Leaving behind her private forensic pathology practice in Charleston, South Carolina, Kay Scarpetta accepts an assignment in New York City, where the NYPD has asked her to examine an injured man on Bellevue Hospital’s psychiatric prison ward. The handcuffed and chained patient, Oscar Bane, has specifically asked for her, and when she literally has her gloved hands on him, he begins to talk—and … the story he has to tell turns out to be one of the most bizarre she has ever heard.
The injuries, he says, were sustained in the course of a murder… that he did not commit. Is Bane a criminally insane stalker who has fixed on Scarpetta? Or is his paranoid tale true, and it is he who is being spied on, followed and stalked by the actual killer? The one thing Scarpetta knows for certain is that a woman has been tortured and murdered — and more violent deaths will follow. Gradually, an inexplicable and horrifying truth emerges: Whoever is committing the crimes knows where his prey is at all times. Is it a person, a government? And what is the connection between the victims?
In the days that follow, Scarpetta; her forensic psychologist husband, Benton Wesley; and her niece, Lucy, who has recently formed her own forensic computer investigation firm in New York, will undertake a harrowing chase through cyberspace and the all-too-real streets of the city — an odyssey that will take them at once to places they never knew, and much, much too close to home.
Throughout, Cornwell delivers shocking twists and turns, and the kind of cutting-edge technology that only she can provide. Once again, she proves her exceptional ability to entertain and enthrall.
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Love the Dr Kay Scarpetta Series!
Scarpetta is a flawed character but one of my favorite characters.
Cromwell is top notch in solving murders!
Love the Scarpetta series. Have read all of them.
The early Scarpetta books were good. Starting around book 10 the stories were so far-fetched and not enjoyable. Gave up on the series after 4 duds in a row
The only thing that is consistent is the care Kay Scarlett a takes with her charges. Whether they were good or bad people in life she makes sure to treat them with dignity.
3 of 5 stars to Scarpetta, the 16th book in the “Kay Scarpetta” thriller series, written in 2008 by Patricia Cornwell. In this book, Kay takes an assignment in NYC, where she’s handling another crazy potential killer, but one who claims to have a connection to her — again. The past keeps creeping up in these novels… and sometimes it’s just too unbelievable. I enjoyed the book, and it’s better than the last few… but I’m being harder and harder on authors who write lengthy series. It has to be about more than putting out a book a year to make fans happy and to earn more money. I want depth. I need creativity. I want something new.
The good things about the book: lots of gore, detailed autopsy-type info, crazy loons for killers… it’s a good alternative to the norm of a cozy mystery or a historical fiction novel. I like how the books take me away from reality to a place I don’t believe exists, but I’m sure there are some people who deal with murderers like this every day. The other good aspect is the delving into cyber space. Given I work in technology, I love seeing all this stuff, assuming it’s well done. Sometimes it’s dummied down too much, sometimes it’s too detailed. Can’t make everyone happy all the time.
A decent book to read in the series, but still not back on track yet.
All of her books keep you interested. A little scary!
I found the book to be very boring and predictable. I didn’t finish reading it.
I love Patrick’s Cornwall’s characters and locations as I recognize many of the places. Her plots as sometimes a bit grizzly as the main character is a coroner.
I really enjoy the Scarpetta books and Patricia Cornwell as an author!!!!!
Not her best. Still good
Over the years, Kay’s Scarpetta books have gotten darker and darker. This one, not so much. A great read!
Love all her books
The Scarpetta series of books are AWESOME!!! I have read almost all and am always excited by the prospect of another. Cornwell is a master of the craft with no equal.
great characters and plot. easy to follow and kept you interested.
Great forensic medicine investigation. Packed with details.
Another great Scarlett’s mystery
I long for the days of old Kay Scarpetta when the stories were deeper and more exciting. I used to look forward to new Scarpetta books coming out…now I almost dread them, each seems to be worse than the last.
I like reading Patricia Cromwell as I lived in Richmond Va for many years. And related scenery to many of the original books. As well as Florida and Boston.