Reviewed by Rod McLary
Readers of Patricia Cornwell’s novels – and especially those featuring Dr Kay Scarpetta – know exactly what to expect when they open her latest book. No one will be disappointed with Sharp Force as it delivers all of what is expected – the cast of characters we are all familiar with, the dark forces working against Scarpetta, a gruesome crime, and a gripping investigation and resolution. Scarpetta – as always – is accompanied by her husband Benton Wesley, her niece Lucy Farinelli, her offsider Peter Marino and her sister [and now Pete’s wife] Dorothy. Together, these ingredients add up to an engrossing narrative.
On Christmas Eve, Scarpetta receives a telephone call informing her that the Phantom Slasher has struck again and viciously attacked another single woman in her bed. What sets the Phantom Slasher apart from typical serial killers is his use of sophisticated technology which allows him to project a ghostly hologram into the victim’s house and watch their every move. Much as the author has done in her previous book – Identity Unknown – she takes the narrative into speculative fiction where the hologram can not only see its surroundings, it can eavesdrop on conversations and speak. As the appearance of the hologram is a precursor to a killing, it is a surefire way of ensuring the victim is well and truly terrified ahead of the stabbing.
Along with the political interference from the highest levels, rogue ex-secretaries, an intrusive AI avatar [which gives some indication perhaps of the future risks of the growth in AI technology] and Pete’s and Dorothy’s marital issues, and the pressing need to solve this crime, Scarpetta has a full agenda. The forensics are meticulous in detail and the investigations – spearheaded by Marino – are graphic but engrossing. The reader is transported into the crime scene and the subsequent post mortem. As always, Scarpetta manages all the distractions and there is a satisfactory resolution.
To leaven the all the doom and gloom are the sensual descriptions of her house: … the green-patinated copper sconces glowing on old bricks showing through the plaster. Polished copper pots and pans gleam from the rack over the wooden butcher block [131]; the food she prepares: Tossing the panzanella salad with cold pressed olive oil and Bordeaux red wine vinegar, I add creamy burrata cheese and thick croutons [112]. And the description of her and Benton’s Christmas Eve dinner – the lights dimmed, a large candle burning, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Christmas Eve Suite is playing, a beautiful Barolo decanting, … 2016 a very good year [113].
As many of Scarpetta novels do, Sharp Force concludes with a special dinner with the key players present – this time for New Years Eve and together they are enjoying lady fingers [soaked] in Godiva liqueur … with mascarpone and heavy whipped cream, adding fresh shaved dark chocolate on top [379]. What more can be said.
Aficionados of Particia Cornwell will absolutely enjoy Sharp Force as will new readers seeking a crime novel with engaging and three-dimensional characters with a tense and engrossing narrative. Well recommended.
Sharp Force
[2025]
by Patricia Cornwell
Hachette
ISBN: 978 1408 7226 02
$34.99; 384pp