I've posted before that each time I've read one of the last several books in this series that I should just quit. Too many of the books became more about the dysfunction of Scarpetta's friends and family and less about solving a murder. However. With each new book I am sucked back in with this insane need to know what happens to the people next.

This entry however did not disappoint me and leave me angry at the end. Yes it had all of the characters and their secrets and character flaws out loud and proud, but the
Volume on them was turned down enough so that it no longer over powered the story.

I can't say that this was any sort of a return to the hard core well written tales of her first entries into the series. But it was a little like going back to some comfort reading with characters we know ( )

Interminable. Horrendous. Boring. Annoying. This series is nothing like the old Scarpettas, where she would actually talk more about the crazed killer and spend time tracking him or her down. These new books are full of internal monologues where Kay wonders what Lucy is doing, what Benson is dealing with, why Marino is the way he is, and lots of dialog where everyone speaks disingenuously and never shares their deepest thoughts.

Lucy trusted someone and was let down again. Benson is having trouble with his job. Kay is conflicted and can't share her thoughts. Marino is a caricature of his former self. Bryce is an annoying chatterbox that I'm having trouble believing works for Scarpetta. She would never suffer a fool like that gladly.

I'm sure there was an actual plot, but it took forever to get to amongst all the bloviation. I can't even give this book a single star, because I felt like I got nothing out of it. The characters should be familiar but they are not...and the only bright thing is that I didn't spend a penny for this book. I borrowed it. Perhaps Cornwell should take some time off and try to focus herself better. I suggest she re read her first 4 novels and try to re create that magic, because it's not evident at all any more.

one of the better Scarpetta novels recently. dragged on a bit, but still good! ( )

I thought this was one of Cornwell's better stories in a long while. ( )

A nude female body is found on a playing field at MIT, and newly hired Cambridge detective Pete Marino asks his former boss, Kay Scapetta to help him solve the mystery. Not to beat a dead horse, but the autopsy begins on page 245 because there is so much backstory about Marino, Kay's work at the Newtown, CT massacre, Benton Wesley, etc. Lucy knows the victim, who is suing a hedge fund for big bucks. I would be so much happier, if Patricia Cornwell would stick to her mystery plots. 2.5 stars. ( )