Another great mystery thriller from Patricia Cornwell centered on Dr. Kay Scarpetta, Chief Medical Examiner for the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is one of the top forensic pathologists in the country. In Identity Unknown, her good friend and past lover, Sal Giovani, Nobel laureate and astrophysicist, is discovered dead near the abandoned Oz theme park lying in a crop circle of apple blossom petals. The site is ninety miles from where his truck has plunged off the road and found halfway down the mountain in a ravine. with no one inside It is determined that Sal, whose career was spent trying to make contact with Extra-Terrestrials, had been jettisoned from a low flying unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP).. Kay is also working on another case involving the death of Luna, seven year old child of billionaire Ryder Briley and his wife Piper. The parents claim that Luna accidentally shot herself. Kay determines that there was child abuse involved as well as murder. Together with Pete Marino, former Captain in the Richmond Police Department, now head of investigation for Kay, and Benton Wesley, Kay’s husband, an FBI profiler and forensic psychologist, they attempt to resolve the two cases. Lucy Fariinelli, Kay’s niece, a US Secret Service agent and helicopter pilot, is also assigned to the case. What was Sal working on at the time of his death? Who else is involved in Sal’s death and is Luna’s death linked to his?
There are plenty of forensic clues for Cornwell fans as well as autopsy descriptions. The story has twists and turns and is not predictable. The characters have been well developed over time and, other than Marino, have evolved and become more interesting. I did find it odd and unrealistic that Kay and Marino go off alone together to retrace Sal’s path for the months before his death. The FBI and Secret Service are not involved at the conclusion of the investigation until the two, finding the clues that they all should have been following, necessitates Kay reaching out to Benton for help.
It’s a good mystery and a worthwhile read with plenty of action for both fans of the series as well as newcomers.

Patricia Cornwell once again delivers a masterclass in suspense with Identity Unknown. This latest installment in the Kay Scarpetta series is a gripping exploration of the complexities of human nature and the unyielding pursuit of truth.

Cornwell’s ability to blend intricate forensic details with a compelling narrative is unparalleled. The discovery of Sal Giordano, a former lover turned close friend, at the center of a bizarre crime scene sets the stage for a mind-bending investigation. As Scarpetta delves deeper, the case takes on an otherworldly quality, leaving readers questioning reality itself.

What sets this novel apart is Cornwell's masterful character development. Scarpetta's emotional depth is palpable as she grapples with grief and the enigmatic nature of the case. The supporting cast, including her niece Lucy, adds layers of intrigue and tension.

Identity Unknown is a testament to Cornwell’s enduring talent. It's a thrilling ride that keeps readers guessing until the final, satisfying conclusion. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will be captivated by this thought-provoking and expertly crafted novel.

I always look forward to the new Scarpetta adventures. I.n this action packed journey that leads
Kay to the death of a long ago lover, the horrific murder of a little girl and the return of a nemesis
who is likely behind the entire jaw dropping murderous savagery, everyone finds secrets they
hoped would never come to light. Kay and Marino find themselves a bit out of the FBI loop as
they are taken to a special lab for the post mortem of a man with whom Kay had a short
relationship with when she was teaching in Italy. To ‘get over’ another love, who is now her
much beloved husband, Benton, who finds himself insecure for just a moment. As the story
unfolds, everyone with hurt feelings manages to patch things back in place. While away from
her office, the devil plays. A powerful family try desperately to prevent Kay from accurately
reporting the cause of death of a child, using sabotage of the Medical Examiner Office, and
terrorizing the folks guarding the building. The final act is the role played by the horrible
Carrie, who is going to turn out to be more involved than I first thought, and who might
have gotten away once more!
I read this book in record time, and kept the lights on! I highly recommend it!
My thanks to Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley for the download of this
book for review purposes.

Anyone who follows the Kay Scarpetta Series by bestselling author Patricia Cornwell will want to immediately pick up the 18th novel in the popular series, Identity Unknown. Kay is doing an autopsy on the young child of a billionaire who supposedly shot herself accidentally and brings out her suspicions of child abuse when she is called to an abandoned theme park when the body of one of her old friends, Sal Giordano, an award winning scientist, has been found. Things are very suspicious, and Kay’s niece, Lucy is involved and thinks his body was dumped from an alien spacecraft. The usual characters, including Pete Marino and Kay’s husband Benton, are involved in the investigation of this top secret case. Luckily, Kay keeps a straight head in her investigation.

It is so nice to read about favorite characters who have evolved through years of excellent Kay Scarpetta novels, with Kay and supporting characters evolving like our friends in real life. Kay and Benton are still happily married, and Marino is now married to Kay’s selfish sister (Lucy’s mother). The characters are so real, readers who have followed the series will feel like they are reading about their best friends. Cornwell is an accomplished writer and has been able to develop her characters like almost no other author. She is also a fabulous storyteller, winding her tales with unexpected twists and turns, and an unexpected dénouement. Cornwell is a master storyteller and builds suspense like no other.

It is suggested that readers start with the early novels to fully enjoy Kay Scarpetta, Benton, Moreno, and Lucy at their best, but this novel does give enough background that it is readable on its own. As always, Patricia Cornwell novels are excellent and this one is no exception. Highly recommended.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Kaye is devestated by the loss of a colleague. At the same time she is investigating the suspicious death of a young girl. This is a good addition to the series but it could be read as a stand alone. There is a great cast of characters , plenty of suspense and a good plot. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

Another exciting and well written novel in the Scarpetta series. Full of action, interesting science and looks into sophisticated modern technology as Cornwell is always keeping the reader up on. Writing- and pacing-wise as good as most of her books. I do have two gripes however. First, while the series has evolved over the years from forensic mystery to thriller to political/techno-thriller, these past couple of books have devolved into sensationalist stories. The last book included Bigfoot, this one heavily talks UFOs. Second, I'm tired of the series having Carie Gretchen as the psychopathic villain still hell bent on getting revenge on Scarpetta and, Lucy and the lot, and being nigh unstoppable. In dozens of Sherlock Holmes stories Moriarity only actually appeared in two while being mentioned in three others. It's time to get on with original stories and nemeses. I'm at a point where I'm not sure how much interest I have in reading more of this series despite how much I generally enjoy Cornwell's writing.

This is the newest installment of the Kay Scarpetta series. I usually enjoy these but the latest ones have been hit or miss. Identity Unknown had a different feel to it. First, it felt like Kay was reminiscing about her past through out the book. This was interesting and informative for those who haven’t read her books before and a nice reminder for those of us who have. Second, I felt like at times she was just trying to meet a word count. Her books usually have more action and less fluff. Third, the UFO factor in this plot line seemed a little unusual for Cornwell but I did think it added a little new twist to her story line.

Overall, an enjoyable read if a little slow at times. It works well as a stand alone. I enjoyed the story line of her former love affair in Italy. I think you see a different side of Scarpetta. However, I must say, I’m tired of the Carrie Gretchen character. It’s time to move on. Over all , definitely worth the read.

I loved it! I enjoyed it just like I expected to because Scarpetta, Lucy and Marino are an incredible team with fierce loyalties. Every book is reliably action packed, dangerous, instructional and a bit nostalgic. I especially enjoy dinner time. Great author!

When Dr. Kay Scarpetta learns that her former lover, Sal Giordano, was found dead in an abandoned theme park, her niece quickly flies her to the park to retrieve his body. They were shocked to find him lying naked on the ground with a circle of petals surrounding his body.
Lucy immediately suspects that his body was dropped from an unidentified flying craft of some type and that forces from another universe may be responsible for his death. Scarpetta is not convinced that is the case and as she begins her investigation into more earthly sources surrounding his death, she soon finds herself entangled in a web of evil that threatens her own life.

I have been reading the Kay Scarpetta books from the beginning, my mom and sister and I passed them around from the time I was a teenager. The last handful have not been my favorites, because the story has seemed to feature Lucy, technology and the military so much more. Every time I read one I thought, maybe this will be the last, maybe I’ve outgrown them. I can never resist reading the next one when it comes out though.

Identity Unknown has rekindled my interest in reading Cornwell’s series. I live in NC and when I read the part in the synopsis involving the abandoned OZ amusement park, I knew I had to read it. The park is here in NC, in a beautiful part of our mountains, and not abandoned. I was a little disappointed that it was moved to Virginia for the purposes of this book though, haha.

The story was engrossing and a quick read, with less technological explanations to slow it down. The murder of a child, and the description of its act later in the book, was hard. As this book once again features Carrie Grethren, and she’s mixed up with these murderers, I feel sure they will all be back in the future. Their story doesn’t feel quite wrapped up at the end of the book. I have to wonder, WHEN WILL CARRIE FINALLY BE GONE?

Thanks to Patricia Cornwell and Grand Central Publishing for providing this ARC through NetGalley!

Kay Scarpetta is back in her 27th book. This time she is summoned to an abandoned theme park to retrieve the body of someone she once loved. She is given little information as she is summoned by the Secret Service and her daughter Lucy. Upon arrival the body is found on the yellow brick road of an abandoned Oz theme park, surrounded by apple flower petals and his skin is an awkward red color. The body appears to have been dropped from the sky and an unidentified flying aircraft was detected around the area at the time of death. Upon further autopsy Kay discovers this body is somehow connected to another of her cases she is working. How do they relate and who or what could be behind these deaths.

Patricia Cornwell does a great job of painting the scene through her words. Right from the start of the novel she drops you right into the morgue and an autopsy and it feels like you are standing right next to Scarpetta has she performs this autopsy. Her characters have been well developed overtime and continue to grow with each novel. The novel similar to other Scarpetta novels is a fairly fast paced and easy read that keeps you guessing until the end with different twists and turns, along with new evidence being found.

This is definitely one of her better novels and would recommend to other fans of the Scarpetta series.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Another visit with Dr Scarpetta,Benton, Lucy and the gang. They investigate the death of a young child and also that of an old friend of Kay's. Question is are they connected? Love the mystery and intrigue of these stories

I'm a huge Kay Scarpetta fan. This book was riveting. I couldn't put it down! The end was the best!!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

Dr. Scarpetta is devastated to learn of the death of a man she once loved. The scene was bizarre leading to Dr. Scarpetta’s niece Lucy to consider an unidentified flying craft. She finds her old friend left her a clue and she is determined to figure out what it means. Is it aliens or something closer?

This was my first ever book I read from Patricia Cornwall, but I was able to feel in the blanks and connect with the characters. The mention of aliens multiple times threw me, but in the end all of the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.

Thank you to Patricia Cornwall, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have always enjoyed Kay Scarpetta and her group. However, these last couple of books have kind of dragged for me. There isn't one person that's really happy. And honestly, it gets a little old. Everyone is serious, or angry, or jealous. Common themes that people can't seem to get past. It jst feels like the story is stuck and not really advancing. That being said, there was no doubt that I was going to finish this book. And I will definitely stick with her, hoping there's some movement in the next book.

Thank you to Net Galley and Grand Central Publishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

@1pcornwell had leveled up again when I didn't think her books could possibly get any better! I read this book in 48 hours. I couldn't put it down. Book 28 is definitely my favorite in the series.

Scarpetta and Benton are trying to lead a normal life after the big scare last fall when a known enemy resurfaces. All is well until Scarpetta is called to a child's scene where she suspects the well-known parents may be involved. Just as she finishes her exam, she gets a call that shakes her to her core.

Her long-time friend from her early career and once her partner for a summer has been found murdered. Lucy is ready to escort Scarpetta and Marino to Oz while Scarpetta attempts to control and push down her emotions. She has to keep it professional no matter what and especially since this will be all part of the Secret Service.

What she finds at the scene is bone chilling, and just when you think it can't get any more creepy, cue the cheetah! Yes, you read that right. Scarpetta is faced with solving this murder with Benton, Lucy, Tron, and Marino, and she just can't shake that feeling that their old enemy holds the key to the answers.

It has been my dream to review an ARC copy of @1pcornwell 's books, and I can't believe I get to cross this off my bucket list. Thank you to @netgalley , @1pcornwell , and @grandcentralpub for making my dream a reality!

This was fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it and didn’t want to put it down. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC!

When a body is dropped from a mysterious flying vehicle into a creepy abandoned amusement park, the victim is someone close to Dr. Kay Scarpetta. She has just completed an autopsy on a young child who may have been murdered by her rich, loathsome parents when she is called on a secret mission with Marino and her Secret Service niece, Lucy, to retrieve the body. That sets off a trail of mystery, danger and the involvement of all the latest technology available.

This is the 28th in the series featuring Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta and her supporting cast. I used to read these books faithfully and then abandoned them for some years. I came back for the 25th and now this one.

I have always enjoyed the characters. If you are a fan of this series, you will welcome a new addition. It will keep readers wondering what the heck is going on. A bit over the top, it is a fast, engrossing read, except for some of the geologically technical information.

What a treat to be back with Scarpetta and her friends and family (and also an old nemesis). The story was engaging and, for those who read this series, will want to continue on with this one. The murder this time is of someone Kay knew--very well--and the man's death scene is very peculiar. There is some suspicion of super- 0r supra-natural forces that could be at work and Kay has to work her way through to find the truth.

While this might not be the strongest entry in the long series, it's still good to be back with these characters and this was a fun entry overall. If you like Scarpetta, you'll probably want to pick this one up!

Once again Kay Scarpetta and Marino are on their way to a remote location where her niece, Lucy tracked a body. But this is not just any dead body. This one belongs to a close friend of the President. What secrets did he hold. But as they learn more he himself had his own secrets that they must unravel
Kay also has a case back in her own morgue of a child whose family is trying to use their wealth and contacts to get the young girls body back before Kay has all the answers, what are they hiding?


This felt a lot like the previous book Unnatural Death and I’d like to see less about spacecrafts , crop circles and get back to working cases close to home and more interaction with her morgue team.

Thank you #netgalley #grandcentralpublishing #identityunknown for this ARC