Dr. Kay Scarpetta is starting over with a unique private forensic pathology practice in Charleston, South Carolina. But in this thrilling #1 New York Times bestseller, her fresh start ushers in a string of murders more baffling—and terrifying—than any that have come before…The Book of the Dead is the morgue log, the ledger in which all cases are entered by hand. For Kay Scarpetta, however, it … Kay Scarpetta, however, it is about to acquire a new meaning.
A sixteen-year-old tennis star, fresh from a tournament win Charleston, is found nude and mutilated near Piazza Navona in Rome. The body of an abused young boy is dumped in a desolate marsh. A woman is ritualistically murdered in her multimillion-dollar beach home. Meanwhile, in New England, problems with a prominent patient at a Harvard-affiliated psychiatric hospital begin to hint at interconnections among the deaths that are as hard to imagine as they are horrible.
Scarpetta has dealt with many brutal and unusual crimes before, but never has she seen a string of death like what she’s facing now. Before she is through, that book of the dead will contain many names—and the pen may be poised to write her own…
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Patricia Cornwell is always a great read!
Not her best work. Ok, but jumped around a lot. Died at the end.
Not up to her usual page grippers.
Patricia Cornwell weaves some amazing plots. She can get very detailed on the gory stuff too. They stand alone but I recommend reading all her books in order to see the progression of the main characters. That’s my favorite part.
3+ of 5 stars for Book of the Dead, the 15th book in the “Kay Scarpetta” thriller series, written in 2007 by Patricia Cornwell. When I saw the title and read the description, I had very high expectations of this book. I really enjoy the series and hoped it would explore a bit of the occult side, perhaps venturing a little into historical Egyptian themes like the movie “The Mummy,” which I love. I won’t spoil anything, but it wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be. Still a decent book in the series, and worth a read for a fan of Scarpetta, it was not without issues. Another psycho from Kay’s past pops up. Another weird murder with ties to a victim in Rome and a small boy in Charleston, South Carolina. Too many coincidences for me. That said, the detail is great. The investigation is strong. The mystery is OK. But it was too formulaic for me. Characters are always memorable, and Cornwell does a great job at showing the crazed personalities of these serial killers. Trying to come up with new material is not easy and I do give her credit. Has the usual cast of characters… not sure what I think of Benton anymore. I kinda want him to be written out… again… since he came back from the dead at one point. Sensing a theme? :O
I always enjoy Kay Scarpetta books
A darker Medical Examiner Mystery.
Did not like it. Too many long details . Plot was confusing.
Have been reading her books for at least 10 years. Love the characters and always learn something new about forensics.
This by one of my favorite authors. She always writes a page turner of a wonderful story. I always anxiously await her new stories.
I always enjoy Patricia Cornwell’s books. She is an excellent author.
Cornwell’s books are always forensically interesting, have some suspense and the characters well defined. I have read all her books
I was disappointed that the book ended so abruptly.
same plot same story Lucy needs to grow up, Marino needs a life and the Scarpitta needs to get over herself and Mr FBI needs to leave for good
I live all Patricia Cornwell books. I have read them all!
I love Patricia Cornwell. She never fails to give her best. You grow to love the characters. They come to life with her words. Highly recommend it.
This book was wildly disjointed and difficult to follow. It was not a fun read, and is not one of Cornwell’s better books.
Great
I love Patricia Cornwell and all of her books! The twists and turns that happens keeps you guessing, each page that you turn. Not once did I have any idea of how the characters were connected, who the murderer was, or anything. You’re along for the ride, and let me tell you… it’s a good ride to be on!
Scarpetta fans will want to read this, and it addresses some of her own insecurities.