Little Emily Steiner left a church meeting late one afternoon and strolled toward home along a lakeside path; a week later, her nude body was discovered, bound in blaze-orange duct tape. Called by the North Carolina authorities, forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta recognizes similarities to the gruesome work of a serial killer who has long eluded the FBI But as she tries to make sense of the evidence, she is left with questions that lead her to the Body Farm, a little known research facility in Tennessee where, with the help of some grisly experiments, she might discover the answer. It is Scarpetta alone who can interpret the forensic hieroglyphics that eventually reveal a solution to the case as staggering as it is horrifying. But she must also endeavor to help her niece, Lucy, who is embroiled in controversy at Quantico. And Scarpetta, too, is vulnerable, as she opens herself to the first physical and emotional bond she has felt in far too long a time. Tenacious and brilliant, tender and gentle, this is Scarpetta even more realized and poignant than we've seen her before--in a stunning achievement from a best-selling author at the peak of her powers.
Amy M. (pinkstring) from N LAS VEGAS, NV wrote on 12/16/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
I think all of Patricia Cornwells books are excellent. If you like getting into the forensic side of things in a mystery thriller, then her books are for you.
Sharon G. (teacup49) from DOZIER, AL wrote on 6/24/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent, could not put it down!
Shelly H. (empowernator) from VAN NUYS, CA wrote on 5/13/2007...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is one of the most unusual stories I have ever read.
Bonnie S. (Bonnie) from LOONEYVILLE, WV wrote on 5/26/2005...
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
This was the first Cornwell book I read, thought it riveting and got hooked on her.
Rate These Member Reviews
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.
Dawn M. (Widow53) from LEESVILLE, LA wrote on 8/11/2008...
Kay Scarpetta is chasing a serial killer in North Carolina and trying to help her niece Lucy.
Gabriele J. (gjabouri) from NEWARK, CA wrote on 8/3/2008...
I was a bit disappointed in Kay Scarpetta's self-aggrandizing. I did not remember that from other Scarpetta books. There was also a number of times when product brand names were mentioned en passant which makes me suspicious that these were paid product placements.
Aside from that, not bad, but I've read better Scarpetta books.
Barbara L. (thecomet) from ROGERS, AR wrote on 6/20/2008...
Great book and just love Kay. You have to read.
Patricia S. from PRTG DE SIOUX, MO wrote on 4/4/2007...
you just keep reading--hard to put down
Lynn R. from KENT, NY wrote on 4/2/2007...
I loved this Kay Scarpetta novel. You will definately be hooked by the 1st chapter.
Sally W. from MCKINNEY, TX wrote on 3/25/2007...
Page turner..great book!
Jill S. (Jill0427) from DUNBAR, PA wrote on 3/23/2007...
Excellent!
Tammie L. (tamm) from HAYWARD, CA wrote on 2/25/2007...
I like this author.
Bonnie O. from NEVADA, MO wrote on 2/18/2007...
Cornwell at her chilling best. A murdered child, a distraught mother and clues that suggest the return of a serial killer....This one is chock-full of the very latest in dazzling forensic technology.. keeps the reader pinned to the chair--USA Today