Rating: Summary: A Page-Turner Review: I have read the entire Scarpetta series, and I was pleased that this book's plot measures up to her best. I couldn't put it down. The forensic medicine and law enforcement elements make each book a fascinating learning experience that complements the intensely exciting suspense. Keep up the good work, PC! The characters' grief over BW is plausible, but I do wish Kay and especially Lucy would get therapy. Lucy has gone over the edge, and Kay's emotional suit of armor is frustrating. I love the new Jay Talley character! I'm looking forward to seeing how their relationship develops. Kay will always be a mess but PLEASE let her lighten up a little and have some fun! Also, Lucy needs to get her act together so she can add her expertise to future plots. Marino just needs a good job, but a sympathetic soul mate could add a new dimension to the characters' interrelationships. Some good news in their personal lives would help to balance the professional horrors they face. Dramatic tension need not suffer, and happier characters may win more fans for the series.
Rating: Summary: Not Even 1 Star Review: BIG DISAPPOINTMENT! I was hoping that the Scarpetta novels had gotten back to great plots and storytelling, but Black Notice would not pass a sophomore English class. It is the same tiresome characters with incoherent, wandering text that never comes together. There are countless subplots dropped into the story, yet not one makes sense. What is Senator Lord's involvement with Interpol? And what made this morally righteous, genius of a coroner think that a man she barely knows is falling in love with her after a night in the sack? Ick! And why? This book just alternates between whiny (poor Dr. Scarpetta works too hard, everyone is plotting against her, and her bitchy niece Lucy won't call to thank her for the flowers!) and just plain goofy (the online impersonator). I don't usually cheer for the murderer, but these characters are not even likable. Patricia Cornwell is capable of much better, but I doubt I'll be reading it. Shame.
Rating: Summary: A Steady Decline in Quality Review: As a faithful Cornwell reader, I cannot help but be discouraged by this most recent literary nosedive. The book is poorly executed, characters not fully developed, and the story line lacks Cornwell's usual spine-tingling twists and turns -- and ultimately a satisfactory conclusion. Can this reader be saved? Yes...if Cornwell's upcoming book is worth my time...but guaranteed I'll wait for paperback.
Rating: Summary: A disappointment Review: Ever the optimist, I bought this novel hoping that Cornwell had improved over her last, disappointing Scarpetta stories. Kay has changed for the worse, remaining hysterically out of control during the entire novel; the realism and credibility of this character has disappeared. The secondary plots are distracting to the point that they overshadow the story line, making it incidental and trite. The climax was predictable and silly, and held no enjoyment for me. Scarpetta is overbearing, controlling and convinced of her own, singular wisdom as she seemingly fights against everyone else in law enforcement. Absurd. Lucy's situations are irrational and her character continues to be focused on her lesbianism (sounds like Ellen). I was disappointed- couldn't wait for the book to end. Save your money.
Rating: Summary: Great comeback from "Point of Origin" Review: While I was rather disappointed in "Point of Origin", I rather enjoyed "Black Notice". Patricia Cornwell is always exemplary in her extensive research. I don't think that I have ever read an author that researches her subject matter as thoroughly as Ms. Cornwell. I was very pleased that Ms. Cornwell continued her character development in this book. I was pleased with the introduction of a new character that I am sure we will see in future books featuring Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Bottom line - I was much more please with this offering than with her last "Scarpetta" novel. I recommend it for any fan.
Rating: Summary: Great Reading Review: Patricia Cornwell has written another winner in my opinion. I've recently read all of her books and they have all been fairly good. Her style is great and she really knows how to keep the reader in suspense until the very end. I would recommend her series to anyone!
Rating: Summary: An interesting story Review: The author has developed an interesting story, but it suffers from the effects of trying to wind three plots together - the activities of the main villain, the problems/politics within a police agency, and the activities and troubles of the main character's niece. There are some technical errors that could be overlooked, but a lot of loose ends. Overall, an interesting story.
Rating: Summary: Edge of Your Seat Thriller Review: This book kept me intrigued until the very end. The intricate detail the author uses to define the autopsy procedures was a bit gorey, but impressive. Kate Reading, the reader of this book on tape, was amazing. Her vocal range of characters was perfect. She really made the story come alive. I have read other Patricia Cornwell novels, but this is the first Kay Scarpetta novel I have listened to on tape. I would recommend this book highly to any true crime/thriller fans.
Rating: Summary: black notice Review: I have read all of her books. The last two have been just terrible. She has lost her touch. Try Nelson Demille- he is outstanding!
Rating: Summary: Farther down the hill Review: I got this book from the library,and read it out of curiosity. It took me several days to finish. The opening scene has Kay getting a letter from Benton a year after his death. She goes into hysterics, vomiting, breast-beating, etc. This is a grown woman, not a teen-ager. Where is her self-control? Why the angst, the agony, the foul language in a woman touted as being smart, professional, and good at her job? Her attachment to Lucy is sick, and Lucy is out of control. Where is her professionalism? Pete has lost all his smarts and is merely crude, profane, and obnoxious. Did Kay ever stop and ask herself why she has so much difficulty getting along with people--that it might possibly be her fault? I don't blame Diane Bray for wanting to get rid of her. The plot was loose, coincidental, and at times almost non-existent. The mystery of the loup-garou was solved easily and the subplot of Bray's hostility was no mystery at all. Then Jay Talley shows up after page 300 and he and Kay jump between the sheets in a fury of lust. Give me a break. Such unpleasant people. Who needs it?
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