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A review by arthur_pendrgn
The Last Precinct by Patricia Cornwell
3.0
I like Jean-Baptiste Chandonne more than I ever liked Carrie Grethen.
One year after Benton's death and Kay is still grieving. The way Cornwell describes that grief--as not even remembering what you did, as if you have been under the earth while your body still functions--is pretty realistic. Kay has to face Benton's death, not avoid it as she has been.
I enjoyed Kay's conversations with Anna, actually. They were my favorite parts of the book. The recaps of Black Notice, although maybe necessary to make the reveal of Berger as prosecutor, were really tedious.
Benton's death made Kay more of a target, not less. Its ripple effects are destructive for so many. I will re-read Blow Fly now to see if he expected everyone's life destroyed in this way. At the end of this book, the highest cost was paid by Marino (who, I think, has paid the highest cost of all of the characters once they all reconcile). The idea that both Marino and Lucy watch Kay grieve like this, both knowing (according to Ch. 4 of Blow Fly) that Benton isn't dead and they are still in contact with them, adds a layer of...I don't know the word for it. Benton's death destroyed Kay and nearly got her killed. Lucy and Marino bear responsibility for that. The FBI should have been involved in her protection at this point. They had to know that Benton would do something to protect her.
I was saddened to learn that Benton had had an affair while with Kay, but what a stupid reason for Bray to do what she does. Cornwell had to fall back on "he done her wrong" as a motive? Why not just say the cartel needed Bray in a high position and Kay was too involved--too good at her job--too able to discover what was going on--and needed to be removed? That would have been plausible.
I suppose there might be some message in the monstrous JBC and his equally monstrous but thought to be righteous because he's good looking brother. That Berger is a friend, then enemy, then friend. Appearances can't be trusted.
One year after Benton's death and Kay is still grieving. The way Cornwell describes that grief--as not even remembering what you did, as if you have been under the earth while your body still functions--is pretty realistic. Kay has to face Benton's death, not avoid it as she has been.
I enjoyed Kay's conversations with Anna, actually. They were my favorite parts of the book. The recaps of Black Notice, although maybe necessary to make the reveal of Berger as prosecutor, were really tedious.
Benton's death made Kay more of a target, not less. Its ripple effects are destructive for so many. I will re-read Blow Fly now to see if he expected everyone's life destroyed in this way. At the end of this book, the highest cost was paid by Marino (who, I think, has paid the highest cost of all of the characters once they all reconcile). The idea that both Marino and Lucy watch Kay grieve like this, both knowing (according to Ch. 4 of Blow Fly) that Benton isn't dead and they are still in contact with them, adds a layer of...I don't know the word for it. Benton's death destroyed Kay and nearly got her killed. Lucy and Marino bear responsibility for that. The FBI should have been involved in her protection at this point. They had to know that Benton would do something to protect her.
I was saddened to learn that Benton had had an affair while with Kay, but what a stupid reason for Bray to do what she does. Cornwell had to fall back on "he done her wrong" as a motive? Why not just say the cartel needed Bray in a high position and Kay was too involved--too good at her job--too able to discover what was going on--and needed to be removed? That would have been plausible.
I suppose there might be some message in the monstrous JBC and his equally monstrous but thought to be righteous because he's good looking brother. That Berger is a friend, then enemy, then friend. Appearances can't be trusted.