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3.6 AVERAGE
3.6 AVERAGE
(3.5) I was bummed at first that this book continued the weird werewolf plot from the last one, but she made it work. The majority of the book is epistolary (interviews), which I like! But not everyone will find that interesting.
Also, I love how every character tries to imply Scarpetta is gay (the author is gay IRL but not the character), notably this amazing exchange (paraphrased):
A: Do you think the victim was coming on to you?
S: Maybe, I don't know,
A: How would make you feel it she was?
S: Probably uncomfortable.
A: Let's change subjects. Do you think the victim ate out a lot?
Bless.
Also, I love how every character tries to imply Scarpetta is gay (the author is gay IRL but not the character), notably this amazing exchange (paraphrased):
A: Do you think the victim was coming on to you?
S: Maybe, I don't know,
A: How would make you feel it she was?
S: Probably uncomfortable.
A: Let's change subjects. Do you think the victim ate out a lot?
Bless.
This is one of the best Scarpetta books in my opinion. There is so much going on that makes you keep reading, and I love the way that it carries on from the previous book Black Notice. In a way I wish the other books in the series did the same thing as it often seems a bit disjointed.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
7/10
Marino has become a caricature, Scarpetta is getting more psychologically messed up with every turned page, and no one can be trusted. This is a downer book—not that any of the Kay Scarpetta series so far have been sunshine and roses, but this is unrelentingly dark.
It picks up exactly where the previous book left off, and is really a continuation of that story. And yes, I read the final third of the book in one sitting, staying up extremely late to do so. Thick tension and plot developments roll inexorably forward. Not enough is resolved, so it’s on to the next book.
Marino has become a caricature, Scarpetta is getting more psychologically messed up with every turned page, and no one can be trusted. This is a downer book—not that any of the Kay Scarpetta series so far have been sunshine and roses, but this is unrelentingly dark.
It picks up exactly where the previous book left off, and is really a continuation of that story. And yes, I read the final third of the book in one sitting, staying up extremely late to do so. Thick tension and plot developments roll inexorably forward. Not enough is resolved, so it’s on to the next book.
The last three books were truly a dark journey, with this one being the darkest thus far. I am looking forward to more of the series - love the characters and the writing - but feel a bit exhausted after this. I listened to an abridged version of the next book but want to actually read the entire thing. Excellent series! I don't want to say more as I do not want to spoil anything ...
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
If half of what Patricia Cornwell writes about forensic medicine is true, she has done a lot of in-depth research! I definitely learned a lot about the work of a medical examiner. I wouldn't recommend this book to everyone. There was a lot of violence, language, and weird sexual stuff going on. I know that's all part of police life, but this was definitely not a book to fill you with positive thoughts or good feelings. The story kept me reading, but the mystery part of the book seemed predictable. Apparently this is #11 in a series of books about Kay Scarpetta, but it does seem like you can read each book as a stand-alone book.
mysterious
slow-paced
We get to see a new side to Scarpetta in TLP. We get to see the HUMAN side of her. What person, even fictional (Scarpetta), can go on, day after day, without changing, once a loved one (Benton) has died? Scarpetta is changing.. for the better? For the worse? Who's to say because this story is not over. I found the changes in realistic, and the emotional side/factor of the character gave her more depth than she's ever had before.
Cornwell's books are always complex, this book seemed moreso.. perhaps because it backtracked so much into the previous book Black Notice. I've always told friends that Cornwells' books are stand alones.. where you don't need to read them in order. But if you're reading TLP, you really need to read Black Notice first, otherwise it won't make any sense to you.
I give this one a 4 stars, and do wait for the story to continue in the next book.
Cornwell's books are always complex, this book seemed moreso.. perhaps because it backtracked so much into the previous book Black Notice. I've always told friends that Cornwells' books are stand alones.. where you don't need to read them in order. But if you're reading TLP, you really need to read Black Notice first, otherwise it won't make any sense to you.
I give this one a 4 stars, and do wait for the story to continue in the next book.