Deadly Decisions by Kathy Reichs (Paperback)

Gang violence rises in Montreal, and Tempe Brennan is called to examine remains linked to a series of confrontations between rival groups. A teenager is killed, and the circumstances point to a clash involving people who have been escalating conflicts for months. Tempe studies bone trauma, reviews street reports, and works with detectives who track the movements of the gangs involved.

As Tempe digs into the evidence, she sees patterns that point toward a group recruiting younger members. The pressure builds when a missing girl with ties to the gangs becomes a key concern. Tempe checks evidence from earlier clashes, looks through recovered items, and studies injuries to understand the sequence of events.

Her work leads her to sites used by the groups, including abandoned buildings and meeting spots. She cross-checks timelines, analyses wounds, and speaks with people who knew the victims. The closer she gets, the more she sees how fear affects families and communities.

When threats surface, Tempe continues her work, documenting findings and pushing for answers about the missing girl. She pieces together the movements of those involved and uncovers the steps that led to the violence.

The case reveals how influence, loyalty, and pressure shape decisions among the people drawn into the conflict.