Book Review Older-42nd

Review—At Risk

Patricia Cornwell wrote At Risk. Putnam Publishing Group published the book in June 2006; there are 224 pages.

          Crime scene investigators are in every city. Winston Garano, also known as Geronimo is an investigator for the Massachusetts state police. He is currently on educational leave, for a forensics program at the Body Farm in Tennessee. His boss is beginning a new crime lab and investigative team to clear cold, un-solved cases. She calls Geronimo away from the school, using her power to manipulate him to do her bidding.

          Geronimo comes from a family with its own issues. Some of those issues are what makes him an exceptional investigator. His perceptive abilities have saved his life on several occasions. His grandmother reads tarot cards and has her own unique talents. Trouble is brewing in the Massachusetts police department at very high levels. His boss is the district attorney and she has made him a part of her At Risk team, the team that will solve old cases around the country. Is it coincidence that the case she picked is in Tennessee, or is it for distraction? While Geronimo is investigating this case, she is attacked and this leads the investigation in another direction. This situation also changes their relationship and the balance of power.

          Patricia Cornwell is well known for her Kay Scarpetta series, and this book is a shorter piece of work than usual. The characters while engaging and having potential have been written in a limited fashion. More of the mystical, gut-feeling part of investigating could have been explored in conjunction with Geronimo’s special abilities and the characters better developed. The main character has a unique relationship with his grandmother and they were the most interesting part of the book. Cornwell is a favored author but this book missed the expected intrigue and suspense she delivers regularly.