Photo: KathyReichs2.jpg: Raysonho @ Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine derivative work: Atia / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on July 7, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois, United States, Kathy Reichs is a forensic anthropologist, author and university teacher. Kathy Reichs is 78 years old as of 2026. Education on record includes Northwestern University. Awards on record include honorary doctorate of Concordia University, Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence (1998) and Member of the Order of Canada. Credited works include Break No Bones, Déjà Dead and Death du Jour.
My Take
What fascinates me most about Kathy Reichs is the rare authenticity she brings to crime fiction. She isn't a writer who researched forensics; she lived it as a board-certified forensic anthropologist before turning to the page. That lived expertise is why her novels feel so credible and why they inspired the series Bones. I admire how she sustained a dual career, moving between the lab and the writing desk without letting either dilute the other. Her recognition in Canada, including the Order of Canada, reflects real standing in both worlds. For me, she stands as proof that deep specialist knowledge can power genuinely compelling storytelling.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Kathy Reichs
- Name (Japanese)
- キャシー・ライクス
- Reading
- きゃしー・らいくす
- Born
- July 7, 1948 (age 78)
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Cancer / Rat
- Origin
- Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Occupation
- forensic anthropologist / author / university teacher / science fiction writer / novelist
2. Background
- University
- Northwestern University
Awards & achievements
- honorary doctorate of Concordia University
- 1998 Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence
- Member of the Order of Canada
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Break No Bones | — | |
| Notable work | Déjà Dead | — | |
| Notable work | Death du Jour | — | |
| Notable work | Deadly Decisions | — | |
| Notable work | Fatal Voyage | — | |
| Notable work | Grave Secrets | — |
4. Links
- Official sitehttps://www.kathyreichs.com
- Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/kathyreichs/
- Xhttps://x.com/KathyReichs
- Wikipedia (English)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy%20Reichs
- Wikidatahttps://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298221
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-18
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Kathy Reichs born?
Born July 7, 1948 (age 78).
Where is Kathy Reichs from?
Kathy Reichs is from Chicago, Illinois, United States.
What does Kathy Reichs do?
Kathy Reichs works as forensic anthropologist, author, university teacher, science fiction writer, novelist.
What is Kathy Reichs known for?
Notable works include Break No Bones, Déjà Dead, Death du Jour.