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.

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.

I am a long-time fan of Patricia Cornwell and her work. I have loved most of the Kay Scarpetta novels, because they take such a unique look at the criminal justice and forensic medicine systems. This latest novel is, I believe, one of the best. It grabbed my attention right at the beginning and carried it until the end -- I could not put it down. Not solely because of the suspense, but because of the wonderfully descriptive narrative and well-written dialogue. It was a pure pleasure to read.

The main story line was really quite interesting -- the story of the tangled, complex, somewhat paranoia-driven lives of two "little people" -- one who was murdered, and one who was a likely suspect. The story pulls you into the drama of these people's lives, but continually reminds you of its numerous subplots, and the wonderfully complicated lives of all those swirling around the central murder. The tension created by all these multi-dimensional personalities and their relationships made this book a very satisfying experience. Cornwell provides just the right amount of background information for those who haven't read (or don't remember as well as they used to!) the prior novels in the series.

Through all the mysteries of the main event, you are constantly pulled back into the lives and personal stories of Benton and Kay (who have some explaining to do to each other), Marino, Kay and Lucy (not to mention Marino's new love interest), the less frequent appearances of Shrew (some name) and the fascinating drama of her life and work, Lucy and her new love interest, and a new detective, whose arrogance and ego causes everyone to love to hate him. Many authors get into trouble when there are too many characters or too many relationships to describe and follow, but Cornwell pursues and develops all of their stories with ease. It got to the point where with each new chapter, I couldn't wait to find out which part of the story she was going to focus on next.

Because this is a "forensic" novel, I have to mention one small complaint I have about its accuracy. (I hate to complain about this book because I really loved it.) A very important part of the story concerns the relationship Kay develops with the potential murder suspect, Oscar Bane, and her worries over her conflicted role as his physician, and her service to New York State as a forensic consultant. She believes her first loyalty must be to Oscar, her patient (because he has asked to see her in connection with some injuries he suffered, he claims, in connection with the murder), and that physician-patient privilege will force her to keep mum about ANYTHING Oscar tells her. But she continually clarifies for him that that loyalty may end if he in fact becomes a murder suspect, and she may then have to disclose what he tells her to the State. It creates such a fine dilemma: in fact, one of the most noteworthy passages for me is the dance done by Kay and her husband as they attempt to discuss the situation without Kay crossing what she perceives to be the proper line of physician-patient privilege.

It is so fine, that I hate to point out (but I must!) that this is not an accurate portrayal of the physician-patient privilege. First, while the privilege would attach under these circumstances, its scope would be limited to the things Oscar told Kay about his injuries (i.e., the privilege protects information given to the doctor in the course of seeking treatment). If he discloses other information to her, it is not protected!!!! Secondly, there are circumstances in which the privilege (any privilege, really) will disappear and a physician can be directed (by a court or grand jury for example) to testify concerning otherwise privileged matters, but I am not aware that simply becoming a suspect is one of them. Just a glitch in an otherwise fine novel.

At the end of the day, this is a novel you will not want to miss, even with its technical flaw.

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!

"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.