This novel introduces the basic pattern that the plots of the ensuing novels will follow with disappointingly little variation. The book begins with a death, another in an ongoing series.

The narrative then focuses upon how the corpse of the victim becomes a source of valuable evidence. But political pressure complicates the investigation and threatens Scarpetta's position.

Scarpetta finds herself nearly alone against her governmental superiors and the bad publicity, so she bonds more tightly to Marino and Wesley.

Marino develops a very good suspect, but Scarpetta's intrigue with a particular detail that appeals to her medical knowledge sends her in a different direction, and she devises a way to use this detail to flush out the killer. Her efforts place her directly in danger, thus allowing Cornwell to write a violent confrontation as the climax. The use and reuse of the formula plot may be an expected...