Unnatural Exposure

by Patricia Cornwell
Unnatural Exposure cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Mystery
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 6330
  • Added: 2025-11-12
  • Updated: 2025-11-15
  • ISBN: 9780748109692
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2008-09-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In the eighth installment of the Kay Scarpetta series, Patricia Cornwell delivers a chilling tale of a sadistic serial killer who uses a deadly virus as his weapon. The story unfolds across Dublin, Ireland, and Richmond, Virginia, where Dr. Kay Scarpetta must determine if the murders on both sides of the Atlantic are connected. The discovery of dismembered and beheaded bodies, along with the introduction of smallpox as a lethal tool, escalates the terror and stakes. Scarpetta and her colleagues race against time to uncover the killer's identity and prevent further devastation. Patricia Cornwell, a master of crime fiction, weaves a suspenseful narrative that combines forensic science with heart-pounding action. The novel is praised for its intricate plotting and vivid character development, making it a standout in the series. With its blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless investigative prowess, 'Unnatural Exposure' is a gripping addition to the Kay Scarpetta series.

Reviews
Tales of a Book Addict · 2010-04-21
mixed 3.00

The book is decent overall, but the storyline feels weak in spots and a bit far-reaching.

This reviewer felt that 'Unnatural Exposure' was a pretty decent book overall. They appreciated the effort that went into the storytelling and the unique premise. However, they also noted that the storyline felt weak in certain spots and a bit far-reaching. This made the book feel uneven at times, with some parts being more engaging than others. Despite these issues, they found enough to enjoy to make it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    Overall it was a pretty decent book.

    The storyline was a little weak in spots and felt a little far-reaching.

    There was enough to enjoy to make it a worthwhile read.

Blog Critics · 2006-03-26
good 3.50

The plot is engaging with a serial killer using a mutated smallpox virus, but the execution leaves something to be desired.

This reviewer found the premise of the book to be quite engaging. The idea of a serial killer using a mutated smallpox virus is both chilling and intriguing. However, they felt that the execution of the plot didn't quite live up to the promise of the premise. The pacing and character development could have been stronger, making the book a bit of a missed opportunity. Despite these flaws, the unique concept keeps the reader hooked.

Quick quotes

    The plot itself is good: a serial killer is hunting and killing selected people by releasing a mutated version of smallpox.

    The execution of the plot leaves something to be desired.

    The unique concept keeps the reader hooked.

Notes in the Margin · 1998-01-01
mixed 3.00

The detailed forensic descriptions are intense and well-researched, making the book gripping. The plot, however, feels a bit thin and the ending is confusing.

This reviewer was really impressed by the level of detail and research that went into the forensic aspects of the book. They felt like they were right there in the lab with Dr. Scarpetta, which made the reading experience quite intense. However, they also found that the plot itself was a bit thin in places and felt a bit far-reaching. The ending was particularly confusing, leaving them feeling lost rather than satisfied. It's a book that will appeal to those who love forensic details but might leave others wanting more in terms of plot development.

Quick quotes

    The intense descriptions of forensics are well-researched and gripping.

    The plot feels a bit thin and far-reaching.

    The ending is confusing and leaves the reader feeling lost.

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