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This is an older Patricia Cornwell (Kay Scarpetta) novel that I picked up at the local library's book sale. However, it is one that I apparently missed!
As usual, it is a good, fast paced mystery that has several overlapping plots. For one, Kay is called by the new Medical Examiner in Richmond (where she was previous CME) to come and assist with a curious case. A child was found dead in bed, and although she had been suffering from the flu, it seemed unlikely that it was the illness that killed her. On careful examination, and a second post-mortem-this time by Dr. Scarpetta, it becomes clear that the child was murdered.
Then, there is the bereaved mother. Sad, yes, but also strangely distant. It seems that she and her husband had an unusual sex life that involved others.
To complicate the issue, there are questions about whether the child's window had been left open, and who-if anyone-lived in the property behind the house.
Kay and Marino investigate some trace evidence found on the victim-which strangely, has also been found on the victim of an accident with a bulldozer.
A side issue involves Lucy and a houseguest/lover/employee, who was attacked and severely injured while staying at Lucy's massive south Florida estate. Was the attacker really after Lucy?
Meanwhile a portrait is drawn of a psychopathic killer, who was once known to Kay when she worked in Richmond. Was he involved? In the attack, in the murder? And who else may be culpable here?
I won't give away the plot in case you haven't read it.
Highly recommended for Cornwell readers and mystery readers in general. Good for vacations!
As usual, it is a good, fast paced mystery that has several overlapping plots. For one, Kay is called by the new Medical Examiner in Richmond (where she was previous CME) to come and assist with a curious case. A child was found dead in bed, and although she had been suffering from the flu, it seemed unlikely that it was the illness that killed her. On careful examination, and a second post-mortem-this time by Dr. Scarpetta, it becomes clear that the child was murdered.
Then, there is the bereaved mother. Sad, yes, but also strangely distant. It seems that she and her husband had an unusual sex life that involved others.
To complicate the issue, there are questions about whether the child's window had been left open, and who-if anyone-lived in the property behind the house.
Kay and Marino investigate some trace evidence found on the victim-which strangely, has also been found on the victim of an accident with a bulldozer.
A side issue involves Lucy and a houseguest/lover/employee, who was attacked and severely injured while staying at Lucy's massive south Florida estate. Was the attacker really after Lucy?
Meanwhile a portrait is drawn of a psychopathic killer, who was once known to Kay when she worked in Richmond. Was he involved? In the attack, in the murder? And who else may be culpable here?
I won't give away the plot in case you haven't read it.
Highly recommended for Cornwell readers and mystery readers in general. Good for vacations!
