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A review by arthur_pendrgn
Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwell
1.0
Trigger warning: situation similar to covid when a mutated germ is being used as a bioweapon.
The plot is fine for 1997 when we were worried that parts of the Soviet stock of smallpox had been sold or stolen. The writing is typical. Marino seems back to his detective self and no longer used as a foil to show for Kay's righteousness. Minimal Lucy, who is not my favorite character.
What earns the 1 star is the flagrant disregard for isolation protocol by the medicos and Kay. Having been exposed twice to an unknown disease, Kay--at her insistence--is released from quarantine early. Then, actively ill, Kay not only does not isolate at home, she heads in to work! She could have consulted another doc or test herself to see if she had the flu. Hard to believe that Kay, who presumably cares about her staff, would choose to expose them to whatever she has.
Yet she later mourns Wingo. Her hypocrisy is hard to take.
Even in 1997, docs would have followed protocol. Kay's sense of superiority and being above the rules has apparently overwhelmed her good sense and compassion for her staff. Marino's attitude is obviously correct for once.
Then, in the very last chapter, I wonder if that is the moment Cornwell conceived Benton's story arc. Was she foreshadowing Benton or, later, did she remember Kay's query and utilize it? In those moments I feel sorry for Kay. Her question is a legitimate one.
The plot is fine for 1997 when we were worried that parts of the Soviet stock of smallpox had been sold or stolen. The writing is typical. Marino seems back to his detective self and no longer used as a foil to show for Kay's righteousness. Minimal Lucy, who is not my favorite character.
What earns the 1 star is the flagrant disregard for isolation protocol by the medicos and Kay. Having been exposed twice to an unknown disease, Kay--at her insistence--is released from quarantine early. Then, actively ill, Kay not only does not isolate at home, she heads in to work! She could have consulted another doc or test herself to see if she had the flu. Hard to believe that Kay, who presumably cares about her staff, would choose to expose them to whatever she has.
Yet she later mourns Wingo. Her hypocrisy is hard to take.
Even in 1997, docs would have followed protocol. Kay's sense of superiority and being above the rules has apparently overwhelmed her good sense and compassion for her staff. Marino's attitude is obviously correct for once.
Then, in the very last chapter, I wonder if that is the moment Cornwell conceived Benton's story arc. Was she foreshadowing Benton or, later, did she remember Kay's query and utilize it? In those moments I feel sorry for Kay. Her question is a legitimate one.