At Risk: a novel by Patricia Cornwell

Welcome break from Scarpetta novels**** January 1,2007

Cornwell is best known for Kay Scarpetta forensic novels. At Risk is a stand-alone thriller that was originally serialized in the New York Times Magazine. This novel is situated primarily in Boston. Ambitious DA, Monique Lamont, is attempting to use a new anticrime initiative to propel herself into the governor's mansion.She pulls her top investigator, Winston Garano, from a special forensics course to probe an obscure cold case using special DNA technology. Unexpected violence erupts. Garano becomes suspicious of his boss and others in the police department.There are many surprises en route to uncovering the truth. While diehard fans of Cornwell's Scarpetta series appear to be disenchanted with this latest offering, I recommend it as a welcome change from the Scarpetta novels which have been faltering recently.