This is the first in the Kay Scarpetta series introducing us to the medical examiner who also does her own fair share of detective work. Said to have inspired many a TV show such as the CSI series, these books have plenty of scientific detail and excellent plot lines to keep you gripped until the end.
A serial killer is on the loose in Richmond, Virginia. Three women have died, brutalised and strangled in their own bedroom. There is no pattern: the killer appears to strike at random - but always early on Saturday mornings.
So when Dr Kay Scarpetta, chief medical officer, is awakened at 2.33 am, she knows the news is bad: there is a fourth victim. And she fears now for those that will follow unless she can dig up new forensic evidence to aid the police.
But not everyone is pleased to see a woman in this powerful job. Someone may even want to ruin her career and reputation ...
