Book Review: Cruel & Unusual
Crimes are aplenty, modus operandi still bountiful. American authoress Patricia Cornwell, who shot to fame after the multi-award winning Postmortem, deals with a crime that adroitly mixes forensic science, crime investigation and a baffling mystery in Cruel & Unusual, the fourth book featuring chief medical examiner (CME) Dr. Kay Scarpetta.
Ronnie Waddell, a murder convict charged with the death of a twenty-seven year old Robyn Naismith, is electrocuted after spending a 10 year period in prison. Virginia CME Kay Scarpetta is called to autopsy his body, and days later a thirteen year old boy is found brutally murdered bearing resemblances to the MO of Waddell's previous victims.
As Richmond PD detective lieutenant Pete Marino and Scarpetta try to investigate the death, another murder rocks the city - this time a horoscope reader. The case assumes bizarre proportions when Wadell's fingerprints are identified next to the body. How on earth is it possible for a person to commit murder after his death? With her professional career at stake, will Scarpetta and her cohorts unmask the killer before its too late? Read the book to find the answers.
The plotting is ingenious and complicated, and the mystery is unraveled in parts keeping the suspense intact till the end. The lead character has been drawn really well, including her flaws brought out nicely. Cornwell swiftly maintains the pace of the novel; and there isn't one single dull moment to speak of. The writing style is incredibly sharp and to the point, and she succeeds in building up a hair-raising excitement as the deaths pile up. Engrossing and entertaining, Cruel & Unusual is a book recommended if you are one of those cerebral types and yes, you won't be disappointed!
Ronnie Waddell, a murder convict charged with the death of a twenty-seven year old Robyn Naismith, is electrocuted after spending a 10 year period in prison. Virginia CME Kay Scarpetta is called to autopsy his body, and days later a thirteen year old boy is found brutally murdered bearing resemblances to the MO of Waddell's previous victims.
As Richmond PD detective lieutenant Pete Marino and Scarpetta try to investigate the death, another murder rocks the city - this time a horoscope reader. The case assumes bizarre proportions when Wadell's fingerprints are identified next to the body. How on earth is it possible for a person to commit murder after his death? With her professional career at stake, will Scarpetta and her cohorts unmask the killer before its too late? Read the book to find the answers.
The plotting is ingenious and complicated, and the mystery is unraveled in parts keeping the suspense intact till the end. The lead character has been drawn really well, including her flaws brought out nicely. Cornwell swiftly maintains the pace of the novel; and there isn't one single dull moment to speak of. The writing style is incredibly sharp and to the point, and she succeeds in building up a hair-raising excitement as the deaths pile up. Engrossing and entertaining, Cruel & Unusual is a book recommended if you are one of those cerebral types and yes, you won't be disappointed!
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