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Dr. Scarpetta returns for her (lucky) 13th installment, with a case that has her return to Richmond to assist the Chief Medical Examiner. Newly liberated Marino accompanies her and they receive a less than warm welcome. A girl is deemed to have been murdered, but the circumstances surrounding it do not match up with what the mother is telling authorities and no one can determine what's been going on. While receiving the persona non grata treatment, both Scarpetta and Marino determine that something is very much off with the overly emotional mother, only to discover a secret that chills them to the bone. Meanwhile, Lucy is running The Last Precinct in Florida and is trying to protect a new recruit from a stalker whose invaded her life. How do the cases relate and who is this murderer/stalker that is causing so many issues? When everything comes together, Scarpetta cannot help but be flabbergasted.

Cornwell continues her third person narrative, which works as two stories flow simultaneously. It is interesting to see the more than Scarpetta view of the overall story and this narrative diversion has not cause me any concern. I am enjoying the ongoing character building and development, especially with all the changes Cornwell keeps introducing to the stories, yet longtime series regulars can still pine for their beloved foundational characters.

Kudos Madam Cornwell on another wonderful thriller. I am eager to keep pushing ahead!