I have to agree with a lot of the commentators here: the further along in to the Scarpetta series you get, the more wrapped up the author gets in the personal issues of the heroine, and inversely the less interesting the books become. I really like all the wizzbang techie and medical stuff that they use to solve the murder mysteries, but I found the ongoing 'werewolf' arc grew tedious. I felt that Cornwell started to over identify with her character and it seemed like she was perhaps writing the stories like she was the main character (and hey, books are always going to contain elements of the author's psyche, there's no escaping that, but it did make things seem very stale). It was also very depressing when her lover, that nice guy from the FBI (?) died. Having said that, I did soldier on, but became jaded with her writing style also (this can happen with lots of authors who write a series - I overdosed on J K Rowling when I tried to read all of the Harry Potters in succession to be ready for when the sixth one came out a couple of years ago, and ended up never finishing) and finally have stayed away after completing Black Notice. Maybe I'll go back again one day, but for now I've done my dash.

I love PC's Kay Scarpetta novels, except I found it dissapointing when she changed to 3rd person from 1st person view in Blow Fly. All the books before this one I love, but Blow Fly is difficult for me to read. I hope the other books after changes! Great job anyways, I love her books.

Just gave up on the absolutely awful 'At Risk'. Is this for real?? Did PC really write this book? If so she should retire. One dimensional characters who are all totally unlikeable (even moreso than the vile niece, Lucy). All my friends, who were formeer fans agree, we'll never buy her books again.

Wasted my money once again, will not buy this Author again, sick of Authors trading on their name

I read the first few books and really enjoyed them. Unfortunately as the series moved on we got into more and more of the main characters personal problems then I cared to read about. I like the mystry, but not all the side bars.

I have only read PC's Scarpetta series and although I loved the first several that I read, I find the later novels a bit tedious. Too much bickering, moaning, and groaning for my taste between the main characters. They all need to take separate vacations... long ones. Still, I will buy another PC novel but probably only at the second hand book store.

Love her books! Interesting, and keeps me hanging till the end!

Better than many, but no better than above average. Seems to have a lack of narrative gift. Her writing just doesn't sing.

One of my Favorite authors.. the scarpetta series are the best. A new book comes out and you wonder what mess is her neice and best friend into now!.. great books

I love Patricia Cornwell...she is one of my favorite writers. I love the Scarpetta series. I think she is very talented.

I love her! My favorite books are the Kay Scarpetta series. When's the next one coming out???

Her Kay Scarpetta books are the best. I don't care much for the other series she writes.

An excellent author who incorporates her personal experiences with forensic science into her books, and she does an excellent job. She writes good, meaty stories, none of that flowery stuff that can pad a book so much that it's three chapters longer than it should have been. I'm currently reading her non-fiction book about Jack the Ripper, and it's nothing less than fascinating. I highly recommend picking up a copy to anyone even remotely interested in Jack the Ripper or forensic science in general.

The Kay Scarpetta series is awesome. I have read each book at least 5 times and still enjoy and learn new things. I am waiting to see what she will come up with next.

I have read the majority of books in the Kay Scarpetta series and I found them all excellently written and so addictive! I really COULD NOT put it down. I am currently reading one for a novel study and almost missed my next class because I didn't want to stop reading! Patricia Cornwell's writing and knowledge of forensic medicine has made me consider it as a career option, and no other books I have read has made that happen. I especially love how her brilliant, 3-D characters fight all the time, as it adds realism to the novels because friends do fight, some more than others as illustrated by Scarpetta and Marino. Overall, the Kay Scarpetta series is my favourite seies of all-time and I would recommend them to anyone who isn't squeamish!

Stories are gripping and horrifyingly good. But why does Patricia Cornwell find it necessary to include the blasphemous bad-language normally associated with cheap, trashy writers? Christian readers are not comfortable with this.

Plots are a bit convulted and difficult to follow.

Patricia Cornwell is one of the very few authors of which I read everything they write. Kay Scarpeta is probably the most independant, strong, and ferocious female character ever created, making me seriously consider forensic medicine. PC is a knowledgible, credible, and highly entertaining writer, I can't wait for her next books to hit the stands.

Whenever I read one of her books I'm totally engrosed in it. The way she explains the scences in graphic detail astounds me.

Kay Scarpetta is one of the best creations I hav encounted. Cornwell makes me want more with every turn of the page. Seeing the charactors grow develop , and age has make them old friends. I look forward to each book as one does to going home.

One of the best authors today. Her Kay Scarpetta mysteries are easy, but not to easy, reads. Takes a lot of thinking to solve them before the end of the book. Not easy for the reader to solve.

Story line gets a little thin.