Grave Secrets    by Kathy Reichs Order:  USA  Can Pocket, 2003 (2002) Hardcover, Paperback, Audio, CD, e-Book Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance Brennan is on a disturbing assignment in Guatemala, unearthing 'desaparecidos' (Mayan massacre victims) in Chupan Ya when two of her colleagues are shot. The police say robbery, but Tempe is skeptical. Unfortunately, many responsible for the atrocities were granted immunity, and are now in official positions. Is someone trying to prevent the exhumations? While in the country, Tempe's involved in what appears to be a serial killing investigation. It requires sifting through evidence in a septic tank. Even more rotten than the smell is the fact that Brennan barely gets a look at the bones and other evidence before it's disappeared by officials. In Guatemala, Tempe works with Sergeant-Detective Galiano, who turns out to be an old friend of her Montreal colleague, detective Andrew Ryan. Tempe is flustered by her attraction to both of them. One of the missing girls in the serial killing case is the daughter of the Canadian ambassador, and Tempe follows her trail back to Montreal, where she spars with Ryan, while he hops on to the investigative bandwagon. More deaths up the ante and move the action south again, to reveal connections with both genetic research and genocide in Guatemala. And Temperance decides she needs a vacation. As always, I enjoyed both the science and the action in Grave Secrets. Reichs addresses the topic of the 'desaparecidos' with deep compassion. Though this story wasn't as cohesive as earlier episodes in the series, it held my interest to the end. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews