Actually, I didn't get past p. 68. This one just didn't grip me. It began rather maudlin, Lucy, too. Her friend Anna doesn't sound "real" like a friend should. I may be done with Scarpetta.

Not one of the better ones of the series for me. First 100 something pages were basically psychoanalysis of Kay's problems. Plus it was a little too easy to figure out the ending.

The Last Precint continues on from Black Notice which is the tenth book in the Kay Scarpetta series. I strongly suggest that you do not read this book unless you have read Black Notice first. The Last Precint will not work as a stand-alone.

Oh yes, it is not just the previous deaths dealt with in Black Notice that are brought into question but current and historic deaths too! My friends Joe and Toni both commented on my review of Black Notice that it was “intriguing” - well guys, The Last Precint is double as much intriguing!

The Last Precint was set in 1999 and written in 2000. How does this novel fare compared to novels written in 2024? My reading pleasure is just the same and The Last Precint does not show it’s age, so I feel readers should enjoy this book just as much as the latest bestseller on offer. There is one little detail from the past that will make modern day readers laugh though, Kay uses a fax machine, remember those!

The Last Precint is similar to other books in this series and makes for an enjoyable read. I loved all the detail thrown into the story about blood spatters and an explanation of PERK - the physical evidence recovery kit - used on victims to get trace evidence from their many creases, folds and holes. Also I have a dislike for helicopters and think they are dangerous but Lucy said something I have never thought of before which has made me change my mind when she said…

“You can lose an engine at a thousand feet and fly it right down to the ground. The air keeps the blades turning. Ever heard of autorotating? You land in a parking lot or someone’s yard. You can’t do that with a plane”.

…I enjoyed reading The Last Precint and consider it a GOOD 4 star read with tears brought to my eyes over the short but sad part played by Mr Peanut.

An interesting crime thriller Patricia Cornwell held my attention throughout. Great suspense, good plot and interesting characters.