A serial killer is stalking Virginia's young lovers, taking their lives and taunting police with a single clue: a jack of hearts. For two years, the meaning of this card has eluded FBI investigators. But as Scarpetta begins searching the victims' remains for microscopic clues, she begins to suspect that someone in the FBI knows more about the murderer.
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"I'm attempting to read all the Scarpetta novels as they were written and published. This is the 3rd in the series and while I'm still waiting for my copy of the 2nd book; Body of Evidence, to be available. I thought this book was better than Postmortem for several reasons; The foundation of characters in this series is beginning to be fleshed out and I can see them as they are described. There is a mention of a same-sex couple and Scarpetta's relationships with a number of people; especially women are clear. When Cornwell writes about women there is a clear bias because even if they are doing unsavory things there is a consistent sensitivity. The plot was credible and as in most genre novels it's wrapped up at the end. Yes, there is a great deal of forensic speak but that is the wonderful part because that is what she does for a living. Whether it's intentional or not at this stage of this series Cornwell is building a brand with a strong woman! Bravo!"
— LA (4 out of 5 stars)
A riveting tale showcasing master prose … dazzling, one of the year's best.
— --Milwaukee Journal" Overall I was less impressed by this one but I still liked it! The story was less thrilling than the last two and more political but still enjoyable. "
— Julie, 2/18/2014" My favorite Kay Scarpetta book from Patricia Cornwell, largely because the real-life events on which the plot is based happened in our backyard, the still-unsolved (Colonial) "Parkway Murders." The newspaper for which I worked for 20-odd years (some of them very odd years) burned a lot of ink on the four double murders. Scarpetta's Richmond setting appeals to me for a similar reason: geographical familiarity. Every now and then it's nice to turn a corner and see a familiar river view or skyscraper. I like the early Scarpetta books better than the later ones, with Blowfly being the most recent of the books I liked. Cornwell's immersion in forensic sciences predates (and maybe sparked) its mass-market, televised popularity. Her research is meticulous. My only criticism of the early books is that her characters occasionally take themselves too seriously. The later books didn't engage me; I turned to other authors. I haven't tried Cornwell's other series. "
— Marguerite, 2/17/2014" My favourite one so far!! "
— Yas, 2/1/2014" It's fun to see the characters develop from book to book. I also like what I learn about forensic science from these books. Cornwell obviously researches the books well. "
— Kelly, 1/29/2014" really good book, was actually turned on to ms cornwell by my boss. the book was very law and order: SVU. Kay and Marino as olivia and elliott... "
— esther, 1/21/2014" I can't give it more than 2stars as the matter of fact writing is just not for me. I didn't care who had done it who died or what happened to any of the characters! I finished it just not my thing! "
— Mariagriffiths66, 1/20/2014" Cornwell continues to deliver murder procedurals beyond the boring talk, ridiculous plot twists, and one dimensional characters of many of her competitors. "
— Dev, 1/10/2014" Easily one of the best female protagonist investigative series out there. "
— Honor, 1/7/2014" Beach reading! "
— Geni, 12/17/2013" Amazing what information is exposed under the microscope in Scarpetta's forensic lab. Excellent story! "
— Jeanne, 12/14/2013" Well plotted. Interesting characters. "
— John, 11/28/2013" I really enjoyed the Kay Scarpetta Series.I have a couple more in that series to read yet. I enjoy reading the crime mysterys. I try to figure it out before the end and of course I am never right. "
— Tammy, 11/24/2013" Her books are starting to all sound the same and with similar plots and personal issues. While this book was a decent read it periodically got bogged down in meaningless dialog and medical data. Has been one of my favorite authors but is getting stale and redundant. "
— Dave, 11/20/2013" Of the three, I liked this one the best. Lots of intrique. "
— Becky, 9/3/2013" i think this was the serial killer copycat one? would help if i read the summary b4 writing, it was good if this is that one..lol "
— Lynda, 6/19/2013" Another scary and exciting page-turner. "
— Wendy, 6/17/2013" I really enjoyed this book. I was totally caught up in story. I couldn't imagine who could kill all of these couples. The story kept giving just little bread crumbs until you were told who did it at the end. I love books that do this where you have no idea who had done it until the bitter end. "
— Jannene, 12/1/2012" Really enjoyed this book. Page turner. "
— Keri, 8/15/2012" Patricia Cornwell's books usually scare the heck out of me, and this one was no exception. I loved it. Kay Scarpetta is a fantastic lead character, and I always feel like I'm right at the crime scene with her. Good book! "
— Melissa, 6/14/2012" Didnt finish this book - it is too much like her other books which doesn't make interesting reading. "
— Jean, 6/12/2012" couldn't put this book down. excellent read "
— Mary, 5/30/2012" Dr Scarpetta - good mystery read - someone is killing couples - ending a little anticlimatic. "
— Patsy, 9/14/2011" I love to escape with a Kay Scarpetta novel.If you like forensic and intuitive sleuthing this is the one for you! "
— Jane, 4/17/2011" This was my favorite so far. I kept me wanting to read it. Nicely written. "
— Jessica, 4/13/2011" very good book cant wait to start the next one "
— Ruben, 4/11/2011" Wasn't as good as her first book (post-mortem) but better than Body of Evidence. Still . . . looking forward to the next book in the series. "
— Tyler, 4/9/2011" It would've been better if I just re-watched episodes of CSI or Criminal Minds.:P "
— Cankles, 4/6/2011" I'd like to give this one a 3.5 stars. It's not a favorite but several parts of the mystery drag you in for more. I'm also glad there was more detective work than Dr. Scarpetta romance. Time to move on with the series! "
— Amanda, 2/23/2011" This was the first book I ever read from Patricia Cornwell. An absolute thrilling storyline, good developed characters and a nice flowing story. This book definitely got me addicted to the books in the Scarpetta series. "
— DutchWaG, 2/21/2011" The Best Mystery Book I ever read. After reading this book I am craving to read all the series. "
— Edmund, 2/19/2011" Still an enjoyable read and a great page turner. "
— Trak, 1/12/2011" Either I am getting smarter or this was kind of formulaic, because I figured out the "twist" before it happened :)Very engrossing though! "
— Kalyn, 1/7/2011" I read all the books in the Scarpetta series. I really like the characters and the mysteries. There is nothing earth-shattering about the writing or the concept, but they are fun and entertaining books and easy to read. "
— Thenerdmom, 12/31/2010" I really like her books, but this one I had to force myself to stay with at times. It had long rants about things that could have been condensed to a single page. Overall good book. "
— Pam, 12/29/2010" I haven't read any Patricia Cornwell books for years and I fogot how great they are! This was my indulgence over the weekend. : ) "
— Natasha, 12/27/2010" Book 3 of the Kay Scarpetta series. "
— Mioshee, 12/10/2010Patricia Cornwell is recognized as one of the world’s top bestselling crime authors with many New York Times bestselling novels. She wrote her debut, Postmortem, while working at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia, and it went on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards, as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventures—the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. Beyond the Kay Scarpetta series, she has written a definitive book about Jack the Ripper, a biography, and three more fiction series, among others.
C. J. Critt is a veteran of Broadway, regional theater, poetry slams, and solo shows. Hailed “Spoken Word Queen” by the Dallas Observer, Critt is a produced writer-director, an Audie nominee, and a CableACE Award winner.