I really don't understand what the hype is about Patricia Cornwell (sorry Mat). I'm only about a third of the way through
this book and it can only get better. Plot and characterisation are quite good. They're believeable, even if not loveable. The
plot is relatively interesting - if not a bit cliched at the moment. It's her writing style that marrs the experience. Her
rambling comma spliced sentences remind me of a high court judgment. I don't like long sentences, particularly ones that
are a paragraph long (*ahem* Liam). Even her general "pack as much information as we can into Scarpetta's thoughts even
if it seems artificial" writing gets tiring. Don't get me wrong, I love forensics. I read forensics texts for both fun and
study, but this is absurd. The descriptions and blatant use of similes seems forced - usually "it was really bright" will
suffice. I like a writer who can make my right brain work, not make my left brain cower in fear. I must admit, her writing
does get better in Portrait of a Killer.
Call me old fashioned but I'm a sucker for suspense. I love my graphic violence but I love suspense more. This is why
I'm such a fan of the Shining and even Final Destination (produced by the kings James Wong and Glen Morgan).
If you throw something poorly written (CSI) or violence with no suspense (Scream), I will laugh my
arse off. While the plot of Post Mortem is beautiful (if not a little basic at first) but any suspense or passion
is lost in the mammoth sentences. Well placed fragments and simple, impacting sentences work much better in these scenarios.
Even the thrill of the hunt and the emotions of the characters are lost to a degree. Admittedly, Eddings rambles on occasions
but it suits the style. Eddings' books are whimsical epic tales which float along. But when push comes to shove, he can still
bowl the reader over.
I suppose I'm showing my love for Deaver here. He will remain the king of forensics novels in my mind. Despite my current
objections, I will continue to read Post Mortem in the hope that it improves - and to keep Mat happy. I do intend
on adopting the phrase "Its so freudian its boring!" though.
