Rating: 
Summary: A study in detail...
Review: Despite a few predictable pitfalls (Scarpetta's increasingly tragic personal life, Marino's chronic under-use, and the typicality of someone of importance croaking in a nasty if novel way), the incredible use of arson investigation detail made the novel excessively readable and enjoyable. Interestingly enough, I walked away with numerous fire-related facts "burned" into my memory and, as a scientifically minded reader, these plot additions proved both critical and necessary to my understanding of the book. On the critique side, two irksome points; 1) No investigative team as elite as this team is drawn to be would forget to continue to look for the doctor who's car is found in the primary fire. That piece of evidence was conveniently thrown aside far too early and not quite slickly enough for the reader to avoid picking up on it as significant to the resolution. 2) I doubt highly that magnesium scraps would befuddle a trained arson investigator. Every hack-camper knows that Mg stones are used to ignite camp fires. All in all, however, well worth the time, a good page-turning distraction from the mundane real world, and nicely done.
Rating: 
Summary: Stock Standard Scarpetta
Review: I'm beginning to find it's getting harder and harder to tell the Scarpetta novels apart. However, this was by far and away the best of the most recent offerings. I think that I must be the only person in the world who was disappointed with the ending. I honestly recommend that the books be read in order to those who haven't read any as yet.
Rating:
Summary: Fair read, somewhat wacky for Cornwell, good technical info.
Review: Enjoyed Point of Origin though not as much as some previous books by Cornwell. Thought the face scalping was a little wacky from her usual writings. Have always enjoyed Cornwells' use of technical language . . . shows a lot of research/work on her part. For people who don't like the terminology, they can skim it or skip it but the rest of us, it lends credibility to the writing.
Rating: 
Summary: I love pat cornwall's books. Kay Scarpetta is my heroine.
Review: The technical details are so good. I appreciate the authors research
Rating:
Summary: Emotional with passion in one!
Review: I found this book a thriller and at the same time I cried especially at the end when Lucy positioned the helicopter to spray Bentons ashes. This book was both emotional and mind-boggling at the same time. If there is anyone who feels that any of the Scarpella books can be better - write one yourself with the same amount of passion that Cornwell puts into hers...
Rating:
Summary: oh, oh
Review: Cornwell outdoes herself. Carrie Grethen is back and the horrible tension is gut-wrenching. The psychological terror has been ratched up by tightly focusing on threats to Scarpetta, but that is becoming tiresomely predictable. I AM disappointed how ME Scarpetta has become the terrorized center of the plots, with her intelligent sleuthing receding into the background, and horror stories coming to the fore. I'm afraid how far crazed she'll go in the next book (both Scarpetta and Cornwell--they both need to take a break!). A new co-heroine is introduced, and a hero knocked off (wholly unexpected, that): Is Scarpetta being set up to become still another unhappy lesbian character in these novels? The ending is wonderfully set up: Cornwell had me beginning to mentally wonder off, thinking the story was to be continued later, when the twist hit like a fist in the kidneys. Wonderful effect, if a bit too abrupt.
Rating:
Summary: HMMMMMM.......ALMOST A LOSS FOR WORDS
Review: Well Ms.Cornwell has once again given us the treat of yetanother novel with all our favorite characters, right down to CarrieGretchen. as I gazed at the book in the store and took notice of the new back cover photo (her in flight jacket w/heli in background) how did I know that she or Lucy would be a pilot. It is a well written book which as always, I had trouble putting down but some of the plot line, kind of out there. And the rubber swimmers cap come on, I dont think so. Semi-Kudos to you Ms. Cornwell and yes I will continue to read your novels even this one didnt keep you on the edge of your seat like your past one's. Just glad I waited for paperback version.
Rating: 
Summary: Why didn't she kill off Lucy?
Review: Scarpetta needs to unload that weird niece of hers, who refuses to be happy, and get rid of that pathetic Marino, who will never quit smoking no matter how many autopsies he his forced to witness. And Kay - well she needs a new job that does not force her to arm her home like a fortress. Cornwell's cast of characters lack hope and optimism - an unpardonable offense to the reader. Former fans would be better served if Scarpetta were to forsake her scalpels and invest in a good set of carving knives so she good more fully attend to her prowess as a kitchen maven. Perhaps she could play on her noteriety as a Medical Examiner to build a following for a cooking school. By the way - just out of curiosity - how many of you know the name of the medical examiner in your hometown??
Rating:
Summary: if scarpetta loves them, cornwell kills them off!
Review: I've been an avid fan of Cornwell since her first novel but find she has made her leading character unapproachable and progressively more unlikable. The main shortcoming is the inability of Scarpetta to maintain any meaningful relation be it family or love interest. With little or no fan-fare she eliminates characters by killing them off. I worry about the fate of both Lucy and Marino.
Rating:
Summary: Another disappointing Cromwell book-what gives?
Review: I found myself profoundly bored with the amount of time spent agonizing over niece Lucy and her lifestyle choice complications, with Scarpetta's exhaustion and depressions and with a recycled villain. Cromwell's first 3 books were excellent- fascinating, tightly crafted and just plain fun to read. It has been a downhill course since then.
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