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" After discovering and devouring Patricia Cornwell's "Postmortem" (now 20 years ago), my family and I have been huge fans of the Kay Scarpetta novels. Over the years, we eagerly awaited the release of Ms. Cornwell's next novel, always confident that it would surpass her last. Until something changed and Ms. Cornwell forgot how to tell an interesting story. Instead of flying effortlessly through her books, I now find myself slogging through them, falling asleep over them, yawning through endless pages of dreary detail and introspective angst. I keep hoping that the books will get better, but they don't. I gave up halfway through "The Scarpetta Factor" (2009), but actually read all of "Port Mortuary" (2010). Like "The Scarpetta Factor," Ms. Cornwell's latest offering is a self-indulgent bore. This book features mysteries within mysteries that are not revealed until the bitter end. By then, I didn't care. There's no suspense, no thrill, no passion. The characters that formerly had been drawn with such precision and care are now lackluster at best. Throughout the book, Kay can't figure out how to ask a direct question nor get a direct answer from anyone, including but not limited to Benton (her husband) and Lucy (her niece). That Kay seemingly has so little self-esteem that she would accept everyone's lack of forthright responses is completely contrary to her former strong, confident and capable self. After finally (FINALLY!) reaching the end of "Port Mortuary," I was disconcerted by the complete change of voice in the last few pages of the book. It's almost as though Ms. Cornwell's editor compelled her to tack on a page or two to make it appear that Kay has a soul after all. Ms. Cornwell, please bring back the Kay Scarpetta we used to know and love! "
- Barbi, 2/17/2014
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" I generally like Patricia Cornwell but her books are getting repetitive and stuff. "
- Kathy, 2/11/2014
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" Worst in the series, I think. So much interior monolog that's just ridiculous. The level of mind games and analysis on everyone's words. Geez. Scarpetta just comes across as paranoid and emotionally stupid and distant. I liked many of these books, but this one was awful. I'll read one more, but if it doesn't get better, I'm done with the series. "
- Laura, 2/10/2014
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" A good audio book for when you're crossing the country in a moving truck. "
- Megan, 2/10/2014
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" Loved all of her books, until now. This could not draw me in...I couldn't pinpoint why. I was quite sad because I was so excited to pick it up from the library and I recommend her to everyone. "
- Kristin, 2/7/2014
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" I was all excited when I realized that this book was back to the first person narrative of Kay Scarpetta but soon I was lost in the overly whiny nature of the narrative. She's not being told everything by Benton (come on, after 20 years you should know the score) Marino is being an overbearing arse, Lucy is hiding something. In other words not much has changed. The venue for the book is Boston where Kay is now the head of a Port Mortuary, and apparently is the Chief Medical Examiner for Boston, but she's not been there pretty much since the building she is overseeing has been opened. She's been in Dover, MD for the last 6 months working with an apparent old colleague and boss General Briggs. The book tells us about some of her life before she started at Richmond as the Chief ME for Virginia, about her time in the military (something that I don't believe I've ever seen alluded to in past novels). Kay had left her one time deputy Jack Fielding in charge, but it seems like Jack has finally lost his marbles and the shiny new state of the art facility is riddled with problems, as are the cases and the people processing them. The book was good, and like I said it was nice to have that first person narrative, I just wish it was not so bogged down through the middle with almost innane, paranoid ramblings. "
- Hali, 1/22/2014
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" I liked it, but it wasn't one of her better Scarpetta books. I couldn't bring myself to care about all of the characters. "
- Lorie, 1/17/2014
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" Another page turner with Kay Scarpetta right in the middle of something she's not quite sure about. I'm not sure I liked the ending, but as always I'll be looking for the next book! "
- Lbd, 1/13/2014
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" I have read all of Cornwell's books and this was the worst. The story was too drawn out and the characters have become boring; they should all be in therapy! "
- Alice, 1/12/2014
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" 2 stars only because there were a few passages of interesting dialogue. It felt like reading the book took longer than the story line. "
- Steven, 1/12/2014
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" While trying to figure out the murder weapon was quite a challenge, this book could easily have been reduced in wordage by at least a third, and still successfully told the story. "
- Karen, 12/25/2013
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" I welcome the return of my favorite, Dr.Scarpetta - in her element using her quick wit and thorough techniques to solve a bewildering blend of coincidences. It's like having coffee with a good friend and catching up for hours with hot mochas and scones. Blueberry. "
- Tulara, 12/23/2013
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" I don't think I will be reading any more of these books... they just aren't as engaging or interesting any more. "
- Marykatedavin, 12/22/2013
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" I did not like Kay in this book. "
- Rina, 12/9/2013
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" Very slow, disjointed and far too much technical detail(both nano technology and medical). Clearly not one of her best. I hope this is an aberation ... but I am concerned because her next book seems to be a sequel. I would not recommend it. "
- Joe, 12/3/2013
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" A good read. familiar characters. like going home again. some twists and the usual 'unsettling' characters. comfortable reading "
- Kathrine, 11/23/2013
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" Piu' splatter del solito ed anche un po' voyeuristico nelle descrizioni delle autopsie. In declino , come si era gia' notato. Scorre poco, confuso, eccessivo. "
- Mirrordance, 11/23/2013
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" Another one of my favorite authors. Have to love Kay Scarpetta! "
- Lisa, 11/8/2013
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" The last 20 pages were decent. The first 200 were crap. Scarpetta is usually a confident character & this time that was not the case. Also, it felt like you were dropped into the middle of a very boring story. It took everything I had just to finish it. "
- Heather, 11/2/2013
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" Can't say this was one of my favorite Scarpetta novels, but I am intrigued and think I will read the next one to see if the mystery of Fielding is resolved. "
- Ferris, 1/15/2013
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" Not my favorite of hers, but still worth the read. "
- Mel, 9/3/2012
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" I enjoyed the twists and turns in this book, though I was able to figure them out pretty quickly. "
- Janetlee, 8/14/2012
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" Building up the story between 1-116? No thanks. "
- Rachael, 4/13/2012
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" Another good book in the series. I would recommend to those not familiar with the Scarpetta books to start at the beginning and read through all in order. "
- Laurie, 2/12/2012
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" I had a hard time getting into it and ended up taking a break in the middle, so that probably didn't help. Anyway, I didn't like it as much as I remember liking some of her other books. "
- Susan, 1/20/2012
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" As usual Patricia Cornwell comes through w/the latest for Dr. Kay. "
- Bishopr2, 11/11/2011
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" Dumb. Waste of time. Done with series. "
- Karen, 5/27/2011
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" This is my first Patricia Cornwell in quite some time as she became a little too graphic in her writing for me. This one was not graphic, but there didn't seem to be much story. Not my favorite.
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- Madelle, 5/11/2011
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" Last three books of the Scarpetta series have been so disappointing; disjointed story telling, clipped writting, characthes that you don't bond or care about. Last one I'm reading.
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- Bonnie, 5/5/2011
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" Too much! And this coming from a long time Kay Scarpetta fan
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- Jeffrey, 5/4/2011
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" I was really disappointed again with this book. It would have been much better in an abridged version. The book just seemed to go on and on. Scarpetta has written much better books - I miss the older books!
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- Karen, 5/4/2011
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" It's time Dr. Scarpetta retire along with Benton, Marino, and Lucy.
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- Kay, 5/3/2011
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" Still pretty dark like the last two Scarpetta books. Characters are still moppy and pathetic. Will read one more to see if she sounds stronger in the next book.
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- Kristi, 5/3/2011
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" Not her best, unless helicopters and highly technical forensic medicine is your thing.
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- Julie, 5/1/2011
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