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As usual, vaguely dissatisfying. I am always intrigued by the twists in the story, but I never much like the characters.
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Kay Scarpetta #11
The Last Precinct
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Patricia Cornwell's legendary crime fiction creation, Virginia's Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta, has logged a host of fans among mystery readers and, within the bounds of her fictional world, an equally impressive tally of individuals intent on causing her grievous physical or psychological harm.
The 11th Scarpetta novel, The Last Precinct, doesn't add any new names to the second roster. Instead, in a sweeping narrative gesture toward retrospection (less-than-fervent fans might whisper "or stagnation"), the novel depends largely on ground already covered in its predecessors, Black Notice and, to a lesser extent, Point of Origin. All the familiar faces--friend and foe--are here: police captain Marino, Kay's niece Lucy, the so-called Werewolf murderer, and (in memoriam) Kay's lover Benton Wesley and his killer, Carrie Grethen. Kay, who nearly killed the Werewolf in self-defense as Black Notice came to a close, now finds herself the target of a corrupt police investigation that will dredge her darkest secrets from the deepest corners of her past.
Torn between a desire to clear her name and the instinct of a wounded animal to turn against even its would-be rescuers, Kay sifts through the forensic evidence that seems to link Chandonne to other horrific events in her past, up to and including Wesley's murder. Physical analysis, however, will not be enough to right her up-ended world. Instead, Kay must rely on the strategic support of her niece, cofounder of the Last Precinct (an odd, ill-defined organization that is, in the words of its motto, "where you go when there is nowhere left"), and on her willingness to examine her own fears, misconceptions, and anything-but-altruistic motives. The most important setting in this novel is not the morgue--it's the living room where Kay's therapist forces her to address (you guessed it) "unresolved issues."
The novel's focus on Kay's emotional evolution does not, unfortunately, mask the leaps of illogic that pepper the plot's murky stew. More disturbing than these occasional lapses, however, is the feeling that Cornwell has written herself into a corner. The Scarpetta of The Last Precinct is a far cry from the irritably independent woman of previous books. Her often over-inflated musings are more tiresome than tantalizing. Cornwell's impressive track record makes this excursion a bit disappointing, but that same record means that loyal fans will race to acquire the book anyway and that the odds of her returning to her usual stellar form next time are (hurrah!) favorable. --Kelly Flynn
The 11th Scarpetta novel, The Last Precinct, doesn't add any new names to the second roster. Instead, in a sweeping narrative gesture toward retrospection (less-than-fervent fans might whisper "or stagnation"), the novel depends largely on ground already covered in its predecessors, Black Notice and, to a lesser extent, Point of Origin. All the familiar faces--friend and foe--are here: police captain Marino, Kay's niece Lucy, the so-called Werewolf murderer, and (in memoriam) Kay's lover Benton Wesley and his killer, Carrie Grethen. Kay, who nearly killed the Werewolf in self-defense as Black Notice came to a close, now finds herself the target of a corrupt police investigation that will dredge her darkest secrets from the deepest corners of her past.
Torn between a desire to clear her name and the instinct of a wounded animal to turn against even its would-be rescuers, Kay sifts through the forensic evidence that seems to link Chandonne to other horrific events in her past, up to and including Wesley's murder. Physical analysis, however, will not be enough to right her up-ended world. Instead, Kay must rely on the strategic support of her niece, cofounder of the Last Precinct (an odd, ill-defined organization that is, in the words of its motto, "where you go when there is nowhere left"), and on her willingness to examine her own fears, misconceptions, and anything-but-altruistic motives. The most important setting in this novel is not the morgue--it's the living room where Kay's therapist forces her to address (you guessed it) "unresolved issues."
The novel's focus on Kay's emotional evolution does not, unfortunately, mask the leaps of illogic that pepper the plot's murky stew. More disturbing than these occasional lapses, however, is the feeling that Cornwell has written herself into a corner. The Scarpetta of The Last Precinct is a far cry from the irritably independent woman of previous books. Her often over-inflated musings are more tiresome than tantalizing. Cornwell's impressive track record makes this excursion a bit disappointing, but that same record means that loyal fans will race to acquire the book anyway and that the odds of her returning to her usual stellar form next time are (hurrah!) favorable. --Kelly Flynn
0 pages, Hardcover
First published October 16,2000
This edition
- Format
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0 pages, Hardcover
- Published
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April 28, 2002 by Putnam Adult
- ISBN
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9780399150333
- ASIN
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0399150331
- Language
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English
Characters More characters
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Kay Scarpetta
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Pete Marino
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Lucy Farinelli
Kays niece.more...
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Benton Wesley
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About the author
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Patricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem, in 1990 while working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. Postmortem, was the first bona fide forensic thriller. It paved the way for an explosion of entertainment featuring in all things forensic across film, television and literature.
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d'Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell's books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She's authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia's novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel's Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital's National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She's helped fund the ICU at Cornell's Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don't take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d'Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell's books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She's authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia's novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel's Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital's National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She's helped fund the ICU at Cornell's Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don't take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests
Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
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In her most explosive novel in the series to date, Cornwell picks up the story where her previous novel ends, literally hours thereafter. With Scarpetta incapacitated and the killer recently handled, Cornwell begins spinning the story and her characters into a deeper and more daunting web than she’d tried in novels past. Taking the reader into the deeper layers of Scarpetta’s psyche and the pains of her life and past pitfalls, Scarpetta at her most vulnerable brings out great layers to a story that would seem less than eventful. When crimes outside Richmond come to light, the entire investigation into the Werewolf killer takes a spin the reader will surely not see coming. Just as series regulars think they have Scarpetta and the novels all figured out, Cornwell tosses a literary grenade and blows up any foundation seemingly present. Stellar plots and sensational thrills from beginning to the last period.
Cornwell has surely outdone herself here and knows how to inject new ideas into her already developed storylines and characters. In one novel, she succeeds in snipping the tied off loose ends of the previous 10 novels and leaves new ones hanging. No invested reader will consider this installment blazé or lacking in thrills. Surely not a good book to begin your Scarpetta investigation, as many past cases and results come to light and are questioned from multiple angles. As always, Cornwell adds layers of new character development to heavily established ones and spins some of her newer creations to leave the reader to wonder how they could have loved Person X or Y.
Kudos Madam Cornwell on this stellar piece of work. Excuse me as I pick my jaw up from on the floor. May I ask, why the constant use of Christmastime as a chronological backdrop for the novels?
Cornwell has surely outdone herself here and knows how to inject new ideas into her already developed storylines and characters. In one novel, she succeeds in snipping the tied off loose ends of the previous 10 novels and leaves new ones hanging. No invested reader will consider this installment blazé or lacking in thrills. Surely not a good book to begin your Scarpetta investigation, as many past cases and results come to light and are questioned from multiple angles. As always, Cornwell adds layers of new character development to heavily established ones and spins some of her newer creations to leave the reader to wonder how they could have loved Person X or Y.
Kudos Madam Cornwell on this stellar piece of work. Excuse me as I pick my jaw up from on the floor. May I ask, why the constant use of Christmastime as a chronological backdrop for the novels?
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Niet uitgelezen. Gestopt op blz. 41. Algauw kwam ik erachter dat je het vorige boek gelezen moet hebben om dit te kunnen volgen. Dan las is ook nog enkele reviews en het scoorde geen hoge cijfers, dat was genoeg voor mij om te stoppen.
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Overall - 1/5 : Dog catching its tail again !
Plot - 0/5 : Complicated everything. Continuing from Black Notice-the previous chapter, this book tells nothing, but the dark and gore thoughts of Kay. No logic in the plot. Suddenly kay is a suspect, and everything once again turns around Benton, Marino is doing nothing but just comes and drinks beer, too much unbeleivable emotion, Lucy suddenly is rich...I stop here !
Writting - 4/5 : Still strong in Forsenic and pathologic details.
Heroine - 2/5 : Kay Scarpetta. Irritating me more and more.
Villan - 1/5 : Chandonne - loup-garou - Pathotic.
Description - 4/5 : Detailed description of each and every event.
Violence - 5/5 : Obviiously ! (not recomended if you do not know about Scarpetta series.)
Romance - 1/5 : Sick.
Philosophy - 0/5 : Nothing useful.
Art - 1/5 : Nothing useful.
History - 0/5 : None
References - 2/5 : Nothing useful..
Humour - 1/5 : None.
Dialogues - 3/5 : Too much. The first 100 pages is nothing but ...
Characters - 3/5 : Same and old which starts to irritate you. Espicially Lucy (as always) and Benton is still clinging to the series even long dead. The repeated use of Villans even they are dead does not make it a twist, but unbeleivable.
Positive - I read Scarpetta series just to know what happens to investigations in the pathological point of view. I was not diappointed. But all the rest is just dragging.
Negative - I feel like the series is written, keeping in mind the critics of the previous book or just to continue. Absolutely there got to be a new Kay and some more interesting characters, rather than Marino or Lucy. And one more thing, I do not understand why everyone is against Kay (I won't agree if the answer is she is a she). I do not know why there is no ending to any event. Just like in black notice nothing is clear about the Villan, and in this book its about Marino's son and ofcorse the Last Precint itself. And its more than 550 pages, which leaves you empty. Many repeated sentences and flash backs from the same and previous book, sometimes along the read it picks your nerves.
Comments : A review of the character and more thrills is need in the next book in the series. otherwise it will also be a big disappointment !
What I learned from this book : Be careful with next Kay !
Plot - 0/5 : Complicated everything. Continuing from Black Notice-the previous chapter, this book tells nothing, but the dark and gore thoughts of Kay. No logic in the plot. Suddenly kay is a suspect, and everything once again turns around Benton, Marino is doing nothing but just comes and drinks beer, too much unbeleivable emotion, Lucy suddenly is rich...I stop here !
Writting - 4/5 : Still strong in Forsenic and pathologic details.
Heroine - 2/5 : Kay Scarpetta. Irritating me more and more.
Villan - 1/5 : Chandonne - loup-garou - Pathotic.
Description - 4/5 : Detailed description of each and every event.
Violence - 5/5 : Obviiously ! (not recomended if you do not know about Scarpetta series.)
Romance - 1/5 : Sick.
Philosophy - 0/5 : Nothing useful.
Art - 1/5 : Nothing useful.
History - 0/5 : None
References - 2/5 : Nothing useful..
Humour - 1/5 : None.
Dialogues - 3/5 : Too much. The first 100 pages is nothing but ...
Characters - 3/5 : Same and old which starts to irritate you. Espicially Lucy (as always) and Benton is still clinging to the series even long dead. The repeated use of Villans even they are dead does not make it a twist, but unbeleivable.
Positive - I read Scarpetta series just to know what happens to investigations in the pathological point of view. I was not diappointed. But all the rest is just dragging.
Negative - I feel like the series is written, keeping in mind the critics of the previous book or just to continue. Absolutely there got to be a new Kay and some more interesting characters, rather than Marino or Lucy. And one more thing, I do not understand why everyone is against Kay (I won't agree if the answer is she is a she). I do not know why there is no ending to any event. Just like in black notice nothing is clear about the Villan, and in this book its about Marino's son and ofcorse the Last Precint itself. And its more than 550 pages, which leaves you empty. Many repeated sentences and flash backs from the same and previous book, sometimes along the read it picks your nerves.
Comments : A review of the character and more thrills is need in the next book in the series. otherwise it will also be a big disappointment !
What I learned from this book : Be careful with next Kay !
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tlp sounds promising
my copy is the pits
my copy is the pits
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Virginia's Chief Medical Examiner, Kay Scarpetta, becomes the victim of the very legal system she works for. When a serial killer attempts to murder her she is caught up in a web of circunstancial evidence that implicates her in murder and complicity in various rather henos crimes.
She is asked to confront what is an all too common reality, that the burden of proof is on the victim to establish that she is not guilty. As we are carefully led through an intricate web of evidence, including a good deal of blood and guts on the examiner's table, ( we may well ask... Gulp! Will they do that to my body when I die? To put that concern to rest, don't worry silly, you won't be there) it becomes increasingly apparent that our heroine is in deep trouble.
Who will come to her rescue? For awhile it seems that nobody will and even those who have the best of intentions find their efforts seemingly turned to the killer's advantage. It becomes obvious that there is a good deal more going on here than a simple murder, or two.
As often happens in life, help comes from an unexpected source and Kay is thankfully, saved from a miserable life in the slammer. What is more, the whole situation prompts her to rethink her life and take some major decisions. The stage is perfectly set for a sequel.
The cast of characters offers someone for everyone; a loveable overweight and slightly redneck cop; an ageing Austrian psychiatrist; a gorgeous kick ass lesbian special forces agent; and a twisted federal agent, to name a few. The dialogue is as intelligent and real as the characters and one gets a palpable sense of presence as we live through each stage of the drama with them.
For anyone interested in cutting up bodies (third year anatomy?) there is a wealth of vivid detail that should keep you sharpening your scalpels far into the night.
There are many good lessons to be learned from Kay but should we ever meet I do want to ask her one question, Why did you sleep with that scum bag Jay, ...uh, what's his name?
She is asked to confront what is an all too common reality, that the burden of proof is on the victim to establish that she is not guilty. As we are carefully led through an intricate web of evidence, including a good deal of blood and guts on the examiner's table, ( we may well ask... Gulp! Will they do that to my body when I die? To put that concern to rest, don't worry silly, you won't be there) it becomes increasingly apparent that our heroine is in deep trouble.
Who will come to her rescue? For awhile it seems that nobody will and even those who have the best of intentions find their efforts seemingly turned to the killer's advantage. It becomes obvious that there is a good deal more going on here than a simple murder, or two.
As often happens in life, help comes from an unexpected source and Kay is thankfully, saved from a miserable life in the slammer. What is more, the whole situation prompts her to rethink her life and take some major decisions. The stage is perfectly set for a sequel.
The cast of characters offers someone for everyone; a loveable overweight and slightly redneck cop; an ageing Austrian psychiatrist; a gorgeous kick ass lesbian special forces agent; and a twisted federal agent, to name a few. The dialogue is as intelligent and real as the characters and one gets a palpable sense of presence as we live through each stage of the drama with them.
For anyone interested in cutting up bodies (third year anatomy?) there is a wealth of vivid detail that should keep you sharpening your scalpels far into the night.
There are many good lessons to be learned from Kay but should we ever meet I do want to ask her one question, Why did you sleep with that scum bag Jay, ...uh, what's his name?
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I picked this book up at a library sale and although I had once been a Patricia Cornwall fan, it was quite a while back but I was home sick and
a trip to the library was out of the question. I was immediately hooked when I read the dedication to Linda Fairstein of whom I am a current fan. This book was written a few years before Ms. Fairstein became scorned by the literary community for her part in the wrongful conviction of the Central Park 5. In “The Last Precinct”, Linda Fairstein is portrayed by Jaime Berger who is sent to prosecute Kay Scarpetta for a murder she did not commit. In the final pages, Berger defends rather than prosecutes Scarpetta and convinces the grand jury of her innocence. The reader identifies Berger as a heroine and the opening dedication to
“Prosecutor. Novelist. Mentor. Best Friend.” is realized. Although I did not read the previous books leading up to this one, I was not confused since the author did a masterful job of updating the reader of past events. I will definitely pick up Ms Cornwell’s newest novel and see where the last 20 years takes me!
a trip to the library was out of the question. I was immediately hooked when I read the dedication to Linda Fairstein of whom I am a current fan. This book was written a few years before Ms. Fairstein became scorned by the literary community for her part in the wrongful conviction of the Central Park 5. In “The Last Precinct”, Linda Fairstein is portrayed by Jaime Berger who is sent to prosecute Kay Scarpetta for a murder she did not commit. In the final pages, Berger defends rather than prosecutes Scarpetta and convinces the grand jury of her innocence. The reader identifies Berger as a heroine and the opening dedication to
“Prosecutor. Novelist. Mentor. Best Friend.” is realized. Although I did not read the previous books leading up to this one, I was not confused since the author did a masterful job of updating the reader of past events. I will definitely pick up Ms Cornwell’s newest novel and see where the last 20 years takes me!
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Still enjoying this series.
What I Enjoyed:
-How what happened over the last three books comes together for a big final.
-Not really knowing what the heck is going on. Not sure where the story is leading and if Kay will make it out of this book unscathed.
-The higher stakes in this one. Kay is being framed and all of the evidence is stacking up against her. She is dealing with being a suspect in a murder, and her reputation being shredded. All after dealing with the death of Benton and being attacked by a psycho.
-A lot of underlying issues being brought up. Dealing with loss and the struggles that come with it in a highly publicized job, Government and Police corruption, being a woman in a patriarchal world, and dealing with the everyday horrors that come with being a Chief Medical Examiner.
-Lucy starting her own Precinct that is all about finding out the truth for people regardless of the limitations.
-I love the characters. How when Kay is at her lowest her friends surround her and are there for her. I also like the new NY Lawyer Jamie Berger. Between her and Kay I feel like they would run the world.
What I Found Difficult:
-The overall mood of this book was sad and dark. We are in the head of Kay and she is going through so much in this book. It seems like everyone is against her and she is alone. Being with her in that state was hard to read at times.
What I Enjoyed:
-How what happened over the last three books comes together for a big final.
-Not really knowing what the heck is going on. Not sure where the story is leading and if Kay will make it out of this book unscathed.
-The higher stakes in this one. Kay is being framed and all of the evidence is stacking up against her. She is dealing with being a suspect in a murder, and her reputation being shredded. All after dealing with the death of Benton and being attacked by a psycho.
-A lot of underlying issues being brought up. Dealing with loss and the struggles that come with it in a highly publicized job, Government and Police corruption, being a woman in a patriarchal world, and dealing with the everyday horrors that come with being a Chief Medical Examiner.
-Lucy starting her own Precinct that is all about finding out the truth for people regardless of the limitations.
-I love the characters. How when Kay is at her lowest her friends surround her and are there for her. I also like the new NY Lawyer Jamie Berger. Between her and Kay I feel like they would run the world.
What I Found Difficult:
-The overall mood of this book was sad and dark. We are in the head of Kay and she is going through so much in this book. It seems like everyone is against her and she is alone. Being with her in that state was hard to read at times.
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