Trace: A Scarpetta Novel

I have read other reviews here, and while I can understand some of the frustration, I would not classify this as one of Cornwell's "worst". I was more annoyed with "The Last Precinct" and "Blow Fly" than with "Trace". I have read all the Scarpetta novels now, and I do agree that the earlier ones contained more suspense and more believable characters.

That being said, I think "Trace" is the type of novel that is setting a new direction for a character that is lasting and still beloved to many of us. I think part of the problem is that Kay has lost some of her invincibility and she's in a position now where she's not the strongest woman on the planet. I think that frustrates some people.

I still think Cornwell writes well, and I wouldn't stop reading Scarpetta novels because I'm attached to the character -hers and that of Pete Marino. If I were to recommend one of these novels to someone, I'd tell them to check out the earlier books first. But, being a completist, as I am sure there are others out there, I would also encourage someone to read them all.

I don't know that the overall comments and ratings here are a true picture of this book. I would suggest seeing for yourself, especially if you're already a Cornwell fan. I'm not trying to say other reviewers are wrong here as everyone is entitled to their opinion. I do agree the ending was lacking in comparison to previous books, but I read (and/or listen) for more than just the payoff at the end. Sometimes it's the story that hooks you, not necessarily just the end (fans of Stephen King's Dark Tower understand this). My advice - go along for the ride and see for yourself.

I have always enjoyed Cornwell's work, and the character of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, forensic pathologist. Likewise her sidekick and sometimes nemesis Pete Marino. Also her keen insights into office politics down at the morgue. Lately however she seems to be going to off-the-charts extremes - wherewolves (several previous novels), ex-FBI agents who drive around in helicopters and multiple Ferraris, a young girl sequestered in an Aspen condo with her psychologist - I'm not buying it. None of these people is relate-able, and the underlying dark tone is turning me off and I just can't seem to connect. Cornwell's intense powers of observation and description are being wasted on these people and I'm only giving "Trace" a two out of five.

I agree-lots of buildup but nothing for a finish. She could have spent a few more words on the resolution. It felt like she wanted to be done with this book as much as I did.

I have always enjoyed Kay Scarpetta. She put why to much time into theories and feelings. She spent all that time building a story to have the worst ending I have ever read. I was mad that I wasted my time on this book. This is not a true Patricia Cornwell book.

I am so disappointed. I wanted to prove to myself that this novel couldn't be as bad as the other reviews. I do have to agree however, the whole book seemed unfinished. I was even rooting for Lucy to get killed, just to have something exciting happen. I kept wanting and expecting "more"...and it never did. I want to give it at least 2 but that is being generous. I will read/listen to the next book however, because you can't give up on Cornwell or Scarpetta easily.

In the old days I liked Cornwell's Scarpetta books. After a while however, I felt they became forced and less interesting and I gave up on them. Last month seeing Trace listed I decided to see if Cornwell had improved. Nope. After 12 hours 26 minutes I was hoping Kay, Pete, Benton and Lucy would all climb in one of Lucy's Ferraris and drive it off a cliff. What a depressing lot of troubled people (the good guys) plagued with, for no discernable reason, the total inability to maintain any kind of open communications with one another. The ending fit with the rest of the novel, boring and unfulfilling.
The publisher's note stating "Trace is the heart-stopping new Dr. Kay Scarpetta thriller" is correct; it almost killed me to finish this thing.

Although I enjoyed the book, I did not like the narrator. Her clumbsy interpretation of Marino had me wincing everytime he was involved in dialog. The story itself is interesting, but I found myself wondering if I had missed a book, so much so I went back to see if I had in fact skipped a novel. There were references to other situations that I didn't immediately recall. I don't know if anyone else had that feeling.

I have read all of the Kay Scarpetta novels and this is not Ms. Cornwell's best work. The ending is uneventful and it just doesn't have the zing of previous books. It's okay, but I expect more from Patricia Cornwell

I have enjoyed other Cornwell books, but during the 2nd half of the book, the characters which were fairly well developed initially, did not connect at all. I thought I may have missed Part 2 of the book and listened to Part 3 instead, but it did not exist.

I have read or listened to all of Patricia Cornwell's books and enjoyed most of them. Isle of Dogs took awhile to get into the humor of it but I even enjoyed it. This one was a bomb. I was listening while on a long car trip. I had saved this for a special trip where I could listen to the whole story uninterrupted. Unfortunately, I had no other stories with me so I listened to the whole thing. It was such a disappointment. I wished that I had heeded the advice of the other reviewers.