Rating: 
Summary: highly recommended
Review: The Kay Scarpetta series is best read in chronological sequence, as each new novel builds on developments from the previous ones, and knowledge of this history is to some degree assumed. Thus, if you're going to read one of the series, this is the one.Some reviewers here criticize the lack of non-stop action. To the contrary, I think the style is highly effective. Cornwell indulges in her well-developed, diverse characters with introspection and dialog. Furthermore, investigations are not a linear progression -- everything isn't always wrapped up in a tidy little package, every piece of evidence isn't used, and every fact isn't explained. But that's life. The series has also been criticized for being a bit "nerdy". But that's appropriate -- it's strength. The use of evidence and the examination of the crime scene reminds me of my favorite crime author, Canon Doyle. The magnifying glass is replaced by a substantially more expensive apparatus, but the attention paid to analytic methods and thinking is quite enjoyable. The combination of rich character development and intellectual analysis makes this a really enjoyable book, and worthwhile series. I really highly recommend it. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is I reserve that for the highest tier of fiction, and I'm not sure this is quite there. But it's certainly some of the best work I've read in a long time.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor Ending!
Review: What started out to be a very exciting read, ended very quickly leaving you expecting more. Too much of the novel focused on one particular item, which made this book slow and harder to get into than her others.
Rating:
Summary: good reading disappointing ending
Review: I enjoyed reading this book, finishing it in 2 days. This is my first Cornwell novel, and I certainly will read others, Postmortem being next (I guess it should have been first). A few errors I detected though--first there is a line in the book where a minor character tells Dr. Scarpetta that "the story of these murders would make a good murder-mystery novel," or words to that effect. The problem I have with this is when I'm reading a book, getting involved in the story, I don't want to be reminded that I'm reading a book. It brings me back to reality, which is not the reason I'm reading fiction. Second error, when the electrical power goes out and she describes the candlelight etc., the killer calls, and the answering machine turns on. All answering machines need electricity don't they? So how could the answering machine work with no electricity? This happened twice in this chapter. I realize that there has to be dialogue and communication in a novel but this simple error was overlooked and it bugged me. Most of the novel I enjoyed, trying to guess who the killer was, anxiously awaiting the ending, and then feeling disappointed when the killer was someone unrelated to most of the rest of the book. I felt I wasted my time painstakingly picking out clues through most of the book, when the killer had little to do with any previous clues given. Even when the killer was identified before the ending, I didn't want to believe it, thinking that his name was an alias, and something more sinister about his identity would be revealed. Oh well, most of the book was satisfying. 3 of 5 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: incoherent, poorly written
Review: The plot was inconsistent--characters got left places and showed up where they were not. Typos throughout the book made me wonder if there was even an editor. Or was it just thrown together and published on a big author name. Don't bother with this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Even Better Than "Postmortem"!!
Review: Patricia Cornwell's first novel, "Postmortem", didn't really grab me although I'm already really fond of all the characters. But as for the sequel--it's a totally different kettle of fish! There is, in my opinion, tons more atmosphere, humour, and excitement as you follow the characters through the investigation. The only bad point is this book doesn't have Abby Turnbull in it. Oh well, can't have it all..
Rating:
Summary: More intense and involving than a murder mystery dinner
Review: I dare to say that this is one the best of Cornwell's works. Her style of writing is extremely intense and graphic and her dialogues are fast and witty. The story line itself is complicated and full of detail and grabs the reader until the very last page. Highly recommended to every one who enjoys a little terror and mystery. I also recommend this book to someone who hasn't given Cornwell a try yet. Once you read this one, you'll want to read them all!
Rating:
Summary: Her best
Review: Only Rustad's The Triumph and the Glory can match "Body of Evidence" for suspense, intrigue, intensity, great characters, and stirring plot. What a great book this is !
Rating:
Summary: Really liked it!
Review: My 2nd Kay Scapetta novel and loved it. She is a terrific author and never ceases to amaze me. Liked the Key West theme.
Rating:
Summary: The younger Dr. Scarpetta in action...
Review: This one's actually the second Kay Scarpetta book, and in this one, she's a lot less self-assured than the lady we've come to know. It's a mark of talent in an author when she can age and mature a series character over a number of books. There's a comment in this book about Kay's irritation over the way her shortness is a disadvantage when it comes to keeping up with taller people. Since even in this story she's a very tough person, it lends her an accessibility. Beats hell out of heroes who, though mere mortals, still never change, book after book. I get the feeling that authors who create that sort of hero are trying to deny their own mortality.
Rating:
Summary: Another excellent case from Americas best auther
Review: After reading Patricia Cornwells brilliant first novel Postmortorm, I had to get the next. This just as good if not slighty better. Dr Kay Scarpetta is such a wonderfully crafted character from such a brilliant auther. Patricia Cornwells books are so exciting and readable that they are impossible to put down, If you have'nt read one of her books yet, you don't know what you have missed.
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