Helpful Score: 6
Well, I have been a fan of Patricia Cornwell, but this book was a disappointment. I kept waiting for something to happen, for the plot to pick up, but it never did. It also bothers me when an author pretends that a book is a whole book, even though the spacing is at 1.5, there are lots of empty pages, and there is really no story. It's more of a mini book - she left out a lot of words, a storyline that was interesting, and made sure there were a lot of blank pages. It was insulting. And because I have enjoyed her previous work, this was really disappointing, a waste of money, and a waste of time.
Helpful Score: 4
I just couldn't get interested in it. Read the first half in an evening and then skimmed the rest. I think Patricia Cornwell's writing career is "At Risk".
Helpful Score: 3
Definitely not one of her better works, and I'm usually a big fan of hers. A quick read but I didn't care for the characters at all.
Helpful Score: 3
Colorful characters,solid believable plot, and fast paced. Over all a great read.
Helpful Score: 2
A well-known, attractive and aggressive Massachusetts district attorney is planning on running for governor. She wants to use her new crime initiative called At Risk to show off some cutting-edge DNA technology, and thinks she's found it in a Tennessee twenty-year-old murder case. If her office solves this cold case it will make this D.A. look good for her run for governor. In order to get some help with this case, she calls back home one of her Massachusetts state investigators who is in the middle of a course at the National Forensic Academy in Knoxville, TN.
The investigator isn't sure about his boss, the D.A., and when a violent crime is committed it makes him wonder even more about this woman who wants it all.
I enjoyed this book and finished it fast because it's a short book, only 212 pages with larger print than in paperbacks, so it went fast. The story makes you wonder who did what, and has a few twists like most of Cornwell's books. I think this catches me up on all of her books now.
The investigator isn't sure about his boss, the D.A., and when a violent crime is committed it makes him wonder even more about this woman who wants it all.
I enjoyed this book and finished it fast because it's a short book, only 212 pages with larger print than in paperbacks, so it went fast. The story makes you wonder who did what, and has a few twists like most of Cornwell's books. I think this catches me up on all of her books now.
Helpful Score: 2
I just finished this book and had hoped for the typical Cornwell style. It was different from any of her others and not in a good way. I understand that it was written serialized for the New York Times magazine, maybe that's the explanation. She was trying something new. But I didn't like it. It was boring in places with too much technobabel, it jumped back and forth throughout the book, and its characters were mostly unlikeable. I finished it by really pushing myself. I hope she won't continue with this "possible" series. The ending hinted she would. If you're listening Ms. Cornwell, please don't!
Helpful Score: 2
Not one of her better novels; choppy and confusing.
Helpful Score: 2
Book is a short read and not Cornwell usual. Very disappointing for Patricia Cornwell.
Helpful Score: 2
Had a tough time following the plot for some reason. Written a lot in 1st person unquoted: just as one might think it. Made for 2-3 word sentences with full sentence structure left to you to figure out and/or fill in:
She laughs. Sounds hollow. Restaurant. Can't remember.
I still don't know what it was about and just finished it last night. Also, the explanations for what you have not or could not have figured out by then are on the last 10 or so pages.
She laughs. Sounds hollow. Restaurant. Can't remember.
I still don't know what it was about and just finished it last night. Also, the explanations for what you have not or could not have figured out by then are on the last 10 or so pages.
Helpful Score: 2
This is new series (not Kay Scarpetta). Although the characters are interesting the story is short and not well developed.
Winston Garano is called out of forensics school to solve a decades old crime. His boss, Monique Lamont, is using the case to further her political career. Before he can even get started, strange events happen, followed by an act of violence. Politics, personal lives and crime are intertwined in this story.
Winston Garano is called out of forensics school to solve a decades old crime. His boss, Monique Lamont, is using the case to further her political career. Before he can even get started, strange events happen, followed by an act of violence. Politics, personal lives and crime are intertwined in this story.
Helpful Score: 2
Very fast read. Slow to start out but then the characters became interesting enough to know how it ends. Not her best, that's for sure and I wouldn't pay $8 for it but if you want something you can read in a couple hours, this is it.
Helpful Score: 2
Readers digest condensed books would reject this book. At one third the average word count of other Patricia Cornwell books, this is unacceptable. Little or no character development and poor plot make it difficult to follow the characters that are there. Empty pages and little substance are not worthy of her reputation. I looked through book 2, The Front, and more of the same. " Quicksilver, cut to the bone style " as stated on the back cover of book 2 reminds me more of the "dime novels" about the old west.
Helpful Score: 2
A fast read; not one of Ms. Cornwell's best.
Helpful Score: 2
The point-of-view from which this novel is written threw me off so much that it was distracting for the entire book. It comes off as sounding very simplistic, as if it were written for someone just learning English or for very young adults. The main characters were flat, without genuine personalities or any quirks to keep me interested. I kept thinking about comic books or those old crime movies where the dialogue is unnatural and stilted. Even though the back cover says "At Risk is filled with all the chilling suspense, rich characters, and trademark forensics ..." I can't remember any "chilling suspense" or "forensics" in this story! HOWEVER ... Nana, the main character Winston Garano's hoodoo-practicing grandmother, stood out in full color! Even though she has only a few small scenes, what a delight she is with her tarot cards, windchimes, and pennies for Hecate. Only because of her will I keep watch for other novels in this series and I will be skimming the pages just to find her scenes.
Helpful Score: 2
I had to force myself to finish this book, and that's really disappointing since I liked her last book. Characters are not well-developed, plot is confusing and the entire thing is disjointed. Poorly written. Don't waste your time.
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't get past Chapter 5. Never thought I'd use a 100 page rule with Cornwell, but just wasn't catching my interest.
Helpful Score: 1
Not in the Scarpetta series - a good book with unexpected twists.
Helpful Score: 1
An At Risk program with a motto of, Any Crime any Time. Patricia Cornwell always tells a good story !
Helpful Score: 1
This was a fun read. The likeable principal character, Winston Garano, held my interest as the story lines interwove, leading up to the tying up of all the loose ends at the book's conclusion. Not a heavy cop novel, just enough twists to make it entertaining, but not so many as to be confusing.
Helpful Score: 1
Another good cornwell book...but the ending was lackluster
Helpful Score: 1
Quick read.. Strong characters.. Liked it..
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very good book, however, it is not a Kay Scarpetta book! In my experience, Patricia Cornwell books are always a good read.
I loved it.
At Risk is filled with all the chilling suspense, rich characters, and trademark forensics that have made Patrica Cornwell an international phenomenon.
This was the first Patricia Cornwell book I ever read. It lead me to grab every book she wrote. She is a wonderful supense writer, knowing how to keep your attention and turn the pages just to find out who did it.
Enjoyed reading this.
I really expected more from this book. Not one of her best. Maybe I'm just spoiled by the Scarpetta and Hammer series???
This was a fairly quick read. Found it not up to usual Cornwell suspense. The ending was a bit confusing and hard to follow. Good descriptive writing to set up the grandmother and other characters. Would have been a better read if it were longer and she could build the story a bit more.
I've read every Cornwell book she's written. This one was a disappointment. Short, choppy with a confusing plot. The characters aren't very well developed and the ending leaves you pretty confused about how the different story lines fit together. If this is the start of a new Scarpetta-like series, it doesn't make me want to read more.
The only things suspenseful about this book were "Is the story going to get any better?" and "What's Up with all the blank pages and spacing?". I just couldn't get into it. I was really hoping that after my disappointment with the Kay Scarpetta series getting old that a fresh series by this author was what I needed. I couldn't have been more wrong. The writing style was lame and I couldn't help but compare it to watching a "B" movie when I wanted to go to the theater and see a new release. There's definitely better authors out there that I'll give a chance to since I won't waste any more time on this one.
i enjoyed this novel it was a book that you wanted to see what happened next
A page turner and fast paced.
Claire Janicki
A page turner and fast paced.
Claire Janicki
This books seemed like an afterthought...a short one at that. Neither plot nor characters very well developed in my opinion. I was disappointed.
This was written as well as her other books but didn't really get developed. It was kind of short.
Until this book I had never read Patricia Cornwell. I did like this book well enough to try another one by this author. She developes the characters well and I did enjoy her style of writing.
This particular story, for me, was a little disjointed. There were two stories going on at the same time and I lost the connection between the two.
This particular story, for me, was a little disjointed. There were two stories going on at the same time and I lost the connection between the two.
This is new series (not Kay Scarpetta). Although the characters are interesting the story is short and not well developed.
Winston Garano is called out of forensics school to solve a decades old crime. His boss, Monique Lamont, is using the case to further her political career. Before he can even get started, strange events happen, followed by an act of violence. Politics, personal lives and crime are intertwined in this story.
Winston Garano is called out of forensics school to solve a decades old crime. His boss, Monique Lamont, is using the case to further her political career. Before he can even get started, strange events happen, followed by an act of violence. Politics, personal lives and crime are intertwined in this story.
Fast reading but not as detailed as most of her books. Good suspense and an ending you don't expect.
Big disappointment. Slow, just not interesting!
Liked the book -- will definitely read the 2nd one before passing judgement that they are as good as the Kay Scarpetta series.
enjoyed it.
Patricia Cornwell is a pleasure to read. She knows all the details, with her background in forensic science. I read all her books.
Terrible. Only read 80 pages and still don't know what its about. A Patrica Cornwell book. Reading for the "read anything" crowd.
If you enjoy Patricia Cornwell's Scarpetta series..you will find this quite different. The book is good, but the charaters aren't as strong or as likeable as in her other series. I would, however, read other Winston Garano books.
A quick read! This book is filled with all the chilling suspense, rich characters, and trademark forensics that have made Patricia Cornwell an international phenomenon!
As I read this book, I found I couldn't put it down. Very intriguing mystery! :)
I normally love her books but this one never really got my attention. I didn't even finish it.
This is new series (not Kay Scarpetta). Although the characters are interesting the story is short and not well developed.
Winston Garano is called out of forensics school to solve a decades old crime. His boss, Monique Lamont, is using the case to further her political career. Before he can even get started, strange events happen, followed by an act of violence. Politics, personal lives and crime are intertwined in this story.
Winston Garano is called out of forensics school to solve a decades old crime. His boss, Monique Lamont, is using the case to further her political career. Before he can even get started, strange events happen, followed by an act of violence. Politics, personal lives and crime are intertwined in this story.
A MA state trooper investigator is claled home from Knoxville TN, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy to assist his boss, an attractive but hard-charging woman who is planning to run for governor and as a showcase is planning to use a new crime initiative--called At Risk. Sparks fly, traps spring, twists abound as the "master" works at the top of her game.
For decades, Patricia Cornwell has demonstrated her extraordinary ability not only to entertain and enthrall but to surprise as well. Beginning in January 2006, The New York Times Magazine will serialize a brand-new Cornwell thriller, a book filled with all the chilling suspense, rich characters, and trademark forensics that have made her an international phenomenon. But what she does with those ingredients is a revelation.
A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, attractive but hard-charging, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk-its motto: "Any crime, any time." In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found the perfect subject in an unsolved twenty-year-old murder-in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, it ought to make them all look pretty good, right?
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both their lives but the lives of everyone around them. It's not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed . . . and they're about to get much worse.
Sparks fly, traps spring, twists abound-this is the master working at the top of her game.
AMAZON.COM BOOK DESCRIPTION
A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, attractive but hard-charging, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk-its motto: "Any crime, any time." In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found the perfect subject in an unsolved twenty-year-old murder-in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, it ought to make them all look pretty good, right?
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both their lives but the lives of everyone around them. It's not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed . . . and they're about to get much worse.
Sparks fly, traps spring, twists abound-this is the master working at the top of her game.
AMAZON.COM BOOK DESCRIPTION
Well, I know "if you don't have anything nice say"... but, I have to say this book is lame, disappointing and boring. I hope whatever aliens abducted Patricia will bring her back and stop writing books in her name because this is NOT up to par.
Please note that this is not a Scarpetta book. It is intriguing and a fast read, though. I enjoyed it, but it doesn't have the same "feel" as Cornwell's other works. That doesn't make it bad, but if you're a die-hard Cornwell fan, it may take some getting used to.
Different kind of book for Patricia Cornwell. It was good but didn't seem to be a very in depth book like her others.
Cornwell is back in form with this book--a must read if you liked her first books.
Quick read
FROM THE PUBLISHER: "A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, an attractive but hard-charging woman, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk, its motto "Any crime, any time." In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ some cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found it in a twenty-year-old murder - in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, they'll all end up looking pretty good, right?" Her investigator is not so sure - not sure about anything to do with this woman, really - but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only their lives but the lives of everyone around them as well. It is not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed ... and they're about to get much worse."
FROM THE PUBLISHER: "A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, an attractive but hard-charging woman, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk, its motto "Any crime, any time." In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ some cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found it in a twenty-year-old murder - in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, they'll all end up looking pretty good, right?" Her investigator is not so sure - not sure about anything to do with this woman, really - but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only their lives but the lives of everyone around them as well. It is not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed ... and they're about to get much worse."
I was very disappointed in this book -- more like a novella than a novel. Short and the pages are small with lots of white spaces. I was unimpressed by character development or just about anything else.
Not a word wasted. Interesting new characters - especially the protagonist and his gifted grandmother.
Hated it. Read the reviews on Amazon. This is NOT vintage Patricia Cornwell. It's a poorly developed story.
This was a good read, Cornwell's usual forsenic descriptions, and I loved the characters.....I am sure you will enjoy it!
Despite the negative comments, I requested this book to read. I hope Cornwell is going to start a new series, much like her Kate Scarpetta novels, with "Win" as the protaganist. When I read that other PBSers didn't like the "main character," I guess they were thinking of the DA, because I really enjoyed Win and I thought of him as the main actor in this novel. It's a quick read, and I wonder if Cornwell is testing the waters for a new series. I so hope that such is the case!
Not up to what I would expect from P.C., but it was an ok read.
Kinda like her last Scarpetta book...different feel to it.
Kinda like her last Scarpetta book...different feel to it.
Terrific!
This is a different set of characters, and nowhere near as grisly as the Scarpetta series.
And now, for something completely different...
Well written Patricia Cornwell novel
Quick read. The plot not as well put together as some of Cornwell's other books.
Did not like this book. There was no cohesion, no suspense, the characters were unlikeable and I still don't "get it"......all I could say when I finished it was "What in the world was that?". Total waste of my time.
Good mystery. I always read Patricia Cornwell's books.
Great Cornwell
I was disappointed, not her best work.
mercifully brief
Not as good as her others, but still an OK read. Very FAST read.
A much shorter work of fiction that what Cornwell usually puts out, and a new character too!
My first Cornwell book and it won't be the last
Interesting story, but doesn't measure up to her previous work.
FINALLY...Patricia Cornwell is getting back to what she does best....murder mystery writing without getting completely wacked out. At 211 pages it is a short read but she is still worth reading.
Her new book starting with a new main player, starts slow but Cornwell's usual style takes over Good read
Not as lengthly as her usual novels, but a good read.
I thought this was a great start to a good book and then it was over. I would even like to see Cornwell write another book with the main character, Win, and his nana. It was more like a short story. I liked it but she must have gotten in a hurry to end it.
A shorter Cornwell novel in the true twist and turn who-done-it style. Quick read, a bit confusing in the middle but the ending was worth it.
This book is about an investigator who is called in on a case but ends up protecting a DA as well. It was a weird book and did not keep my attention too well but it was ok!
A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, an attractive but hard-charging woman, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk, its motto "Any crime, any time." In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ some cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found it in a twenty-year-old murder-in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, they'll all end up looking pretty good, right?
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only their lives but the lives of everyone around them as well. It is not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed...and they're about to get much worse.
Sparks fly, traps spring, twists abound-this is the master working at the top of her game.
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only their lives but the lives of everyone around them as well. It is not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed...and they're about to get much worse.
Sparks fly, traps spring, twists abound-this is the master working at the top of her game.
This book was good but not like the Scarpetta series. This was also a rather short story for Patricia.
I didn't think this was as good as the other Cornwell books (Scarpetta), but was still a good short read.
not one of her best books, although i haven't read many by her. win is asked to solve a cold case that took place miles away from him. he enlists the help of his friend. the secrets that they uncover are so shocking that he can't believe them.
Win is a state investigator being manipulated by his boss who's trying to climb the political ladder and uses him help achieve her goals. The only problem is that she publicizes a new crime initiative trying to solve a 20 year old murder, that people want hidden, and it backfires and puts her at risk. Enjoy another Patricia Cornwell mystery unlike her Kay Scarpetta series. Fast reading and enjoyable book.
Good book from Cornwell as always.
definately not one of her best!!!!
A Ma state investigator is called home from Tn where his completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss the DA attractive but hard charging is planning to run for governor and showcasing a new crime initiative called at risk. She thinks she has found the subject a 20 yr old murder.
If you know Patricia Cornwell for only her Dr. Kay Scarpetta series, then you are not a true fan of this author.
This book is about a new set of characters.
A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, attractive but hard-charging, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk; its motto, "Any crime, any time." In particualr, she's been looking for a way to employ cuttign-edge DNA technolgy, and she thinks she's found the perfect subject in an unsolved twenty-year-old muder-in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, it ought to make them all look pretty good, right?
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both of their lives but also the lives of everyone around them. It's not a random event. Is it personal? Is it profesional? Whatever it is , the implications are very, very bad indeed...and they're about to get much worse.
This book is about a new set of characters.
A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, attractive but hard-charging, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk; its motto, "Any crime, any time." In particualr, she's been looking for a way to employ cuttign-edge DNA technolgy, and she thinks she's found the perfect subject in an unsolved twenty-year-old muder-in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, it ought to make them all look pretty good, right?
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both of their lives but also the lives of everyone around them. It's not a random event. Is it personal? Is it profesional? Whatever it is , the implications are very, very bad indeed...and they're about to get much worse.
quick read
Good read by Patricia Cornwell, but not as good as her Kay Scarpetta series. Fast read.
A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, attractive but hard-charging, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk; its motto, "Any crime, any time." In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found the perfect subject in an unsolved twenty-year-old murder-in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, it ought to make them all look pretty good, right?
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both their lives but also the lives of everyone around them. It's not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed... and they're about to get much worse.
Sparks fly, taps spring, twists abound-this is the master working at the top of her game.
Her investigator is not so sure-not sure about anything to do with this woman, really-but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both their lives but also the lives of everyone around them. It's not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed... and they're about to get much worse.
Sparks fly, taps spring, twists abound-this is the master working at the top of her game.
A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tenn where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, attractive but hard-charging, is palnning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk; it's motto. "Any crime, any time". In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found the perfect subject in an unsolved twenty-year murder - in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, it ought to meke then all look pretty good, right
Her investigator is not so sure - not sure about anything to do with this woman, really - but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both of their lives, but also the lives of everyone around them
Her investigator is not so sure - not sure about anything to do with this woman, really - but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both of their lives, but also the lives of everyone around them
Not Scarpetta. Definitely different. Not a bad read.
one of her better ones since the Kay Scarpetta series but still not up to par.
