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Warning: This Review Contains SPOILERS of Earlier Scarpetta Novels.

This "chapter" in the very interesting and complex life of Kay Scarpetta was one of my favorites.

It's a different kind of Scarpetta novel.

This one is more about the characters with the "mystery" taking very much the back seat.

Lucy is back, and Marino, and they're all sharing in the pain regarding Benton's death.

Of all the books, this one moves the characters themselves further than any other (as with "The Body Farm").

It's good to see that Kay is, indeed, capable of depression, that she is NOT a superwoman (no matter what SHE might think).

I'd recommend this book to anyone - especially the fan who considers themselves part of Kay's extended family.

I only wish Cornwell would publish more Scarepetta mysteries (I'm not thrilled with the "Hornet's Nest" bunch).

Also, I think it'd be great if Lucy got her own book!

These are all characters we've come to know and love - this book will further that.

Regards to all, turtlex

I love Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series and always await the newest one with abated breath. I feel like I know her and Pete Marino and love them both and all the adventures they go on together. Although sad about Benton's death in prior book, it gives the series a realism. But come on, Kay and a younger, snotty, stuck up, goody boy? This is NOT Kay's style. We've gone from intelligent Benton to this? Is Kay going through middle age crazies? I don't see her with this guy and didn't think it fit at all. The story line about the "freaky" serial killer was a little farfetched too, but interesting reading. It seemed that Ms. Cornwell tried to finish the plot too quickly. It got you, kept you, then kind of let you down at the end, it all happened so quickly. I hope Ms. Cornwell sticks with Kay and Pete for her next write, and not a story line such as Southern Cross. I couldn't even finish that one.

This book was an overall good book. There were a few "harsh" moments. I don't think this outweighed the good of the book. The investigation of the murder was exciting and suspenseful. I do think that reading these books in order will better help with understanding the characters and their actions. I would definitely recommend reading the series of books, Point of Origin being the one written before this.