Kathy Reichs, a professor in the department of anthropology at UNC-Charlotte and a forensic anthropologist, helped kick off the North Carolina Literary Festival.  Over 100 authors are in Chapel Hill this weekend for the event.

Reichs shared the stage with John Grisham last night at Memorial Hall.

In Reichs’ novels, Temperance Brennan is a forensic anthropologist.  If that name sounds familiar, that’s because the TV show “Bones” is based on the character in her books.  Reichs acts as a producer for the show, where she makes sure the science is correct.  She says everything seen in the show actually exists in real life.  Reichs says “Bones” is more like a prequel of the books.

Reichs latest novel is “206 Bones”.  She explores what she says is a flawed relationship between sciences and the criminal justice system.

Up next for Reichs is a new series targeting a younger generation.  The first installment, “Viral”, will target the young adult market.  That book will be released next week, and will take place in Charleston, South Carolina.