Status
Available
Series
Genres
Publication
G.P. Putnam's Sons (2007), 405 pages
Description
Dr. Kay Scarpetta opens a private forensic pathology practice in Charleston, South Carolina, only to find herself and her colleagues--Pete Marino and her niece, Lucy--confronted by a horrifying series of crimes that may have an underlying link.
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User reviews
LibraryThing member CDianeK
I can't do it any more. Uncle.
I pulled up to the library this afternoon, after muttering under my breath all the way there. It was my intention to renew this, as I was only on disc seven of the 11 disc set. Instead, I simply ejected the disc and returned the whole thing. God love the librarian, who
Seven discs in - better than halfway through, and all I'd heard about the crime WAS the crime, and the very preliminary investigation. The rest of the time? Was exposition, rambling talk about various medical (including mispronunciations, though that's not the author's fault) and psychiatric conditions, meaningless conversations that went absolutely nowhere between the characters, and just random naval gazing from our principles, whom I might moderately care for, and people I'd never heard of before, whom I definitively don't.
Cornwell's style has turned into something that is completely annoying, although I didn't quite realize it until I listened to the previous entry, and it was exacerbated by this one. It's repetitive and run on: "Blahblahblah AND blahblahblah AND blahblahblah AND blahblahblah." How many conjunctions, never mind the same conjunction, can you put in one sentence? Also: (paraphrasing) "You are angry at the FBI, and I am not the FBI, and I have nothing to do with the FBI, so don't take your anger at the FBI out on me." I was so fatigued at the end of sentences like that one that I felt like I needed a nap. And nearly every sentence was like that.
I loved the early entries of this series. But no more. I give.
I pulled up to the library this afternoon, after muttering under my breath all the way there. It was my intention to renew this, as I was only on disc seven of the 11 disc set. Instead, I simply ejected the disc and returned the whole thing. God love the librarian, who
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simply smiled at me when I said "Here. Finished now."Seven discs in - better than halfway through, and all I'd heard about the crime WAS the crime, and the very preliminary investigation. The rest of the time? Was exposition, rambling talk about various medical (including mispronunciations, though that's not the author's fault) and psychiatric conditions, meaningless conversations that went absolutely nowhere between the characters, and just random naval gazing from our principles, whom I might moderately care for, and people I'd never heard of before, whom I definitively don't.
Cornwell's style has turned into something that is completely annoying, although I didn't quite realize it until I listened to the previous entry, and it was exacerbated by this one. It's repetitive and run on: "Blahblahblah AND blahblahblah AND blahblahblah AND blahblahblah." How many conjunctions, never mind the same conjunction, can you put in one sentence? Also: (paraphrasing) "You are angry at the FBI, and I am not the FBI, and I have nothing to do with the FBI, so don't take your anger at the FBI out on me." I was so fatigued at the end of sentences like that one that I felt like I needed a nap. And nearly every sentence was like that.
I loved the early entries of this series. But no more. I give.
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LibraryThing member tillymint100
Sadly Patricia Cornwell's latest books are not up to the standard of her earlier ones.
LibraryThing member eheleneb3
And...she's back!! I have been extremely disappointed with Patricia Cornwell of late (Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper, Isle of the Dogs) but with this last Scarpetta installment, she totally redeems herself. This book was exactly what I seek in Cornwell's work. It flowed, the characters were
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developed in a satisfying way and at a satisfying pace and the content felt familiar yet fresh at the same time. I hope that Patricia's got her groove back, and that she continues to write Scarpetta novels in this vein! Very, very enjoyable. Show Less
LibraryThing member Kendall08
Cornwell just doesn't have what she used to in my opinion. This book just was not good.
LibraryThing member Eren0317
I must say that I was more pleased with this novel than her last Scarpetta novel. This one at least had a point, and the direction was much easier to follow. Not necessarily one of her all time best, but not the worst.
LibraryThing member LeHack
Scarpetta has moved to Charleston, working independently, with Marino and her niece, Lucy. After an American tennis star is found dead - tortured and mutilated, Scarpetta and Wesley have been called to Italy to consult with the IIR. The story has made international news and the Italian police need
Back home in Charleston, Marino has a new girlfriend who appears to be goading him into doing things he knows he shouldn't do. She is intensely jealous of Scarpetta.
Dr Self is back, still full of hate for Kay Scarpetta after the trial in Florida.
This is one of the best of the Scarpetta series.
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to find the killer - fast. Back home in Charleston, Marino has a new girlfriend who appears to be goading him into doing things he knows he shouldn't do. She is intensely jealous of Scarpetta.
Dr Self is back, still full of hate for Kay Scarpetta after the trial in Florida.
This is one of the best of the Scarpetta series.
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LibraryThing member bookbroke
What happened to all the characters in this book, they are so angry. I think Kay and Lucy need a lot of psychotherapy and a new job they are so burnt out. I hope they get their help before Cornwell writes her next one or I think I've read my last of this series. Maybe Kay should get out of the
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morgue and into the courts. She and all of us need some kind of change. Show Less
LibraryThing member OneMorePage
The only reason Cornwell continues to make the best-seller lists is because her fans from her earlier days (I am among them) keep hoping she will regain her originality and style. She hasn't done it yet.
A little less emphasis on all the characters and interpersonal relationships that continue from
If you've never read Cornwell before, don't start here. Go back to her first Kay Scarpetta books and enjoy.
A little less emphasis on all the characters and interpersonal relationships that continue from
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story to story and more emphasis on creating a suspenseful and original story would go a long way toward redeeming her as a writer.If you've never read Cornwell before, don't start here. Go back to her first Kay Scarpetta books and enjoy.
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LibraryThing member ctfrench
In the 15th installment of the Kay Scarpetta series, Scarpetta has relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, where she has opened her own private forensic practice. With her are her niece Lucy and former cop Pete Marino. Kay’s lover, Benton Wesley, is in Boston, working with a Harvard-affiliated
Cornwell delivers an interesting read; however, the constant angst of the major players in this book can be disheartening and painful to read. Marino continues his downward spiral and his aggressive and self-destructive actions alienate those close to him. Rose, one of this reader’s favorite characters, is terminally ill, and for some reason doesn’t want Kay to know. Kay and Lucy bicker more than agree, and even though Kay is now engaged to Wesley, they seem more estranged than ever. As with each Scarpetta book, forensics is in the forefront and at times fascinating.
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psychiatric hospital and psychiatrist Marilyn Self is back, doing her best to wreak more havoc on Scarpetta’s life. This mystery opens with Kay and Wesley called to Rome to consult on the brutal murder of American tennis star Drew Martin. Back home, Kay is having trouble identifying the remains of a small boy, but her investigation into Drew’s death leads her back to this abandoned and neglected child, tied to a murderer the likes of which Scarpetta has never encountered. And all centering around mentally disturbed Self.Cornwell delivers an interesting read; however, the constant angst of the major players in this book can be disheartening and painful to read. Marino continues his downward spiral and his aggressive and self-destructive actions alienate those close to him. Rose, one of this reader’s favorite characters, is terminally ill, and for some reason doesn’t want Kay to know. Kay and Lucy bicker more than agree, and even though Kay is now engaged to Wesley, they seem more estranged than ever. As with each Scarpetta book, forensics is in the forefront and at times fascinating.
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LibraryThing member nikki_l
The plot of this book begins when Drew Martin, a 16 year old tennis star is brutally murdered in what seems to be a bizzare ritual.
Dr Kay Scarpetta is now living in Charleston and is starting up a new private forensic pathology practice with the help of her niece, Lucy. Pete Marino, her collegue,
As more dead bodies turn up, the hunt for a killer known as 'the sandman' begins...
I have read a couple of Cornwell's previous books featuring Scarpetta, and I remember quite enjoying them. However, this book was a lot weaker than I expected. Whilst I stuck with it and read it to the end, I would not read it again.
I found that I could not empathise with any of the characters, and certain characters in the book just irritated me. I felt the climax of the book was also lacking, it was not the exciting ending I was hoping for.
In fairness, I may have missed something as I have not read the previous 14 in sequence, and I wouldn't recommend it as a stand alone book as certain element of the plot referred back to previous books.
Dr Kay Scarpetta is now living in Charleston and is starting up a new private forensic pathology practice with the help of her niece, Lucy. Pete Marino, her collegue,
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seems to be self-destructing after becoming involved with a new demanding girlfriend. Scarpetta's own personal life is also having some ups and downs, and even those closest to her are not telling her everything. She also has to deal with what appears to be attempts at sabotaging her, and an old enemy makes an unwelcome return to her life.As more dead bodies turn up, the hunt for a killer known as 'the sandman' begins...
I have read a couple of Cornwell's previous books featuring Scarpetta, and I remember quite enjoying them. However, this book was a lot weaker than I expected. Whilst I stuck with it and read it to the end, I would not read it again.
I found that I could not empathise with any of the characters, and certain characters in the book just irritated me. I felt the climax of the book was also lacking, it was not the exciting ending I was hoping for.
In fairness, I may have missed something as I have not read the previous 14 in sequence, and I wouldn't recommend it as a stand alone book as certain element of the plot referred back to previous books.
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LibraryThing member Heptonj
An excellent read as usual from this author. I don't know how Patricia Cornwell weaves such an intricate thread. The story kept me guessing all the way through. There were many individual stories coming together it seemed to me to make a brilliant complete whole.
Kay is now in Charleston running her
But what has happened to Pete Marino? I don't like the downward spiral the ex-cop is taking as I think he is an essential part of the whole series and would not like to see his exit.
Kay is now in Charleston running her
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own private forensic practice. After the death of a tennis star in Italy she and Benton Wesley (now engaged) have to work hard to quickly solve the crime as it seems the killer has done this before and likely to do it again. The psychiatrist Dr Self is back causing as much trouble to Scarpetta as she can and deeply involved in the murders.But what has happened to Pete Marino? I don't like the downward spiral the ex-cop is taking as I think he is an essential part of the whole series and would not like to see his exit.
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LibraryThing member kingsportlibrary
Dr. Kay Scarpetta is now located in Charaleston, South Carolina where she has a private forensics practice. A nosy neighbor, a thug on a chopper and an elusive medical examiner or coroner don't extend the good doctor any southern hospitality. The action heats up when she and Peter Benton go to
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Italy to consult on the murder of an American tennis star who had just won a major tournament in Charleston. Apparently her eyes were gouged out and filled in with sand. E-mails to the egotistical Dr. Marily Self from the Sandman make things interesting. We find out he finished off a seriously wounded buddy in Iraq and wants to put others out of their "miseries." Show Less
LibraryThing member theeclecticreview
I have been a Patricia Cornwell fan for years and I didn't think this book was up to standard. There was too much about Kay Scarpetta and fellow characters and not enough urgency in finding the Sandman.
LibraryThing member fraxi
After finishing this book, I made the decision never to read another Scarpetta title. I read all her early titles, but this was clearly a case of 'flogging a dead horse' as we say in the UK. ( well I do! ) I almost think that the 2 star rating may be too generous.
LibraryThing member macygma
I have read every Kay Scarpetta book through this one now and I'm not sure I liked "Book of the Dead" as well as the others. It disturbed me, in fact and I'm not sure that I like the trail the author is on with Dr Self and her family issues.
A tennis pro at 16, Drew Martin was found in Rome,
There is partial closure on some past plots and definitely a huge new issue revealed bit not solved. All in all, not my favorite but I shall continue on with the series for one more book.
A tennis pro at 16, Drew Martin was found in Rome,
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horribly disfigured and horribly dead. Somehow the link to not only Dr. Marilyn Self, Scarpetta, Marino and Benton and the others but also to some new characters is tenuous but still there. There is partial closure on some past plots and definitely a huge new issue revealed bit not solved. All in all, not my favorite but I shall continue on with the series for one more book.
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LibraryThing member kaulsu
Well, as a mystery it was ...interesting? But where is the joy of solving the mystery when the whodunit only shows up in the last chapter? It appears that the pathologist in this case is the main protagonist in an ongoing series, so I will assume that the one character that went awol is still alive
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to be located in a future book. All in all: still looking for that "new author" to enjoy.... guess I need to go to a real bookstore and not try to find her in the grocery store!! Show Less
LibraryThing member FMRox
Scarpetta teams with Lucy and Benton to solve a series of murders beginning with the death of a famous young tennis player. Benton and Scarpetta's relationship finally progresses. Marion commits an unthinkable act. Lucy discovers a medical problem. And, finally Cornwell starts focusing on the plot
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and less on her dreary characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member mojomomma
Not my usual fare, but it was a good read even though I popped into the middle of the series and many of the characters are left in unresolved situations. I'll have to look for the sequel now! Perfect summer reading.
LibraryThing member TheBoltChick
I am afraid I am just getting tired of Patricia Cornwell. While I loved the early books in the series, the author now seems to be getting angrier and is contantly promoting an agenda. All in all this book was a disappointment, and I doubt I will be reading this author again.
LibraryThing member delphimo
I am thoroughly enjoying the Kay Scarpetta series, and I like the change of venue. Kay, Lucy, Rose, and Pete have moved to Charleston, South Carolina where Kay and Lucy have opened their own investigative lab. Benton is still living in Massachusetts, but he has asked Kay to marry him. Pete has
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gotten out of control and has disappeared, and Rose is battling lung cancer. This story has many twists and turns as is usual in Cornwell's novels. Cornwell tries to delve into the psychological background of the killer, but Elizabeth George does a better job in relaying the killer's psychology. Show Less
LibraryThing member debavp
Yet again a step in the right direction. Since I read Predator I took a look at Cornwell's website and had a few of my suspicions confirmed.
Again, there is a continuity factor with this one. She brings in a character from Predator into this book, but yet fails to wrap up the loose ends from
And what the hell happened to Lucy's sidekick Rudy, was it? Just vanished from Trace, not a mention of him in Predator or Book of the Dead. As close as they were you'd think that it would be a decent story line.
Again, there is a continuity factor with this one. She brings in a character from Predator into this book, but yet fails to wrap up the loose ends from
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Predator that would have made sense here. That's a nasty little habit I wish she'd break.And what the hell happened to Lucy's sidekick Rudy, was it? Just vanished from Trace, not a mention of him in Predator or Book of the Dead. As close as they were you'd think that it would be a decent story line.
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LibraryThing member Cecilturtle
I can't say I really like Cornwell: her main characters of Scarpetta and Lucy are just not likeable. On top of that this novel is full of bits and pieces linked through complicated family lineages and weird coincidence, it just becomes tiresome. I do, however, like Cornwell's style: fragments of
Overall this is a complicated and twisted story. It helped pass the time during confinement...
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overlapping dialogue where each character seems to live in his or her own bubble, poorly communicating and lost in thought.Overall this is a complicated and twisted story. It helped pass the time during confinement...
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LibraryThing member JenniferRobb
I wavered between giving this 2 or 3 stars. I have to say that though I've read other Kay Scarpetta books (and not in the series order), I can't say it is a favorite series--in other words, if I find the books free on an exchange shelf or need an audiobook for the car, then I'll read it, but I
In my opinion, this book suffers from the third person point-of-view that it takes. It distances the reader from the characters. As a result, I found I really struggled to care what happened to them (though since I've already admitted I've read books out of order in this series, I already know how some things turn out).
I'm not sure if I'd forgotten the character Rose or if I've just not read anything earlier in the series than this one. I did like her character and am sad that she's apparently on her way to being written out of the series.
I'm also glad that Benton's finally proposed to Kay--though given what's gone on in this book, I have to wonder "why now?". Neither one seemed very romantic throughout this book.
In fact, it seemed, as one other reviewer pointed out, that pretty much everyone is miserable. Benton's being jealous and also seeming to rue that he's in Massachusetts while his girl is in South Carolina. Lucy's never been a "happy" character, but she's in fine form--apparently upset because she has a brain tumor that's not shrinking (and she doesn't want surgery), upset that Marino is being a galoot, upset that her aunt is too forgiving and tends to keep things private. Marino is dissatisfied with being Kay's employee, but I'm not sure how much of that results from Shandy's button-pushing and the testosterone she had him using and how much stems from his own psyche. The only one who seemed to have much happiness was Ruth and that was mostly because of Harry.
The supposed big plot point of Dr. Self's animosity toward Dr. Scarpetta never comes to a head--it just sort of fizzles out.
And, as another reviewer mentioned, I do wonder if the publishing house pushed the author to get something ready for publication (to strike while readers wanted to read the next book) or if someone there dropped the ball by not confronting the author on how bad this book really is.
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wouldn't go spend money for them.In my opinion, this book suffers from the third person point-of-view that it takes. It distances the reader from the characters. As a result, I found I really struggled to care what happened to them (though since I've already admitted I've read books out of order in this series, I already know how some things turn out).
I'm not sure if I'd forgotten the character Rose or if I've just not read anything earlier in the series than this one. I did like her character and am sad that she's apparently on her way to being written out of the series.
I'm also glad that Benton's finally proposed to Kay--though given what's gone on in this book, I have to wonder "why now?". Neither one seemed very romantic throughout this book.
In fact, it seemed, as one other reviewer pointed out, that pretty much everyone is miserable. Benton's being jealous and also seeming to rue that he's in Massachusetts while his girl is in South Carolina. Lucy's never been a "happy" character, but she's in fine form--apparently upset because she has a brain tumor that's not shrinking (and she doesn't want surgery), upset that Marino is being a galoot, upset that her aunt is too forgiving and tends to keep things private. Marino is dissatisfied with being Kay's employee, but I'm not sure how much of that results from Shandy's button-pushing and the testosterone she had him using and how much stems from his own psyche. The only one who seemed to have much happiness was Ruth and that was mostly because of Harry.
The supposed big plot point of Dr. Self's animosity toward Dr. Scarpetta never comes to a head--it just sort of fizzles out.
And, as another reviewer mentioned, I do wonder if the publishing house pushed the author to get something ready for publication (to strike while readers wanted to read the next book) or if someone there dropped the ball by not confronting the author on how bad this book really is.
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LibraryThing member christinejoseph
Kay Scarpetta, Benton, Lucy
same old, same old — weird people!
Soon after relocating to Charleston, S.C., to launch a private forensics lab, Scarpetta is asked to consult on the murder of U.S. tennis star Drew Martin, whose mutilated body was found in Rome. Contradictory evidence leaves Scarpetta,
But when she discovers unsettling connections between Martin's murder, the body of an unidentified South Carolina boy and her old nemesis, the maniacal psychiatrist Dr. Marilyn Self, Scarpetta encounters a killer as deadly as any she's ever faced.
same old, same old — weird people!
Soon after relocating to Charleston, S.C., to launch a private forensics lab, Scarpetta is asked to consult on the murder of U.S. tennis star Drew Martin, whose mutilated body was found in Rome. Contradictory evidence leaves Scarpetta,
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the Italian carabinieri and Scarpetta's lover, forensic psychologist Benton Wesley, stumped. But when she discovers unsettling connections between Martin's murder, the body of an unidentified South Carolina boy and her old nemesis, the maniacal psychiatrist Dr. Marilyn Self, Scarpetta encounters a killer as deadly as any she's ever faced.
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LibraryThing member Fred_Wilson
Too much soul searching
Subjects
Awards
British Book Award (Winner — 2008)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2007
Physical description
9.54 inches
ISBN
0399153934 / 9780399153938