Huge disappointment in the Scarpetta series. The book seems to be loosely gathered ideas, the plot jumping all over the place.Jean-Baptiste Chardonne, on death row, suddenly contacts Scarpetta, Lucy, and Marino. He's planning some sort of show down, but what can it possibly be leading to, with him on death row? A side plot involves a chain of murders in Louisiana, which Scarpetta is called upon to assist in - but could this be some sort of manipulation, too, on Chardonne's part?Very little actual action in this book, and Scarpetta actually plays more of a supporting role than the lead. A different - but unsuccessful - venture for Cornwell.There is a huge surprise in this book, that I don't want to spoil - but I will say, that I can't understand why Scarpetta wasn't aware of it LONG before now. Extremely incredible, to me. Also, the cheap unfinished ending detracts from the book as a whole. Very dissatisfying read - sure hope the series can pick up soon.