Scarpetta Novels - anybody still like this series?

I've only read one Scarpetta novel, so I can't comment on whether the overall series is going downhill. But I do notice a decline in some of the long series I've read. I think part of it is that while I'm sure she has an editor, when an author has sold as well as long as Cornwell she's pretty much free to ignore editorial comments.

Another factor may just be getting tired of the characters. When you write for a living, there's a strong motive to go back to the same series that fans are used to and pretty certain to buy. Some writers clearly go back to popular series characters to continue cashing nice paychecks after they have lost interest in the characters themselves.

It's funny you've posted this today. I was at a bookstore earlier, saw Scarpetta and asked myself if I should buy it or forget the whole series. Like you, I used to be intrigued by the love story with Bentley, loved Marino's character and wanted to see how Lucy would turn out. At this point though, I agree that the intrigue was exhausted a few years ago...