One sentence summary:
‘The Last Precinct (A Scarpetta Novel)’ by Patricia Cornwell is a gripping crime fiction novel that follows medical examiner Kay Scarpetta as she is framed for murder and must clear her name while also investigating a dangerous international conspiracy.
Book genre:
Crime fiction, mystery, thriller
Main topic of the book:
The main topic of the book is a series of murders that appear to be linked to an international drug smuggling ring, and the race against time to catch the perpetrator before they seemingly frame medical examiner Kay Scarpetta for the crime.
Key ideas:
- Crime and investigations
- Innocent people being framed for crimes they did not commit
- International drug smuggling and organized crime
- The dangers of corruption and betrayal within law enforcement
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
- Part One: Set-Up – The book opens with Scarpetta being indicted for the murder of a notorious drug lord, along with her colleague and lover, Benton Wesley. Amidst the chaos and confusion, Scarpetta is determined to clear her name and stop the real killer before they strike again.
- Part Two: Evidence – Despite being under house arrest, Scarpetta uncovers crucial evidence that links the murder to a larger international drug smuggling conspiracy. She teams up with her niece, investigative journalist Lucy Farinelli, and their friend, detective Pete Marino, to get to the bottom of things.
- Part Three: Deception – As the investigation deepens, Scarpetta and her team encounter numerous obstacles and roadblocks, including threats, cover-ups, and mistrust within the law enforcement agencies. Scarpetta also discovers that she has been targeted and blindsided by someone she thought she could trust.
- Part Four: Connection – Scarpetta and her team continue to dig deeper and follow leads, coming closer to unraveling the truth. As they connect the dots, they realize the conspiracy involves individuals in high places with connections to the drug cartel.
- Part Five: Breakthrough – With the help of a crucial witness and new evidence, Scarpetta and her team finally uncover the identity of the real killer and their motive. They also discover that their investigation has uncovered a much larger and more sinister plot than they initially thought.
- Part Six: Resolution – As Scarpetta and her team bring the perpetrator to justice, they also unravel the entire drug smuggling network and their corrupt alliances. Scarpetta is finally exonerated and can return to her life with a newfound sense of security and confidence.
Key takeaways:
- Innocent people can be easily caught up and falsely accused in complex criminal schemes and corruption.
- Corruption and organized crime can involve multiple layers and go undetected for a long time.
- Not everyone can be trusted, even within law enforcement agencies.
- The pursuit of justice and truth often requires perseverance, bravery, and the ability to think outside the box.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Patricia Cornwell is an American crime writer and journalist. She is best known for her series of novels featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta. Cornwell has also written numerous other books, including non-fiction works, and her novels have been translated into over 30 languages. She has won multiple awards for her writing and was even awarded the Sherlock Award for Best Detective created by an American author. Cornwell has a background in journalism, forensic science, and criminal investigation, which is evident in the intricate details and accurate representation of forensic science in her books.
Target audience:
Fans of crime fiction, mystery, and thriller novels will enjoy ‘The Last Precinct (A Scarpetta Novel)’. It is also suitable for readers interested in forensics and international conspiracies.
Publisher and first publication date:
‘The Last Precinct (A Scarpetta Novel)’ was first published by Putnam on September 28, 2000. The book has since been reprinted numerous times and is readily available in most major bookstores and online retailers.