Patricia Cornwell's Newest Novel: Book of the Dead

A Review of Cornwell's Latest Book in the Kay Scarpetta Series

By Chris M. Carmichael, published Nov 29, 2007
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Rating: 3.8 of 5
Patricia Cornwell's newest novel, Book Of The Dead, is book 15 in the author's Kay Scarpetta series. Book Of The Dead begins in Italy where the reader is introduced to the first of several murders-- the brutal murder of a young American athlete. We suspect, soon enough, that the killer's connections span far beyond Italy.

After the initial dramatic events in Italy, the reader is transported back to the United States. Patricia Cornwell has given Scarpetta a new home in Charleston, South Carolina, where Kay has opened a private forensic pathology facility. It is here Dr. Scarpetta returns after leaving Italy. Some in Charleston are not happy about her presence, and so Scarpetta must deal with malicious local politicians, in addition to other serious events which are unfolding.

The narrative throughout Book Of The Dead is crisp and effective; the overall mood can be described as chilling. Patricia Cornwell has gone a step beyond her other books here. This novel moves stealthily into deeper waters. Book Of The Dead is a tremendous testimony to Cornwell's ability to layer and intertwine situations and emotions. Cornwell's characters are realistically multi-faceted, her plots and subplots deftly interwoven.

Some long-time Patricia Cornwell fans may be attached to old versions of characters and resist any change. But people do change, and Cornwell breathes new life into Kay Scarpetta and the other characters by allowing them to grow, to change as real people do. Any real person going through what these fictional characters go through would certainly be changed. Cornwell knows this, and she knows her characters and allows them to evolve. This takes the world of Kay Scarpetta to an emotionally rich level--richer than ever before.

If you are looking for a novel with some depth rather than a simple "shoot 'em and book 'em" story, then you should enjoy Book Of The Dead, and any other Patricia Cornwell novel in the Kay Scarpetta series. Unexpected detours and emotional realism keep her prose fresh, and the effect can be pleasantly long lasting.

Comments
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I am almost finished with my first Patricia Cornwell novel, The Body Farm, and I am hooked.

Posted on 05/24/2008 at 1:05:22 PM

 
I've read all the Kay Scarpetta books and she is my FAVORITE author by far BUT.........i'm dying to know how she handles Marino & I think she and she alone should handle "it!"

Posted on 05/18/2008 at 2:05:15 PM

 
a Scarpetta movie was planned a long time ago but fizzled out. Lifetime is going to do At Risk and The Front--two non-Scarpetta Cornwell books, I believe.

Posted on 05/15/2008 at 11:05:21 AM

 
i would love to see one of corwells books with scarpatta in a movie, that would be sooo awesome.

Posted on 05/05/2008 at 10:05:43 AM

 
The next Book in the Kay Scarpetta series has "Scarpetta" in the title and is due out sooner than most may think. The sequel to At Risk --Not a Scarpetta book-- is hitting shelves this month. Thank you for the comments, everyone.

Posted on 05/01/2008 at 6:05:33 AM

 
This book was atrocious. I messed the last in the series and wanted to know what happened in Florida. The business with Marino was atrociously annoying. Towards the end when the killer attacks Scarpeta, it seems as if she is tired as I am a reader. Cutting off more details about what happened when Will attacked her was just horrible writing. If you are tired of this series, don't tire us, move on.

Posted on 04/19/2008 at 1:04:41 AM

 
Please, more books more ofter. I know I'm gready on this point and you , Ms. Cornwell, certainly deserve a life, but some or us nearly live through your novels. Please save and rehabilatate Marino.. Yours with utmost admiration, Bob Dean

Posted on 04/11/2008 at 5:04:17 AM

 
Ms. Cornwell is one of the best ever. Her books are hard to put down. I just finished "Book of the Dead". Another WINNER. Hopefully, we'll have another Scarpetta novel soon. I can't wait!!

Posted on 04/09/2008 at 2:04:57 PM

 
I have read several of the Kay Scarpetta books and each one just keeps getting better.. Would love to see a movie version of some of them. Perhaps soon?

Posted on 04/06/2008 at 7:04:36 PM

 
Wonderful review~I think Patricia Cornwell is a fantastic author.

Posted on 12/23/2007 at 12:12:44 AM

 
thank you for the comments, everyone. Hi C.H. I don't mind dissent about this at all. I know a lot happened in this book that could be upsetting. And I understand how many other fans would feel the way they do.

Posted on 12/14/2007 at 9:12:29 PM

 
Good review. I would have to say though I am one to resist change. Some revelations in this book really upset me. I did read one book, maybe 4 or 5 books into the series, then went back and started from the beginning. One does get a richer experience from knowing the whole back story. I did think, however, Blowfly, was by far the best Scarpetta. I didn't think this book had as much pizazz as others previously though. Sorry to dissent!

Posted on 12/14/2007 at 8:12:58 PM

 
This sounds pretty good. I may have to check it out!

Posted on 12/05/2007 at 1:12:00 AM

 
thanks - She's one of my favorite authors:)

Posted on 12/03/2007 at 8:12:00 AM

 
I'm sure I've read one of her books but I'm not sure which one. I remember the name of the heorine though and I remember I liked it. Geez, I wish I had more time to read other than research stuff.

Posted on 12/02/2007 at 4:12:00 PM

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