The Scarpetta Factor

by Patricia Cornwell

Book Overview

From the world's #1 bestselling crime writer comes the extraordinary new Kay Scarpetta novel. It is the week before Christmas. A tanking economy has prompted Dr. Kay Scarpetta-despite her busy schedule and her continuing work as the senior forensic analyst for CNN- to offer her services pro bono to New York City's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. In no time at all, her increased visibility seems to precipitate a string of unexpected and unsettling...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399156399
• ISBN13: 9780399156397
• Release Date: October 2009
• Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
• Length: 512 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.9" x 6.5" x 9.6"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Disappointed--Not for me

I love Patricia Cornwell and Kay Scarpetta--usually. This is the first time I didn't even finish the book. The swearing and f-word bombs were new and I didn't appreciate them. This is not remotely the Kay Scarpetta I know. Plus I agree with others that the story line moved slowly. It was definitely not for me. And very disappointing. Yet I'm buying another Scarpetta book today. I'm hoping this was just a bad apple and not a new Scarpetta.

Patricia Cornwell's creation-Kay Scarpetta

Patricia Cornwell is a very well-informed writer. However, she tends to wax eloquent for a very long time. It can get very tedious for the reader-boring- as another reader stated. She needs to impart her knowledge in a succinct manner, like Michael Connelly does. Kay Scarpetta is a very interesting character; as is the flawed, but likeable Pete Marino.

Boring.

One word for this book boring!!too much whining about the husband and niece and no story line.did not even finisht it .was too boring to wade thru half .

Scarpetta in NYC

It's been several years since I've read any Pat Cornwell. I sort of overdosed on Kay. Since I recently spent quite a bit of time in New York this new one caught my eye. Is it the best Kay Scarpetta I've read? Not really, but it wasn't horrible either. It was nice to read a book for characters I know well and to find out a few new things about them, though overall I prefer the older Scarpetta books where it was mostly about the crime and how it gets solved and less about the personal lives of the characters and their various unresolved or torturous issues. If you're a Cornwell/Scarpetta fan then you'll enjoy it. If read the last couple books in the series and they didn't much for you, this one is an improvement and you should like it. If you are new to the series, I would suggest one of the

Forensic Fan

It was great to sit down over the Thankgiving holiday and read this thrilling forensic novel. Cornwell is a master storyteller who puts tremendous effort toward reader education and researching all the facts. Her novels are an investment if you love learning. This book places Cornwell's star coroner Kay Scarpetta in NYC. She uses the thrill and possiblity of the city, along with her characters to solve a horrendous murder which takes place in Central Park. If you need a book for Christmas either as a gift or to read yourself, you will not be dissappointed with this latest Cornwell novel.

The Scarpetta Factor-Cornwell's Latest is Great

One of the absolute best in her series, The Scarpetta Factor is filled with extraordinary detail with a fast moving plot and enough twists to make your head spin. In this installment, Cornwell treats her readers to some rather critical insights about events from the past, which are woven seamlessly into the present story. I'm not sure how she does this, but before you know it, the plot is unfolding at the same time we become privvy to details from the past which explain a lot of decisions characters have made, and left me very satisfied. As always, the case that draws the small cast together is intricate, and once again, I was surprised at how the story unfolded. I found this book to be more like the old ones, with Kay taking charge and not necessarily agreeing with the opinions of others. Simply a great, suspense-filled read, guaranteed to satisfy those who want a good, meaty story. Cornwell is certainly at the top of her game here and I look forward the next book, as always.

Cornwell, and Scarpetta, at their best!

First rate writing and plot in this the latest Kay Scarpetta novel. Kay's character continues to unfold, and we're seeing a kinder, gentler and more vulnerable side that lends itself well to the story line. Lucy continues to walk the tightrope between law and disorder. Her techno-bilites allow her so much e-access that the line constantly blurs, and she consistently confuses and offends those who care about her most, often in her efforts to protect them. Benson continues to fuel the rivalry that exists between he and Marino, and this is nicely played throughout. And an old foe returns. The pace is fast-moving, especially the last chapters where information will bombard you from everywhere, so pay attention. You won't be disappointed.

THE SCARPETTA FACTOR

So glad to see Scarpetta in New York. Of all the places she has traveled and worked NY is my favorite. I've read all but one of the Scarpetta novels now and having read them out of order I really enjoy experiencing the changes The Doc, Lucy, Benton, Marino and Berger have been through during the years. I was finishing POINT OF ORIGIN when I received THE SCARPETTA FACTOR - I was able to jump to present day immediately. It is amazing the way Ms Cornwell looks back, forward and sideways when she writes. Truly brilliant - a chance to discover character's experiences we never knew, relive the ones we do and see how they are growing and moving forward. The story is intriguing and sensational -- plenty of opportunity to learn about technology you never knew existed! Full of surprises I wish I could tell you!