This novel is entirely a work of fiction.
The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are
the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to
actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is
entirely coincidental.
Published by HarperCollinsPublishers
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Published by HarperCollinsPublishers 2015
Copyright © Cornwell Entertainment, Inc. 2015
Cover layout design © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2016
Cover design and photography © Henry Steadman
Patricia Cornwell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library
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Source ISBN: 9780007552498
Ebook Edition © OCTOBER 2015 ISBN: 9780007552481
Version: 2017-05-08
To Staci
LEGAL DEFINITIONS of “DEPRAVED HEART”
Void of social duty and fatally bent on mischief.
MAYES V. PEOPLE, ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT (1883)
Depraved indifference to human life.
PEOPLE V. FEINGOLD, COURT OF APPEALS OF NEW YORK (2006)
The dictate of a wicked, depraved and malignant heart;
Un disposition a faire un male chose; may be either
express, or implied in law.
WILLIAM BLACKSTONE, COMMENTARIES ON THE LAWS OF ENGLAND (1769)
Herr God, Herr Lucifer
Beware
Beware.
Out of the ash
I rise with my red hair
And I eat men like air.
SYLVIA PLATH, “LADY LAZARUS,” 1965
Contents
Legal Definitions of “Depraved Heart”