Point of Origin

The past comes back to haunt Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta. As she investigates the death of a woman who was killed in a mysterious fire, Scarpetta must also worry about her former adversary, the psychopathic Carrie Grethen, who has vowed revenge against Scarpetta and company. Kate Reading gives a truly emotional and gut-wrenching performance. Having portayed Scarpetta three times now, Reading knows the character and becomes her. She draws the listener into the story, enabling us to feel Scarpetta's pain and distress as she faces the most tragic moment of her life. Although the mood of the story is dark, Reading's multi-dimensional performance also captures some lighter moments between major characters Scarpetta and Marino. This is a don't-miss episode for Scarpetta fans. With Reading at the helm, listeners won't be disappointed. M.H.S. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

In Cornwell's latest installment of Kay Scarpetta's exploits to catch an insidious killer, Joan Allen captures the Virginian voices; the more youthful tones of Scarpetta's niece, Lucy; and the law enforcement characters, but she adds little emotional color. For the most highly charged scenes, Allen stays cool. Her apparent distance from the characters makes some conversations hard to follow. The producers use dramatic music to make up for gaps left by the abridgment but end up calling attention to them. Nonetheless, Cornwell can deliver compelling listening. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine