Unnatural Exposure

By: Patricia Cornwell

Narrated by: C.J. Critt

Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins

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)

Writing Great, Details Not So Much

Really like her writing. Though her story drags at times and to do what she is doing, I think her character needs a role other than Medical Examiner. I do enjoy her books. However, it bugs the hell out of me how she portrays the responses to an unknown infectious disease. Kay has been exposed, yet she is taking samples in crowded elevators, she is flying on commercial airlines. Heaven save of from someone that irresponsible! That’s why I rated it a three! Please don’t give people the idea that the people who respond to this sort of thing are that irresponsible too!

By the way, but 1999 there were no trash cans in public spaces in London in which to bomb Mark. I was in London that year and you couldn’t find a one. And within 1/2 hour any unattended packages would of been handled by the bomb squads, the people of London are that responsible!

Kay Scarpetta doesn't need introduction

I'm always eager to read or listen Patricia Cornwell's books . I envy Kay because she always gets interesting cases that I never saw. Anatomy and pathology are accurate and precise. I don't like a lot Lucy. A bit too similar to Lara Croft . GC Padovan MD ME

A worthy listen....

I loved the early Kay Scarpetta books, and this one, Unnatural Exposure, is just about the last good one. I stopped reading them when the dreadful "Lucy" character hijacked -- and destroyed - the series, but here in this book, Lucy is enough in the background that the story is still entertaining. The theme -- "saved" deadly viruses such as small pox -- is interesting, and the narrator deserves a zillion kudos for her ability to speed right through all the medical and biological words and phrases, terms I would have skipped entirely if I'd been reading it.

Reading or listening to an older book is always interesting in showing human progress -- or regress -- since the book was written. In this one, in one scene Kay arrives at the airport carrying a cooler packed with deadly viruses. As she enters the airplane, the stewardess tells her the plane is overbooked, and she'll have to check the cooler, since there isn't room for her to keep it in the cabin. Kay objects, telling her what's actually in the cooler, at which point the stewardess doesn't have Kay arrested for potential terrorist activity, but rather clears a whole row for Kay to sit in, alone. Boy, those days are long gone....

Bottom line: not my favorite audiobook of all time, but all in all, a good listen.

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.

Good book!

I loved it, love all if her scarpetta series books! Can't wait to listen to the next one.

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.

Stilted Narration

While the story was exciting and full with deep characters the narration by C.J. Critt was stilted, awkward and distracting. Very un-enjoyable.

Great Book!

I love the author. I wasn't fond of the narrator. I am looking forward to the next book.

Another Patricia great

Unnatural Exposure, like all the Scarpetta books, are really good, they can be read in a series or singly, but understand back references help the read of later books. Another great book by Cornwell.

Kay Scarpetta Series, like them a lot!

It wasn't a favorite in the series, but it is still a good book. The narrator is good as well.