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

Unnatural Exposure

A good Kay Scarpetta story. It had enough depth of character and plot twists to keep my rapt interest. And, for series readers, relationships change and natural aging happens with the familiar characters.

Really odd narration by C.J.Critt

The story is great, as most Cornwell books, but the narrator makes me feel as though she believes I am either a small child or have an IQ under 60. She speaks VERY slowly and deliberately, pausing in odd places, and seems to think that commas need long pauses, periods longer, and chapter breaks a long dead air space. It detracts considerably from the story and is hard to listen to.

Love her early Scarpetta...

Classic early-Scarpetta, when she was fearless and had grit and drive. I'm a fan of Scarpetta stories told in first-person -- as most of the early books were -- rather than the remote third person of the more recent novels. Great character development, edge-of-the-chair thriller.

great story, not so great narration

the narrator almost ruined it for me, but I love cornwells books, so I struggled through

Enjoying listening to a well loved series!

I have read them all and then re-read them all a dozen times over the years so it is a pleasure to be able to listen to this series!

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.

One of Cornwell’s best

From Tangier Island to USAMRID I liked the varied locations. A good outbreak story always has heart pounding suspense and this book was no exception.

Good story but terrible reader!

I haven't listened to a Scarpetta novel for a number of years or I guess I would have known to avoid this reader. As another reviewer noted, if my boyfriend sounded like that, he wouldn't be my boyfriend. There are several other books in the series I'd like to listen to but I don't think I can listen to another one read by Critt. Too bad.