In this #1 New York Times bestseller Dr. Kay Scarpetta is on a deadly mission that will pull her in two opposite directions: toward protecting her career or toward the truth…Remains were all that was left of the stowaway. He arrived in Richmond’s Deep Water Terminal—the ghastly cargo of a ship from Belgium. The decomposed body gives Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta no clues to its … Scarpetta no clues to its identity—or the cause of death. But an odd tattoo soon leads her on an international search to Interpol’s headquarters in Lyon, France—and towards a confrontation with one of the most savage killers of her career…
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This book, Black Notice gutted me on several levels, and contained important lessons for me as a fledgling writer twenty years ago.
I still remember reading it, back in 2000, before I ever had the temerity to imagine I would write mystery thrillers in the shadow of someone like Patricia Cornwell.
I still remember the French serial killer, Le Loup Garou, of this novel–so terrifying and creepy! I remember Cornwell’s watching-a-train-wreck-in-slow-motion crime scene descriptions, but most of all I remember how vividly Cornwell wrote Scarpetta’s grief over Benton..and I suffered with her, that seizure of shock, that utter confusion of denial, the sea of weeping.
SPOILER:
(Later, Cornwell brought Benton back. I haven’t read a book of hers since, and I learned from it: when a beloved main character dies, they should stay dead. Never disrespect your readers by manipulating their emotions.)
This was my last Cornwell book, and it was a doozy.
Loved it, true to her others.
I always enjoy Patricia Cornwell’s books. Good character development and plot twists.
I used to love these books. The mysteries are fantastic and Cornwell’s knowledge of forensics is top notch and she writes about it well. The trouble is, her characters are so angry almost all the time and the way they continually hurt one another, yet keep coming back for more, ultimately becomes too unrealistic for Scarpetta’s world to sustain. It just wore me out and is the sole reason I stopped reading.
Couldn’t put the book down! Read it in one day!!!
Another Scarpetta story, easy to read for the forensic/mystery reader,
Not my favorite in the series. Hopefully the next ones pick up the pace.
Not up to the many other Scarpetta books I’ve read.
All the Scarpetta books are 100%!
Too many boring conversations between Kay and the Detective while riding in cars. Cornwell has lost her touch.
Great writing.
So glad Dr. Scarpetta is back. I missed her! I have read every single one of her books. As expected it did not disappoint. Thank you Patricia!
Holds your interest throughout
Intense entertainment that makes you believe it happened! Extremely great writing.
Love her characters especially Stephanie Plum
These books are always action packed and hard to put down. This kept my interest all the way through. Made me go back and buy some more because I forgot how interesting they were.
Unbelievable plot, French werewolf in Richmond USA.
And all office drama, give me a break.
great, love this author!
Too much Foul language
Fast paced Patricia Cornwell!