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rosieshilo's review against another edition
This is so confusing and honestly I’m bored. Soooo much talking about people I don’t know about. I didn’t realise it was part of a series and most certainly is not a fun standalone read. I don’t even care anymore who did it.
smusie's review against another edition
3.0
I liked this one . . . rather much??? That expression popped up several times throughout this book, and it always stuck out--does anyone actually say it? I don't think I've ever heard anyone say it before, and I don't think I've read it before in a book by Cornwell, or anyone else, although of course I could be wrong and have no way to check. But as it occurred again and again throughout this hefty tome, I came to realize that its very vagueness--its double vagueness, if you will--was somehow appropriate to the text. For the first Scarpetta set entirely in New York City (except a very brief prelude as Scarpetta leaves Massachusetts), there is very little New York atmosphere. The words "loft" and "penthouse" seem to stand in for any effort at giving the reader a sense of place. For variety, there's "Murray Hill" and "Tavern on the Green." Descriptions have the feeling of showing off instead of actually guiding the story along. Of course, the reason I read this kind of book is for the story, which moves along very nicely on its own, thank you very much. In that sense, it's just the same as all the Scarpettas I've read, and in fact with a more ingenious plot than most, and not as sloppy as some of them were getting for a while there. Although, I just have to say, if someone orders a scotch straight and neat, why then would she add that she wanted her drink "strong"?
applegnreads's review against another edition
3.0
A bit confusing if you haven't read the ones before it recently.
lynnbettencourt's review against another edition
4.0
As a big fan of Patricia Cornwell, I did enjoy this book. That being said, her earlier books give Scarpetta a much stronger voice and I miss that. The story is strong, though weird. I'm already looking forward to the next book due out next year.
If you're interested in the Scarpetta novels, start from the beginning.
If you're interested in the Scarpetta novels, start from the beginning.
alykat_reads's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.0
Oh Patricia.. And to think I nearly gave up on you when you some how managed to write a fairly decent book in this series again, reminiscent of the first few. I'm not sure what happened between 2007 and 2008 to make this happen, but you go, Glen Coco. Maybe it was therapy since it seemed like all the characters went in between this book and the last and actually remained level-headed 99% of the time. Perhaps this just seemed good because the last 3 were just downright terrible. Either way, I dare to say I actually was enjoying this throughout at least 60% of this. It is a bit slow and it seems like there's a lot of 'nothing' happening, but it does play into the final outcome of this. I will say though, I am a bit tired of the 'psychopaths being obsessed with Kay and murdering people in her honor' trope though. I get it, Patricia; you're modeling Kay after yourself and you're so beautiful and smart and have all these amazing random skills so who wouldn't be obsessed with you, but that being the motivation behind 90% of your killers makes it a bit boring and played out. We do understand, but can you please let someone else be the center of their obsession? Thank u.
sinimini's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
sistaharlem's review against another edition
challenging
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Gun violence, Violence, and Torture
lisawhelpley's review against another edition
4.0
I'd given up on the Scarpetta series after I abandoned the last one because I found it unreadable. However, thanks to a recommendation by a coworker, and backup from Goodreads reviewers, I have this a try. Very readable, and one I didn't want to put down.