
Member Reviews

In this installment of the Scarpetta series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself in a Northern Virginia wilderness examining the remains of two campers wanted by federal law enforcement.
The victims have been savaged beyond recognition, and other evidence is terrifying and baffling, including a larger-than-life footprint.
I've read the Scarpetta books for years but over time I have found Scarpetta less and less likable and haven't always liked the direction of the characters especially the out of character things with her niece Lucy. I can't help but think this series has run it's course. Because of that I just did not enjoy this as I did books earlier in the series.
Thanks to @netgalley and Grand Central Publishing for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Here is yet another fabulous thriller by a very talented author. I can't get enough of her books. This one was just as thrilling and intriguing as the last one. Kay is one of my very favorite characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading elaborate thrillers.

I've read every Kay Scarpetta book written. I like the addition of Lucy to these stories but this one had a very strange version of Marino where he was obsessive about Bigfoot! Otherwise a good story but it just had me disturbed.

Unnatural Death is the 27th book in the Kay Scarpetta series. It involves the usual amount of mysterious death that Scarpetta is called upon to solve. Flown into the Northern Virginia wilderness by her niece to examine the remains of two campers wanted by federal law enforcement, Scarpetta quickly discovers that the situation is dangerous.
In this formulaic novel, there is not much different here than the previous few books by this author. There is really not much more that Patricia Cornwell can do with the characters, as there is no more development to be had. I have read all of the novels in the series and I can say that Kay Scarpetta is a shell of her former self. All of her strengths have disappeared and Kay is now a withering vine instead of a hearty desert rose. With all of her federal connections, I cannot understand how Kay does not stand up to her critics with head held high.
Readers new to the series should read the first dozen novels and see the true Kay Scarpetta. Unnatural Death is a quick read, but an average one.
I was given an advanced copy of the book by NetGalley and the publisher. The decision to read and review Unnatural Death was my own.

Patricia Cornwell's "Unnatural Death," the 27th installment in her Kay Scarpetta series, delivers a gripping and refreshingly innovative thriller that showcases the author's mastery of the genre. Set in the wilderness of Northern Virginia, the novel follows Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she investigates the brutal murders of two campers, Huck and Brittany Manson.
Cornwell's strength lies in her ability to craft an intricate, suspenseful plot that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The author skillfully weaves together elements of forensic investigation, cutting-edge technology, and geopolitical intrigue, creating a multi-layered mystery that challenges both Scarpetta and the reader.
The novel excels in its atmospheric tension, with Cornwell vividly describing the eerie wilderness crime scene and the challenges of retrieving the victims' bodies. The author's attention to forensic detail, a hallmark of the series, is on full display, providing authenticity to the investigation.
Character development remains a strong point, with Scarpetta's relationships with her niece Lucy, investigator Pete Marino, and husband Benton Wesley adding depth to the narrative. The inclusion of Marino's Bigfoot obsession provides moments of levity in an otherwise tense story.
Cornwell takes risks with this installment, presenting Scarpetta as uncharacteristically bewildered by the case. This vulnerability adds a new dimension to the protagonist and aligns her experience more closely with that of the reader.
While the complex plot may challenge new readers, longtime fans will appreciate the fresh approach and unexpected twists. The novel's pacing is generally strong, though some reviewers noted a rushed feeling in the final quarter.
"Unnatural Death" proves that even after 27 books, Cornwell can still surprise and enthrall her audience. It's a must-read for fans of the series and a solid entry point for newcomers to the world of Kay Scarpetta.

I have been an fan of Kaye Scarpetta since her inception! At novel 27 in the series, it's just gotten mundane, too detail driven and the book just doesn't have the same punch that earlier iterations used to have. While I don't want the series to end, I do think it needs to get some new life breathed into it. It's been doing the same thing for so long, it just needs a new twist.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others.

#UnnaturalDeath #NetGalley
A fun read.
Two mauled bodies in the woods. Top secret autopsies. The most chilling cases of Scarpetta’s career. In this thrilling new installment of Patricia Cornwell’s #1 bestselling Scarpetta series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself in a Northern Virginia wilderness examining the remains of two campers wanted by federal law enforcement. The victims have been savaged beyond recognition, and other evidence is terrifying and baffling, including a larger-than-life footprint. After one of the most frightening body retrievals of her career, Scarpetta must discover who would commit murders this savage, and why.
Go for it. It's Awesome.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me an advance copy.

Two campers are found murdered and the evidence points to an assignation by an unnatural entity, possibly “Big Foot”. Kay Scarlett’s and her side kick Marino set out to discover who committed these savage murders.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. I love Cornwell and Dr Scarpetta and was thrilled to get this early copy. The storyline was a bit gruesome but helped made this one heck of a thrill ride. The characters are so well drawn and help move this story along. Highly recommend

Chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself in a Northern Virginia wilderness examining the remains of two campers wanted by federal law enforcement. The victims have been savaged beyond recognition, and other evidence is terrifying and baffling, including a larger-than-life footprint. After one of the most frightening body retrievals of her career, Scarpetta must discover who would commit murders this savage, and why. I never tire of this series and each one always seems to surpass the previous one. Sadly I always read them in one day and its a long wait for the next!

Kay Scarpetta is back. Two mauled bodies are found in the woods. Kay must now preform two top secret autopsies. Kay's niece is also involved. The victims are beyond recognition,,they are speculating as to who they are only because the fbi has had them under survalance .Could this be a terrible person from Kay's past. What is going on? thanks netgalley

Another great book by Patricia Cornwell featuring the familiar and beloved characters I'm so familiar with. Great story, lots of intrigue and impeccable writing. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. Recommended.

For a while, Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series had gotten offtrack. In the last installment, it felt back where it needed to be. The plot kept my interest and there were some interesting twists and turns. I think anyone who likes a good investigation and medical forensics will enjoy the book.

Unnatural Death is a cutting edge thriller. Technology is at play that causes the reader to wonder if the killer is even human. I enjoyed this book, but as someone that has read all of the previous books in this series, I miss the way Cornwell told a story at the beginning. Her early books were focused on the victims, perpetrators and forensics that help solve the crime. Now her books are focused on Kay and her family and their dynamics at home and work.

Patricia Cornwell never disappoints. Her newest book, Unnatural Death, finds Dr. Kay Scarpetta teamed up with her detective partner Marino, her FBI agent niece Lucy and her FBI agent husband, Benton investigating the horrific deaths of a husband and wife team suspected of cybercrimes.
While a bit of a slow starter, soon you are engrossed in the techno Lucy stuff that is her thing, the autopsy details that Dr. Scarpetta shares, sometimes in too much detail, and the bickering that goes back and forth between Marino and Lucy. The story fleshes out with suspected Russian and Chinese ties, embedded micro chips, and even Bigfoot clues.
Fans of Kay Scarpetta will enjoy getting cozy with this new read.
Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to read Cornwell’s new book.

In the past I’ve always enjoyed this series but this one was a little bland and cookie cutter formula for me. Too much in depth descriptions of helicopters and equipment instead of more storyline. Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review

While I will always love the characters that are in every Scarpetta novel, the plot development and how Unnatural Death unfolds is not as detailed and interesting as it once was. She also spends a lot of time building the story, then wraps things up way too quickly and hurriedly in a few final chapters. I appreciate the ARC and will purchase this book for our library.

Many years ago, as a young adult, I read my first Kay Scarpetta book. That book revived my love for reading as an adult.
In this installment of this Scarpetta novel, we have Kay Scarpetta, Pete Marino, and Lucy who go out to a crime scene where campers were savagely murdered.
The hairs on the back of the terrors trios been begin to stand when they realize just who these campers are. In the surface, the couple looks like they were store owners when in reality, they were criminals who happened to be being investigated by none other than Kay's FBI husband Benton Wesley.
This book was riveting and had me glued to the book as I moved throughout my house getting things done.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

I'm enjoying every book that Patricia Cornwall pens, my only concern is that the evil Carrie really needs to die. It's gone on too long. Every thing else about her book is superb. Thank you Patricia Cornwell for the years of entertainment.