The Scarpetta Collection: All That Remains / Cruel & Unusual : Book Review

The Scarpetta Collection by Patricia Cornwell is an absolutely captivating series of crime novels that follow the life of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant forensic pathologist. This gripping collection combines four of Cornwell's bestselling novels into one thrilling set: Postmortem, Body of Evidence, All That Remains, and Cruel and Unusual.

This series kicks off with Postmortem, where Scarpetta finds herself facing a series of gruesome murders in Richmond, Virginia. As the body count rises, Scarpetta dives headfirst into the world of forensic pathology, unravels a complex web of clues, and races against time to bring justice to the victims. The tension, twists, and chilling climax will have readers perched on the edge of their seats.

Body of Evidence seamlessly continues Scarpetta's journey as she investigates the perplexing death of a woman found at a landfill. Along the way, she discovers a labyrinth of secrets, deceit, and betrayal that forces her to confront her own personal demons. Cornwell's meticulous attention to detail shines through as she masterfully combines the intricacies of forensic science with an enthralling plot.

In All That Remains, Scarpetta finds herself in North Carolina, where she faces a series of disturbing murders that appear to be connected. With time running out, Scarpetta becomes entangled in a web of political corruption and personal vendettas. This novel truly stands out in the series, thanks to its intricate plot and well-developed characters.

The series takes a thrilling turn in Cruel and Unusual, as Scarpetta takes on the challenging case of a convicted killer who insists on his innocence, while a copycat killer emerges. As she fights to prove the condemned man's innocence, Scarpetta faces numerous obstacles and dangers, juggling personal and professional challenges along the way. This fast-paced and suspenseful novel delivers a satisfying conclusion to the collection.

What are readers saying?

The collection of books by Patricia Cornwell, known as "The Scarpetta Collection," has received a range of reviews from readers. Overall, readers have responded positively to the collection, giving it an average rating of 4.24 out of 5 stars.

In the first paragraph, readers praised Cornwell's writing style, describing it as both gripping and well-paced. Many appreciated her attention to detail and the thorough research she puts into her novels, which adds a level of realism and believability to the stories. The complex and intriguing plots kept readers engaged and guessing until the end, showcasing Cornwell's skill in creating suspenseful mysteries.

The second paragraph highlights the strong characterization found in the collection. Readers admired the depth and development of the main character, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist. Scarpetta is described as a strong and independent woman with a sharp mind and a determination to solve crimes. Fans of the series found her relatable and engaging, enjoying her personal and professional journey throughout the books.

In the third paragraph, reviews mentioned the intense and graphic nature of some of the novels, warning readers who may be sensitive to explicit content. However, many readers felt that the graphic descriptions added to the authenticity of the forensic investigations and appreciated the level of detail provided by the author.

The fourth paragraph focuses on the main themes explored in the collection. Cornwell delves into topics such as forensic pathology, serial killers, and the dark side of human nature. Reviewers found these themes intriguing and appreciated how they were handled with accuracy and sensitivity. The collection was also commended for shedding light on the challenges and complexities of working in the forensic field.

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