Scarpetta, by Patricia Cornwell

I just finished reading the latest Patricia Cornwell novel, Scarpetta. I have been a big fan of Cornwell, especially of her series featuring forensic specialist, Dr. Kay Scarpetta. But this book is not as enjoyable or as satisfying as earlier books in the series.

In this book the star and title character is the target of a narcissistic serial killer that has infiltrated the NYPD. The story was much easier to predict than other books in the series. But on top of that the undercurrent of emotions going on between the heroine and her most special relationships was not as compelling as in some of the other books.

While I am not about to give up on Cornwell, it was a disappointing read.

Evacuate or Else!!!!!

I just heard an announcement that the State of Texas will implement a new law effective September 1. It provides authority to arrest any citizen who refuses a mandatory evactuation notice, such as the ones issued last fall when Hurricane Ike was about to hit our area.

There are always some people who ignore the warnings, at their own peril. There are still some bodies missing from the storm surge Ike brought. The proponents of the law point to the dangers to rescue people in the midst of the storms when the stragglers change their minds. No doubt there is a danger. And perhaps arrest might save lives of those so foolish as to stay in the face of danger.

Still I wonder about such a law. What do you think?