Four young women have been found murdered-tortured and strangled in their own beds-all victims of the same brilliant monster. Using a skilled hand and the latest technology in forensic medicine, Kay Scarpetta begins the process of gathering the microscopic clues the latest battered body has to give.
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"I enjoyed the Scarpetta series, and it all started with this book. CSI started my fascination for medical and forensic examination - but the Scarpetta thrillers took me further into the life and thoughts of one who lives this profession this day in and day out. Good writing and storytelling!"
— Tristan (4 out of 5 stars)
" Overrated horseshit. "
— Roger, 2/19/2014" I wanted to read this book, but was disappointed when a friend told me that I couldn't figure out who the murderer was because it's a book where the murderer is not a character. I'm now not sure if it really mattered because I hate when it's easy to figure out quickly anyway. I should have picked a more updated book because I really do like the science to it and this was written when we still used floppy disks and IBM compatible was a term. The newness computers and DNA, which was probably exciting then was almost an annoyance. Not sure what I was looking for in a Halloween read, but this probably wasn't it. I also knew she would be the target in the end and that was sort of boring. I did like the cop character because he was so sure it was the husband that he was a big ass, but he ended up being a lot more open minded and observant than being a character that won't let go. "
— Michelle, 2/16/2014" This book was not as good as I had hoped. It took me a long time to really get into it. Hopefully her future stuff is better. "
— Dee, 2/14/2014" It was well written and interesting, but the main character is too paranoid. I understand that the case is getting to her, I mean, it's a serial killer, who wouldn't be bother by that? But even before this case she tells us that she's afraid of having the windows open, she has a state of the art security system, and she's afraid of being in the building where she worked without the doors being locked, even though there's a security guard. I was interested in the case presented in the book, but i just got really sick of the main character being afraid of everything and suspecting everyone she knew of being the killer. "
— Maggie, 2/1/2014" Ive wanted to read a Patricia Cornwell book for a while as I do like crime-fiction, and I wasn't disappointed. It was a bit strange reading a book thats talking about "new" methods of forensic science, which were new then when the book was published but not so new now but I figured I should start from the beginning and Cornwell took me into that world. I must admit though, I did see the end coming - possibly a little obvious but still worth a read. I think my favourite character sin this book were Dr Scarpetta's neice Lucy and Detective Marino - they were the ones that felt most rounded to me. "
— Ellie, 1/4/2014" Crime thriller presenting early introduction of forensic science in correlation to crime and its evidential values in court. Very interesting!!! "
— Thanh, 1/2/2014" I love Kay Scarpetta series and always can't wait until the next one! "
— Leisa, 1/1/2014" I reread this book so I can familiarize myself with the characters. It was as good as the first time I read it. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. "
— Ursula, 12/14/2013" Still liked the book 20 years later! "
— Alisa, 11/28/2013" I love the Kay Scarpetta character....awesome and Cornwell is one of the best, but that is just my opinion "
— Renita, 11/11/2013" Enjoy all of Patricia Cornwell's books, have read everything she has written. "
— Linda, 10/28/2013" Another great Kay Scarpetta novel.. "
— Janine, 9/24/2013" Once you read your hooked on Patricia Cornwell. Couldn't put it down. "
— Karen, 8/24/2013" To learn more of the science of forensics in solving murder cases. This novel is the first in a long series written by Patricia. "
— Clifford, 6/15/2013" Thought it would be a book where the readers could solve the mystery. I was very disappointed. "
— Mallory, 5/8/2013" One of the best books ever. Kate Scarpetta rocks! "
— Katya, 4/30/2013" The first 8 or so books in this series, before she flips to third person are AMAZING and some of my fav. mystery books. The ones in third person are some of the worst drivel ever, you'd think they were written by someone else. "
— Taz, 12/17/2012" Very interesting. Love the CSI parts of her books. Teaches you alot about forensics. "
— Debbie, 5/21/2012" Because this book was written in 2003, several key points were out of date. DNA was a relatively new idea and was still considered inadmissable in court. The story was good, but the out of date items were annoying. "
— Becca, 4/6/2012" I loved all of the earlier Kay Scarpetta books..... by the last of the series, I think they had outlived their enjoyment. Seemed to get a little too convoluted or something. But the early ones are great mysteries! "
— Diane, 10/29/2011" It was nice to read a murder mystery for a change. Good book - just needed a love interested. I hear that happens in book #2. "
— Kathi, 5/24/2011" I love patricia cornwell. she is an excellent writer. All of her books pertain to the same characters and they seem to almost expand on each other......just different cases. Once you start reading it is hard to put her books down.....MYSTERIES ENJOY!<br/> "
— Jenise, 5/22/2011" Hadn't read a Cornwell work in a while, took a little getting used to because of all the medical & technical jargon .. but a pretty good story once it got rolling. Not her best, but interesting. "
— Kathy, 5/8/2011" I'm reading this on my kindle. It's strange how I notice the significant difference in technology from the stories I've been reading by Kathy Reichs. 1991 seems so long ago to me. "
— Jolene, 5/7/2011" really really good, fast paced, great read, will keep this one to read over again, "
— Nina, 4/21/2011" Good listen. Not much as action goes but good who-dunit. I like the cop and the computer savvy teen. This was a time when DNA was brand new. It's cool to see the integration of the new technology with gumshoe detective work. "
— Angela, 4/20/2011" This book is a great read. It keeps you on your toes the whole time. "
— Noseyoats, 4/15/2011" I loved the intricate medical mystery that was the main focal point of the novel. The author made it so clear cut what each injury and trauma the victims had, so it wasn't difficult to understand or follow at all. I can't wait to read the next in the series! "
— Stefanie, 4/14/2011" Spoiler Question, read no further if you have not read it...... <br/> <br/>Who reported the last murder? How did they find her? It was totally glossed over, as far as I could see. Maybe I wasn't paying enough attention. "
— Libbeth, 3/22/2011Patricia 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.