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Unnatural Exposure  By  cover art

Unnatural Exposure

By: Patricia Cornwell
Narrated by: C.J. Critt
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Publisher's summary

Filled with tension and continual surprises, Unnatural Exposure is a thrilling chapter in Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta's life, and a triumph for #1 New York Times best-selling author Patricia Cornwell.

The body of an elderly woman is found dismembered in a Virginia landfill. Scarpetta initially believes the clues mirror that of a serial killer she's tracked before. But upon further investigation, she discovers puzzling pox-like erruptions on the woman's body that, perhaps, point in another direction.

When the killer contacts her via e-mail, Scarpetta enlists the aid of her computer-savvy niece, Lucy, to help track this monster through cyberspace. Learning that the Virginia victim was exposed to a high-tech virus that might unleash an epidemic, Scarpetta realizes she's dealing with a sophisticated mind.

Her investigation leads her from the government's biological defense facility in Utah, to Atlanta's Center for Disease Control, and eventually to quarrantine, when it is discovered that Scarpetta has been exposed to this fatal virus. Along the way, she's forced to deal with the unscrupulous ambitions of a slick FBI agent, Lucy's problems, and her own turbulent feelings for Agent Wesley Benton.

Unnatural Exposure is the 8th book in the Kay Scarpetta series.

Don't miss the other titles in Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series.
©1997 Patricia Daniels Cornwell (P)2002 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Cool, abrasive, with an edge sharper than a Stryker saw." (The New York Times Book Review)
"In this return to the luridly fascinating world of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, Cornwell delivers the goods." (Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Unnatural Exposure

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Tired of some things

Maybe the problem is that I’ve been listening to this series one after the other, but I’m super tired of Benton. I can’t stand how she does his voice, don’t want to hear him talk about fetishes, and am over the combo of them.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Unnatural exposure

I love this author and this series great read. Can’t wait to read more of her books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Scarpetta is still in top form

Kay and company delivers another great installment. The story is well developed and engaging. I have come to expect C.J. Critt to deliver a great performance and was not disappointed. From the the beginning to the end enjoyed every moment.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great

Great story!! Thrilling to the end’ Defined recommend! She never disappoints! Can’t wait to read another!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Scary That This Story is Still Relevant- Mark of Forward Writing

Another great story. A little sadder and more autopsy gory than I like, but still a great read. This one was a bit more introspective and very much with Kay most of the time along with all the varied people she mixed with. It wasn’t heavy with her usual cast which I missed. I wish there was more of Pete’s humor and interaction, but I understand this book had so many different characters to cover. Enjoy seeing the characters grow and Kay’s sharpened no nonsense wit while still showing much empathy for the victims she encounters.
Unlike the rude people who have no taste, I Love Critt’s narration. I think she does a great job with all the characters and gives them more depth than most readers out there. Joe Barrett and January Lavoy are examples of other narrators I like.
Highly recommend.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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Narrator ruined it

The narrator’s voice is so horrible it pulls me out of the story. This is a book I have read so many times it shouldn’t pull me out of the story.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Excellent Read

Scarpetta is thrown into so many mysterious situations that don’t seem to have a connection except for mysterious pustules. From murders in Ireland to murders in the US with similar MO. To mysterious outbreaks on a remote island to her lab. It’s only when the killer reaches out to her via email that she is really stumped until the killer gives her one little clue.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

excellent series.

This book is a return to form after 5 and 6. Seemed like Cornwell experimented with a story arc, and it wasn't quite as fun as the one off mysteries. this one is super good. and for those who aren't a fan of CJ critt's reading style, I highly suggest listening at 1.4 speed. makes it much snappier and more like a classic crime novel.

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

This narrator should be reading action novels

The emotions in the story doesn’t match the intonation of the reader. C.J. Critt sounds angry and aggressive the whole time. Even the tender moments in the story sounded forceful like she’s badgering a locked door repeatedly. The story is streamlined and not very technical for the lay person.somehow each string of each event is tied up as the author goes back and forth with the characters but making it suspenseful at the same time. It’s admirable how great some people are with creating a beautiful story.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Disappointing

This book hasn't aged well. I was disappointed in both the story and the reader. At times, Kay seemed shrill and sarcastic and strangely without power; defined by the men in her world.

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