"I'm sure I've read a book that is worse than this one, but I can't think of it at the moment. From the stereotypes, to the extraneous details, to the adolescent situations, this book has all the hallmarks of an amateur author's first draft. It could be used--and probably is--as a Writing 101 example of what not to do. For example, the author wants her main character, Andy Brazil, to be an intrepid reporter/volunteer cop who is irresistible to men and women alike. But the Andy she shows us is a petulant, whining adolescent whose favorite lament is, "It's not fair!" The two female leads, Police Chief Judy Hammer and Deputy Chief Virginia West, are not quite as annoying as Brazil, but they are wish-fulfillment characters--smart, driven, and almost god-like in their abilities. Too bad for them that in Cornwell's world, strong capable women are surrounded by weak, envious men who can't deal with their authority. In fact, aside from Brazil there is not a male character in the novel who is not secretly working to sabotage the police chief and her deputy. Indeed, not many of the female characters are on their side either because Ms. Cornwell apparently believes there are only two kinds of women: strong capable executives or "spineless, spiteful women" who only exist for the men they have leached onto.

The mystery, such as it is, is forgotten for long stretches of the novel while we focus on West's cat, Niles, and what he is thinking and planning. No, really--we get the cat's POV for long stretches of time. In fact, the cat is able to figure out some of the mystery and convey the information to his owner via feline charades…with props. No, really. But that is no lamer than the way the mystery is actually solved: the police reporter approaches ONE person on the street, asks who is committing the murders, and instantly finds out the serial killer's identity. Too bad the police didn't do that before five men were brutally murdered.

The book is riddled with offensive stereotypes--such as a southerner named Bubba who drives his King Cab to the convenience store for Red Man, PBRs, and Playboy--and the author substitutes phrases like "NRA redneck" and "ruthless Republican" for actual character development. The world of Charlotte she portrays bears little resemblance to reality, and the portrayal of the bank president who controls the town is particularly absurd. All in all, this dreadful book--my first by Patricia Cornwell--will also be my last."