After the just plain bad Blowfly, I was hoping the series would pick up the quality and interesting characters and writing characterizing the early series novels.I was wrong, and knew it from reading only the first chapter. The third-person, present-tense narrative is annoying and tedious, and the characters have become banal and boring. There isn't a single character in the story that elicits even the tiniest amount of interest, sympathy or appreciation. The writing and dialogue (and constant repetition of certain ideas and phrases) breeds yawns instead of page-turning. I wish it weren't so, but this will be the last time I attempt to read a Cornwell: there are far too many fresh, invigorating authors and characters out there as competition. Scarpetta and company have missed the mark with no indication of a future regeneration. Their time is past. RIP.