Black Notice

Rating:
Summary: If you love Kay, Marino and Lucy, YOU STILL WILL
Review: I have read many of the reviews and I am confused by the negative words towards PC and her characters. I was expecting to be disappointed because of all the reader reviews. Instead, I found my same old favorite characters along with a wonderful new, possible love interest and an intense and original mystery on my hands. THIS BOOK IS AS WONDERFUL AS ALL THE OTHERS! KAY, MARINO AND LUCY ARE ALIVE!!!!

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Summary: Cornwell hits hard again on fear, elation and mystery
Review: I picked up this latest addition to my Cornwell collection and found myself once again reading about Kay Scarpetta. Over the years she has become like a friend. I was anxious to see how she was faring after the death of her love, Benton. Cornwell did not disappoint me. I found her there; emotionally wrecked and in the midst of another murder mystery. Once again the work is not for the weak of stomach. But I find the amount of research that Cornwell put into this novel daunting. She took me through the confusion and fear of Scarpetta and the grief that she is still feeling. And at the end left me hanging; waiting for the next chapter in the life of Scarpetta, Marino, and Lucy. In a word; awesome!

Rating:
Summary: Still Loyal Scarpetta Fan
Review: Interesting to read such mixed reviews. People either loved it or hated it. I am somewhat in the middle. I have waited anxiously every year for Cornwell's latest book since reading her first Scarpetta novel, and I have to admit, that while this one was probably my least favourite, I wasn't entirely disappointed. The mystery itself wasn't quite as interesting to me as her earlier works, but, in my opinion, it certainly wasn't as bad as some of the reviews stated. After all, we all have different tastes and criteria for really enjoying a novel. My one recommendation to new Cornwell readers though is to read the earlier Scarpetta novels first, because I am not all that sure that this works well as a stand-alone story. There's background explained in the novel, but it isn't enough to really understand the characters and if you haven't "gone through" all that history with Kay Scarpetta in her earlier mysteries, you may not find yourself being too empathetic or even liking her very much.

Rating:
Summary: Far too introspective and lacking in mystery/suspense.
Review: I have read all of Patricia Cornwell's books, and have truely enjoyed them...until this one. Kay Scarpetta spends fully two-thirds of the book in some kind of depression, absorbed with "personal" problems, and in a generally weakly written personal battle with another strong female character. This novel does neither woman any favors (nor does it do any favors to Patricia Cornwell). I would, frankly, guess that, unfortunately, production speed and "reaping the rewards" outweighed a substantial, well thought-out story.

Rating:
Summary: Kay don't open the door, reader don't open the book
Review: The author has lost all respect for her characters and her readers. I've read all the Kay Scarpetta novels this was the last. A complete dud.

Rating:
Summary: Very disappointing for one of my favorite authors.
Review: I have read everything Patricia Cornwell has written. This starts out very intriguing and leads up to a wonderful climax and then falls "flat". More of a wham-bam-no-thank-you ending. In comparison with her previous writings, this books falls very shot of her wonderful skill. It does not show here. Kay Scarpetta is mean and cold. Lucy has turned into some hard-core maniac and the reasoning is NOT believeable. It is time to let go of personal anger and bring back the characters that she is capable of writing about. Very disappointed, but will keep trying her again.

Rating:
Summary: A Book You Can't Put Down
Review: As always, Cornwell puts out a really good book, sure to keepyou behind in everything around the house because you can't put itdown. I highly recommend it and all her other books featuring Kay Scarpetta as the main character.

Rating:
Summary: A definite page turner, but not her best work!
Review: I anxiously awaited the release of this novel after reading the emotionally draining Point of Origin. Unfortunately, Black Notice wasn't as powerful as I had hoped. I was disappointed by the disconnect between the crime scenes and the new characters (Bray and Anderson). There seemed to be two different stories going on that never really came together. Nonetheless, I am still a huge Kay Scarpetta fan and am once again anxiously awaiting her next book.

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Summary: Cornwell's Suspense Moves Up a Notch
Review: Patricia Cornwell is one author I really enjoy. With Black Notice her talents have really shined. She shows real life family friction, deep remorse, and has taken a total unthinkable gruesome character and pulled off a great read. It was a page turner; a book I couldn't put down. Gory - yes. But her superb writing skills pulled it off. Can't wait for the next book. Love the characters. They are real with real people problems. Entwined with suspense that continuously amazes me. Go Cornwell, Go!!!

Rating:
Summary: Back on track
Review: Patsy Cornwall is back on track in the latest Scarpetta novel. Once again, she does a great job of delving into the psyche of her characters. I was worried after her last book, because it was "thinly" written. I hope she is working on development of the next Scarpetta relationship and forensic case.