Trace

Predator (Scarpetta)
$9.99
Let me just say that while Ms. Cornwell was once one of my favorite crime novelists, this one sux. I don't need torture and hideous descriptions of child abuse to make a novel enjoyable to me. Quite the contrary. I didn't even finish this one, but turned to the end to see the outcome and then donated this hardcover book to a patient library in a nursing home. Since I bought this book at a clearance sale for $1 at Half Price Books, a used book store, there are apparently other readers who feel the same way I do about Ms. Cornwell's later works: Enuff already! Get a grip, Patricia, or you'd better start saving your huge fortune for your (enforced) retirement. JMO.

Alex Toys Draw like A Pro
$43.99
I bought this for my 8 year old son for his birthday. He just opened up all of his presents and this is the one that he wanted to try out first. I have to say, it's really cute. It doesn't come with batteries, so make sure you have 3 AA on hand. He's currently making his first drawing and it looks really good. You also have the ability to make a frog flip-book...that's what we're going to try next. This toy is alot of fun!

Trace: A Scarpetta Novel
$13.95
I love forensic science mysteries and used to be a big fan of this series. I hadn't read a Scarpetta novel in a while since the last few I read weren't as good as the earlier books in the series. I found this book at the inn where I was staying on vacation, and all I can say after reading it is that I want my money back, even though I didn't even pay for the book.

I can't help but wonder what is going on in Ms. Cornwell's life that would lead her to write such a depressing book. The formerly interesting characters are all interwound in their mopey passive-agressive codependent behavior. None of them talk to one another and instead they spend most of their time reflecting on how miserable they are. Not a fun read.

But I could overlook that if the mystery was interesting. Other than a few interesting technical explanations, the mystery is practically an afterthought. And the ending of the book dispatches the resolution of the mystery offscreen while also leaving many plot points unfinished.

Ms. Cornwell's readers, editor and publisher should demand better. There are plenty of hungry authors out there who would love to have her audience. I for one will be searching for my reading entertainment elsewhere.

Melissa & Doug Lace and Trace Pets
$9.99
Bought for Granddaughter. Amuses her for a long time she is four and enjoys the fact that she is lacing the cards.