I was also disappointed in this novel. I do realize that authors must try different directions once in a while to remain fresh and explore their limits, but Southern Cross was filled with forgetable characters, a forgetable and fragmented plot, and a forgetable ending. I did find it humerous at times, but the whole book didn't quite make it into satire territory.As much as you don't want to, Ms. Cornwell, please return to Kay Scarpetta. We miss her and the excellent writing you did for her.