jennflattery's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
couchbug's review against another edition
I've read a few Scarpetta books over the years and have been struck (much like Angie - thanks for your spot-on review) at the increasing arrogance of the Scarpetta character. The evolution of Scarpetta has left me wondering how much Cornwell may be channeling her own life experiences (and arrogance?) through the character.
I agree with the reviews that noted sloppy phrasing and questionable editing. I did not bother to finish the book. I decided to give the writer and her character one more chance despite the disappointment and irritation experienced the last few times I read these books. I won't make that mistake again.
I agree with the reviews that noted sloppy phrasing and questionable editing. I did not bother to finish the book. I decided to give the writer and her character one more chance despite the disappointment and irritation experienced the last few times I read these books. I won't make that mistake again.
fishwitch's review against another edition
4.0
I've posted before that each time I've read one of the last several books in this series that I should just quit. Too many of the books became more about the dysfunction of Scarpetta's friends and family and less about solving a murder. However. With each new book I am sucked back in with this insane need to know what happens to the people next.
This entry however did not disappoint me and leave me angry at the end. Yes it had all of the characters and their secrets and character flaws out loud and proud, but the
Volume on them was turned down enough so that it no longer over powered the story.
I can't say that this was any sort of a return to the hard core well written tales of her first entries into the series. But it was a little like going back to some comfort reading with characters we know
This entry however did not disappoint me and leave me angry at the end. Yes it had all of the characters and their secrets and character flaws out loud and proud, but the
Volume on them was turned down enough so that it no longer over powered the story.
I can't say that this was any sort of a return to the hard core well written tales of her first entries into the series. But it was a little like going back to some comfort reading with characters we know
impybelle's review against another edition
3.0
On the one hand, it's not as bad as some of the Scarpetta books have been in the not so distant past. On the other hand, it's nowhere near as good as they used to be.
I hate Benton and have pretty much since he came back from the dead. Lucy continues to be terrifying in her ability to completely write human beings off. Sometimes I worry she's going to be our villain... Marino is back to being a bumbling ass for 85% of the book which is a step up from well, you know.
The case(s) were odd and I had too much time to reflect on how much everyone has driven me nuts in the past.
I did really, really like the last bit, though.
I hate Benton and have pretty much since he came back from the dead. Lucy continues to be terrifying in her ability to completely write human beings off. Sometimes I worry she's going to be our villain... Marino is back to being a bumbling ass for 85% of the book which is a step up from well, you know.
The case(s) were odd and I had too much time to reflect on how much everyone has driven me nuts in the past.
I did really, really like the last bit, though.
nabergel's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3 stars
This book was a solid read if you like crime novels. It had good storytelling and while it wasnt too predictable it also wasn't some crazy plot twist youd never think of so it's fun to kind of figure out who's behind the murders as the main character figures it out. I think if I read this book when I was actually in the mood for a thriller I would've enjoyed it alot more but overall not bad and was still and enjoyable read.
This book was a solid read if you like crime novels. It had good storytelling and while it wasnt too predictable it also wasn't some crazy plot twist youd never think of so it's fun to kind of figure out who's behind the murders as the main character figures it out. I think if I read this book when I was actually in the mood for a thriller I would've enjoyed it alot more but overall not bad and was still and enjoyable read.
arthur_pendrgn's review against another edition
4.0
I grew to like the book the further I read. I'm disappointed Cornwell used the Newtown shootings as fodder for her novel. Surely she could have found another way for Kay be less self-absorbed. It makes sense that Kay would have been involved in it, but exploiting the pain and horror of that event is tasteless.
On a more positive note, there is forward movement in the novel. Marino seems more at peace; perhaps his alliance with Benton will stick. It's about time that Benton be the target of political machinations! At least he and Kay are united, no longer sparring uselessly. *
The corruption in the FBI and the government--however high up it goes--are sadly plausible today.
*Which begs the question, how did Benton reconcile himself to the continued employment of Luke Zenner? When did Kay decide to stop flirting with Luke?
On a more positive note, there is forward movement in the novel. Marino seems more at peace; perhaps his alliance with Benton will stick. It's about time that Benton be the target of political machinations! At least he and Kay are united, no longer sparring uselessly. *
The corruption in the FBI and the government--however high up it goes--are sadly plausible today.
*Which begs the question, how did Benton reconcile himself to the continued employment of Luke Zenner? When did Kay decide to stop flirting with Luke?
stephriggs25's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
lisaeirene's review against another edition
3.0
This was a good book that kept me reading. There were a few parts that felt unnecessary and could have been edited down but overall it was good.
readerxxx's review against another edition
2.0
Oh my god this book was painful! Where was her editor? Grotesquely long run on sentences, changing verb tenses, misplaced participles, it was horrible. The story was rambling, parts excessively repetitive. Please tell me this series in done.