Patricia S. (ragdollmom) reviewed on 11/6/2007 + 92 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 12

My first inclination was to put the book down, unread, and list it on PBS. For some reason, Cornwell introduces a number of new characters and the reader scrambles to fit together the pieces. And then, there's Dr. Self, who is such an antagonistic character that reading what she has to say (and think) makes me crazy.

However, once I decided to keep on reading, I was caught up in the plot. This is not Cornwell's usual crime novel, with the reader taken from point to point in the general direction of a solution. More than ever before, Cornwell develops personalities (flawed, for the most part) and it's not a pretty sight.

It might be that the author is taking a new direction with her writing. It might be that she wants the Benton-Kay relationship to have more substance than it's had in the past. For sure, future âScarpettaâ novels with be with the two of them working as a team. That's my take, anyway.

I consider the time spent reading this novel well-spent, and I have a feeling others will agree with me.

And one other thing: the title refers to one instance where Scarpetta's âbook of the deadâ was not treated properly. It also signifies the start of things going beyond Scarpetta's control. Read it for yourselfâI think you're going to enjoy it!!

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