Book summary

When a mysterious Belgian cargo ship arrives at Richmond's Deep Water Terminal carrying the horrifically decomposed body of a stowaway, forensic expert Dr. Kay Scarpetta is called upon to solve the mystery. Suspense builds when initial tests fail to determine the identity of the corpse or the cause of death. Using the victim's personal belongings and puzzling tattoo as her guides, Scarpetta begins an international hunt for information that takes her to Lyon, Paris, and finally back to Virginia, where she must decide if she will take on a mission likely to not only ruin her career but put those she loves in mortal danger.

Media reviews

"As gripping as you'd expect, but overstuffed with story-lines and quite exceptionally paranoid. More threat and menace than even a senior pathologist can handle....Valium may soon be required before reading."