Point of Origin (Unabridged)

Rating:
Summary: Not her best, not her worst
Review: Definetely not one of her better books in the series, but not as silly as Cause of Death (where Kay singlehandedly stops a group of nuclear terrorists...please). The writing however was appalling. Some things made me laugh out loud (how she sat in her ergonomically correct chair), other things were just confusing. SHe would bring up someone's nickname, but not tell you who this nickname related to until several paragraphs later, etc. My biggest complaint would be the end, and of course the big plot holes (just how were the fires made so hot without accelerant, the foal, how did Carrie escape in the chopper on the island with no one noticing, etc). ANd of course the characters were horrible. Kay needs to stop obsessing about her neice, she is a grown woman. And yes, I wondered if Kay was becoming lesbian as well....and wouldn't McGovern make an ideal mate for her? I am not sure if I want to read the next one...well, I know I will, but I will borrow the next one that I read. The series has gone into decline. Her story was alright, but the horrible horrible writing style made it hard to follow, and not as enjoyable read as previous efforts.

Rating:
Summary: Faithful Reader, yet still not pleased..
Review: I'm a faithful reader of all of Cornwell's novels, and as muchas I love her characters Marino, Scarpetta, Lucy and others, I thinkthe cast and storyline has been beaten a few too many times. It'd be refreshing to read some new characters with a new plot, though I don't mind the medical part of it at all :)

Rating:
Summary: SENSATIONAL
Review: I think this is by far her BEST. When I read her books I can't wait until the end and then I wish I had more pages to devour. I have relatives in Virginia and have been in several of the locations that she writes about. This makes me feel that the story is unraveling around me. Patricia Cornwell is " THE BEST". I'm eagerly waiting for more Dr. Kay Scarpetta thrillers.

Rating:
Summary: The saga of human maturity continues and entertains as well.
Review: Many readers have panned Cornwell's Point of Origin as not keeping within the genre' and being too involved with character development. To my way of thinking, this is precisely what the author intended. Those of us who have read all of the Scarpetta episodes, and have any sort of memory, do not need fresh starts and predictable thrillings. We have unanswered questions from the past and this book nicely ties up loose ends and gives us an update on the principle characters. Kay and Lucy are the pivotal personalities and it is gratifying to watch them behaving in a realistically unfinished manner. Those who focus in on picky little details and find fault with occasionally inaccurate nits are missing the whole reason for this series. Whether or not Cornwell wants to admit it, we are watching the evolution of the author's personality as she reflects upon the adventures of her characters. True growth occurs only through reflection. Even though the incidents portrayed in the novel are fictional, we need to realize that all writing is irrevocably filtered through the experience and world view of the author. A few hours spent with Kay and Lucy, every year or so, gives us an update on Patricia Cornwell who has been so gracious as to share her opinions about things that matter to her. Unlike authors who grind out thrillers with no particular personal involvement, Cornwell has the courage to invite us into her home. The person of Kay Scarpetta may seem to make snap decisions and jump to conclusions on occasion and for those readers who do not know her, she may seem to be incompletely formed and her reasoning, flawed. Cornwell has been criticized for moving too rapidly in these instances. In my opinion, she is giving her long-time readers the benefit of brevity where it is appropriate. I could go on but you get the point (no pun intended). I give this book two thumbs up, using both hands, and say to Patricia Cornwell: keep up the good work, I enjoyed our time together and I am looking forward to our next meeting.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent pace and character growth
Review: I found POINT OF ORIGIN to be Patricia Cornwell's best novel since the early ones in the Scarpetta series. It's interesting to me that the very things other readers do not like are what make me feel this is her strongest novel in years. I see great improvement in her main characters' depth. It's quite clear that Cornwell's harshest critics are letting their personal prejudices detract from what should be considered tremendous growth in the author's writing. I think it's great how Cornwell is allowing Scarpetta and Lucy to reveal "true to life" thoughts and emotions. They're becoming more human before our very eyes! In addition, the pacing of this installment is exceptional, and the dialogue is her most captivating and realistic yet. The only weakness I detect is the ending--the helicopter chase is too abrupt, with it ending before the reader is even aware of what's going on. But, overall, POINT OF ORIGIN is a real page-turner. Keep your chin up, Ms. Cornwell. You've been on the receiving end of some hard knocks recently, but your hard work on this novel was very much appreciated by this reader!

Rating:
Summary: not as good as it should have been...
Review: It seems that in the recent books Dr. Scarpetta is more detective than medical examiner. The early books were better. Also, Dr. Scarpetta's personal life is getting boring. Too much type being spent on Lucy, who is a mediocre character at best. Too much time is spent on Lucy's relations with other women. I used to look forward to reading Cornwell's books, now I am starting to wonder if I'll even bother with the next one... Oh, I probably will but I miss the suspense and good writing from the early books.

Rating:
Summary: Cornwell at her very best !!!!
Review: This book has it all. It takes you into places of yourself that you didn't know were there. I felt all extreme emotions one right behind the other. I was both curious, horrified, sympathetic, angry, sad. This is by far one of her greatest works. Sadly enough though, one of my favorite people die in this book (I won't give it away) and at first I was angry at Cornwell for that. BUT, it is true in life that the good die horrible early deaths.

Rating:
Summary: Very, Very disappointed here.
Review: Kay Scarpetta has been a favorite of mine (Lucy also). Until this book! Unfortunately feel that Cornwell is going the way of "Dianelle Steel" & others: simply writing to publish. Such a shame! This book spends Way too much time on medical details; little or no plot; have about fifteen/twenty pages to go right now and frankly, do NOT care how she finishes. Writer appears to be so negative and hostile throughout this book, I would not recommend it to anyone.

Rating:
Summary: Seek therapy Dr. Scarpetta!!!
Review: Is this mystery or soap opera? Or Grand Opera? I have read all the other Kay Scarpetta novels and they are becoming ever more angst-filled. I'm surprised Dr. S has not given up her job, given how miserable it seems to make her. Now another lover lost? Does it never end??!! I, on the other hand, am severing my ties with this depressed and depressing old friend.

Rating:
Summary: The fire forensics were detailed but not boring.
Review: I found this to be one my favorite of the Scarpetta series. The details in the fire forensics were excellent. Details such as these can often be boring but in this case, they added significantly to the realism. I like that Cornwell makes Kay a strong woman in most ways but with some weaknesses to make her related to us normal women.