Facing the Death Penalty: Essays on a Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Anything by Radelet on the death penalty is very valuable. HOWEVER, the one review of this book on this page is not for this book at all. It is for Cruel and Unusual Punishment by Patricia Cornwell. Please put the review in the right place.

Suspense, rushing adrenaline, and edge of your seat surprises are the feelings you get from reading Cruel and Unusual Punishment. Patricia Cornwell is one of many good mystery authors who takes you through the book as if you don't what it to end and keeps you turning the pages throughout the night. This novel is full of mystery and excitement, suspense and drama. Every detail mentioned in the book must be taken into consideration - you never know when it will be important to the case. This heart-racing story takes place in Virginia involving one dead suspect, and many unanswered questions. Lieutenant Pete Marino and Dr. Kay Scarpetta were convinced that the cold-hearted killer was taken care of after Ronnie Joe Waddell was pronounced dead in the electric chair at 11:05 PM. "The dead can't hurt you," Kay once stated as suspicion arose. But what if the dead aren't dead - little did they know that their problems were just beginning. They were then faced with another baffling crime involving thirteen-year-old Eddie Heath. Finding his nude (though not dead), grotesquely wounded body propped against a dumpster, after his trip to the convenience store, added a new twist to the case. The two events, seemingly unrelated, were discovered strikingly similar after Marino remembered how Waddell arranged his victim (propped sitting up naked). The crimes scenes left few clues: old bloodstains, fragments of a feather, and - most baffling - a bloody fingerprint which leads Scarpetta to a dead end. Her suspect Ben Stevens was later found unable to commit the crime because of favorable evidence. With the help of her computer whiz niece Lucy, and her forensic expertise, Kay was later able to corner and trap the devious murderer. Uncovering shocking secrets (like discovering corrupt bargains and intentions within the police department) and putting both her and Eddie in danger by her investigations, she was determined and finally successful. The unveiling of the wicked, psychotic killer leaves you breathless and astonished. As Kay's co-worker pointed out, "I have to admit, it's eerie as hell" and I agree. Cornwell does an excellent job with this mystery, confirming her extraordinary range and power as a prizewinning author. Patricia Cornwell's Cruel and Unusual leaves a lasting impression in your mind. If you pick this book up once, you won't put it down - guaranteed. Cornwell's purpose in this book is to leave you on the edge of your seat and keep you there until the end. She achieves her goal by including page after page of suspense and non-stop surprises (such as the new killer and his inside involvement). This book is a tough act to follow, but she never ceases to shock and amaze - the Scarpetta series is one of the best. Cruel and Unusual is heads and tales above the rest, full of intensity and breath-taking conclusions - it can't be beat.