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Kay Scarpetta #26
Livid
In this thrilling new installment of Patricia Cornwell’s #1 bestselling series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself a reluctant star witness in a sensational televised murder trial causing chaos in Old Town Alexandria with the threat of violent protests.
Forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta has just inherited one of the most notorious cases of her career. Two years ago, a former beauty queen’s body washed up on the shore of Wallops Island, Virginia. She was last seen on a boat with her fiancé, who has since been held in jail while awaiting trial.
Scarpetta must act as the expert witness for the case—an investigation previously botched by another forensic pathologist. After a grueling cross-examination by the prosecutor, Scarpetta leaves the court only to discover that the sister of the judge on her case has been found dead.
Scarpetta ultimately finds herself facing a powerful, invisible enemy who’s planning the unthinkable . . .
Forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta has just inherited one of the most notorious cases of her career. Two years ago, a former beauty queen’s body washed up on the shore of Wallops Island, Virginia. She was last seen on a boat with her fiancé, who has since been held in jail while awaiting trial.
Scarpetta must act as the expert witness for the case—an investigation previously botched by another forensic pathologist. After a grueling cross-examination by the prosecutor, Scarpetta leaves the court only to discover that the sister of the judge on her case has been found dead.
Scarpetta ultimately finds herself facing a powerful, invisible enemy who’s planning the unthinkable . . .
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2022
3917 people are currently reading
18896 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Cornwell
197 books19.8k followersPatricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem, in 1990 while working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. Postmortem, was the first bona fide forensic thriller. It paved the way for an explosion of entertainment featuring in all things forensic across film, television and literature.
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,661 reviews
October 30, 2022
I’ve read most of the Scarpetta books. This one I am glad to say may be my last if Cornwell’s return to the character is as mindless as this one is. Here is a summary so you won’t have to waste your time.
Kay is excoriated by the Commonwealth's Attorney about a murder she didn't even process
There is a murder while she is giving testimony
She leaves the courtroom
Cornwell spends the next 107 pages (30% of the book) cataloging every raindrop, turn of Marino's Ford Raptor, building they pass, roads they travel to the murder scene, etc before they cross the threshold of the house where the murder took place.
They stumble across another related murder on the way home
They have leftovers for dinner.
They have breakfast.
At this point we are 73% through the book at this point and it has not even been 24 hours since the book began.
They go to work
They autopsy the 2 bodies
It's now noon the following day (20 hours elapsed so far...84% through the book)
They drive to Norfolk (to confirm her boss whom she doesn't like is up to no good) from Alexandria and while driving some of the "terrorists" are arrested.
By 830PM, 28.5 hours since Kay exited the courtroom, everything is all wrapped up in a tidy bow and the killer is dead.
After a "One week Later" chapter heading (thank goodness we did not have to endure 1733 additional pages detailing the week's passage based on the 10 pages on average each previous hour was allotted) we are given a summary of how the bad guy was formed from a horrible childhood.
90% of this book was describing each “environment” within each scene and very little suspense or drama typical to this series. I’d read a paragraph and then swipe past pages upon pages of descriptions that were generally not germane to progressing the storyline but often underscoring Cornwell’s liberal slant on life and our government.
Not worth buying for sure, and barely worth checking out from the library.
Kay is excoriated by the Commonwealth's Attorney about a murder she didn't even process
There is a murder while she is giving testimony
She leaves the courtroom
Cornwell spends the next 107 pages (30% of the book) cataloging every raindrop, turn of Marino's Ford Raptor, building they pass, roads they travel to the murder scene, etc before they cross the threshold of the house where the murder took place.
They stumble across another related murder on the way home
They have leftovers for dinner.
They have breakfast.
At this point we are 73% through the book at this point and it has not even been 24 hours since the book began.
They go to work
They autopsy the 2 bodies
It's now noon the following day (20 hours elapsed so far...84% through the book)
They drive to Norfolk (to confirm her boss whom she doesn't like is up to no good) from Alexandria and while driving some of the "terrorists" are arrested.
By 830PM, 28.5 hours since Kay exited the courtroom, everything is all wrapped up in a tidy bow and the killer is dead.
After a "One week Later" chapter heading (thank goodness we did not have to endure 1733 additional pages detailing the week's passage based on the 10 pages on average each previous hour was allotted) we are given a summary of how the bad guy was formed from a horrible childhood.
90% of this book was describing each “environment” within each scene and very little suspense or drama typical to this series. I’d read a paragraph and then swipe past pages upon pages of descriptions that were generally not germane to progressing the storyline but often underscoring Cornwell’s liberal slant on life and our government.
Not worth buying for sure, and barely worth checking out from the library.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2022
I have been reading Scarpetta novels since I was a teenager. I can't ever get enough of them. I am always captured by the story, and what is going to happen. Page turner for sure!
March 11, 2023
It's been over twenty years since I began reading the Kay Scarpetta series written by Patricia Cornwell. Livid is the 26th installment, and it's quite strong compared to many in the middle that sagged a bit. Kay runs the Virginia forensic pathology department, and a former student of hers is now in charge of all health departments in the state. He's difficult, but he also left his secretary to watch over Kay, and she's a major pain the ass! Amidst an intense trial where Kay is called to provide testimony on whether the injuries sustained by a woman were from an attack or falling overboard in water and getting caught in the ship's mechanical equipment. Protestors hate Kay for saying it doesn't look like an intentional attack. But as the trial comes to an end, an attack on several people close to the trial happens, and Kay's husband, niece and partner are called in to investigate. What is going on? Loved the plot, although it honestly all took place in less than 2 days. It was crazy how quickly the pages flew by... partially because nearly all the personal aspects of Kay's life and family were largely ignored in favor of focusing on a new friend (the trial judge) that we didn't know about. It worked well, and I loved listening to the history of their friendship but also the connections to the governor. The series is back doing well, and I look forward to the next one.
October 22, 2022
It has been 32 years since the first Kay Scarpetta novel was published in 1990. I was a bit late to the game, but in the mid 90's my sister-in-law recommended the series to me. That was also when I was having my babies and reading about Kay Scarpetta's investigations was a wonderful escape. My youngest will be turning 25 this year and I recall having one of the early books with me at the hospital when I was in labor. This one seemed to take a bit long to get in gear, but once it did there were glimpses of the old days. At the same time there is a modern weapon threat that is realistic enough to scare the pants off of me. I have a feeling I know where the next one will go and it could be a bit of a walk down memory lane revisiting and old series of murders called the Parkway killings.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2025
In this 26th book in the 'Kay Scarpetta' series, the medical examiner helps investigate a high-tech murder. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
Dr. Kay Scarpetta is once again the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, but it's not all smooth sailing.
The previous Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Elvin Reddy - who's now the Health Commissioner - has a grudge against Kay, and tries to interfere with her work.
In addition, Reddy's former secretary - who Kay inherited - is difficult, obstructive, and spies on Kay for her former boss.
Scarpetta has another problem as well. Her testimony in the trial of Gilbert Hooke, who's accused of killing his girlfriend April Tupelo, contradicts that of a previous medical examiner. The former medical examiner, who had a mental breakdown and committed suicide. said April was murdered. However, Kay believes April drowned after a boat mishap, and she has the evidence to prove it.
Kay's testimony infuriates both the prosecutor and the public, who want Hooke locked up for the rest of his life.
All this leads to demonstrations and threats against Kay, and she's actually kicked, tripped, and injured.
In the midst of all this tumult, a CIA press secretary named Rachael Stanwyck - who's the sister of Kay's friend, Judge Annie Chilton - is found murdered in Chilton's home.
When Scarpetta is called to the scene of the crime, she and her forensics officer Pete Marino.....
......determine that Rachel was killed with a microwave gun. It seems someone stood outside and blasted radiation into the house, which fried Rachael's brain and killed her.
As things play out, Rachael's homicide seems to have a connection with an attempt on the life of the POTUS, as well as the murder of a Virginia merchant. Thus the FBI and the Secret Service, as well as the Virginia police, are all involved in the investigations. This means Kay's FBI profiler husband Benton Wesley......
.....and Kay's genius niece Lucy, a secret service agent who's a tech expert, are embroiled in the inquiries.
The use of microwave guns is an alarming escalation in weaponry, and is of GREAT concern to the authorities, because instructions for building these guns can be found online.
Clever detective work uncovers the perpetrator(s) AND exposes corrupt and malicious behavior in Virginia political circles.
As always in this series, there are gory descriptions of dead bodies and autopsies, so not for the faint of heart.
For me, the Scarpetta series was good for a long time and then went downhill. This novel seems like a slight resurgence, but there's still a ways to go.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
November 4, 2022
I was a great fan of the Scarpetta series initially, but got disenchanted after a while. I thought I'd try this new book to see if it would be something I'd enjoy reading again. In some ways it was but I still feel it's more a vehicle for demonstrating how much research Cornwell has done, which is laid out in great detail, rather than a well put together book.
September 30, 2022
To be honest, I don't think this was one of Cornwell's best. As always, interesting character development. The mystery itself seemed secondary, more a set-up for a bigger mystery that might come in a future volume. Cornwell is always a rewarding read, even when one is somewhat dissatisfied.
November 9, 2022
I have to quit reading Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetti books. All of the most recent books of hers that I’ve read have been boring and most I couldn’t finish. This is my last attempt.
December 19, 2022
LIVID is Cornwell back in her usual excellent form and it is very welcome. While I disagree with her choice of villains, good guys, and the whole misinformation hype, long-time fans--and I am one-will appreciate the specs and technical explanation of a new weapon, the Virginia-DC axis, the dynamic of Marino now married to Scarpetta's sister, and an element at which Cornwell outshines virtually all other authors--that of the added conflict of job-related betrayals. E.g. many jobs have corporate elements with just as many political undercurrents and stresses as better-known government, international, and criminal organizations. What's interesting is that by the end readers (especially those of us who started with the first book in the series) realize all the main characters are now related by either blood or marriage. A nice touch. There's also a more wry, impatient, yet forgiving relationship between Kay & her sister.
There's clunkiness here and there where everything is spelled out in dialogue instead of conveying some in narrative or where readers are inside Scarpetta's head too much, but that's minor.
Cornwell is also good at reflecting readers' emotions around the hard career of dealing with dead bodies.
Highly recommended.
There's clunkiness here and there where everything is spelled out in dialogue instead of conveying some in narrative or where readers are inside Scarpetta's head too much, but that's minor.
Cornwell is also good at reflecting readers' emotions around the hard career of dealing with dead bodies.
Highly recommended.
October 28, 2022
Wow! And again, I say WOW!
What an excellent installment on the 'relaunch' of the Kay Scarpetta books.
I haven't read any of the earlier Scarpetta novels in quite a while, but this book and the last one Autopsy make coming back to this series worthwhile. I have even taken a couple of books from the library to get myself up to speed; there are characters I don't really remember, so I have a lot of refreshing to do.
This book starts out with a trial that Kay is an expert witness but is being treated like -well, I just don't know how to describe it, but it sure isn't with any respect! This trial has a lot to do with today's political climate in the USA.
Now add to this mess, the murder of the judge's sister, add in a threat to the POTUS, another murder, and really strange clues to the murders. Ho boy, this was a fast-paced, twisty-turny read!
There was good character growth (just a little growth since the series has been around for years, so you expect the character's to have done their growing) -just enough to keep them fresh. An interesting new weapon, at least to me.
It is bloody and somewhat gory if you aren't a medical examiner!
I loved it and finished this book in one day!
*ARC supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing, the author, and NetGalley.
What an excellent installment on the 'relaunch' of the Kay Scarpetta books.
I haven't read any of the earlier Scarpetta novels in quite a while, but this book and the last one Autopsy make coming back to this series worthwhile. I have even taken a couple of books from the library to get myself up to speed; there are characters I don't really remember, so I have a lot of refreshing to do.
This book starts out with a trial that Kay is an expert witness but is being treated like -well, I just don't know how to describe it, but it sure isn't with any respect! This trial has a lot to do with today's political climate in the USA.
Now add to this mess, the murder of the judge's sister, add in a threat to the POTUS, another murder, and really strange clues to the murders. Ho boy, this was a fast-paced, twisty-turny read!
There was good character growth (just a little growth since the series has been around for years, so you expect the character's to have done their growing) -just enough to keep them fresh. An interesting new weapon, at least to me.
It is bloody and somewhat gory if you aren't a medical examiner!
I loved it and finished this book in one day!
*ARC supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing, the author, and NetGalley.
November 6, 2022
Terribly sorry to say this book was a big disappointment.
The first book by Patricia Cornwell I’ve ever read was Body of Evidence (2nd book of the series). I had bought the novel by chance and when I finished it, I could not get to the book store fast enough to buy her first book Post mortem.
Since then, and we are talking years, I have enjoyed 90% of her Kay Scarpetta’s stories. In my opinion All that Remains, Cruel and Unusual and, in particular From Potter’s Field are some of her very best work. Unfortunately, this book is not.
The first book by Patricia Cornwell I’ve ever read was Body of Evidence (2nd book of the series). I had bought the novel by chance and when I finished it, I could not get to the book store fast enough to buy her first book Post mortem.
Since then, and we are talking years, I have enjoyed 90% of her Kay Scarpetta’s stories. In my opinion All that Remains, Cruel and Unusual and, in particular From Potter’s Field are some of her very best work. Unfortunately, this book is not.
January 13, 2023
Patricia Cornwell returns with another chilling novel in her long-running Kay Scarpetta series. Full of all the action and sharp wit that the series possessed in its heyday, Cornwell keeps readers highly entertained and thoroughly captivated. Scarpetta finds herself in the middle of one of the most challenging cases of her career, which only adds to the intrigue. A crime thriller with so many twists and turns, I could not always tell which way was up in Cornwell’s best novel over the last number of years. A must-read for those who have endured throughout the series.
Kay Scarpetta has been a forensics pathologist for many years, though she’s finally met her match. Having inherited a case that is now making headlines and drawing a large television audience, Scarpetta must separate truth from fiction as all eyes are on her. Both sides are equally divided and prepared to act violently if the correct verdict is not rendered.
Two years ago, the victim’s body washed up on the shores of Virginia. She had been out with her fiancé, who claims he has no idea what happened to her. When the authorities questioned him, through immediately tossed him in jail, where he sits today. Scarpetta holds the key to the forensic evidence and her word, should it be taken serial by the jury, could free a man or condemn him forever.
While the case sits with the jury, the judge’s sister is found dead in her home. Possibly a sign by one of the side that they mean business, Scarpetta is not ready to sit back and wait, even though she has been banned from investigating. Working with her long-time friend and colleague, Pete Marino, Scarpetta tries to get to the core of the matter, while keeping some of her past involvement with the judge out of her way. Scarpetta and Marino discover some odd burn patters that could mean something even more problematic, as everything points to a new age weapon.
As tensions mount for the case to be decided, Scarpetta must determine who is out there, lurking in the shadows. When POTUS arrives in town and an attempt is made on his life, Scarpetta knows that this is not your run of the mill killer, but rather some terror cell out for something larger. Someone is surely trying to send Scarpetta a message, while making an impact on the television news cycle as well. It will take everything in her being to keep Kay Scarpetta from letting justice be perverted, though everything comes together to unveil the truth about another crime that has haunted her for the past few years. Cornwell does a masterful job in this piece to resurrect some of her past greatness in the Scarpetta series.
I remember discovering Patricia Cornwell and this riveting series, which started with a binge read of the first number of novels. The attention to detail and means by which she could weave a tale left me in awe of Cornwel’s abilities and kept me coming back for more. While there was a rough patch when Scarpetta appeared to be on the verge of disaster, Cornwell returned to her greatness and has kept the protagonist from going stale or leaving series fans to beg for her retirement.
Working with a solid foundation, Patricia Cornwell keeps readers intrigued with a solid narrative that moves as quickly as any book I have read. Keeping the reader in the heart of the story, Cornwell adds characters who enhance things in their own ways, while never letting their presence overtake the momentum of good writing. Plot twists emerge throughout that help accentuate the thriller angle, leaving the reader gasping at times. With strong themes building throughout the short chapters, the reader feels propelled towards a climactic ending that has all the ingredients for a stellar novel. I am so pleased that Patricia Cornwell is back and can only hope there are more Kay Scarpetta novels to come of this calibre.
Kudos, Madam Cornwell, for keeping Scarpetta as gritty as she has been for years.
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October 10, 2022
Maybe it's because it's a timely topic with more questions than answers that's intrigued me for at least a couple of years now. Maybe it's because forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta doesn't seem quite as paranoid as usual (even though in this case, her suspicions may be rooted in fact). Whatever the reason, this, the 26th book in the popular series, is another one I really didn't want to put down.
It begins with Scarpetta's testimony at a contentious murder trial - and her scientific evidence and methods not-so-politely challenged by a defense attorney determined to win and sully Scarpetta's reputation in the process. The judge, Annie Chilton, is Scarpetta's long-time friend; but this time out, her rulings are falling outside the norm. Later, Scarpetta - who not that long ago returned to Virginia to serve in her old job as chief medical examiner - is called out to a murder; the victim is none other than the judge's sister, Rachael, who's been living with her sister at the run-down family estate. When she and her longtime friend and investigator Pete Marino arrive, they're struck by the stricken; everywhere are dead bugs, birds and what appears to be finely tuned destruction. That, in turn, leads to suspicion of the method of the murder - a really scary one that Scarpetta and her FBI husband Benton and niece Lucy are well acquainted with by way of their seats on the federal Doomsday Commission (and for readers, it's an issue, albeit controversial in some circles, that's made national news in recent years).
In between trying to solve the motive and means for the murder - plus, of course, identify and capture the culprit - all the major players must dodge the slings and arrows of protestors (think: Jan. 6, 2021, but with different targets). One clue leads to another to revelations about the death of a former colleague - one who has ties to the trial at the beginning of the book. All told, it's a fast-paced, well-researched story and a great addition to the series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
It begins with Scarpetta's testimony at a contentious murder trial - and her scientific evidence and methods not-so-politely challenged by a defense attorney determined to win and sully Scarpetta's reputation in the process. The judge, Annie Chilton, is Scarpetta's long-time friend; but this time out, her rulings are falling outside the norm. Later, Scarpetta - who not that long ago returned to Virginia to serve in her old job as chief medical examiner - is called out to a murder; the victim is none other than the judge's sister, Rachael, who's been living with her sister at the run-down family estate. When she and her longtime friend and investigator Pete Marino arrive, they're struck by the stricken; everywhere are dead bugs, birds and what appears to be finely tuned destruction. That, in turn, leads to suspicion of the method of the murder - a really scary one that Scarpetta and her FBI husband Benton and niece Lucy are well acquainted with by way of their seats on the federal Doomsday Commission (and for readers, it's an issue, albeit controversial in some circles, that's made national news in recent years).
In between trying to solve the motive and means for the murder - plus, of course, identify and capture the culprit - all the major players must dodge the slings and arrows of protestors (think: Jan. 6, 2021, but with different targets). One clue leads to another to revelations about the death of a former colleague - one who has ties to the trial at the beginning of the book. All told, it's a fast-paced, well-researched story and a great addition to the series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.
November 30, 2022
Another Disappointing Scarpetta novel
I feel like Patricia Cornwell is just phoning it in lately. Her last few books have been dreadfully facile. The pacing completely uneven. The books end too quickly and far too neatly. No more complexity in her plotting. I don't know why I keep reading these books when the last several have been poorly plotted and far too easily resolved. Don't waste your time or money on this book and possibly this series any longer.
I feel like Patricia Cornwell is just phoning it in lately. Her last few books have been dreadfully facile. The pacing completely uneven. The books end too quickly and far too neatly. No more complexity in her plotting. I don't know why I keep reading these books when the last several have been poorly plotted and far too easily resolved. Don't waste your time or money on this book and possibly this series any longer.
October 24, 2022
Intricate, menacing, and sophisticated!
In this twenty-sixth instalment in the Kay Scarpetta series, Livid, Cornwell has written an ominous thriller that sees Virginia’s Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta not only testifying in the April Tupelo volatile trial but also investigating the bizarre murder of CIA employee Rachael Stanwyck, sister of her close friend Judge Annie Chilton, that as it unfolds also seems strangely connected to a failed assassination attempt on the President, the brutal murder of a beloved local market owner and the suicide of a Tidewater medical examiner.
The writing is descriptive and brisk. The characters are intuitive, knowledgeable, and persistent. And the plot is a well-paced, cleverly plotted tale full of mischief, mayhem, coercion, corruption, criminal behaviours, dangerous endeavours, crime scene analysis, secrets, deduction, lies, terrorists, and murder.
Overall, Livid is another action-packed, intriguing, sinister tale by Cornwell that I am sure will be a solid, satisfying, entertaining read for any long-standing fans of the series.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
In this twenty-sixth instalment in the Kay Scarpetta series, Livid, Cornwell has written an ominous thriller that sees Virginia’s Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta not only testifying in the April Tupelo volatile trial but also investigating the bizarre murder of CIA employee Rachael Stanwyck, sister of her close friend Judge Annie Chilton, that as it unfolds also seems strangely connected to a failed assassination attempt on the President, the brutal murder of a beloved local market owner and the suicide of a Tidewater medical examiner.
The writing is descriptive and brisk. The characters are intuitive, knowledgeable, and persistent. And the plot is a well-paced, cleverly plotted tale full of mischief, mayhem, coercion, corruption, criminal behaviours, dangerous endeavours, crime scene analysis, secrets, deduction, lies, terrorists, and murder.
Overall, Livid is another action-packed, intriguing, sinister tale by Cornwell that I am sure will be a solid, satisfying, entertaining read for any long-standing fans of the series.
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2022
This book was so bad I started questioning my childhood. When I was in Jr. High and high school my mom and I would both read Kay Scarpetta books. We liked them. The medical examiner angle is an interesting one for crime fiction. But this book was so bad, I wonder if all those books my mom and I read were similarly bad.
Noting happens. Scarpetta has almost no impact on the plot. The acronym PPE mus come up 50 times. We are to believe someone that invents a super weapon would use it on a couple of nobodies.
100s of pages of descriptions of driving, food, and drinks. I only finished it to see how bad it would really be.
Noting happens. Scarpetta has almost no impact on the plot. The acronym PPE mus come up 50 times. We are to believe someone that invents a super weapon would use it on a couple of nobodies.
100s of pages of descriptions of driving, food, and drinks. I only finished it to see how bad it would really be.
January 19, 2023
Patricia Cornwell published her 24th Kay Scarpetta novel – “Chaos” – back in 2016. At that time, I was more than willing to let Kate and her family of supporting characters ride off into the sunset because the books had gotten very formula-matic and repetitive. How many times can a villain supposedly die and then return to rage havoc on our protagonists? Also, the characters were so predictable that they had become caricatures of themselves. The time for a break felt right.
Five years later and a couple of other less than stellar novels, Cornwell returned to her primary series and most popular character, Kay Scarpetta, publishing “Autopsy” in 2021. However, I struggled with the primary characters because they didn’t change. Marino was still belligerent and disrespectful of everyone he came into contact with. Dorothy was selfish and ignorant. Lucy was brilliant, yet socially inept. Benton was handsome, quiet, and a great profiler. Kay still new her stuff, but remained challenged in her professional life, constantly having to defend her decisions. And yes, that led me to give the book a disappointing two-star review.
Because of that, I have read and reviewed the 25th Kay Scarpetta novel – “Livid” – under a bit of self-induced protest. You can do that when your read a free copy from the local library. No money out of pocket and the only risk is the time spent reading it in case there’s no improvement in the storytelling and development in the characters.
“Livid” kicks off with Kay sitting on the witness stand, testifying in a major murder trial. Kay’s testimony is causing serious trouble for the prosecution. As the Chief Medical Examiner, she is supposed to defend their case and the cause of death. Unfortunately, in this case, the original autopsy was not performed correctly by the pathologist who is no longer alive, and Kay’s subsequent follow-up work has caused her to change the cause of death from asphyxiation to drowning. At least that’s her professional opinion – accident rather than murder.
Then things get worse when Kay receives even more disturbing news. Judge Chilton, presiding over the case, gets a shocking surprise. The judge’s sister has been found dead. The initial evidence seems to present a home invasion situation that went wrong. However, there didn’t seem to be anything stolen. Even more strangely, her garden is full of dead plants and insects, which seems very unusual and makes no sense.
Kay, her family, and work team are suddenly thrust into a 48 hours storm of multiple murders, a jury deciding a national case against the backdrop of violent turning protests, and enemies who want to destroy her professional career…
There were some interesting moments in this book, but the return of Kay Scarpetta continues to be a disappointment for me. Cornwell is not creating something new and refreshing, but rather continues to rely on her plotting methodology of solving a mystery over a condensed two-to-three-day timeframe, an approach that she established and perfected, then used repetitively over and over again until it just got old. Would the readers be happy with the same old or want something new? To be fair, I can only answer that question for myself.
As stated in my previous review of “Autopsy”, my problem is simply this. The characters never develop, grow, change, or evolve. They are way too predictable and obvious. I challenge anyone to name one book in the series in which other members of the family did not know more about one of Kay’s murder investigations than she did herself. There probably is one, but I cannot think of it. In addition, the plotlines also follow the same formula and structure, which includes weak, frustrating, and unfulfilled endings.
WARNING - **SPOILERS AHEAD** - you will want to have read the book or your reading experience may be negatively influenced.
Just like her previous outing – “Autopsy” – the structure of the novel was the same. Everything takes place over a period of less than 48 hours. It is all slammed together in a wham-bam-thank-you-reader storytelling experience.
Day 1 - The first 139 pages covers Kay’s appearance as a witness in court and then travel to a murder scene. Granted, background was filled in, but wow. The next 113 pages up through page 252 covered the inspection of the body, inspecting the murder site, going home, and debrief in the kitchen while eating. This covered from about 3 pm – sometime past midnight.
Day 2 – covers pages 253 – 339, including the culmination of the primary two mystery plotlines, but not several of the inter-related sub-plots.
Epilogue – The following Saturday night covers pages 340 -351, which tries to wrap up those various sub-plots in a very weak and frustratingly incomplete manner.
The reason that I share this outline is because it has become a repeated pattern for each of the Kay Scarpetta novels. It’s predictable and over-used by Cornwell. It also contributes to some major problems.
- Way too much time spent on the scientific research, which overwhelms and almost drowns out the story at time.
- No character development whatsoever. As I’ve noted in previous reviews, there hasn’t been any for many books now and no hint of change.
- The primary action and major plot developments occur outside of the primary characters and offstage from the reader. The core people involved are constantly informed of the key activities propelling the plot forward. They don’t actually experience the events first hand. They come in after those events and then react to what has already happened.
- There’s more frustration. Cornwell spends 339 pages having multiple bad guys/ladies treat Kay horribly and being downright abusive – politically, physically, and verbally – to say the least. More than most any character deserves in my humble opinion. Then to make matters worse, Cornwell doesn’t really provide any sense of redemption or closure for Kay. Instead, in the epilogue a text is sent informing that two of those abusers will be transitioned into different professional jobs so they won’t interact with her (supposedly). What??? Seriously??? After 339 pages of mistreatment, that is how the author wishes to payoff of the reader? This passive ending is so frustrating, and I should mention it is the identical weak ending that was in the previous novel, “Autopsy”. It’s so disrespectful to the reader that words don’t describe how disappointing this was to experience, not only one, but two books in a row.
Overall, I cannot give it more than two stars. I can only hope you enjoy it more than I did. I really do…
Five years later and a couple of other less than stellar novels, Cornwell returned to her primary series and most popular character, Kay Scarpetta, publishing “Autopsy” in 2021. However, I struggled with the primary characters because they didn’t change. Marino was still belligerent and disrespectful of everyone he came into contact with. Dorothy was selfish and ignorant. Lucy was brilliant, yet socially inept. Benton was handsome, quiet, and a great profiler. Kay still new her stuff, but remained challenged in her professional life, constantly having to defend her decisions. And yes, that led me to give the book a disappointing two-star review.
Because of that, I have read and reviewed the 25th Kay Scarpetta novel – “Livid” – under a bit of self-induced protest. You can do that when your read a free copy from the local library. No money out of pocket and the only risk is the time spent reading it in case there’s no improvement in the storytelling and development in the characters.
“Livid” kicks off with Kay sitting on the witness stand, testifying in a major murder trial. Kay’s testimony is causing serious trouble for the prosecution. As the Chief Medical Examiner, she is supposed to defend their case and the cause of death. Unfortunately, in this case, the original autopsy was not performed correctly by the pathologist who is no longer alive, and Kay’s subsequent follow-up work has caused her to change the cause of death from asphyxiation to drowning. At least that’s her professional opinion – accident rather than murder.
Then things get worse when Kay receives even more disturbing news. Judge Chilton, presiding over the case, gets a shocking surprise. The judge’s sister has been found dead. The initial evidence seems to present a home invasion situation that went wrong. However, there didn’t seem to be anything stolen. Even more strangely, her garden is full of dead plants and insects, which seems very unusual and makes no sense.
Kay, her family, and work team are suddenly thrust into a 48 hours storm of multiple murders, a jury deciding a national case against the backdrop of violent turning protests, and enemies who want to destroy her professional career…
There were some interesting moments in this book, but the return of Kay Scarpetta continues to be a disappointment for me. Cornwell is not creating something new and refreshing, but rather continues to rely on her plotting methodology of solving a mystery over a condensed two-to-three-day timeframe, an approach that she established and perfected, then used repetitively over and over again until it just got old. Would the readers be happy with the same old or want something new? To be fair, I can only answer that question for myself.
As stated in my previous review of “Autopsy”, my problem is simply this. The characters never develop, grow, change, or evolve. They are way too predictable and obvious. I challenge anyone to name one book in the series in which other members of the family did not know more about one of Kay’s murder investigations than she did herself. There probably is one, but I cannot think of it. In addition, the plotlines also follow the same formula and structure, which includes weak, frustrating, and unfulfilled endings.
WARNING - **SPOILERS AHEAD** - you will want to have read the book or your reading experience may be negatively influenced.
Just like her previous outing – “Autopsy” – the structure of the novel was the same. Everything takes place over a period of less than 48 hours. It is all slammed together in a wham-bam-thank-you-reader storytelling experience.
Day 1 - The first 139 pages covers Kay’s appearance as a witness in court and then travel to a murder scene. Granted, background was filled in, but wow. The next 113 pages up through page 252 covered the inspection of the body, inspecting the murder site, going home, and debrief in the kitchen while eating. This covered from about 3 pm – sometime past midnight.
Day 2 – covers pages 253 – 339, including the culmination of the primary two mystery plotlines, but not several of the inter-related sub-plots.
Epilogue – The following Saturday night covers pages 340 -351, which tries to wrap up those various sub-plots in a very weak and frustratingly incomplete manner.
The reason that I share this outline is because it has become a repeated pattern for each of the Kay Scarpetta novels. It’s predictable and over-used by Cornwell. It also contributes to some major problems.
- Way too much time spent on the scientific research, which overwhelms and almost drowns out the story at time.
- No character development whatsoever. As I’ve noted in previous reviews, there hasn’t been any for many books now and no hint of change.
- The primary action and major plot developments occur outside of the primary characters and offstage from the reader. The core people involved are constantly informed of the key activities propelling the plot forward. They don’t actually experience the events first hand. They come in after those events and then react to what has already happened.
- There’s more frustration. Cornwell spends 339 pages having multiple bad guys/ladies treat Kay horribly and being downright abusive – politically, physically, and verbally – to say the least. More than most any character deserves in my humble opinion. Then to make matters worse, Cornwell doesn’t really provide any sense of redemption or closure for Kay. Instead, in the epilogue a text is sent informing that two of those abusers will be transitioned into different professional jobs so they won’t interact with her (supposedly). What??? Seriously??? After 339 pages of mistreatment, that is how the author wishes to payoff of the reader? This passive ending is so frustrating, and I should mention it is the identical weak ending that was in the previous novel, “Autopsy”. It’s so disrespectful to the reader that words don’t describe how disappointing this was to experience, not only one, but two books in a row.
Overall, I cannot give it more than two stars. I can only hope you enjoy it more than I did. I really do…
November 21, 2022
My favorite mentally ill medical examiner... unfortunately it felt like nothing happened in this book.
November 7, 2022
DNF
I recently picked this book up along with the latest in Sandford's Prey series, and Kellerman's Alex Delaware series. I read all three authors when their respective series started, and after many many books, stopped all three. Kellerman and Sandford had a couple of books late in the series that I guess felt slightly off to me, so I stopped for a bit.
Each of their most recent books I finished, and enjoyed and felt both series/authors were "back"
The Scarpetta series i loved until I realized her character development was lacking, and there was a clear really odd development with one character, so I swore off the series.
I started this latest hoping to be as pleased as I was with the other two. But alas, there is a lengthy number of pages with her driving from Old Town down to the Fort Hunt area in Alexandria (I live near here)...it was so long and didn't match reality. Then the whole processing of the murder scene went on even longer...seriously, a drive and the initial scene processing was about 170 pages. I just couldn't go on (and should have decided to DNF much earlier)
I recently picked this book up along with the latest in Sandford's Prey series, and Kellerman's Alex Delaware series. I read all three authors when their respective series started, and after many many books, stopped all three. Kellerman and Sandford had a couple of books late in the series that I guess felt slightly off to me, so I stopped for a bit.
Each of their most recent books I finished, and enjoyed and felt both series/authors were "back"
The Scarpetta series i loved until I realized her character development was lacking, and there was a clear really odd development with one character, so I swore off the series.
I started this latest hoping to be as pleased as I was with the other two. But alas, there is a lengthy number of pages with her driving from Old Town down to the Fort Hunt area in Alexandria (I live near here)...it was so long and didn't match reality. Then the whole processing of the murder scene went on even longer...seriously, a drive and the initial scene processing was about 170 pages. I just couldn't go on (and should have decided to DNF much earlier)
December 6, 2022
I was disappointed. I felt that the author spent a lot of time describing the setting in such detail that she lost focus on what the goal was - writing a story that made you want to turn the page quickly, trying to figure out “who did it”? I remember reading Cornwall’s books desperately trying to figure out who the villain was, and i was always left with a feeling of surprise or shock- I felt nothing when it was revealed who the killer was in this novel. I can however tell you about every item of food the Scarpetta clan ate in the final chapter of the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2023
Virginia's chief medical examiner Dr Kay Scarpetta is testifying at a trial and only the defense team is happy about it since she says no one was murdered. The courtroom crowd and prosecutor are openly hostile and the judge seems to be also, even though she is Kay's friend. As soon as Kay's testimony is over, she learns of the suspicious death of the judge's sister.
The deceased has been staying with her sister in a creepy old mansion, overgrown with weeds and other greenery. The secret service is already at the scene. Now why would they be involved? And what's this about a microwave weapon?
The author obviously researches her topics and she's always on the cutting edge of technology. For over 30 years, I have liked Kay Scarpetta's attention to detail when she is working the field and conducting her autopsies. If you feel this may be too tedious with all the details, you might not like this book.
The deceased has been staying with her sister in a creepy old mansion, overgrown with weeds and other greenery. The secret service is already at the scene. Now why would they be involved? And what's this about a microwave weapon?
The author obviously researches her topics and she's always on the cutting edge of technology. For over 30 years, I have liked Kay Scarpetta's attention to detail when she is working the field and conducting her autopsies. If you feel this may be too tedious with all the details, you might not like this book.
November 11, 2022
This is the 26th Kay Scarpetta novel by Patricia Cornwell.
I was really disappointed with this one. I had my hopes up that Cornwell has resurrected her prior ability to tell a good story based on the reviews I read that Kay Scarpetta was back. Well, she might have returned but I quickly realized that her personality came with her. Scarpetta is very unlikeable. She is snooty and thinks she, and her husband Benton, are perfect. Her feces doesn't stink. In fact, there are no likable characters in this book.
I live in Alexandria, so it was kind of fun to have the story centered in an area I am very familiar with. That is about it for what I enjoyed. The story was very slow at the start and the end was rushed to try and tie up what had taken place in the previous 300 pages.
All the familiar characters are back: Kay, Benton, Marino, Dorthey, Lucy etc. As I said earlier, none are likable.
The story starts out with Kay testifying in Old Town Alexandria regarding the alleged murder of a young woman by her husband. The judge is Kay's former roommate. The rulings the Judge makes during Kay's testimony would never happen, nor would the outrageous objections made by the prosecutor. The unrealistic story gets worse from here as people start getting killed, including the Judge's sister who is staying at the Judge's residence, with a microwave gun. There appears to be no connection to the killings, and there really isn't but for the author's unbelievable stretch at the end to make sure there is a connection.
I need to remind myself of my disappointment in this series before I read another in a few years.
I was really disappointed with this one. I had my hopes up that Cornwell has resurrected her prior ability to tell a good story based on the reviews I read that Kay Scarpetta was back. Well, she might have returned but I quickly realized that her personality came with her. Scarpetta is very unlikeable. She is snooty and thinks she, and her husband Benton, are perfect. Her feces doesn't stink. In fact, there are no likable characters in this book.
I live in Alexandria, so it was kind of fun to have the story centered in an area I am very familiar with. That is about it for what I enjoyed. The story was very slow at the start and the end was rushed to try and tie up what had taken place in the previous 300 pages.
All the familiar characters are back: Kay, Benton, Marino, Dorthey, Lucy etc. As I said earlier, none are likable.
The story starts out with Kay testifying in Old Town Alexandria regarding the alleged murder of a young woman by her husband. The judge is Kay's former roommate. The rulings the Judge makes during Kay's testimony would never happen, nor would the outrageous objections made by the prosecutor. The unrealistic story gets worse from here as people start getting killed, including the Judge's sister who is staying at the Judge's residence, with a microwave gun. There appears to be no connection to the killings, and there really isn't but for the author's unbelievable stretch at the end to make sure there is a connection.
I need to remind myself of my disappointment in this series before I read another in a few years.
November 6, 2022
This is the twenty sixth book in the Kay Scarpetta series by author Patricia Cornwell. I read the first six or so books in this series a few years ago and nothing since so to suddenly jump to book twenty six was quite a leap. It took me a while to get back in the swing of the series and I don’t think my enjoyment was spoilt in anyway from reading it as a standalone novel.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta is a reluctant star witness in a sensational televised murder trial. Two years ago, a former beauty queen’s body washed up on the shore of Wallops Island, Virginia. She was last seen on a boat with her fiancé, who has since been held in jail while awaiting trial. Kay Scarpetta is an expert witness for the case where another forensic pathologist had previously bungled the investigation. Following an arduous cross-examination by the prosecutor, Scarpetta leaves the court only to discover that the sister of the judge on her case has been found dead.
I enjoyed reading this book and made a promise to read more of the previous novels in this series. I would rate it at 3.5 stars but some of that is probably due to not being fully up to speed with the series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta is a reluctant star witness in a sensational televised murder trial. Two years ago, a former beauty queen’s body washed up on the shore of Wallops Island, Virginia. She was last seen on a boat with her fiancé, who has since been held in jail while awaiting trial. Kay Scarpetta is an expert witness for the case where another forensic pathologist had previously bungled the investigation. Following an arduous cross-examination by the prosecutor, Scarpetta leaves the court only to discover that the sister of the judge on her case has been found dead.
I enjoyed reading this book and made a promise to read more of the previous novels in this series. I would rate it at 3.5 stars but some of that is probably due to not being fully up to speed with the series.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2022
I'm an existing Patricia Cornwell fan, and a huge Scarpetta fan. Kay Scarpetta is a character who surpasses every other fictional medical examiner, in my humble opinion. LIVID is a book that starts with a suspected murder trial and quickly escalates into a fast-paced search for a killer. Scarpetta, Marino, Benton, Lucy, and their colleagues are trying to frantically determine out what sort of dangerously lethal weapon they are actually up against, and it's something they have not seen the likes of before now. Well-plotted, terrifying, and containing gory detailed autopsies by Scarpetta, this thriller is not for the faint of heart. I dare you to start it and try to put it down, because I certainly could not.
November 11, 2022
Mediocre
Every time Cornwell comes out with a new Scarpetta novel I tell myself I won’t buy it, remembering how terrible the last one was. Then like a looky loo at a car crash scene, I end up buying the new book because I have to see the wreck. The Scarpetta character is so unlikeable. The books have become comical to me. Instead of focusing on a compelling plot, Cornwell focuses on her narcissistic main character. She’s part of Space Force now? Really? The series has become tiresome and dull. Time for Scarpetta to retire.
Every time Cornwell comes out with a new Scarpetta novel I tell myself I won’t buy it, remembering how terrible the last one was. Then like a looky loo at a car crash scene, I end up buying the new book because I have to see the wreck. The Scarpetta character is so unlikeable. The books have become comical to me. Instead of focusing on a compelling plot, Cornwell focuses on her narcissistic main character. She’s part of Space Force now? Really? The series has become tiresome and dull. Time for Scarpetta to retire.
December 27, 2022
Hooked from the first chapter. Interesting and bizarre case with. Cutting edge weaponry I had no idea existed. Disturbing to say the least.
So happy that Kay's horrible secretary, Maggie, wasn't in this one as much undermining and plotting against her at every turn like the last one. Loved that Benton was involved more too. The office and inter-agency politics play a big part of the story and I think they'll be at play in future installments. Interested to see how it all turns out.
Really enjoyed this one and I loved January LaVoy's audio performance!
So happy that Kay's horrible secretary, Maggie, wasn't in this one as much undermining and plotting against her at every turn like the last one. Loved that Benton was involved more too. The office and inter-agency politics play a big part of the story and I think they'll be at play in future installments. Interested to see how it all turns out.
Really enjoyed this one and I loved January LaVoy's audio performance!
January 6, 2023
I do like Cornwell’s Scarpetta series but admit to losing interest a little when there was so much focus on Scarpetta’s niece Lucy. I just can’t warm to her for some reason. Give me more of Scarpetta, Marino and Benton any day.
This book sees Scarpetta struggling with a lack of support from the Health Commissioner, and his nasty flying monkey who also happens to be Scarpetta’s secretary. Scarpetta is also being torn to shreds by the prosecution in a case where she’s disputing the cause of death of a woman who died out in the water, her partner charged with her murder. Scarpetta is not getting any help from the judge on the case who happens to be her ex-roommate. When the trial is just about done the Judge’s sister is found dead in strange circumstances and Scarpetta and Marino investigate. Weirdly when they get there Lucy is already there … somethings on!
I find I enjoy these books more where there is a bad guy/ serial killer on the loose … I find my eyes glaze over a little when we begin to talk chemical warfare, politics, and terrorism. It’s not that I don’t think they are important in real life - I just don’t enjoy the subject matter as much in my books. It’s incredibly dry and tedious IMO. I have to say, on the same hand I always appreciate Cornwell’s attention to detail and her writing is consistent as ever. Scarpetta shows no signs of slowing down and she and Benton still make quite the power couple.
Book 26 in the Scarpetta dynasty. Not one of the best for mind.
This book sees Scarpetta struggling with a lack of support from the Health Commissioner, and his nasty flying monkey who also happens to be Scarpetta’s secretary. Scarpetta is also being torn to shreds by the prosecution in a case where she’s disputing the cause of death of a woman who died out in the water, her partner charged with her murder. Scarpetta is not getting any help from the judge on the case who happens to be her ex-roommate. When the trial is just about done the Judge’s sister is found dead in strange circumstances and Scarpetta and Marino investigate. Weirdly when they get there Lucy is already there … somethings on!
I find I enjoy these books more where there is a bad guy/ serial killer on the loose … I find my eyes glaze over a little when we begin to talk chemical warfare, politics, and terrorism. It’s not that I don’t think they are important in real life - I just don’t enjoy the subject matter as much in my books. It’s incredibly dry and tedious IMO. I have to say, on the same hand I always appreciate Cornwell’s attention to detail and her writing is consistent as ever. Scarpetta shows no signs of slowing down and she and Benton still make quite the power couple.
Book 26 in the Scarpetta dynasty. Not one of the best for mind.
December 31, 2022
I never thought reading about murders could be this boring! What on earth happened to Cornwell?! I loved reading her books years ago but really wish I had left it at that and never ever picked up this one. If I hadn’t read Livid, I would still be able to think of her as a great author. I was bored out of my mind reading this, desperately waiting for a little bit of action or for something exciting to happen. When something finally did happen, it was over in two seconds. The first quarter of the book was basically just two people driving to a crime scene talking and worrying about where to pee!! This was a very disappointing end to my 2022 reading challenge…
November 20, 2022
Disappointing
I love Scarpetta. I’ve been with her since the beginning, lugging her books from house to house for years. This one just doesn’t do her justice. We spend more time learning about an obscure threat, an unexplained link to several other crimes and government one-upping than anything to do with forensics. Then it’s just suddenly over and explained to you in 5 pages. Not my favorite.
I love Scarpetta. I’ve been with her since the beginning, lugging her books from house to house for years. This one just doesn’t do her justice. We spend more time learning about an obscure threat, an unexplained link to several other crimes and government one-upping than anything to do with forensics. Then it’s just suddenly over and explained to you in 5 pages. Not my favorite.
January 13, 2023
I’ve been reading the Kay Scarletta books from inception….they have progressively gone down hill. Although I enjoy finding out about Kay and her family, this book, of 350 pages takes place over 2 days. I think I could rewrite this into about 100 pages. It was really a short novella with filler in my opinion. Scary stuff I it though!
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