Trace, the latest in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornmwell has not even a "trace" of the the previous, well written, intersting and absorbing novels. This book was a waste of time for both the author and reader. The storyline, which has potential, is nerver fully realized to its maximum suspense value and merely serves as a backdrop for the angry rantings of the characters who are models for dysfunctional relationships. Why these characters would ever want to be in each others company is the true mystery. You quickly tire of the angry exchanges of meaningless dialogue and keep hoping the story will get inteseting-but it never does. Ms. Cornwell needs to retire these characters or herself.