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  • Cruel and Unusual

  • The Scarpetta Series, Book 4
  • By: Patricia Cornwell
  • Narrated by: Lorelei King
  • Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (356 ratings)

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Cruel and Unusual cover art

Cruel and Unusual

By: Patricia Cornwell
Narrated by: Lorelei King
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Summary

When convicted killer Ronnie Joe Waddell is executed in Virginia’s electric chair, he becomes what should be a routine postmortem case for Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta. But after Waddell’s execution the murders continue, as everyone connected to him begins to die - including members of Scarpetta’s staff.

Then, when crucial records disappear from her files, Scarpetta comes under fire for incompetence. Caught in a web of political intrigue and betrayed by those she trusted, Scarpetta must fight to free herself from murderous insinuations and threats to her own life.

To save her career, Scarpetta soon finds herself retracing Waddell’s bloody footprints, following a trail that might lead to long-hidden secrets deep within the state government. Either the truth will set her free…or unleash upon her a punishment both cruel and unusual.

©1993 Patricia Cornwell (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

What listeners say about Cruel and Unusual

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good!

Although the narrator was in excellent form, Kay Scarpetta, to me, is terrific in her work; but awfully dull, in her social life.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing storyline - great narration

Loved this installment of the Scarpetta series. This isn’t the first time I have listened to this book and it won’t be the last!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Patricia Cornwell does it again

All I can say is that this is book is an excellent read, and Lorelei King makes the whole story come alive to the point that its like having a movie in your head. Will definitely be looking for more.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exquisite detail and performance

Loved it ! as with all of Patricia cornwell books , could not put it down or stop listening , great storyline and gripping, and the narration is amazing 100% yet again given by Lorelei king, on to the next book , please can we get miss king to complete the collection as some books are narrated so differently it's difficult to change narrators when do used to the one doing most already.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Cruel and Unusual

A riveting storyline. Never a dull moment full of twists and turns and there was a great lineup of characters. terrific read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent narration, brilliant characters

Another winner from Patricia. Interesting developments in Kay Scarpetta’s life. One of the best narrators around. Well done Lorelei as well.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant





As with all Patricia cornwell books it had everything and did not disappoint

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

easy story to follow

its was a great listen, not too much techical computer terminology with lucy in the story so i could understand what had been done in the storyline.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous as usual

Great storyline, a little different from the others I’ve read, had me anxious time for what may happen to the lead character, can’t wait to hear the next.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another great Scarpetta

A great read and performance. The story is read well with characters well defined, I’m much preferring the vocal style given to the older Lucy 😊

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