Southern Cross
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
With the phenomenal success of her Scarpetta books, Cornwell set herself something of a problem: how to strike off in new directions with different protagonists. It's good to report that the trio introduced so compellingly in Hornet's Nest Police Chief Judy Hammer and colleagues Virginia West and Andy Brazil make an assured return in this up-tempo sequel. The locale this time is Richmond, Virginia, and Cornwell quickly immerses us in the personal lives and politics of a big-city police force reeling from corruption and intrigue. Hammer is there to reduce the crime rate, but is still trying to come to terms with the death of her husband. And when a gang of juvenile killers starts creating havoc, she finds herself dealing with both public scrutiny and the resentments of her staff. While the characterisation and plotting (always Cornwell's strong suits) remain as razor sharp as ever, there is more emphasis on humour, making a piquant contrast to the high-octane action (although some might find the whimsical character names--Smudge, Muskrat, Weed et al--a tad too Dickensian for this kind of urban thriller). Supremely entertaining stuff, and though some may yearn for the return of her doughty pathologist heroine, Cornwell has demonstrated that she is no one-trick pony. --Barry Forshaw
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
'Cornwell peels off every layer of this taut society in a careering crime drama that is full of suspense and excitement and has a shaft of humanity beneath the tough talk and the wisecracks.' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 'some very fine comic scenes.' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'this highly entertaining confection shows Cornwell clearly has more than one string to her bow.' IRELAND ON SUNDAY 'Always a winner.' NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE CHRONICLE 'fast and funny.' EASTERN DAILY PRESS 'The humour is new for Cornwell, and combined with the farcical storyline is entertaining.' SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY 'Action packed.' ESSENTIALS 'It all adds up to a highly entertaining confection.' SOUTH WALES EVENING POST 'A thoroughly entertaining read.' GATESHEAD HERALD, SOUTH TYNESIDE HERALD 'Highly enjoyable.' (IRELAND) EVENING HERALD 'Cornwell has demonstrated that she is no one trick pony.' CRIME TIME 'a rattling good yarn from one of the masters of the genre,' U MAGAZINE
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I guess most people who will read this book will read it because of the name of Patricia Cornwell. This was the first Patricia Cornwell book I read (I really should have read Hornet's Nest first). Now i have read some other books by her I have found that Hornets nest and Southern Cross are different to her previous novels. They cannot really be compared since one is more a medical view whereas this based on the police side on the crimes. I prefer this police view of crime, solving them with good old police methods rather than forensic evidence
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I can't help feeling that the 1-star reviews have missed the point. This is very different from PC's Kay Scarpetta books; it's a light, frothy confection that she seems to have enjoyed writing as a change from the more sombre Scarpetta formula. It's almost as if Terry Pratchett had a go at writing a police procedural - there's teenage hooligans, brainless rednecks, and the priceless rebirth of Confederate president Jefferson Davis as a black basketball player. Great fun.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Was this really written by Patricia Cornwell? It reads as if it were written by a committee - none of whom can write. Don't even think of buying it.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
fab
Excellent read, excellent read, fantastic read, really enjoyed it. The Kindle version is fantastic. I love my Kindle. Would certainly tell friends.
Published 8 months ago by chukkingmouse
at last it arrives
Due to circumstances beyond the sellers control, my book has only just arrived.
i have wanted this particular copy to complete my set. Read more
i have wanted this particular copy to complete my set. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Blue girl
Not the usual Cornwell
I read the 3 Andy Brazil books against advice from more than one person. I wanted to see for myself if they really were that bad. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Cloggie Downunder
Southern Cross
This book is a sequel to Hornet's Nest and it would be best to read them in order of publication. But if you don't want read both, Southern Cross makes sense on its own and would... Read more
Published on 26 May 2010 by Ragnar
Black Humor
From some of the other reviews it seems that some people just don't have a sense of humor. The book is not her usually writting, instead of a serious serial killer story, expect a... Read more
Published on 6 Oct 2007 by M. A. Ramos
Incoherent and shallow - so true
I am a fan of PC but this book is awful. I struggled to finish it in the hope it would get better. Do not waste your money on this!
Published on 10 Nov 2003
Trading on past good stuff. Deserves less than 1 star!!!
I'm rarely moved to write my views, particularly negative ones, but here goes!
I agree with the review headed "Incoherent and Shallow" I'm afraid. Read more
Published on 27 Dec 2001
Incoherent and shallow
Ouch. As a longtime Cornwell fan I struggled with Southern Cross but this was just awful. It appeared like a bad first draft. Read more
Published on 13 Dec 2001
Worth a read, good but not her best.
When i read this book i had already read Hornet's Nest, In my opinion to get a feel for her new style of book you have to read both books. Read more
Published on 13 Sep 2001 by samantha@selbygrove.freeserve.co.uk
Enjoyable, but not great ...
I have to admit that this was the first book by Cornwell I read. I also have to admit that I have it in my collection because I forgot to cancel the book club. Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2001
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