Cornwell delivers a beating in “Book of the Dead”

Back on the horse, this weekend Blind Monkey reviewed the latest by Patricia Cornwell, “Book of the Dead.” All the players are back, with Dr. Kay Scarpetta working from a new home base in South Carolina, aand including action spanning from New York to Rome and Venice. Benton Wesley, Pete, Lucy and Rose all return for the drama, which is emotional and raw – something that will come as no surprise to those of you that are fans already.

I was prepared, but must admit that this story is brutal – even for Cornwell. Haunted by images of a beautiful and famous tennis phenom who is cruelly tortured and mutilated in Rome, Kay strives to find the killer before he stikes again. And fails. The imagery is so moody, dark and powerful that I was surprised everytime I stepped away to look around and see the bright California sunshine.

There are at least two wonderfully sensitive and joyful moments, two more than you will generally find in a Cornwell novel. But “Book of the Dead” is not for the squeamish or faint-of-heart – in fact, I already warned Mom that under no circumstances is she allowed to read it. But if you’re looking for a mystery with the heart of a savage psychological thriller – pick up the “Book.”

I give this one 4 1/2 bananas, with points taken off only because the reveal comes a little early.