Bella Suartini

Livid: A Scarpetta Novel (Kay Scarpetta, 26)

Book by Patricia Cornwell

DETAILS

Publisher : Grand Central Publishing (October 25, 2022) Language : English Hardcover : 368 pages ISBN-10 : 1538725169 ISBN-13 : 978-1538725160 Item Weight : 2.03 pounds Dimensions : 6.25 x 2.25 x 9.35 inches Best Sellers Rank: #928 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #3 in Medical Thrillers (Books) #49 in Murder Thrillers #110 in Suspense Thrillers , In this thrilling installment of the #1 bestselling series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself a reluctant star witness in a sensational televised murder trial causing chaos in Old Town Alexandria with the threat of violent protests. Chief medical examiner Kay Scarpetta is the reluctant star witness in a sensational murder trial when she receives shocking news. The judge’s sister has been found dead. At first glance, it appears to be a home invasion, but then why was nothing stolen, and why is the garden strewn with dead plants and insects? Although there is no apparent cause of death, Scarpetta recognizes telltale signs of the unthinkable, and she knows the worst is yet to come. The forensic pathologist finds herself pitted against a powerful force that returns her to the past, and her time to catch the killer is running out . . . Read more

REVIEW

Thank the literary heavens, Patricia Cornwall has returned to what she does best - writing procedurals with a giant heaping helping of forensic science. Add to that, excellent character advancement, realistic relationships and rapier sharp dialogue. This is how Cornwall’s writing took readers captive for years. Then, there were some less than inspiring stand alones, underwhelming Scarpetta’s and a SciFi duo that was, um, interesting. In all honesty, I took a break from her books but the advance scuttle on “Livid” was so much better I parted with my hard earned $$$ and am not disappointed. Kay, Benton, Marino, his new wife and Lucy have all returned to Virginia, where they began their adventures oh so many years and volumes ago. Time and place feels right and comfortable and it’s evident in all the descriptive landscape, weather, architecture, etc. The family is most definitely home. Feelings of comfort do not carry over to work, however, even tho’ Kay is returning to a place she was Chief M.E. once before. She made a name for herself and the office, solving big cases and drawing National as well as International attention. Open arms were not waiting and there’s trouble in her ranks; not what’s needed in the midst of two complicated cases. Both cases involve a friend from law school, the same friend who’s now a judge in town. She’s presiding over one case and sister of the deceased in the other; complications abound. Taking a beat from current events, the media is a challenge, the alphabets are obstructing and her ever Switzerland husband is caught in the midst. I love Benton! Marino has evolved nicely and Lucy has grown up. She’s chasing some very funky, fringe technology. I guess that SciFi thing is hanging on tight… If you’re not a fan of procedurals, you’ll find parts of this book a bit boggy; fans will enjoy it immensely. Very good storylines and arcs altho’ I had a hard time with some of Lucy’s science stuff. It’s a lot to accept in this story; maybe her own book? Usually, I’m fussing about books being overly long. This one might have benefited from a few more chapters or from being expanded into two volumes. The ending felt rushed and I wanted more information. Maybe book 27 will pickup where “Livid” left us📚

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