Sharon Long is here today to review the latest in the beloved Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell.
Depraved Heart is the 23rd book in this iconic series releasing October 27th by William Morrow publishers. Boston Medical Examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, her investigator Pete Marino and her niece Lucy, characters known all over the world, are back in this latest thriller. Of course I have read and thoroughly enjoyed other books in this series, I mean who hasn't right? But since it has been awhile, I was excited to read this latest and I was not disappointed.
Dr. Scarpetta is investigating what appears to be an accidental high profile death in Cambridge. She receives a video text from Lucy on her niece's in case of emergency phone number. Kay starts watching and recognizes a teddy bear sitting on a bed in a white room. Quickly she realizes this is Lucy's FBI dorm room almost 20 years earlier. But how can that be? Kay continues to watch as Carrie Grethen, her nemesis, comes on the screen and begins talking to Kay. She knows this is impossible but cannot quit watching. Later Lucy enters, she and Carrie have a conversation while Kay is watching and hearing it all. Realizing Lucy could be in danger, Dr. Scarpetta informs Marino that they must left immediately.
Upon arriving at Lucy's gated compound, they are greeted by the FBI. After several minutes of back and forth, they are finally allowed on the property. Lucy and Kay go into the garden, a secure location, and Kay questions her about what is happening. During this raid, the FBI have taken all of the firearms, knives and computers. They are searching but for what exactly, Lucy is not sure. Although it appears it could have something to do with Carrie Grethen, believed to have died several years ago in a helicopter crash or did she? Dr. Scarpetta believes she is alive and is the individual who stabbed her with a spear while diving in Florida less than a year ago. As the story enfolds, Kay receives more video texts even while she is sitting looking right at Lucy. Dr. Scarpetta's death investigation starts to become suspicious and through it all, Carrie's name seems to keep resurfacing.
Even though I have not been in Dr. Scarpetta's world for a long time, all of the characters felt so familiar and real, it was like coming home after a long trip. I personally have always liked and admired Kay, the highly competent physician and attorney working in a male dominated world. Lucy is another favorite character because she is always true to herself no matter the consequences. The action plays out in Cambridge and Concord, Massachusetts. The plot is intricate and the story focuses on the past coming back to haunt the future. I was fascinated to learn Patricia not only went diving in the Bermuda Triangle but also did some flying and firearms training as research for Depraved Heart. Great news as it appears Fox 2000 is developing a feature film about Kay Scarpetta.
This book was provided to Mystery Playground by the publisher. The review is fair and independent.
This book sounds good, it's been too long since I read a Patricia Cornwell.
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