Black Notice

Rating:
Summary: Time for Scarpetta to Retire
Review: In this new--and tired--Kay Scarpetta thriller, Kay's on a case that could ruin her career, or end her life (we could only hope). The story is given a shot of Romance/Horror drivel with a love letter from beyond the grave. Pleeaazzzeee. It's time for Ms. Cornwell to move on to other characters--this series has become stale reading.

Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable
Review: I enjoy Patricia Cornwell's attention to detail and all of the forensic pathology information. Her characters are not always the most likeable people and they certainly do things in this book that have you clucking your tongue. But, her characters find their way through difficult situations and maintain relationships over time. I enjoy the interaction between her not too perfect characters. Great addition to the series.

Rating:
Summary: an interesting foray into the dark side of wolfism
Review: Patricia Cornwell is a good writer, however this book (if you can stay with it) was not attractive for various reasons. I use the word "attractive" in lieu of compelling, as in, i was compelled to continue reading the book because it was so good. This unfortunately was not the case. We are reintroduced to Marino the detective and must read through the closeness of the relationship, alluding to what they have been through together. Huh? then there is the niece, who makes a brief and angry appearance and to tell you the truth, i could not figure that out and neither could the author. A scheming police chief, a scheming co-worker and a body found in an ocean crate lead us to paris (on the concorde no less). Oh and then we get to read about the heart wrenching angst of losing a loved one. This was an attempt maybe? to branch out. However, there was no character development. There is nothing to like about the main character, who seems to vacillate between worlds. The surrounding characters we are supposed to have some following of. Go back to Lawrence Sanders who could continue with the same detective, but was not too into repeating himself. It is like watching a sequel and having to endure the parts we saw from the first movie. Not ingenous.

Rating:
Summary: Once again Great!
Review: Black Notice is another great read by Cornwell. I couldn't put this one down until I finished. I enjoyed this story line just as much as I have all the rest and I hope that she keeps the Scarpetta series going. For those out there who thought this was terrible then try reading something new, but for those who have really enjoyed all the other Scarpetta novels than you will love this one as well.

Rating:
Summary: A best seller? PLEASE!!!
Review: The author, the editor and the publisher should all be ashamed of themselves for producing and selling such drivel. I can't determine what was worse- the irritating, one-dimensional characters, the implausible events, or the inconsistent details. Some examples: Dr. Scarpetta is a well-respected, intelligent, strong woman and she falls in love with some agent after meeting with him for just a few hours??? The author describes the doctor suiting up for an autopsy, fully covered to protect her from biohazards. And yet, after the autopsy, she showers and the water is pink because she is so covered with blood. Hmmm, what about the biohazard suit? The medical examiner that Scarpetta meets in Paris is described as having poor English skills and yet her dialog in the book is virtually perfect. Moreover, when the author attempts to write in dialect, in order to make Marino seem like a tough guy, she can't do it consistently (i.e. sometimes he says 'you were' and sometimes 'you was'). This book is pathetic.

Rating:
Summary: Disorganized and unbelievable
Review: This latest entry in Cornwell's Scarpetta series was disappointing and frustrating. The title doesn't even make sense. Not only is the plot full of unbelievable coincidences; it's also full of holes! Is this due to poor editing, or just sloppiness on the part of the author? the connection between someone impersonating Kay on e-mail, and the ambitious woman police chief suddenly appeared as a plot device without any establishing details. This transtition was so poorly presented, I confess I first thought my paperback copy was missing a few pages! Characters, such as the Senator, enter the plot, hint at mysterious conspiracies or scandals, and then disappear. A subplot about an untrustworthy employee is developed as a central theme, and then suddenly fades, as if the author lost interest. Well-known characters, such as Marino and Lucy appear extremely unlikable and abrasive in this book --- as does Scarpetta herself. Characters don't communicate or talk with one another, they simply rage and argue. There is a noted uneven quality about the book --- we are given endless details about autopsy tables and lab fixtures and hotel furnishings, yet the plot details are sketchy, and characters seem to move from scene to scene without transition. The details of evidence gathering, autopsy procedure, and police work have a ring of authority and authenticity, yet the notion that the Medical Examiner's office for the state of Virginia would use AOL for their email server made me laugh out loud! This book made me feel cheated by Cornwell, as though she were dashing it off without much thought.

Rating:
Summary: Not up to snuff
Review: Amen to reviewer D. Miller! Disappointing. I can believe that Captain Marino remains emotionally stuck in the mud, but I can't believe the improbable villains, or that the Scarpetta character becomes increasingly emotionally fragile, rather than more mature. This growing immaturity seems the chief driving force of the plot, and just doesn't make sense.

Rating:
Summary: Ending too short
Review: I have read all of Pat's books and up until now had problems with only the first one she chose a different character, I felt that the ending was put into one paragraph. I didn't think that would happen to this one, but everything happens in the last two pages. I like a little more explanation how it all fits together. There are so many great authors out there that at least leave you feeling satisfied after spending so much time with the book. I felt letdown when everything happened so fast. However, I will continue to read her books, maybe next time we could have a little better ending.

Rating:
Summary: Give us an worthy ending PLEASE !!!
Review: For the past couple of novels, Cornwell has left me disappointed on how she ends her books, no buildup at all, just the killer popping up out of nowhere to try and kill our heroine, Kay Scarpetta. This book has been the worst yet. With 10 pages to go I'm wondering, where is this going??? I was very disappointed with Black Notice and hope that Cornwell becomes a little more creative on how to wrap up her stories.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book until the ending
Review: I was extremely disapointed with the ending of this book. I have read all of the Scarpetta novels and this one was.... oh, I don't know. I enjoyed the book until the end. There was all this talk about the killer and horrible they were... yadda yadda... And then when they do catch him it's like "Oh well, here he is and don't we feel sorry for him and please don't shoot him". It just seemed to be a MAJOR letdown. I'm not sure if I plan to read more Scarpetta books or not.