Predator

Mary Stuart Masterson is easily the best thing about Cornwell's latest. But all the fine performing in the world can't make an overly complex story enjoyable. Masterson ably outlines the soap opera life of former coroner Dr. Kay Scarpetta and those of her handsome lover and her lesbian niece, but it still falls flat. No amount of good delivery can disguise pointless action and a convoluted plot with multiple story lines and multiple locations that magically come together--at least they are supposed to come together. Sadly, they do not. Listeners will celebrate the day that Cornwell rediscovers the magic that used to make Kay Scarpetta mysteries a joy to hear. M.S. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine

Kay Scarpetta, renowned criminal investigator with the National Forensic Academy in Florida, hunts another serial murderer. Basil Jenrette, imprisoned serial killer and research subject, is somehow connected. Kate Reading's narration is good; she is particularly adept at depicting the therapist's calm, controlled voice, then switching to the anger and belligerence of Moreno, former city cop. Scarpetta fans may be disappointed that her focus in this novel is forensics of the dysfunctional , rather than murder and investigative work, and that the story's ending is illogical. Some parts of the story are overly gruesome, as well. Even excellent narration and characterization can't salvage this poorly plotted mystery. One expects better from Cornwell. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine