Cruel and Unusual

4 When convicted killer RonnieJoe Waddell is executed in Virginia's electric
chair, he becomes what shouldbe a routine postmortem case for Chief Medical
Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta.But after Waddell's execution, the murders continue,
as everyone connectedto him begins to die -- including a member of Scarpetta's
staff.

Then, when crucial records disappear from her files, Scarpetta comes
underfire for incompetence. Caught in a web of political intrigue, betrayed
bythose she trusted, Scarpetta must fight to free herself from murderous
insinuations-- and threats to her own life.

To save her career, Scarpetta soon finds herself retracing Waddell's
bloodyfootprints, following a trail that might lead to long-hidden secrets
deepwithin the state government. Either the truth will set her free -- or
unleashupon her a punishment both cruel and unusual.