I hesitated to read this book as her recent novels were so boring, and I was right. I really couldn't get past the first few chapters. Characters are uninteresting, plot(?) is boring, and I couln't figure out where the book was going. Ms. Cornwell is just relying on her name to sell her recent books, if indeed she's really writing them. Save your money, don't buy this book and borrow it from the library like I did.

I have read many of Patricia Cornwell's books but I could not make
it through this one even if it is a short novel. It just did not hold my attention as with other books of hers. Many of the other works were the "hard to put down" books but not this particular one.

Looking forward to reading this - purchased several Cornwell books and reading them in order of date published. Excellent author!

The Front

WOULDN'T REGARD THIS AS ONE OF CORNWELL'S BETTER EFFORTS
IT'S A READ BUT NOTHING SPECTACULAR.

I thought it was just me. But when I finished the book and read the other reviews, I was relieved to learn that I wasn't the only one totally bored and not happy with this book. I also used to love everything Patricia Cornwell wrote. But this book was a huge yawn. I skimmed it just to get it over with. And I rarely do that. I don't like to give up on a book, hoping that it gets better later in the book. But this one was boring from the first page to the end.
I'm relieved I'm done with it. I'm sorry I purchased it and wasted the money. But I'm happy I can now move on to another more exciting (I can only hope) book.
I used to like the character Raggedy Ann. Takes on a whole new meaning now. :)

I have read several of the Kay Scarpetts books and liked them. This book, however, is awful. I've tried to get interested in it, but just can't. I made it to page 80 and am calling it quits! Thank goodness I got the book from the library. I would never buy anything from this author.

Very disappointing-couldnt get past the first chapter as found the characters very unappealing and uninteresting- have enjoyed the Scarpetta books but these characters dont engage my interest at all

I used to really enjoy Patricia Cornwell's work, but I got very little enjoyment out of The Front. It's a small book, more of a novella than a novel. The publisher reduced the overall size of the book and set the type with line-and-a-half spacing just to make it appear as if you're getting you're money's worth. The plot just doesn't ever develop. Without very much explanation as to how, the 40-something year old mystery is solved. Detective Win reads an old box of files from the original case and without revealing very much to the reader about what he finds in the files, he announces just what had happened. I won't be buying any more books in this series.

I am a Patricia Cornwell fan, but am finding myself questioning as of late WHY???!!! The Front was slow to start and when it did pick up speed, it faltered once again.

Though there were limited pages, it didn't captivate; forcing one to wonder if it was a rushed publication.

Nevertheless, I'm going to give Ms. Cornwell another chance with "Scarpetta" and hopefully it will allow me to continue as a fan and if not, its one less book purchased in the future.

This book was really really bad. Occasionally, I could see Cornwell's talent come through in a description, but for the most part it was not worth my time to read and certainly not worth paying full price for. Thank goodness I got it through a book club.

The plot was confusing, I'd even say non-sensical. None of the characters were sufficiently developed to make me give a hoot about them or what they do, and she never really explains why they do things in a reasonable way. More than once, I found myself thinking "WTF?" as events in the book took one silly or bizarre turn or another.

This was my first Cornwell novel, and most likely my last. Glad this was a Library book, I wouldn't have wanted to waste money on such a disappointing novel. I thought the end would tie things neatly together, but it was over so quickly I found the end very confusing. Although I could have gone back and re-read the last chapter, I couldn't put myself through it.

Am I the only person out there who just didn't get what the title of this book had to do with the story? I just keep hoping and hoping that PC will put out a good book again, and it just never happens. I didn't get it with much hope, and it was a good thing. First off, the book is not a normal sized volume; it is small, with short pages and big type with a skinny spine. What happened to the big, thick Scarpetta novels of the 90s, full of details and stories that made you want to stay up all night reading because you just couldn't put it down? Second, the story and the characters were so weak, this was like a short story from high school lit, not the kind of novel that PC used to put out. It jumped all over the place, and the events in the story just made no sense. Then instead of chapters of suspense leading up to and ending that you didn't see coming, but made so much sense, the story was just "ended" on just a couple of pages, with an ending that you're left sitting going "What?!" I probably will always read her novels because I loved them so in the 90s, but I will never spend my own money on them, so that the most I lose is my time. The only reason I finished this book was the fact that it really was only a short story. Did you ever think that a PC novel would be painful to read, and readable in just a couple of hours? It's like all the story in PC has been used up and there is nothing left in there. I hate that I now expect to be disappointed.

There is really not much to say. This book is terrible. While I was reading the first few pages I was wondering how any company could publish this. It's just annoying. This was my first and last Patricia Cornwell book.

This book is an example of the deteriorating standards of one of the finest thriller writers. The early Scarpeta books were superb but the last four or five titles have been dull, with weak plots. The main characters too have lost their spark and authenticity. The Front is not Scarpeta, but it still isn't a satisfying read

The Front
Cornwell has lost it. I borrowed this book from the library and am glad I didn't buy it. From the start of this book I couldn't find an interest in any of the charactors. The plot was not interesting. I don't know what has happened to Patricia Cornwell's writing but I have noticed her anger has begun to show through.

I was very disappointed with this book. I felt like I had wasted my money. It was not up to the author's usual quality of writing. I think she must have had a mortgage payment due or something and dashed off a quick sell, counting on her reader's loyalty to buy it. I'll keep buying her books but I sure feel ripped off with this one.

I have not had a chance to read my new books,
but they arrived in excellent condition as always.
Thank you, K

This is one of the worst books Cornwell has published. It was too short, finished too quickly (typical Cornwell), non-compelling and not thought provoking. It was an absolute zero.

I just finished "The Front" and I am still wondering why this was published. It felt like an outline that needed to be fleshed out.
I liked the characters so I gave it two stars instead of one but I felt cheated and wanted more information about everything: the people, the plot, the setting...
I hope that someday there is a full-blown novel with all of these characters, I would like to visit them again. And when I pay for a book I expect to get an actual story.
The only thing that I know for sure after reading this book is that Ms. Cornwell hates republicans, patriots and apple pie...

So far, I have read all of Cornwell's novels, and this was by far, her worst yet. I was very disappointed in both the writing and the plot, and it was only my own OCD that forced me to finish the book, as short as it was. Otherwise, the characters and storyline wouldn't have been enough to keep me interested. Very glad that I borrowed a friends, instead of buying it. Definitely not worth it. Read some of her older stuff, the last few books she's been putting out have been getting increasingly shallow.

Overall I thought this was a really good book. It's great to see Cornwell work with some new characters. She is such a great writer, and I'm glad she is demonstrating her range. The format was a little strange, but I think that is mostly because it was written as serialized fiction and not as a novel.

I look forward to reading each new book Patricia Cornwell puts out. This one was a waste of my time & money. As I plodded through the story line, I wondered when I'd find the plot, depth or usual intensity of her books. Nothing in this one. Oh well, maybe next time.

I was so disappointed in the first 25 pages of this book that I bought to read at the beach that I left it in the house we rented with a note "Only read if you aren't expecting Cornwell's regular great and intriguing personalities."

Loved her books from day one, however the last few... What is Patricia THINKING?? My first thought of this was dang this is a skinny book, the next thought was she just threw this one together and threw it out there. This one I could not even get into it, it did not hold my interest at all. I hardly ever start a book and not finish it, but this one, I closed it and could not pick it back up again. The last couple of her books "Book of the Dead" I finished that one, but wasn't jumping up and down over it, "Predator" was better but still nothing like her older work. Hopefully her next book will change my thoughts about her.. I hope.

I was so disappointed. It seems we wait forever for the next book and this one was way too short and didn't pack the usual punch we've come to expect from Patricia. I did read an article though, that mentioned how these authors are forced to write one book per year and that may be what happened here.

I feel sorry for anyone who paid good money for this book (I use my local library.) What a waste of time this latest Cornwell is! It's sad that one who was an excellent crime writer, a master in detail, has sunk to the level of downright boring. It's an insult to the reader and to herself. Why did I read it? Because I keep hoping she'll find herself and produce something worthwhile again. Why is she still being published? Doesn't her Publisher get the picture? Surely no one buys her books anymore. Don't bother with this one. Terrible!!!

Just finished reading Patricia Cornwell's new book "The Front". I absolutely loved it. As usual Ms. Cornwell does not disappoint. Her knowledge of everything from food to forensics is amazing. As with most of her books, once I start reading, the plot pulls me in to a place where I cannot put the book down. The setting of Harvard and Cambridge was also an added plus. Loved this book!

I just forced myself to finish "the front". I found it to be filled with undeveloped characters and plot. Good book to read if you have trouble falling asleep.

I don't have the time to go into all of the ways that this excuse for a novel does not work on the most basic levels. Here are a few: plot, character development, the ability to draw the reader into the "willing suspension of disbelief" that is necessary for fiction to work.

The characters are not believable. It is jarring to be asking yourself every few pages why somebody would ever do what they are doing. The entire cast of characters cannot be psychotic. There has to be some coherent reason for what they say and do. There is a strained connection to New Scotland Yard that is supposed to be a major plot prop, yet makes no sense at all.

The next time I have a choice between buying a Cornwell book or buying 5 or 6 gallons of gas? Fill 'er up!

This is a stupid boring book. I figured it would be a fast-read with some entertainment value but it was only a fast read. I didn't even care what happened at the end. Doubt I'll try Cornwell again.

Terrible book! What has happened to Patricia Cornwell? She hasn't written anything worth reading in years. The book is UNREADABLE. Couldn't get through it, and considering it is only 180 pages in faily large font on small pages, that is pretty bad. The story wanders aimlessly with no direction or plot. No one really knows any of the characters or really cares. Years ago I used to look foward to the release of a new Cornwell novel, now after her last few pieces of garbage I could care less.

So let's see... how many chi-chi brand names can we pack into the pages, in between the interactions of the obnoxious (but exquisitely beautiful) DA, the wimpy (but incredibly handsome) state cop, the tough (but good hearted) municipal cop, and the bit cast of the ruthless governor, the FBI (including the ghost of J. Edgar himself), Scotland Yard, the wise old forensics expert, the Mafia, and the hapless victim (did I leave anybody out?) all wrapped up into a ludicrous plot?

I keep buying Patricia Cornwell books hoping for the author who wrote such great books like the Body Farm. The book was very short (i should have checked the page count before i purchased) and not all that interesting. This might be the last book i buy that's written by her.

On a side note, i'm half way through the book Twisted by Andrea Kane - if you like the older Cornwell books, i highly recommend Twisted instead.

I loved this book because Patricia Cornwell is one of my favorite authors. It really helps if you've read her former book At Risk which I read last year because the main characters are the same. Some of my friends were disapointed that Kay Scarpetta was not part of the story, but I think she has started a fresh new area to offer her readers. Her style is the same that holds your attention and leads you through the mystery.

Okay, I thought I'd give Cornwell's new plotlines a shot, got both "At Risk" and "The Front" from the library. I really didn't care for any of the characters in the first book and only read "The Front" 1) because I already had it for free, and 2) to see if it turned out any better, i.e;, if Win grew a spine and if Monique finally got what she deserved...no such luck. What a waste of my time...I agree with another reviewer's comment about James Patterson not being alone in cranking out sub-par pages just to get a buck.

I completely agree with the other reviewers! Ms. Cornwell does so much better in other novels! I bought this because of her name and I was very disappointed. Thank goodness it is only about 180 pages because I was getting really turned off that I was wasting my time! I RARELY don't like a book, but this was a real disappointment.

This was a quick read. Although I enjoyed the story, this is not even a close resemblance to the other Cornwell novels. The story gets confusing, and the background history of the characters is unclear. The background is important to the story, but is glossed over. Hopefully, the next Win Garano story will be better. Until then, bring Kay Scarpetta back!

What has happened to Cornwell's writing? This could maybe have been a good story, but so short and underdeveloped. Bring Scarpetta and her team back before all of them had so many personal issues (pre-Predator). I was once a great fan of Cornwell and read everything she wrote, but have become increasingly disenchanted.

What the heck happened to Patricia Cornwell?? Does she really need money fast? This book had potential--then it was over. No explanation, just the last page. The story was weak and was not explained or followed through. The characters, other than Win and Monique were weak and confused and used and thrown away. She isn't what she used to be....I give up on her. I used to be a big fan.....big disappointment...on all her books as of lately.

The Front is the second novella (short novel) following At Risk by Patricia Cornwell. This series unlike the Scarpetta series is more of a fast paced, page turner that is great for summer or on the go reading.
That being said, this book is not lacking in character development or complexity. It is just a shorter story which combines and old crime with a current one. The characters are unique and I enjoyed their relationships as well as the main story. Highly recommended.

We want Scarpetta back. Cornwell has lost her magic. This was a total waste of a read. Only because I personally refuse to not finish what I started did I complete this doomed tomb.

Am I getting Alzheimer's or is this book going nowhere? Ms. Cornwell, can you please start writing good books again? I miss them.

It took a lot to get into this book. I had to go back a couple of times to see if I remembered correctly, but further on in the book, it became very interesting. Maybe all of Cornwell's are like this. It was my first book by this author.

This latest book by Patricia Cornwell is hopefully an introduction to both characters and storylines we will have the priviledge of getting to know more deeply in later novels. The main characters are authentic and complex, and the sub-plots are plentiful. I believe this novel just scrapes the surface of some great reading ahead. I read it very quickly and was left definitely wanting more... Many of the minor characters are interesting and have a lot of potential as well (ie Stump, Raggedy Ann, etc...) While the book is brief, it is loaded with substance. Geronimo, the nickname of the main "good guy", is endearing and intelligent, and seems to have layers we have just caught glimpses of thus far. He seemed "real" in the same good way that Scarpetta has always been. This novel was different from many of Cornwell's novels in that it does not have that certain brutality and rawness for which the Scarpetta novels are famous. It was much more intellectual, as opposed to eliciting mental imagery that some readers cannot cope with. I enjoyed this book very much and can't wait for the next installment!

This is without a doubt the worst fiction I have ever read. Characters are very poorly developed and plots go wildly nowhere and do not seem to be related to anything. I finished the book and had no idea what the story line was. I have enjoyed many earlier books by Patricia Cornwell but this book does not seem to be written by the same person.

The murder happened in 1962. On April fourth of that year in Watertown, Massachusetts, Janie Brolin was killed. Janie was blind and spending a year in the United States away from her home in Great Britain. It was never solved and District Attorney Monique Lamont has decided Massachusetts State Police Investigator Win Gerano is going to solve it. He should want to. After all, she believes that the case was the first murder committed by the notorious Boston strangler.

She sees the case as a "drama" to be played out in the media and ultimately solved because she made it happen. Not only will solving the case be a huge media public relations event for her, it will be a slap in the face of local law enforcement in the area that has formed an organization called "Front." The acronym stands for "Friends, Resources, Officers, Networking Together" and currently has sixty departments sharing resources, man power, etc in an effort to bypass the state police for funding, equipment, technical expertise, etc. It is politics pure and simple and D.A Monique Lamont is shoving Win down the local cop's throats whether or not they like it and the case is going to be solved. Period.

This novel is a sequel to the novel "At Risk" which first introduced the characters involved. While the events that happened in that novel could have easily caused this sequel to have depth, author Patrica Cornwell has continued to make the series as lean and as shallow as possible. Therefore, what could have led to deep character development instead is given short shrift because readers are often told about character emotions, needs and wants, but the characters never come alive for the reader. Multiple secondary storylines are given the barest of detail, discarded quickly, only to be left hanging, or quickly concluded at the of the novel depriving the reader of a meaningful read.

The reader is left with a short book at 180 pages driven relentlessly forward by the twin themes of political rage and an old murder case. Like the issue of character development, both themes could have been developed significantly and weren't. The result is a read that while interesting and fast moving so that the reader continues to turn pages, it disappointingly has zero depth and isn't worthy of much attention.

Kevin R. Tipple (copyright) 2008

This book continues the story of characters from At Risk. They are still interesting characters, with a poorly developed story. D.A. Monique Lamont sends Win Garano to a declining neighborhood to bring attention to the DA's office by solving an old case. The case becomes more complicated because the neighborhood is also the home for the Front, a group of law enforcement agencies working together. Win becomes friend with one of these cops. He solves the old mystery, but by then you really don't care.

I was disappointed in this Cornwell book. It didn't flow evenly like her past books. I felt some information was left out, like this was written too quickly. I will still buy her books and hope for the best.

This book continues the story of characters from At Risk. They are still interesting characters, with a poorly developed story. D.A. Monique Lamont sends Win Garano to a declining neighborhood to bring attention to the DA's office by solving an old case. The case becomes more complicated because the neighborhood is also the home for the Front, a group of law enforcement agencies working together.

I agree with others who rated this book a one. Actually, one is too generous. The plot is weak and convoluted. It did not have any order and was not cohesive. I found it very confusing and one of the worst books I have ever read (and I'm a big reader). Patricia Cornwell has been "up and down" over the past few years. Some of the latest Scarpetta novels have been good, but others have been a disappointment. I used to automatically purchase Cornwell books, but not anymore.