Helpful Score: 5
There is a reason why I like the Law & order series & CSI. I am more interested in the actuall plot of the crime than the life events of the people solving the case(a little is ok as long as it pertains to the story) . This book does it well.
Helpful Score: 2
The second book of the Kay Scarpetta series is much more brilliant than the first. This book pertains to the murder of an author, Beryl Madison, after returning home from Key West. As the book progresses and clues unfold, it is discovered that Beryl had been stalked prior to her death, receiving disturbing phone calls, etc.
In a plot twist, Kay Scarpetta's former flame, Mark James, enters the picture as an attorney for a Chicago law firm. Mark speaks with Kay at length about his firm's relationship with Beryl Madison and her former sponsor (if you will), Cary Harper. It appears Cary Harper and Beryl Madison had a falling-out over a manuscript that Beryl was intending to write--a memoirs of sorts. A chapter or so later, Mark is introducing Kay to the actualy attorney who represented Beryl and Mr. Harper, and he has some threats of his own to dole out to Kay. However, nothing is what it seems....
Once Kay Scarpetta starts receiving the same disturbing phone calls as Beryl did before she was murdered, she finds herself traveling the same path as Beryl--all the way to Key West and back.
In a plot twist, Kay Scarpetta's former flame, Mark James, enters the picture as an attorney for a Chicago law firm. Mark speaks with Kay at length about his firm's relationship with Beryl Madison and her former sponsor (if you will), Cary Harper. It appears Cary Harper and Beryl Madison had a falling-out over a manuscript that Beryl was intending to write--a memoirs of sorts. A chapter or so later, Mark is introducing Kay to the actualy attorney who represented Beryl and Mr. Harper, and he has some threats of his own to dole out to Kay. However, nothing is what it seems....
Once Kay Scarpetta starts receiving the same disturbing phone calls as Beryl did before she was murdered, she finds herself traveling the same path as Beryl--all the way to Key West and back.
Helpful Score: 2
The body of a young and promising writer is discovered in her home shortly after she returns from hiding out. She was the protege of another, famous old writer who was living off the success of his one good book. But it seems she was more than just his protege, and her latest manuscript has disappeared - apparently it was going to be a tell-all book. But then the old writer is murdered, too; and his sister commits suicide.
It's one of those books I kept reading, because I wanted to know who done it, but I did not really enjoy it, because of Scarpetta's self-aggrandizing ways.
It's one of those books I kept reading, because I wanted to know who done it, but I did not really enjoy it, because of Scarpetta's self-aggrandizing ways.
Helpful Score: 1
"Body of Evidence" is a well-plotted mystery with well-developed characters. I highly recommend it
Helpful Score: 1
Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta is a character who becomes addicting. Smart, Funny, brave, and tough she is a character who sticks with you, and you will find yourself wanting to read the whole series. Chapters are on the shorter side so the book is easier to digest.
Helpful Score: 1
Patricia Corwell's series starring Kay Scarpetta as the Chief Medical Examiner is one of the best series of books I have read. Mysteries have never been my genre, but I love the CSI TV series and this book intrigues me in the same manner. Corwell is very knowledgeable and her writing style is descriptive and flowing as well as easy to read. Its not so packed with technical jargon that you cant sit and enjoy a nice quiet read without having to reach for a dictioary.
Great, suspenseful book! And a quick read.
Great page turning suspense. Not to gorey.
another wonderful read from Patricia.
an excellent P. Cornwell!
Kay Scarpetta, chief medical examiner of Virginia and heroine of Postmortem , gets involved in the case of a brutal stabbing death in Richmond of romance writer Beryl Madison. Now Madison's greedy lawyer accuses Scarpetta of losing his client's latest manuscript, an autobiographical expose of Beryl's early life as protege of a legendary novelist. As more deaths occur and the killer closes in on her, Kay suffers palpitations over the sudden and devious reappearance of long-lost lover Mark but still finds time to provide forensic details. Despite its foregone conclusion, a swift-moving, thrilling, and provocative second novel.
Fast, sit on the edge of sit reading.
Excellent book for the medically interested reader. A non-predictive plot and suspense over almost every page. Some material not good for younger readers.
all the Scarpetta books are great
Sandra M. (Lighthouses4Sandy) reviewed Body of Evidence (Kay Scarpetta, Bk 2) on + 145 more book reviews
Great thriller!
The 2nd in the Scarpetta series...could not put it down!
"Nerve-jangling...verve and brilliance...high drama...Cornwell fabricates intricate plots and paces the action at an ankle-turning clip."
-The New York Times Book Review
-The New York Times Book Review
Excellent Book!!!
Full of medical / police terminology. Great if you like thrillers.
Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta is a character who becomes addicting. Smart, Funny, brave, and tough she is a character who sticks with you, and you will find yourself wanting to read the whole series. Chapters are on the shorter side so the book is easier to digest.
Tired plot
Patricia C. (NovelTgirl) -
Love this series!
Sandra M. (Lighthouses4Sandy) reviewed Body of Evidence (Kay Scarpetta, Bk 2) on + 145 more book reviews
I never get tired of the Scarpetta series. This is one is just as great as the others!
Pretty good book!
Everything Patricia Cromwell writes is a winner. Here are some things critics have said about this book.
"Nerve-jangling...verve and brilliance...high drama...Ms Cornwell farbricates intricate plots and paces the action at an ankle-turning clip." --The New York Times Book Review
"Excellent....Compelling...In BODY OF EVIDENCE Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist's past...Scarpetta is much more than a female 'Quincy.' And Cornwell is the perfect match for her."
--Chicago Tribune
"Nerve-jangling...verve and brilliance...high drama...Ms Cornwell farbricates intricate plots and paces the action at an ankle-turning clip." --The New York Times Book Review
"Excellent....Compelling...In BODY OF EVIDENCE Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist's past...Scarpetta is much more than a female 'Quincy.' And Cornwell is the perfect match for her."
--Chicago Tribune
Another great one.
Irene A. (whitegardenia) -
All of the Kay Scarpeta crime books are scary and excellent. Kay is an ME for the FBI.
Great book! Each time I thought I knew who did it, they were murdered too.
Could not put it down!
Could not put it down!
Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta is a character who becomes addicting. Smart, Funny, brave, and tough she is a character who sticks with you, and you will find yourself wanting to read the whole series. Chapters are on the shorter side so the book is easier to digest.
Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta is a character who becomes addicting. Smart, Funny, brave, and tough she is a character who sticks with you, and you will find yourself wanting to read the whole series. Chapters are on the shorter side so the book is easier to digest.
A GREAT BOOK BY PATRICIA CORNWELL. I'VE COME TO LOVE KAY SCARPETTA AND HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY. FOLLOWING HER THROUGH THESE BOOKS IS VERY INTERESTING. I CAN'T WAIT TO READ THE NEXT ONE.
I aqm a big fan of Patricia Cornwell and this book is one of her best!
It was a really good , can't put down book. I really enjoyed it.
Wonderful thriller! Kay Scarpetta is (in my opinion....) one of the greatest literary characters of our time. She is a very well-written characters with many strengths as well as flaws.
Read this series if you like CSI, NCIS, and Forensic Thrillers. But Start at the beginning.
Read this series if you like CSI, NCIS, and Forensic Thrillers. But Start at the beginning.
I enjoyed this one.
Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta is a character who becomes addicting. Smart, Funny, brave, and tough she is a character who sticks with you, and you will find yourself wanting to read the whole series. Chapters are on the shorter side so the book is easier to digest.
A Kay Scarpetta book. Reclusive author Beryl Madison is being stalked. When she is found murdered in her own home, Scarpetta tries to piece together the evidence, without becoming the next victim.
Can't go wrong with a Kay Scarpetta mystery.
Good Scarpetta novel. Enjoyable as usual.
Reclusive author Beryl Maison finds no safe haven from months of menacing pone calls or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence-while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows.
**It was a good book. Suspenseful at times as all Cornwell books are. I enjoyed reading Kay's life in this #2 of the series.
**It was a good book. Suspenseful at times as all Cornwell books are. I enjoyed reading Kay's life in this #2 of the series.
Very good read.
Konnie K. (Nightcrawler) -
Kay Scarpetta, chief medical examiner of Virginia and heroine of Postmortem, gets involved in the brutal stabbing death of romance writer Beryl Madison. Now Madison's greedy lawyer accuses Scarpetta of losing his client's latest manuscript,an autobiographical expose of Beryl's early life as protege of a legendary novelist/ As more deaths occur and the killer closes in on her, Kay suffers palpitations over the sudden and devious appearance of long-lost lover Mark but still finds time to provide forensic details.
Great read, gripping.
Great read, gripping.
This is a very exciting and interesting read.
Good read, although Ms. Cornwell's endings are getting a wee bit predictable.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
I love the forensic stuff she finds, and I think her plots are really interesting, but thus far, every book ends with the murderer/psychopath/weirdo showing up at her house.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
I love the forensic stuff she finds, and I think her plots are really interesting, but thus far, every book ends with the murderer/psychopath/weirdo showing up at her house.
In Body of Evidence - the second of the series, a young female writer named Berryl Madison is stabbed to death in her own home, & nearly decapitated. It appears that she was being stalked before she died. She was recieving strange, threatening phone calls a few times a month prior to her death. Then when her stalker scratched a heart into the side of her car - that was the last straw. Terrified, Berryl fleed to Key West, where she stayed for a while before she decided that she had to go home. But on the night of her return; she inexplicably lets her killer into her home, switching off the burglar alarm, & leaving her gun. did Berryl know her killer? Was this the same person who was stalking her? Dr Kay Scarpetta, the Medical Examiner of Virginia, begins to piece this together.
The plot of this book is exellent. Everything seems to fit together as you read through it. At first everything is so unclear - why would she let him in?! But as Kay gathers more seemingly unrelated information, you get a better idea of what's going on. Once you're almost finished the book, you understand most of it. But there is still one mystery left. Who is the killer, & how did he get Berryl to let him in without causing suspision? Kay has also been recieving threating, obscene phone calls of late. She does the same as Berryl, packing her bags & heading off to Key West. When she returns, it is with the manuscript for Berryls autobiography, which she was working on when she died. But investigators had been unable to find it until now. When Kay arrives home, & soon after, goes to answer her door, she suddenly relises exactly what happened to Berryl Madison. But she has to live to tell the tale.
The plot of this book is exellent. Everything seems to fit together as you read through it. At first everything is so unclear - why would she let him in?! But as Kay gathers more seemingly unrelated information, you get a better idea of what's going on. Once you're almost finished the book, you understand most of it. But there is still one mystery left. Who is the killer, & how did he get Berryl to let him in without causing suspision? Kay has also been recieving threating, obscene phone calls of late. She does the same as Berryl, packing her bags & heading off to Key West. When she returns, it is with the manuscript for Berryls autobiography, which she was working on when she died. But investigators had been unable to find it until now. When Kay arrives home, & soon after, goes to answer her door, she suddenly relises exactly what happened to Berryl Madison. But she has to live to tell the tale.
The Washington Post Book World:
"Takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab....a complex multi-layered novel with enough twists and turns for two books...."
"Takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab....a complex multi-layered novel with enough twists and turns for two books...."
Another good story that ended up not quite like I thought it would, which is good in a mystery.
Well done mystery, although a tad fragmented in terms of continuity. All in all, an enjoyable read and introduction to Cornwell's main character, Kay Scarpetts.
Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back throught the novelist's past....
Takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab.
Takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab.
Michelle K. (kevinsbebe) -
2nd novel in the Kay Scarpetta series. Really interesting storyline and as always Patricia Cornwell didn't disappoint!
Kay Scarpetta Series Book #2
Reclusive author Beryl Madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows....
Reclusive author Beryl Madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows....
I love P. Cornwell, This is one of her earlier books, and written in that same style. As always great, great, great.
Linda A. (Springfieldreader) reviewed Body of Evidence (Kay Scarpetta, Bk 2) on + 458 more book reviews
I have read the entire Scarpetta series and have loved them all. This one is no exception.
another Kay Scarpetta book and another good one.
I liked this book, although it wasn't at all what I expected. I guess I expected the main character to be more of a crime scene investigator, or a detective, or something along those lines. It was a good page-turner, but I didn't understand why Kay Scarpetta, being a forensic pathologist, was investigating crimes as if she were a detective. Since when does a coroner go around questioning people? That didn't work for me. This book was well-written, however, so I'll overlook that for now. I liked that the author included some of the technical elements of forensic pathology without getting too technical. It added realism to the story. I'm looking forward to reading 'Postmortem' soon since I hear that it is one of Patricia Cornwell's best.
Dawn R. (godblessourhome) reviewed Body of Evidence (Kay Scarpetta, Bk 2) on + 518 more book reviews
well written. engaging main character.
Patricia Cornwell always leaves me wanting to know what's going happen next.
A Kay Scarpetta deals with another murder mystery. A good read.
Another great book by Patricia Cornwell, if you like mysteries!
It is P. Cornwell, of course you don't want to put it down.
Excellent mystery, especially for readers who have an interest in forensic police work.
another Kay Scarpetta, medical examine, mystery. after months of harrassing phone calls a writer is discovered dead in her own home. Can the medical examiner piece together the clues to solve this murder?
"nerve jangling...a complex mystery where corpses are discovered at nearly every turn.."
It totally love this series. Scarpetta is a smart detective, nice to see a woman get some credit in a man's job! :-) I love her sidekick Marino too.
Great book - lots of suspense - keeps you reading
A reclusive author, Beryl Madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls -- or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence -- while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows.
While I did enjoy reading this book, I was extremely annoyed that as everyone was looking for this manuscript it took until page 336 for someone to state the obvious.... the killer took the manuscript after killing Beryl! Other than that I enjoyed this book very much!
While I did enjoy reading this book, I was extremely annoyed that as everyone was looking for this manuscript it took until page 336 for someone to state the obvious.... the killer took the manuscript after killing Beryl! Other than that I enjoyed this book very much!
Kay rocks! Love the forensic anthropology, written before the days of CSI!
Great read!
AWESOME READ!!!!!
Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetts must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past. She is assisted by tough, but caring Lieutenant Pete Marino. Fast read.
Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!!
Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetts must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.
As always... another great Cornwell book!
Very detailed
did not read this one
Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.....
reclusive author beryl madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls- or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. when the writer is found slain in her own home, kay scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence- while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows...
Good book. One of the Scarpetta mysteries.
This is a Kay Scarpetta novel. It is a mystery.
Great P. Cornwell book!
A reclusive author, Beryl Madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls--or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. when the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta peices together the intricate forensic evidence-while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows.
Kay Scarpetta mystery.
all her books are excellent
excellent
Sandra M. (Lighthouses4Sandy) reviewed Body of Evidence (Kay Scarpetta, Bk 2) on + 145 more book reviews
Another great one from Cornwell. Great read!
Great read!
Another fantastic book by Patricia Cornwell! Enjoy!
Although I am not an avid Patricia Cornwell reader, I have enjoyed several of her books over the past few years. This one in particular was interesting, but not quite as entralling as I'd expect. It is a great read if you like forensic evidentiary details and like to see them pieced together. I believe it could have had a littlemore depth but instead it read more like a movie then a novela.
Another Kay Scarpetta-this one is a can't put down novel.
Takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab... a complex, multi-layered novel with enough twists and turns for two books....Washington Post Book World
I felt that the book started out a bit slow, like the first one in the series, but it did pick up quicker than the last. Although, even though it leads us into the story, I found the prologue a bit corny and it could've been placed later into the story and would've done better. (the fact that there was a typo in the first sentence didn't help either)
This really is one of those books, where I like the story, but the lead character drives me nuts. For all her intelligence, she's a bit of an idiot. Whether it comes to men or her common-sense involving her luggage. I mean, Hello!, you're investigating something where your safety has been threatened and don't question that your luggage goes missing? Yikes... It makes me really think the character, who may be the author's portrayal of herself, has an ego problem. Especially when she even compares herself to god... Puh-lease!
Also, how many times does an author need to write about cigarettes and smoking? Obsessed much? I used to be a smoker, and know the need to for a nic fix, but even after awhile I was like "All right already, you're against the anti-smokers. Get on with the story!" Maybe she's trying to make the characters more believable, but if that were the case, then she could work on it with other things. "Smart" people would acknowledge, to themselves anyway, when another person is using a double-negative instead of agreeing with it and being wrong about the topic. (I'll let the reader find that spot for themselves.) But, there are several things in casual conversation that could be improved upon to make the characters have more dimension than to constantly have them lighting up a smoke.
And another thing. The lack of knowledge portrayed by the lead character and others on AIDS is a bit strange. I remember doing a research paper in high school before this book was published, and even I seem to have found more myth-busters than what these characters know or make comments on between this book and the first one.
Overall though, it's a pretty decent book, but I will probably take a break from the series for a bit just because it's not as well written as some of the other forensic mystery books I've read.
This really is one of those books, where I like the story, but the lead character drives me nuts. For all her intelligence, she's a bit of an idiot. Whether it comes to men or her common-sense involving her luggage. I mean, Hello!, you're investigating something where your safety has been threatened and don't question that your luggage goes missing? Yikes... It makes me really think the character, who may be the author's portrayal of herself, has an ego problem. Especially when she even compares herself to god... Puh-lease!
Also, how many times does an author need to write about cigarettes and smoking? Obsessed much? I used to be a smoker, and know the need to for a nic fix, but even after awhile I was like "All right already, you're against the anti-smokers. Get on with the story!" Maybe she's trying to make the characters more believable, but if that were the case, then she could work on it with other things. "Smart" people would acknowledge, to themselves anyway, when another person is using a double-negative instead of agreeing with it and being wrong about the topic. (I'll let the reader find that spot for themselves.) But, there are several things in casual conversation that could be improved upon to make the characters have more dimension than to constantly have them lighting up a smoke.
And another thing. The lack of knowledge portrayed by the lead character and others on AIDS is a bit strange. I remember doing a research paper in high school before this book was published, and even I seem to have found more myth-busters than what these characters know or make comments on between this book and the first one.
Overall though, it's a pretty decent book, but I will probably take a break from the series for a bit just because it's not as well written as some of the other forensic mystery books I've read.
A continuation of a fun and exciting series!
typical " Kay Scarpetta" novel enjoy all her novels
I love Dr Scarpetta!
Another great Patricia Cornwell book! Couldnt put the books down!
This is one her good books.
good story.
From the book jacket: Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.."
Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.
Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past...takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab...a complex multi-layered novel with enough twists and turns for 2 books.
in Body Of Evidence, Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks andmurders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past...
A reclusive author, Beryl Madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls - or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence - while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows.
A reclusive author, Beryl Madison fins no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls-or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home. Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence-while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows.
A reclusive author, Beryl Madison, finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls - or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetti pieces together the intricate forensic evidence -while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows.
"Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past..."
This was a New York Times best seller, as are so many of Pat Cornwell's novels. (You notice how I called her Pat. That's because I have read so many of her novels, I feel like we are friends).
