Book of the Dead (Kay Scarpetta, No. 15)

"Yuck" is the most appropriate word I can think of to describe this truly awful book. It is boring... It is silly... It is implausible... Worse than that, it is blatantly contemptuous of the readers who buy her books. Check out the description on page 301 of the hardcover for an example of what goes through Ms. Cornwell's mind when she thinks about the hoi polloi. I bought this book at a yard sale for $1.00. I think that was a very fair price considering its quality.

Patricia Cornwell should pay me to read this novel. My first impression after reading the book was complete and utter disappointment. No developing of the characters, no indepth plot. I read this in under 2 hours. I usually can't wait to read on of her novel about Kay Scarpetta and her group. I will wait for reviews of any future writings of hers before I purchase any other Cornwell books.

Well I just don't understand what Patricia Cornwell is doing with this series. I'm going along with the ride for a little while longer but it's getting harder and harder and harder. I read the Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series. Those changes I can somewhat understand...but with Kay Scarpetta and her crew. I don't understand. Does everyone in the series have to have something deadly wrong with them? Do we have to kill all of them off? If Ms. Cornwell is getting tired of writing about them then don't...or at least take a break from them.

This book wasn't the tight snappy writing style that I like from her. There were times she was rambling on and on. There was some progress on Scarpetta and Benton but then it was like they just forgot about it. As for Marino, he's totally changed but Ms. Cornwell hasn't really delved into it. She isn't explaining why the total change in how and what he believes. Lucy is almost like a total secondary character that just pops in to break the law then leaves. I thought since Scarpetta had moved to Charleston, SC that it would also become a character in the series. The city is beautiful and has a life to itself but it seems like Ms. Cornwell is missing that. I'm just very disappointed in this book. The ending felt rushed and didn't make a lot of sense in the series but did for the book itself. I don't know. Just feel like I wasted some of my time with this book and I don't normally feel like that with Patricia Cornwell books. I wouldn't recommend this unless you are staying with the series. It's not a good stand alone book.

the kay scarpetta series should've ended with the last precinct. the rest of the novels have just gone downhill. scarpetta was a strong female character who knew what she wanted and did not let anything stand in her way. she fought hard for what was right and the story lines were believeable and the characters were likeable and played off each other like a orchestra. this book? come on...marino attacking kay? going off drinking and within a week falling that fast? give me a break. lucy actually seemed more like an adult in this one, but benton? and this psych doc/tv host reeking havoc? please ms. cornwell stop writing this series...you have officially killed scarpetta in the eyes of your fans and the series cannot be saved.

I have read all of Patricia Cornwell's books and this is one of the best if not the best. Book of the Dead is Kay Scarpetta at her best. I absolutely loved it. It is a page turner from beginning to end. I hope that she will add to the Scarpetta series.
Pat Bounds