Patricia Cornwell's Black Notice tacklesa number of social concerns. These include officials whose ambition, greed, and personal jealousies lead them to betray the public trust; wealthy families whose power and influence hide the depravity of blacksheep family members; administrators of justice who ignore or block the findings of forensic scientists and coroners for political reasons; and government agencies who reject competent employees because of their gender orientation, their old-fashioned lifestyles, or other private life choices. In sum, Cornwell attacks those who abuse their positions of authority, wealth, and power for private benefit or to further private visions of political reality.

Deputy Chief Diane Bray is the prototype of the corrupt official who has schemed her way into high position through political and sexual maneuvering, and whose actions interfere with the work of true professionals. She ferrets out the weaknesses of her opponents to undermine and defeat...