Compelling story of an "innocent" man being set up as a killer. Oscar Bane, a new character insists on speaking only to Kay Scarpetta and Benton when he is suspected in his girl friend, Terri's murder. He is obviously a disturbed person as the reader hears Kay interview him. It is unclear if he is indeed guilty. Kay, being the kind hearted hero that she is, wants to believe this deranged "little person" and since she has seen him as a patient, can not discuss the interview with Benton or anyone else unless Oscar is formally charged with murder. This makes the story more complex as the reader is privy to information that none of the other investigators have knowledge of. The usual twists and turns that Cornwell uses to weave a story abound and all the characters that have become known to Scarpetta readers are part of the investigative team. This is Cornwell's best story yet. It isn't as dark as others and it is refreshing to see her characters grow and change.

"SCARPETTA" is absolutely fantastic, proving once again how Cornwell began a genre that has lasted 20 years.
In this book, which is so beautifully written and fast paced, it feels like a movie, we are treated to a riveting case which will keep you guessing until the end. No spoiler for those who haven't read it yet, I'll simply say that in "Scarpetta", Cornwell addresses many previously unanswered questions and allows us to get to know the characters in ways we haven't seen before. Oscar Bane is fascinating and more than once, I found myself leaping to conclusions that turned out to be way off base. Whether you're a diehard Cornwell fan or a newcomer to the series, this book will amaze you, and you may find that after reading it, you're ready to do it all over again. A must have, treat yourself and buy the book!

This is a superlative creation that both thrilled and educated me. I enjoyed reading each and every line that was cleverly crafted to draw the reader completely into this book. As the title implies, this book is really built around Scarpetta. Her brilliance, beauty and soul are apparent in every line. She is summoned to NYC to do a personal favor for the DA and probably only accepted because it was Benton that asked her to come. She was to interview a suspect in a murder crime that refused to speak with anyone but Kay Scarpetta. His claim was that she could protect him and could prove his innocence. She came and was instantly and completely involved in a situation that she would have preferred not to be apart of. To top it all off, there were many surprises awaiting her, not the least of which was Mario's new job at the DA's office after disappearing out of her life. The four super sleuths of Benton, Scarpetta, Lucy and Marino are reunited in NYC and do some terrific crime solving as a team. The real treat is the ride the reader enjoys through all the twists and turns the plot takes, ending in a very real surprise.
I rate this as one of Corwell's best efforts, don't miss it.

"Scarpetta" is another amazing book from Patricia Cornwell! i was hooked from the first sentence and read the book in one sitting! i am so happy that a long term writer such as Cornwell has stayed on top of her game and has not lost her touch to make you feel as if you were in the novel yourself! i am looking forward to her next novel and am sure it will be another great success.

I loved this book. You won't find any details in this review except that fact. Unlike some of the previous novels in the Scarpetta series, every knot is tied, every T is crossed, every I is dotted. Fantastic plot line, unique characters and just an all around great addition to the Scarpetta series. My only complaint? That it will be too long before we get the next installment!!! But I can't wait to read more. Thank you Patricia for a great ride. (I purchased the audio version, Kate does an excellent job as reader.)

Patricia Cornwell has done it again with Scarpetta. From the opening quote from Lomax to the very last page, I was completely captivated and had a hard time putting it down. Cornwell has crafted a masterful plot, with an unbelievable twist that had me gasp out loud at one point, as one of her characters met with a very near miss..a true heart stopping moment, especially, I'd imagine, if you're a fan and you feel close to the characters. I was shocked and amazed as the story unfolded, as I was sure I had figured out at least part of the real story, but was mistaken after all. Cornwell's writing style is a bit different in this book too-It somehow seems tighter and more fast paced than many of her more recent works, which results in good, old fashioned suspense- the kind of book you find yourself reading while walking from one place in the house to another because you just can't put it down, no matter what else you have to do. I've read all of Cornwell's books (except for a children's book and one other in the Brazil series), and this one is by far her best. Hooray for Cornwell,and for helping me to solve the problem of some holiday gifts for friends; they'll love this!

In this novel Scarpetta, the 16th installment of one of America's most beloved characters, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, we are treated to twenty years worth of excitement. From old characters returning, to old standards finding redemption, Cornwell delivers on her promise to surprise and entertain. As usual, the book is chock full of engrossing forensic details, with her usual "twist", but it is not without its human side as we are allowed deeper into the lives of the main characters, deeper than ever before, who find themselves on the brink..... No spoilers here. It is Cornwell at the top of her game, proving yet again why she is number one!

Patricia Cornwell has created another heart racing thriller involving all her beloved characters. Having all of Kay Scarpetta's team of crime solvers back together in NYC is of course a fantastic story. Marino is back, although he isn't half the man he used to be after a diet, detox and therapy. He is climbing back up the ladder of the living and is reunited with Lucy, Benton and Kay to solve the murder of an obsessive-compulsive little person named Terri. Her boyfriend, Oscar is the main suspect in the case and he demands to speak with only Kay Scarpetta. Every character in this book is described in detail, making the reader feel as if they have met and are personal friends or acquaintances. Lucy is a happier, more well adjusted person, Benton continues to work through his weirdness, Kay is perfect and Marino is a loyal, lovable, street smart, awkward teddy bear. The new characters drew out strong feelings and emotions, both positive and extremely negative. Scarpetta delivers an entertaining journey through the minds of Psychos and the deep feelings of all humanity. This was a terrific read.

I enjoyed reading each and every line that was cleverly crafted to draw the reader completely into this book. As the title implies, this book is really built around Scarpetta. Her brilliance, beauty and soul are apparent in every line. She is summoned to NYC to do a personal favor for the DA and probably only accepted because it was Benton that asked her to come. She was to interview a suspect in a murder crime that refused to speak with anyone but Kay Scarpetta. His claim was that she could protect him and could prove his innocence. She came and was instantly and completely involved in a situation that she would have preferred not to be apart of. To top it all off, there were many surprises awaiting her, not the least of which was Mario's new job at the DA's office after disappearing out of her life. The four super sleuths of Benton, Scarpetta, Lucy and Marino are reunited in NYC and do some terrific crime solving as a team. The real treat is the ride the reader enjoys through all the twists and turns the plot takes, ending in a very real surprise.

Scarpetta is an intriguing book. After serving on a jury in which computer forensic specialists played a key role, I realize the importance of such specialists and the data they retrieve. Patricia Cornwell did an excellent job explaining the importance of new and developing technology, and of course, the characters in the Scarpetta books are always interesting to me. Frankly, I couldn't put the book down.