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Latest Scarpetta Novel Raises Emotional Ante

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By K. SUE COLLINS

Published: November 18, 2007

"Book of the Dead," by Patricia Cornwell (Putnam, $27)

Murder, betrayal, disease and an engagement keep Patricia Cornwell readers propelling through "Book of the Dead." After a two-year absence, Cornwell is back with a new Kay Scarpetta story.

Drew Martin, an American teenage tennis sensation, is tortured and murdered in Rome. Asked to assist with the investigation are forensic pathologist Scarpetta and former FBI agent Benton Wesley, who are moonlighting for International Investigative Response.

On the home front, Scarpetta deals with a recent move to Charleston, S.C., to open a forensic practice. She brings with her the ever-faithful Pete Marino and niece Lucy Farinelli.

The locals do not exactly welcome them.

"Book of the Dead" is the morgue ledger where details are handwritten.

Spot on with her forensic knowledge, Cornwell ups the emotional ante. Lucy still battles her brain tumor. Benton and Kay become engaged, which marks the boiling point for the Scarpetta-Marino relationship.

And, as always, a devious psychopath lurks in the shadows.

This is a fine turn for Cornwell, who seemed to punch new life into her series with the switch of first-person narration to third person in "Blowfly."

This is a must-read for even the most casual Cornwell reader, but not for those new to the Scarpetta series.

Be warned, novice Cornwell readers: Do not begin with this installment; otherwise you will miss the emotional impact the book offers.

K. Sue Collins of Tampa is a crime novelist.

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