray-brown fur bristling along his spine.
"Tory!" Whitney squealed. "He's going to attack!"
"Maybe." I walked into the kitchen and snagged a Diet Coke from the fridge. "Try to protect your throat. — Kathy Reichs

You're the coolest thing alive," Hi breathed, as close to the bonewhite reptile as he dared. "Don't let anyone tell you different. — Kathy Reichs

Ben yanked Hi sideways as spikes snapped from the wall ... Once again, only Ben's reflexes had saved him. "Please stop doing that!" Ben barked. "Please keep doing that!" Hi warbled. — Kathy Reichs

Will you talk to me — Kathy Reichs

Observing Ben's struggle, Hi scratched his chin. Glanced at me. Shrugged. Then he quietly slipped around behind Ben. And, without ceremony, kicked him in the ass. Hard — Kathy Reichs

then flats of marigolds and petunias. Made of sterner stuff, I figured, their sort might survive my regime of horticultural neglect. — Kathy Reichs

Bones okay?" Kit slouched, feet propped on the coffee table. "That's fine." We watched in silence, side by side, occasionally chuckling at some of the jokes. I — Kathy Reichs

The military loves its alphabet soup. At CILHI, I was issued a glossary of acronyms as thick as my arm. KIA/BNR: killed in action, body not recovered. DADCAP: dawn and dusk combat air patrol; AACP: advance airborne command post; TRF: tuned radio frequency. Or trident refit facility. I guess context is important for that one. But you get the idea. It makes a civilian want to join the AAAAAA: the Association for the Abolition of Abused Abbreviations and Asinine Acronyms. — Kathy Reichs

The current phone obsession is a disease," Chance said. "Everyone's gone mad, typing to themselves all day long like mindless robots. — Kathy Reichs

What was the definition of insanity? Repeating the same action and expecting different results? — Kathy Reichs

At first I probably seem very abrupt, but I like efficiency. There's work and there's play, and I always think: 'Let's get the work over with so we can thoroughly enjoy the play.' — Kathy Reichs

Whitney misread my silent horror. "I'm excited, too! And don't worry, I snagged your friend Ella Francis as well. We can all hang together." Emphasized in that clueless way adults speak when trying to sound hip. — Kathy Reichs

a monster. Morris was exposed and sitting smack in her path. No one really — Kathy Reichs

I see you, Ben. I always have. You're in my pack."
He pulled away.
"What if being packmates isn't enough for me? — Kathy Reichs

Bones tell me the story of a person's life - how old they were, what their gender was, their ancestral background. — Kathy Reichs

High school popularity is so fickle. — Kathy Reichs

Ashe is the energy that permeates the universe. It's in everything - people, animals, plants, rocks. The orishas are mega-repositories. Spells, ceremonies, and invocations are all conducted to acquire ashe. Ashe gives the power to change things - to solve problems, subdue enemies, win love, acquire money. Ebbo is the concept of sacrifice. It's what you do to get ashe. Ebbo can be an offering of fruit, flowers, candles, or food, or it can involve animal sacrifice. Priests and priestesses are known as santeros and — Kathy Reichs

my train of thought. "Look — Kathy Reichs

We did just leave an insane asylum," Hi agreed. "For all we know, Chance spend his nights dancing naked with sock puppets, plotting to invade Canada. — Kathy Reichs

I only run if chased. Even then, I'm only going hard enough to outrun the next slowest person — Kathy Reichs

We're still going to Loggerhead this afternoon, right?" Hi glanced around, then dropped his voice. "For that ... home movie thing?"
I nodded. "We might as well deal with what we can. Let's take the afternoon shuttle. I'll think of an excuse for Kit, thought I'm open to suggestions."
"Ben?" Shelton asked.
"Not today. I think the two of us need a little distance."
The bell rang. We gathered our things and headed for the door.
"Tell Kit we're cutting a music video," Hi suggested as we walked. "Something real gangster, so we need to smash-cut our dance routines. Lay down some visuals. We could offer to let him rap over the second verse."
I gave him a thumbs-up. "Foolproof. Anyone need a locker stop? — Kathy Reichs

Indecision is the key to flexibility. — Kathy Reichs

Ahh! Lady Pillows. So much fluffier than mine." He took a giant whiff. "Why does everything girlie smell so delightful?" "Because we acknowledge the importance of basic hygiene. And periodically clean our bathrooms." "Brilliant. I should write that down. After all, it takes a village. — Kathy Reichs

Americans have become a nation afraid." "Of?" "A shooter on a rampage in a school cafeteria. A hijacked plane toppling a high-rise building. A bomb in a train or rental van. A postal delivery carrying anthrax. The power to kill is out there for anyone willing to use it. All it takes is access to the Internet or a friendly gun shop." Ryan let me go on. "We fear terrorists, snipers, hurricanes, epidemics. And the worst part is we've lost faith in the government's ability to protect us. We feel powerless and that causes constant anxiety, makes us fear things we don't understand. — Kathy Reichs

Myers was not a neighborhood to visit on a lark.
Hi reached over and hit the door locks.
"Next right," Shelton said. Then, "There, on the left. Bates Pawn-and-Trade."
"Are we one hundred percent sure about exiting the vehicle?" Hi's voice was a bit high. "It might not be here when we get back."
"I'll park right in front." Ben also sounded tense.
"We'll be fine," I said. "In and out."
"That's what she said," Hi mumbled, hauling himself from the car. — Kathy Reichs

I originally worked as an archaeologist in North Carolina, and when bones were found police would take them out to the bones lady at the university, and that was me. — Kathy Reichs

So what's the plan?" Ben asked.
"Go inside. Look around. Improvise."
"Brilliant." Hi stroked his chin. "Quick question: Is having no plan the same as having a terrible plan, or are those different categories? — Kathy Reichs

Move along," Hines said. "Last room down."
I spotted a fish tank halfway down the aisle. Dug into my pocket.
"Hi," I whispered. "Distraction in five. Four. Three ... "
I broke off as we neared the tank.
Hi spun. "Yo, warden. When do we eat around here? I'm hypoglycemic, plus I've got a hernia. And rabies simplex D. Basically, I need a ton of pills or my arms will fall off."
"Boy, you're on my last nerve."
As Hines glared at Hiram, I palmed the flash drive and dumped it into the fish tank. The yellow-and-black rectangle tumbled to the bottom.
So long, friend. Let's hope Shelton's email went through.
"It's a cultural thing," Hi was saying. "I think you're being very insensitive."
Hines snorted. "Do you want me to cuff you?"
"Kinda."
"Hi." I nodded. — Kathy Reichs

Was the isolated skeleton? — Kathy Reichs

It takes analytical skills worthy of a degree in civil engineering to understand when and where one is allowed to leave a car in Montreal. — Kathy Reichs

and spiraled toward me. — Kathy Reichs

Ben wrapped his fingers tightly around mine, brown eyes fierce, his thoughts a maelstrom of anger and worry. He was only thinking of me. Of getting me away. Keep me safe.
Ben was ready to die for me.
Chance halted before a battered case halfway down the wall. He began pulling on books, muttering to himself as he shoved each one aside.
They won't get you, Ben promised abruptly. I felt his determination flowing through the bond, mixed with love and desperation. He really would give his life to protect mine. — Kathy Reichs

Jason had attended debutante balls. Knew the drill. My crew would have to conduct research on YouTube. Jason was popular on the cotillion scene. My guys weren't even on the radar. Asking Jason would get Whitney off my back. Inviting only Morris Island boys might plummet her into a depression. — Kathy Reichs

Chance wore a white tuxedo with tails. On anyone else? Doopy. On him? Yes, please. — Kathy Reichs

Though a good cop, Luc Claudel has the patience of a firecracker, the sensitivity of Vlad the Impaler, and a persistent skepticism as to the value of forensic anthropology.
Snappy dresser, though. — Kathy Reichs

The seven big dogs are Eleggua, Obatalla, Chango, Oshun, Yemaya, Babalu Aye, and Oggun. Each — Kathy Reichs

I can't believe you jokers fixed it." Hi was picking his way down to the beach.
"Believe it, clown. Too much brain power here to fail." Still pumped, Shelton threw another palm Ben's way.
"Oh, I'm sure." Hi streched, yawned. "It was something highly technical, I suppose? Something requiring mechanical ability? Nothing as simple as tightening a wire or flippin a switch, right?"
Ben reddened. Shelton developed an intrest in his sneakers.
Score one for Hi. — Kathy Reichs

Discovered all three in her purse. After — Kathy Reichs

Violence wounds the body and it wounds the soul. Of the predator. Of the prey. Of the mourners. Of collective humanity. It diminishes us all. — Kathy Reichs

Gritty and witty, The Chicago Way is done the classic Raymond Chandler Way. Harvey's taut plot, snappy prose, and memorable characters make this debut novel a real winner. — Kathy Reichs

Fine. Everybody wears seatbelts. No radio. No distractions." Ben shot Hi a stern look. "No running commentary." "Your loss," Hi said. "To the pimp ride! — Kathy Reichs

You'd be naive if you think you are going to retain any control once you option a character to TV. — Kathy Reichs

Window. I felt anxious and — Kathy Reichs

Hi's nose was pressed to his window. I've changed my mind, Tory. This is the perfect place to hold someone prisoner. I'm keeping this on file. — Kathy Reichs

I know about the torture and assassination, Detective Galiano. That's why I'm in Guatemala. — Kathy Reichs

I chuckled at this passage from Dr. Tempe Brennan in "Bones Never Lie" by Kathy Reichs: "Back home, I ate Bojangles chicken with Bird and watched a rerun of 'Bones.' For some reason, the cat is nuts about Hodgins. — Kathy Reichs

Tory a father isn't supposed to fear his fourteen-year-old daughter. That being sad, you terrify me. — Kathy Reichs

Though Anne was born in Alabama and schooled in Mississippi, she had traveled North, and, like many Southerners, gained a theoretical understanding of the concept of cold. But the mind is an overprotective parent. What it doesn't care for, it hides. Like many inhabiting the subtropics, Anne had repressed the reality of subzero mercury. — Kathy Reichs

I was a university professor, I could talk on and on and on. Give me a podium and you have to drag me off with a hook. — Kathy Reichs

Usually do that unless you give — Kathy Reichs

He looked like a man on his way to a prostate exam. — Kathy Reichs

Let's do it. Monkeys are always funny. You pretty much can't go wrong with a monkey, right? Hi paused. Well unless that monkey wants you dead, or does needle drugs or something. Then it's wrong, and a bad monkey. — Kathy Reichs

I've never lost my capacity to be shocked. — Kathy Reichs

Hiram!' Shelton ran to Hi's side. 'Aren't you you bleeding? I thought she shot you!'
'Red wine. When I saw it running everywhere, I played dead.' He winced as Shelton poked his belly. 'But I'm not leaping off any more shelves. That was pretty stupid. — Kathy Reichs

Each deity has a corresponding Catholic syncretism. Eleggua: Saint Anthony of Padua, the Holy Guardian Angel, or the Christ Child; Obatalla: Our Lady of Las Mercedes, the Holy Eucharist, Christ Resurrected; Chango: Saint Barbara; Oshun: Our Lady of Charity; Yemaya: Our Lady of Regla; Babalu Aye: Saint Lazarus; Oggun: Saint Peter. — Kathy Reichs