When the daughter of powerful Washington politician, National Drug Policy Director, Pat Harvey, and boyfriend turn up missing, the services of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, Chief Medical Examiner of Richmond, New Jersey, are called upon once again. Four other couples have disappeared in similar fashion and have eventually been found murdered, all within a fifty-five mile radius of Williamsburg (Virginia). Scarpetta is called to a local rest area where Ms. Harvey's daughter, Deborah's, jeep has been found. When last seen, the couple was headed to the Harvey beach home in said jeep. A new investigation begins. Investigators, powerful politicians, and covert operations agents speculate as to whether or not this case is associated with Harvey's job or is it, perhaps, the fifth in a series of couple murders. As is often the case in Cornwell's stories, it becomes a question of who knows what and what is the real truth behind events and motives.
The murders have been particularly gruesome, and when found, all that remains of the young people are some bones and clothing, along with a jack of hearts playing card. Also, in each case, the victims' shoes and socks cannot be found. Scarpetta and Richmond homicide detective, Pete Marino, follow various leads, spend considerable time speculating on the who and why of the murders, while investigative reporter, Abby Turnbull, seems to be terrified about something (Marino doesn't trust her). Ex-lover, Mark James, makes an appearance and temporarily heats up the personal side of Scarpetta's life again. In the end the killer is found and the murders solved, but at tremendous cost to the Harvey family and to others. An excellent read.
Lenore M. (Lenorethedeadgirl) from CRESCENT CITY, CA wrote on 5/5/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Gruesome Detail, but Still a Five Star Thriller"
"Dr. Kay Scarpetta is on the trail of a serial killer that targets only couples and one of his latest victims comes from an important family, so the good guys really want this killer caught. The killer leaves a Jack of Hearts at each crime scene and steals the victims shoes and socks. And as usual, Kay has to have obstacles, like a persistent reporter who is writing a book about the crimes."
-according to amazon.com
Brenda R. (nurse) from PEKIN, IL wrote on 4/12/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I like the character Dr. Kay Scarpetta in Patricia Cornwell's books. This particular one is about 4 couples who have disappeared,turned up dead and the Dr. solves it in her forensic lab.
Johanna S. (ajakasw4life) from BROOKLYN, NY wrote on 4/30/2006...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
"Riveting...compelling... original...
Dr. Kay Scarpetta is up against a serial killer who targets young lovers. Four couples have disappeared, only to turn up dead months afterward... Now a fifth pair is missing , and the mother of the girl is a powerhouse recently named by the president to head his war on drugs. Battling political pressure as well as a murderer...SCARPETTA USES A MICROSCOPE IN HER FORENSIC LAB THE WAY SHERLOCK HOMLES WIELDED A MAGNIFYING GLASS."
"A HECKUVA GOOD THRILLER"
Court D. (VCD3) from NASHUA, NH wrote on 1/6/2008...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Early in the Marino/Scarpette relationship - Benton is in the story but not yet in the picture for Kay. Gotta read for Scarpetta lovers to hear about early items that realtionships built in later books. Gotta read for any reason!
Diane P. (DeeDee123) from LOGANVILLE, GA wrote on 8/5/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another great read by Patricia Cornwell. Love that Dr. Kay Scarpetta.
Bonnie O. from NEVADA, MO wrote on 6/8/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Dr, Kay Scarpetta is up against a serial killer who trgets young lovers. Four couples have disappeared, only to turn up dead months afterward...Now a fifth pair is missing =, and the mother of the girl is a powerhouse recently named by the president to head his war on drupgs. Battling polictical pressure as well as a murder...
Sara K. from BIG PINEY, WY wrote on 3/18/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very good. . .it made me want more from Cornwell.
Pat A. (pba) from ARLINGTON HTS, IL wrote on 3/15/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I love the Kay Scarpetta novels - and this one had a really weird, sad twist at the end. Loved it.
Rate These Member Reviews
Katie E. (hunterchick) from HURRICANE, WV wrote on 10/1/2008...
Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta is a character who becomes addicting. Smart, Funny, brave, and tough she is a character who sticks with you, and you will find yourself wanting to read the whole series. Chapters are on the shorter side so the book is easier to digest.
Linda A. (Springfieldreader) from SPRINGFIELD, IL wrote on 9/5/2008...
I have read the entire Scarpetta series and have loved them all. This one is no exception.
Laurie S. from WOODBURN, IN wrote on 9/1/2008...
Love Patricia Cornwell!!!!!
Dawn M. (Widow53) from LEESVILLE, LA wrote on 8/11/2008...
Kay Scarpetta must find a serial killer who's killing young lovers.
Sandy B. (haggatha) from MILLBURY, MA wrote on 4/13/2008...
as usual with all of the kay scarpetta series books, this one was great. can't wait to read the next one. Patricia Cornwell is one of my most favorite writers.
Michelle K. (kevinsbebe) from LONDON, KY wrote on 2/24/2008...
The 3rd in the Kay Scarpetta series. Just as good as the others, I can't wait to read the next one!
Christina C. (cottre26) from HASLETT, MI wrote on 2/6/2008...
I like books in which you can at least attempt to figure out the whodunit. This book did not allow that, so I didn't enjoy it too much.
Terri G. (Harmony1204) from BOW, NH wrote on 3/16/2007...
From publisher: Dr. Kay Scarpetta is up against a serial killer who targets young lovers. Four couples have disappeared, only to turn up dead months afterward ... Now a fifth pair is missing and the mother of the girl is a powerhouse recently named by the president to head his war on drugs. Scarpetta uses a microscope in her forensic lab the way Sherlock Holmes wielded a magnifying glass.
Tammie L. (tamm) from HAYWARD, CA wrote on 2/25/2007...
Like I said before I love this author. And want to read all of her books.