Black Notice (Patricia Cornwell)

Although I've enjoyed each of the Patricia Cornwell novels I've read, I was disappointed at the ending of "Black Notice." I really like the character of Kay Scarpetta and the forensic science in each of novels which include her character. But, as others have stated, the forensic science in "Black Notice" seemed not to belong to the plot of the book. "Black Notice" leaves one speculating about alot of unanswered questions and remaining mysteries. It leaves me to wonder if more is to come about the killers personna, the Chardonne family, and Agent Talley. To me, the story just ended in the way I expected, but I didn't exptect it to end once the killer was captured after trying to kill Dr. Scarpetta. I wanted to know more. This is the first book by Patricia Cornwell that has left me hanging. She is a very good author and I hope more of her books don't leave me feeling this way.

One of the few books that I didn't care if I finished it or not. It is one of the Scarpetta series books and guess from the reviews that I read that the Scarpetta series is much like the Alex Cross series by James Patterson. The first few books are outstanding and then the rest are not worth buying and reading, a waste of time and money. I've never read a book so full of angry, bitter characters. I had no compassion or concern for any of the characters and didn't care if they lived or died. Cornwell seemed to throw in new characters and subplots without them leading anywhere (page fillers, perhaps?) Interpol requests Scarpetta and her detective partner Pete Marino, who is on suspension, to fly to France. Why? What was the purpose of Marino going? He didn't do anything except open his foul mouth and show how stupid he was. Many times I wanted to scream that people do not act this way. There is a lot of unnecessary detail that makes you want keep turning pages to hopefully get to a p... Read more

Scarpetta does not find answers to questions she has on the autopsy she has preformed, no name and no cause of death. Scarpetta does have her personal effects and a strange tattoo that stirs her interest. This case takes her to Europe. In her pursuit for answer she puts herself and others in danger. You fly through the story as she flies all over the world. This is one of her best plots. By Ruth Thompson author of "The Bluegrass Dream" and Natchez Above The River"

Having worked with pathologists and ME's in my life. I find them interesting people. I also like to read fiction starring their profession, regardless as to how far out from reality they may be. It's fiction, right? But this offering from Cornwell isn't her best work. The whole book felt like a rehash of old sections of previous work. Was it worth the read? I suppose. I read most of it on a plane when my expectations were pretty low when it came to entertainment so it was fine for me. But the murderer wasn't very compelling and the regualr characters from the series seemed warmed over and predictable. I like Cornwell's work, but this felt more mailed in than well-thought. Don't run out to get this one, but if you find it in the used paperback bin, it's worth picking up for a rainy day.

this is a great book!!!! go buy it

I hope Kay ditches the Italian gigolo in the next installment. She's got a gold mine in Pete Marino--more than comic relief, more than a best friend. Lucy needs a new lady; who will it be?