Kathy Reichs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dr Kathy J. Reichs CM
Reichs in 2013
Born	Kathleen Joan Toelle (1948-07-07) July 7, 1948 (age 76) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Forensic anthropologist novelist professor Producer
Education	American University (BA) Northwestern University (MA, PhD)
Genre	Crime
Notable works	Break No Bones (2006) Bones (2005–2017)
Spouse	Paul Reichs
Children	3

Dr. Kathleen Joan Reichs (born July 7, 1948) is an American crime writer, forensic anthropologist, and university professor. She is famous for inspiring the TV show Bones.

A forensic anthropologist uses science to study human bones. They help solve crimes by figuring out things like who a person was, how they died, and how long ago it happened. Dr. Reichs has used her real-life experiences in her popular mystery novels.

Early Life and Education

Kathleen Joan Toelle was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1948.

She loved learning about people and cultures. In 1971, she earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, in anthropology from American University. She then continued her studies at Northwestern University. There, she earned her Master of Arts degree in 1972 and her PhD in physical anthropology in 1975.

Career as a Forensic Anthropologist

Since 1975, Dr. Reichs has taught at several universities. These include Northern Illinois University and McGill University. She is now a professor emerita at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. This means she is a retired professor who still holds an honored title.

Dr. Reichs has also worked as a consultant for the Chief Medical Examiner in North Carolina. She has helped with important cases around the world. For example, she testified at the United Nations's International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. She also helped with an exhumation (digging up a body) in Guatemala.

She was even part of a special team called the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Team. This team helped identify victims after the World Trade Center disaster in 2001. Dr. Reichs is one of only 100 anthropologists certified by the American Board of Forensic Anthropology. This shows how skilled and respected she is in her field.

Writing Mystery Novels

Besides her scientific work, Dr. Reichs is a very successful writer. As of 2019, she has written 23 novels. These books have been translated into 30 different languages! Most of her novels are part of the "Temperance Brennan" series. Her first novel, Déjà Dead, won an award for Best First Novel in 1997.

The main character in her books, Temperance "Tempe" Brennan, is also a forensic anthropologist. Dr. Reichs makes sure the science in her books is very accurate. She often uses her own real-life experiences in her stories. For example, her visit to Guatemala inspired parts of her novel Grave Secrets.

Dr. Reichs also writes books for young adults with her son, Brendan. This series is called Virals. It follows Tempe's great-niece, Tory Brennan, and her friends who have special abilities.

Bones Television Series

The popular TV show Bones (2005–2017) was inspired by Dr. Reichs' life and books. The show's main character, Temperance "Bones" Brennan, shares the same name and job as the character in Dr. Reichs' novels.

However, there are many differences between the TV show and the books. The TV character is younger and works at a fictional place called the Jeffersonian. In the show, the TV character Temperance Brennan even writes books about a fictional forensic anthropologist named Kathy Reichs!

Dr. Reichs worked as a producer on the show. Her job was to make sure the science shown in the episodes was correct. She even appeared in one episode, playing a professor named Constance Wright. She also helped write three episodes of the series.

Expert Witness Role

In 2011, Dr. Reichs was asked to be an expert witness in a famous court case. She performed a full skeletal analysis of a child's remains. She used her scientific knowledge to help the court understand the evidence.

Personal Life

Dr. Reichs is married and has three children: two daughters and one son.

Selected Works

Dr. Reichs has written many books. Here are some of her most well-known series and stories:

Temperance Brennan Series

This is her main series, featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan.

Stand-alone Books

Dr. Reichs has also written books that are not part of a series.

Virals Series

This series is for young adults and was co-written with her son, Brendan Reichs. It features Tory Brennan, the great-niece of Temperance Brennan.

Novellas (Short Stories)

Dr. Reichs has also released several shorter stories, called novellas, which can be downloaded.

See also

In Spanish: Kathy Reichs para niños