Black Notice

Rating:
Summary: Fast read but not as good as her earlier works.
Review: This book started out well, but as the plot continued, it became increasingly disorganized. There are several unfinished plots in this one. points to Chuck and Diane Bray but never really addresses this problem. Also, why does Lucy always end up looking like an inhuman machine? She is female, but Cornwell can never portray her as having any female characteristics. Lucy's problems are always left up in the air and never resolved, and let's face it she needs some serious help pyschologically. Finally, I haven't liked the way Cornwell has just abruptly ended her last several books. There is no closure to the plot...It was a good book until the last 2 chapters

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely brilliant!!!
Review: One of the best Scarpetta's novels. I was afraid of what could happen without Benton but Cornwell haven't disappointed me. I'm looking forward to reading the next.

Rating:
Summary: She's back! Couldn't put it down, another winner.
Review: Cornwell has redeemed herself. After reading the awful Point of Origin I wasn't sure she would ever get her groove back. I'd enjoyed all the previous Scarpetta books and decided to give her another chance. I won't go into what I enjoyed so as not to spoil this terrific page turner.

Rating:
Summary: great read for the first 340 pages - the last 28 were weak
Review: This book picks up in the continuing saga of Kay Scarpetta and doesn't disappoint the reader with it's unusual story line. However, this reader was less than pleased with the conclusion - it left much to the imagination which we can only hope will be explained and continued tn the next effort by Cornwell. It almost seemed that she (Cornwell) was trying to meet a deadline, thus, cutting out a great deal of what would have made this a much more enjoyable read. Please Patricia, clear up all the loose ends next time!

Rating:
Summary: All of Cornwell's plots read the same
Review: I think I've read all of her books, but I am not sure. When I read this one I was struck by an overwhelming sense of deja vu -- I've read this before. Then I pulled up a list of Cornwell's books and realized that in spite of the fact that I've read them all, I couldn't tell them apart. The plot are entirely indistinguishable.

Rating:
Summary: Another great one from Cornwell
Review: I wish that I would not have read the book so fast, now I must wait a year for another Scarpetta book! As expected, the book is fast-paced and keeps the reader involved throughout. I really enjoyed the way Cornwell explored the connections between Kay and her friends/family, especially how Benton's death has affected them. Cornwell's character development in Black Notice far exceeds that in her previous books. The only drawback of the book for me is that the ending is very clipped. It left so many questions/issues I wanted to see addressed. I imagine this is intentional though, as now I will be eagerly anticipating the next book.

Rating:
Summary: formulaic, disappointing, mean-spirited and joyless
Review: Unfortunately, one can see Cornwell straining to continue the Scarpetta series, when she should be performing a post mortem on the characters involved. There is no sense of urgency, only a sense of overwhelming doom and gloom as Scarpetta becomes more bitter, Lucy becomes more of a "girls with guns" stereotype and Marino -- well at least he hasn't changed. The plot is beyond farfetched. I am not pleased and sadly I was rather bored

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best!
Review: This is one of the best books Cornwell has written. It focuses a lot more on Kay as a person than Kay the Medical Examiner. Although she is trying to solve a case it seems to be kind of the back story and the grief and pain she still feels over Benton's death seems to take center stage. I think it is one of her better books. You will have to pace yourself to keep from finishing it in one night.

Rating:
Summary: Actually, this is a 'no star'
Review: Senile dementia vulgaris continues at Putnam's with a new Cornwell Scarpetta. Not their fault I guess, as people seem willing to pay for this. A series in its midlife that was excellent, has turned into an angry ( the primary theme for the first 90 pages is comic book angst) poorly researched (a morgue attendant has recently died of smallpox) potboiler of only the lukest of warm water. Phisoderm? Her 'mind crashed like a bad hard drive?' But after all, its free money, isn't it? If you can't resist, check it out of your local library and save a few trees.

Rating:
Summary: If you liked the original Scarpetta - stay well clear.
Review: Kay Scarpetta was one of the most interesting characters to enter the crime fiction genre. Intelligent, strong, independent and complex - she found herself in superbly written and engaging plots. Not any more. The Scarpetta series has been losing quality over the last few books - this is definitely a continuation of that trend. The characters that inhabit this book are cardboard cut outs of their former selves. There is no snappy dialog, no witty exchanges or brilliant, inspired detective work. Everything happens by the numbers - the only surprise this book delivers is whether you can bear to finish it. The characters, plots and climaxes are getting tired - do yourself a favour - steer clear of this one.