Book Reviews of Body of Evidence (Kay Scarpetta, Bk 2)

"Body of Evidence" is a well-plotted mystery with well-developed characters. I highly recommend it

Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back throught the novelist's past....

Takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab.

Patricia Corwell's series starring Kay Scarpetta as the Chief Medical Examiner is one of the best series of books I have read. Mysteries have never been my genre, but I love the CSI TV series and this book intrigues me in the same manner. Corwell is very knowledgeable and her writing style is descriptive and flowing as well as easy to read. Its not so packed with technical jargon that you cant sit and enjoy a nice quiet read without having to reach for a dictioary.

I felt that the book started out a bit slow, like the first one in the series, but it did pick up quicker than the last. Although, even though it leads us into the story, I found the prologue a bit corny and it could've been placed later into the story and would've done better. (the fact that there was a typo in the first sentence didn't help either)

This really is one of those books, where I like the story, but the lead character drives me nuts. For all her intelligence, she's a bit of an idiot. Whether it comes to men or her common-sense involving her luggage. I mean, Hello!, you're investigating something where your safety has been threatened and don't question that your luggage goes missing? Yikes... It makes me really think the character, who may be the author's portrayal of herself, has an ego problem. Especially when she even compares herself to god... Puh-lease!

Also, how many times does an author need to write about cigarettes and smoking? Obsessed much? I used to be a smoker, and know the need to for a nic fix, but even after awhile I was like "All right already, you're against the anti-smokers. Get on with the story!" Maybe she's trying to make the characters more believable, but if that were the case, then she could work on it with other things. "Smart" people would acknowledge, to themselves anyway, when another person is using a double-negative instead of agreeing with it and being wrong about the topic. (I'll let the reader find that spot for themselves.) But, there are several things in casual conversation that could be improved upon to make the characters have more dimension than to constantly have them lighting up a smoke.

And another thing. The lack of knowledge portrayed by the lead character and others on AIDS is a bit strange. I remember doing a research paper in high school before this book was published, and even I seem to have found more myth-busters than what these characters know or make comments on between this book and the first one.

Overall though, it's a pretty decent book, but I will probably take a break from the series for a bit just because it's not as well written as some of the other forensic mystery books I've read.

I have read the entire Scarpetta series and have loved them all. This one is no exception.

another Kay Scarpetta book and another good one.

2nd novel in the Kay Scarpetta series. Really interesting storyline and as always Patricia Cornwell didn't disappoint!

I liked this book, although it wasn't at all what I expected. I guess I expected the main character to be more of a crime scene investigator, or a detective, or something along those lines. It was a good page-turner, but I didn't understand why Kay Scarpetta, being a forensic pathologist, was investigating crimes as if she were a detective. Since when does a coroner go around questioning people? That didn't work for me. This book was well-written, however, so I'll overlook that for now. I liked that the author included some of the technical elements of forensic pathology without getting too technical. It added realism to the story. I'm looking forward to reading 'Postmortem' soon since I hear that it is one of Patricia Cornwell's best.

Another great Patricia Cornwell book! Couldnt put the books down!

As always... another great Cornwell book!

Takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab... a complex, multi-layered novel with enough twists and turns for two books....Washington Post Book World

This was a New York Times best seller, as are so many of Pat Cornwell's novels. (You notice how I called her Pat. That's because I have read so many of her novels, I feel like we are friends).

A continuation of a fun and exciting series!

Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past...takes the reader into the fascinating world of the forensic crime lab...a complex multi-layered novel with enough twists and turns for 2 books.

Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetts must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past. She is assisted by tough, but caring Lieutenant Pete Marino. Fast read.

Kay Scarpetta Series Book #2

Reclusive author Beryl Madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls — or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence — while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows....

Great read!

I love Dr Scarpetta!

Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!!

typical " Kay Scarpetta" novel enjoy all her novels

It totally love this series. Scarpetta is a smart detective, nice to see a woman get some credit in a man's job! :-) I love her sidekick Marino too.

good story.

From the book jacket: Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.."

Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.

"Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past..."

This is one her good books.

This is a Kay Scarpetta novel. It is a mystery.

in Body Of Evidence, Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks andmurders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past...

Everything Patricia Cromwell writes is a winner. Here are some things critics have said about this book.

"Nerve-jangling...verve and brilliance...high drama...Ms Cornwell farbricates intricate plots and paces the action at an ankle-turning clip." --The New York Times Book Review

"Excellent....Compelling...In BODY OF EVIDENCE Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist's past...Scarpetta is much more than a female 'Quincy.' And Cornwell is the perfect match for her."
--Chicago Tribune

well written. engaging main character.

Another great book by Patricia Cornwell, if you like mysteries!

Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetts must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.

Great book - lots of suspense - keeps you reading

Excellent mystery, especially for readers who have an interest in forensic police work.

Kay rocks! Love the forensic anthropology, written before the days of CSI!

I love P. Cornwell, This is one of her earlier books, and written in that same style. As always great, great, great.

Patricia Cornwell always leaves me wanting to know what's going happen next.

It is P. Cornwell, of course you don't want to put it down.

A Kay Scarpetta deals with another murder mystery. A good read.

Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta must deal with a deranged killer who stalks and murders a noted historical novelist and then seems to be working back through the novelist's past.....

"nerve jangling...a complex mystery where corpses are discovered at nearly every turn.."

did not read this one

I never get tired of the Scarpetta series. This is one is just as great as the others!

A reclusive author, Beryl Madison finds no safe haven from months of menacing phone calls -- or the tormented feeling that her every move is being watched. When the writer is found slain in her own home, Kay Scarpetta pieces together the intricate forensic evidence -- while unwittingly edging closer to a killer waiting in the shadows.

While I did enjoy reading this book, I was extremely annoyed that as everyone was looking for this manuscript it took until page 336 for someone to state the obvious.... the killer took the manuscript after killing Beryl! Other than that I enjoyed this book very much!