At Risk

By: Patricia Cornwell

Narrated by: Kate Reading

Length: 4 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

For decades, Patricia Cornwell has demonstrated her extraordinary ability not only to entertain and enthrall but to surprise as well. Beginning in January 2006, The New York Times Magazine serialized a brand-new Cornwell thriller, a book filled with all the chilling suspense, rich characters, and trademark forensics that have made her an international phenomenon. But what she does with those ingredients is a revelation.

A Massachusetts state investigator is called home from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is completing a course at the National Forensic Academy. His boss, the district attorney, attractive but hard-charging, is planning to run for governor, and as a showcase she's planning to use a new crime initiative called At Risk; its motto: "Any crime, any time." In particular, she's been looking for a way to employ cutting-edge DNA technology, and she thinks she's found the perfect subject in an unsolved 20-year-old murder-in Tennessee. If her office solves the case, it ought to make them all look pretty good, right?

Her investigator is not so sure, not sure about anything to do with this woman, really, but before he can open his mouth, a shocking piece of violence intervenes, an act that shakes up not only both their lives but the lives of everyone around them. It's not a random event. Is it personal? Is it professional? Whatever it is, the implications are very, very bad indeed...and they're about to get much worse.

Sparks fly, traps spring, twists abound. This is the master working at the top of her game.

©2006 Cornwell Enterprises, Inc. (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Books on Tape. All rights reserved. Penguin Audio is a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

At Risk

Disappointed-definitely not her best.

If I could, I would give it no stars

Patricia Cornwell's been writing characters we love (and love to hate) for years, too bad this standalone novel doesn't have those characters. I think it could only improve this to have a crossover. Very disappointing. I wish I would have saved a credit.

Disappointing

I have enjoyed this author's past work, so I didn't check the reviews - big mistake. I found the characters not very likable, too depressing for me. As others have said, the story ended in an unsatisfying rush. I strongly suggest you look for another way to spend your credit/money.

Very disappointing

Definitely not up to Cornwall standards. The story is boring as well as the reader, not much substance and it ends abruptly.

Read at your own risk

I purchased this book out of loyalty to an author I have really liked in the past-but now I wish I hadn't wasted the credit on it. Characters are good, but the story goes nowhere & ends abruptly. Pay attention to the reviews before you buy this!

good quick read

enjoyed patricia's new character. wish book was longer.

At Risk

It was slow to get off the ground. Didn't really hold my interest. Finally it got interesting. Stayed that way for a while and all of the suden it just ended!!!! I thought maybe there was another part, but no, that was it. Had good potential, just didn't really finish the story to me.

Fast paced and exciting

What made the experience of listening to At Risk the most enjoyable?

The reader made the characters come to life.

What did you like best about this story?

The story line was interesting and fast paced.

Which character – as performed by Kate Reading – was your favorite?

Scarpeta

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to it in the car as I travelled and I found myself wanting to be in the car to continue listening to the book. This was unusual because I usually hate the travelling.

Don't bother!

Just as I was about to give up on following this hopeless storyline, it ended! I've read all of the Kay Scarpetta novels - and this isn't in the same league by a long-shot! She used to be my favorite author.

Author at her worst

This author lost vision, character development, plot development and holding readers interest about four books back. However she has now reached a low that should have told her she no longer has it. Even on sale no reader should waste their money or credits.