Point of Origin (A Scarpetta Novel)

by Patricia Cornwell

Book Overview

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - In this "gripping" (People) thriller, the clues to a series of remorseless killings go up in smoke--and only Kay Scarpetta can find them. " Point of Origin] sears its... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399143947
• Release Date: July 1998
• Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
• Length: 356 Pages
• Weight: 1.17 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.0" x 1.5" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Emotional, Oh So Emotional...

I have to admit something about this book - it made me cry. Yes, at one point while reading, I had to wipe tears off of my face and rub my eyes so I could see the printed words. Ok, so I may be emotional, but Patricia Cornwell knows how to bring the sentiments of her readers to the surface. And just to clarify a major point (and save a little of my credibility) I've had others admit that they shed a few tears while reading this book too! So there, you can be assured that I'm not a crybaby (at least most of the time) it's just that this book really moves people. Dr. Kay Scarpetta is again on the trail of Temple Gault and his one time accomplice Carrie Grethen. This is a personal thing with Scarpetta since the dastardly duo tried to set up her niece Lucy and used Lucy's passion as part of a psychotic game in THE BODY FARM. Scarpetta has a new role, one of consulting forensic pathologist for the federal government (just how many hats can that lady possibly wear?). She's called to investigate a horse ranch that had been burned to the ground, and a body found in the ruins. As Scarpetta is on the heels of this pyromania killer (Gault and Grethen or someone else?), her usual cast of support characters surrounds her. We again see Benton, Lucy, and Marino at their best (and worse) so that a vivid picture of who they are and what makes them tick is forever established in our imaginations. The main thing that makes this book memorable is the emotions this story brings to the surface. We see each of the characters as we've never seen them before and it makes it much easier to relate to some that Cornwell has kept at arm's length from the reader. True to her fans, Patricia Cornwell doesn't disappoint with this work. It's graphic, emotional and thrilling, as we've come to expect from this writer who is setting the standard for mysteries in the future. It's almost impossible to put this book down and turn the light off to go to bed!

A Page Turner

I have read all of Cornwells Scarpettas books in order and this one was the best so far. I found this to be more suspenseful and heartfelt then the previous ones. If you are a Scarpetta fan then you won't be dissappointed.

Incredible Charaters

The knowledge that Patricia Cornwell has in forensic science and inside knowledge of the FBI and ATF is incredible. Reading this book, (along with the others) you are opening yourself up to an incredible education in the science of a forensic pathologist. I often have to remind myself that these characters are fictional, although i guess that is what a good author should make you do. I should hope that someday these books would be made into a TV miniseries or even a huge movie series. It would be a huge blockbuster and reach out to other audiences that perhaps do not read so much. You're doing an increible job, Patricia Cornwell, I hope there is only more to come. Leah

A Must Read Mystery Thriller ...

Once again, I disagree with a lot of the 'armchair' reviewers on their 'too harsh' of a review of a writer's book. I think it is in poor taste and tiring. Tonight, every book I click on has had more negetive reviews than good ones. What's up with that? Again, I read a book for the fun and entertainment and of course the engaging plot (like in this wonderfully entertaining story) by Patricia Cornwell 'Point of Orgin.'Point Of Orgin is a story that will have the reader swiftly turning the pages as quickly as possible with the story's many surprising twists ans turns. The characters are engaging, and entertaining, and the plot suspensful, and surprising. I could also tell in the creating of Ms. Cornwells' story she had apparently spent many man hours in research to provide her loyal fans with both a knowledgable and professional account of forensic science.One woman's opinion, buy the book and see for yourself, 'Point of Orgin' is a must read, you will not be disappointed!

Savored Moments

I've read all of Cornwell's books up to this one, and I found this sad, sad, sad -- as well as wonderfully done. As usual, Cornwell's characters are so real the reader feels like we know them personally. In Point of Origin, Cornwell gives the morbidly curious her usual dose of the gross but very real aspect of death. Most people don't think of the cutting open of bodies as part of murder investigations, but as a writer and reporter, I have come across medical investigators and crime myself. I have grown so fond of her character, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, that I can see her with my own eyes. (In fact, I picture her as looking exactly like Cornwell, from her descriptions of Scarpetta and Cornwell's own photographs and Cornwell's experience). Scarpetta and myself savored the last moments of a dying relationship through this book. Cornwell never gives you an ending you'd expect. In fact, this one shocked me, and I'm pretty unshockable. Putting emotion aside, it was the best possible ending she could have done. I think Scarpetta would agree, although in an ironic, unhappy sense. The book serves up horrendous death and a lesson readers can take with them in their own lives -- not to take anything for granted. Bravo, Cornwell!