This is the second book I have read that is written by Cornwell and it will be the last. The poorly written story involves a forensic pathologist who has all the modern conviences at her fingertips except an author with decent writing skills. One example,(although not the worst)"I rested my head, and the stubble on his chin roughed my hair and was white like the beach I knew I would not see this week." Do editors even bother to read this pap? Don't waste your $$ on this trash. However, if you are really desperate to read Cornwell - check the book out of the library.