Books by Patricia Cornwell

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by jknnej on Thu Dec 03, 2009 8:18 pm

I am just starting "Scarpetta"-well, actually, I read it before I knew the order of books. After I realized it was late in the series, I read the other books, but now I need to re-read Scarpetta because I've forgotten a lot.
I have decided what the problem is: I don't like dramatic irony, where the reader knows things the protagonist doesn't know. I don't like it on television, either. When I watch a crime show, I'd prefer to find out along with the police/main characters who did it, rather than see the criminals plotting. It's just boring to me. It's a main reason I don't watch Criminal Intent anymore. When the show started, there wasn't half of the dramatic irony there is now.
Seriously, I just finished "Book of the Dead," and I literally skipped every single chapter that was characters other than Scarpetta, Lucy, Benton, or Marino. Of course, I didn't understand a lot because of what I missed, but I just can't seem to read those chapters. Honestly, they are the only part of the Scarpetta series that is totally boring to me. I wish Cornwell would go back to first person. She could still have chapters from Lucy, Marino, and Benton's perspetives in first person as them talking. She could just label the chapter "Lucy" and then it's all first person from Lucy's POV. But please, leave out the criminal mind.

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by Denmark on Sat Nov 28, 2009 2:21 pm

It was hard for me as well to get used to the 3rd person, but I think that it works fantastically in the Scarpetta Factor, where there are no point of view of killers or others (except one little chapter). I agree with you that it is tedious to read their p.o.v. cuz I don't want to know what they are doing, I want to be with Scarpetta and the gang ;-)

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by jknnej on Fri Nov 27, 2009 11:00 pm

As I get further in, I am finding the chapters with the main characters are fine. It's the chapters of the killers and other characters that I can't get into. And I still wish it was in 1st person. Cornwell could have done what other authors do-label each chapter "Kay," "Lucy," etc. then write in first person from that person's perspective. I just really miss Kay's narration.

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by jknnej on Thu Nov 26, 2009 7:16 pm

I am reading Blow Fly and not enjoying it. I find the chapters where Scarpetta isn't present are hideously boring. I just want to skip all of it. And, I miss her telling the story.
The Last Precinct was a little hard because it delved a lot into her psyche and all that, but at least it was first person. I feel like we are getting gyped out of hearing Dr. Scarpetta talk. She's who I really care about-why do I want to hear what the killer thinks? Why waste so many chapters on some minor character, or some deranged killer? Ugh. I am so mad.

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by AIKinney on Wed Sep 09, 2009 12:10 pm

I finally finished Blow Fly. It did take me longer to read than the others but it ended up being a good book. I'm on to Trace now and that was hard to get into but now I'm moving a little quicker through it. Thanks for all your help! :)

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by ScarpettaRox83 on Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:35 pm

Yes, it took me longer to read Blow Fly than the others.

Where are you in the book? It's soooooo good, so keep reading!!!!!!!!

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by Ali _84 on Mon Aug 31, 2009 7:22 am

Hi, i am currently reading Blow Fly and am also having a hard time getting into it. I find it hard to keep my concentration when Scarpetta is not in the chapter. I also found The Last Precinct hard to read. I really love the Scarpetta series and have prevously been able to read a book within a few days to a week, because i cant put it down. But it took me 8 weeks to read The Last Precinct! Did anyone else find this?

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by ScarpettaRox83 on Sat Aug 22, 2009 4:29 am

I'm having trouble getting used to it too. It's weird.....but from here on out, this is how it is. I'm loving this book though!

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by Lenkster on Fri Aug 21, 2009 1:51 am

I could not get use to the fact that Kay is not telling the story at first. Then i cot used to it, and so far Blow fly is my favourite book along with Scarpetta. Please Amanda do read it you wont regeret it. I promise.

Re: Blow Fly Trouble...

by BazzaDarwin on Thu Aug 20, 2009 11:32 pm

I, too, had trouble with Blow Fly initially, Amanda, but I persevered and it's well worth it. I've read it twice and for some reason it seemed better the second time.

Stick with it.