Black Notice

I'm a big fan of the CSI television series, so I really enjoyed all the forensic science contained in this one, in addition to the interesting characters who move the story along. It kept my interest all the way through because the science is included, not as an end in itself, but as a clever tool of plot revelation. Additionally, I have a real soft spot for Kay Scarpetta, as hers is one of the first series I became mesmerized by back in the day, 10 years ago, when I was listening to tapes from the public library. I was pleasantly surprised to find Kay's tastes have matured right along with my own. Contemporary, but not too preachy, this novel is continued and expanded in the following one, The Last Precint, though "Precint" focuses more on the profiler tool of investigation than on the forensic science aspect. One caution: Spiced with "language" definitely for adults. Last but far from least, Reading's narration seems the perfect voice(s) of Kay and the entire cast. I was in the mood for murder and mystery, both of which were well satisfied by Black Notice (unabridged).

Another great book by Cornwell. Dr. Scarpetta is teamed with a police officer,who once was a detective, and they are involved in figuring out who the murderer was of three people. It brings Lucy (her niece) back into the tale. It involves a great discussion of forensics, intrigue, a trip to France,sex, and finally an ending you don't expect. A great listen, that I didn't wan't to pause.

If you, like I was, are hoping for a mystery/adventure novel, then this isn't for you. Despite almost 4 years with Audible, this is my first of the Kay Scarpetta novels. I actively seek out unabridged versions, which this is. But, out of the 12 hours of narrative, this book breaks down about so: 4 hours of Kay whining in grief (either about her dead ex, or her neice), 2 hours of Kay being depressed, and 3 hours of Marino being blustering and rude - all wrapped loosely around about 3 hours of investigation. It's probably just me, and my expectations, but this is the last Scarpetta novel I'll spend time on.

Several times while listening to this book I felt as those parts were missing. I even backed up the recording to see if I missed something. Then the ending came so suddenly. I did not feel the villian character was developed fully or properly and the ending left alot to be desired. This is only my second Cornwell novel of the Scarpetta series. So far I am not impressed. I will try the next one in the series, but I don't expect to finish her series.

As a mystery fan, I was eager to delve into Cornwell's series featuring Kay Scarpetta. Black Notice was my first Cornwell listen and I would be hard pressed to even try another. This book has very little mystery to it. In fact it takes three hours into the book before we are even certain a crime has been committed. What we are exposed to however, is endless whinning on relationships past and present, feelings for ex-lovers, sisters and new bosses and dealing with the romantic woes of lesbian nieces. This book should be reclassified from "Mystery" to "Oprahs Book Club." Out of the 12 hours there is about 2 hours of crime and detection. I thought Cornwell would turnout to be the queen of crime drama when in reality her crime is being a drama queen.

Could the author not think of any other words to use besides four letter ones?

I couldn't listen to this book because of the profanity and vulgarity. There is no need to include that language in writing

I have read many of Patricia Corwell's books and have enjoyed them. This is my first audio version and it is a disappointment on many levels. First, the reader's voice is overly crisp and precise. The way she pronouced Kay's lover's name as, "Ben-Ton" imparted a less than affectionate tonality to her lover's name that was not only annoying but served to undermine the believability and the listening experience. (I will not be buying any more books by this reader) Further, the auditory experience of listening to people jump down each other's throats at a moment's notice was unpleasant and certainly not the escape I was looking for. If I want to listen to people argue, I can do that for free. Finally, I found the idea of the "werewolf" a real stretch and the outcome very predictable.

I was looking forward to this Audio book but was so disappointed. I usually like this author but this book was just boring.

I have read about this series and enjoyed the book very much as a "quick read" mystery story. Because so many of the characters in the series reappear I was appreciateive of all the little anecdotal glimpses into the backstory, but I couldn't help but think some of them were unnecessary to the storyline of this book. I did enjoy the fast (if somewhat unbelievable) pace and will likely look for another of Cornwell';s books.