Title: Cornwall has some fun doing something different
Product review: It's clear that fans of Patricia Cornwall's boilerplate Scarpetta mysteries are not comfortable with *Southern Cross*, which represents a very different sort of book. Cornwall has written a tongue-in-cheek farce that builds it appeal on the basis of its satirical excesses and goofy characters more than on the intricacy or plausability of its plot. Personally, I think it works overall, and I enjoyed the ride through its 380 pages of silliness. Whereas die-hard Scarpetta devotees apparently turn up their noses at *Southern Cross*, those who enjoy the mystery-with-humor subgenre exemplified by the works of Carl Hiaasen should consider giving this book a try.
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