I broke my own rule about starting a series in the middle (or near the end?) because I was curious about this one. I felt like I wasn’t too lost starting at #28. The storyline seemed a little far-fetched at first but the details and character development made up for the “what now?” factor.
Cornwell is a story teller for sure, but I don’t know that I found the protagonist especially likable or someone to root for as she uncovers the murder of someone from her past.
The narrator did a good job with the characters so that certainly helped.
Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARL. All opinions are mine.

I had fallen behind in this series but figured that I could pick it up and re-engage, and that was absolutely true. Kay Scarpetta and the cast of regulars are back, and this adventure involves trying to solve the puzzle that is the death of an old and dear friend. I found the book a great combination of science/forensics and investigation, while exploring the idea that we can never really know everything about the people that we love. On audiobook, this tale kept me entertained and reminded me of how much I loved this series. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

I picked up this book because Patricia Cornwell was my grandmother's favorite author. I tried to read one of her books in high school, and it hadn't been for me at the time. This book was a pleasant surprise in many ways, and bittersweet because I can no longer chat with my grandmother about the new Cornwell and how much I liked it.

This was a fun story, though did feel a bit unfinished at the end. I'm going to chalk that up to the fact that this mystery is part of a larger overarching mystery that started before this book and will continue on into others. I enjoyed it though, and over a decade later I enjoyed my time with Kay Scarpetta a lot more. Part of it is me aging, part of it is her being more settled, and I think the story being such a connection to someone I loved played a role too. I enjoyed the life that has been made since my last time reading, and all the characters that are part of that. These characters were well-written, and even without previous knowledge of them all it was easy to dive into their world and who they were. Plus, UFOs? So interesting.

This book was great if you are fan of the mystery/thriller genre, or kind of an X Files vibe. Kay Scarpetta novels are really a genre defining series at this point, but if you like Kathy Reichs, you'll like this too.

Dr. Kay Scarpetta is in the middle of a harrowing autopsy, one of a young girl who was reportedly playing with her father’s gun when it went off killing her. However, Kay’s findings raise suspicions. Unfortunately, the parents are wealthy and well-connected and kicking up quite a fuss.

As if that’s not enough, Kay is urgently called in to investigate the death of someone close to her with Marino assisting. The case is brutal and unusual and sparks the attention of many in the intelligence community. Kay’s Secret Service niece Lucy and her FBI husband, Benton, are involved in the investigation, as well.

Marino was over the top in this installment, his gruff, argumentative side out on full display, especially because it was fueled by jealousy. Kay’s sister, Dorothy, as usual, was self-absorbed and I still can’t believe she married Marino! It’s a hot mess.

I’ve been loving this reboot of the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series! I appreciate her calm, logical approach to cases, and her personal life and relationships are engrossing! This death hit close to her heart, and she struggled with her emotions. The cases were filled with cutting edge technology, interesting locations, and sinister real-life implications. Riveting from beginning to end!

The audio version was fantastic! January LaVoy’s narration is always a treat! Her calm, rich voice portrayed Kay perfectly! All characters were performed uniquely and distinctly. She definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story!

Very mediocre and disappointing, this audio version of Identity Unknown reminded me why I have stopped reading the Kay Scarpetta, forensic pathologist for the state of Virginia, series It was a very slow and dull start. The reader, January, Lavoy did a decent job with a story that just didn’t do it for me. There was a lot of digression from the story line where Kay reminisces and focuses on her past instead of the potentially mysterious present plot.

Kay was finishing up an autopsy on a very young girl from a wealthy family . She had been shot in the head by a gun her parents said she was playing with. Kay is suspicious of the family and the circumstances and refuses to release the body. Finally, there was the possibility of a plausible who done it.

Not to be The. the story line diverges. An unidentified body is found in a nearby amusement park. Just by coincidence ( hmmm) Kay’s niece Lucy notifies Kay to come to the scene where Kay is shocked and distressed to find that the deceased is an old love of hers with whom she has maintained a long time friendship. The circumstances turn bizarre, creepy and mostly unbelievable as it is determined by Kay’s niece (Lucy ) that the body was dropped from a UFO. Could have been any kind of high up drop.

Despite the fact that this audio book just didn’t do it for me, it did keep me listening on a long car ride. My thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio for gifting me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. Publication date was October 8, 2024. If you’re a Scarpetta fan you’ll probably like this book more than I did.

While the plot line was a little over the top and unrealistic, the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. It was a quick listen and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. There were deeply developed characters/storylines which could be pieced together even if you don’t have their full background. The ending definitely made me want to know “what happens next.”

January LaVoy did a FANTASTIC job narrating. She exuded each character’s personality through different voices and it truly brought the story to life.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for choosing me as an ARC reader in exchange for my honest review.

Patricia Cornwell’s Scarpetta series is among my favorites. Identity Unknown, the 28th in the series, is every bit as riveting as her earlier ones, and I am thrilled to have received a review copy. My thanks go to Grand Central Publishing, NetGalley, and Hachette Audio. This book is for sale now.

First, I have to offer a shout out to January LaVoy, who reads the audio version. I was unsure how I would feel about this one, because I read the first 27 installments with my own eyes, and so I had developed the voices for each character in my head. Would I be thrown by the way they were voiced by a professional? As it happens, no. The protagonist and her ever present sidekick, Pete Marino, who is now her brother-in-law, sound exactly as I had thought they would. Of course, much of this comes down to excellent writing. The voices of her niece, Lucy, who now occupies the top echelons of governmental spookdom, is softer and slightly higher pitched than I had expected, but it fits, and I made the mental transition easily. Kay’s husband, Benton, doesn’t have as deep a voice as I would have thought, but to make his voice that deep would require a second, male reader. All told, LaVoy does a fine job, and I didn’t feel distracted from the story.

I have begun reading the DRC when I am provided the audio, and so from there forward, I switch to the audio, referring occasionally to the DRC to make notes or highlight possible quotations. Once the climax comes, however, the tension gets the better of me, and because I know I can read faster than LaVoy can talk, I switch back to the text.

The premise is that there have been two deaths. The first is an old boyfriend of Kay’s, a man named Sal Giordano. They have remained friends over the years, and she saw him recently when she dropped off a basket of goodies for his birthday. He has been the victim of a death flight, which is new to me but apparently, according to Wiki, is a thing. It involves killing someone by dropping them from a plane.

Holy crap!

Now we get into aspects of the case that make it an even better October read, as well as darkly funny. The prose itself doesn’t appear to be intentionally humorous, and yet I cannot, for the life of me, imagine that Cornwell didn’t snicker a bit as she wrote it. The area where Sal is dropped is inside an abandoned amusement park with a Wizard of Oz theme. It’s been vandalized, and is seriously creepy. The higher ups within the U.S. military are in on the investigation, and so:

“’Let me make sure this is clear,’ General Gunner says to me. ‘He landed on the Yellow Brick Road in the middle of an apple orchard.’
“’Inside the Haunted Forest. Yes.’”

I couldn’t help myself. I squawked out loud!

Soon another corpse is identified, a child belonging to a pair of wealthy, powerful people that are also terrible human beings, and as it happens, horrible parents. The two deaths are connected. The parents throw their weight around and try to manipulate the investigation, but of course, they don’t succeed.

Ultimately it seems that one of the guilty parties is Kay’s nemesis, Carrie Grethen. Carrie was once Lucy’s true love; later, her evil nature became apparent, but nobody can seem to keep her locked up, and she has become Kay’s Moriarty. I mention this here because it is raised early in the story, so I don’t think it can be called a spoiler, but I won’t say more about that.

To the faithful readership, I will also say this. As the book opens, two of Cornwell’s old standbys, ones that I’d be happy to see her retire, appear. First, she has to be driven to the scene in a helicopter, but oh no, there’s a storm coming. I was irritated. Can Kay not go anywhere without there being a storm? Just once? Please? And then something has to be retrieved by diving, which harks back to an earlier book in which she’s attacked with a spear gun. But friends, neither of these turns out to be key to the story, and we’re done with them in a heartbeat, so be patient.

I like to read a few books at a time for variety, but once this one began, it edged out the others—except at bedtime, because when I go to bed, I need to sleep! It’s among her finest work, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to you.

I received an audio book for review and realized I had not read the previous 2 books, which I luckily had on my bookshelf. I continue to read these books, even if I am sometimes not happy with the plots, but the previous 2 seemed to finally be back to her old standards. However, listening instead of reading made me realize that perhaps there was WAY TOO Much descriptions of Scarpetta's every move. Maybe when I am reading I skim past, but for example, Kay and Lucy need to go scuba diving to get a body out of a crashed helicopter. We literally go into the locker room and gave an extremely detailed description of what they are wearing, and once they get on the boat, how they strap in and every move they make. Simply not necessary.
The plot concerns the death of her old friend and previous lover whose body is discovered in an abandoned amusement park. Ann old nemesis who I thought we had seen the last of reappears and seems to be controlling the plot.
Also, a side plot is the death of a little girl whose parents play a role in the larger plot. It all gets very complicated.
Meanwhile, Marino, her trusty, crusty side kick who has had a crush on her for years, has married her absolutely obnoxious sister.
Every time I think this is the last time I read her new book, I continue reading. The forensic crime parts and the autopsy descriptions I still find interesting. As a side note, somehow the internet knows I am reading these books and I got a notification that there will be a series with Nicole Kidman playing Kay and Jamie Lee Curtis playing the sister.
Anyway, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the audio book. I know fans will continue to read the series. As will I.
This is my honest opinion.

Well, it's been a bit since I've read a Patricia Cornwell, but wow! She has not lost her passion!

Dr. Scarpetta is at it again. This time, she has a little girl on her table (she's a coroner, for those of you who are not familiar) and she is NOT liking what she is seeing. Actually, she is seeing RED, as she is very angry with the little girls parents. But no matter, she WILL get to the bottom of this...

With that thought, her phone rings, and it's her niece Lucy, and she can tell from her voice that this is NOT good news. Lucy needs her right away at another crime scene. This one in another place, where a body has been found in an old, abandoned, amusement park...the one that she used to take Lucy to when she was just a child. And, it's not only that. She knows the dead person. As a matter of fact, it is someone who once played a significant role in her life...and she only spoke with them a few days ago...

🛑🛑 STOP right here if you don't want to know any more!! 🛑🛑

So, Kay Scarpetta is on the move again. This time trying to find a killer who has obviously (and brutally) murdered someone she knew well and loved. But, as the pieces start to come together, she's wondering if somehow her cases might just be linked??? But that doesn't really make any sense...does it???

When yet another body is found, the evidence really starts to form, and another person that is well known to the family seems to be involved... as well as other people who never thought they would get caught...

The stakes are high, the rush is real, and the bodies are multiplying!

5 great big beautiful moondust ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!

Oh, and did I mention the UFO's??? And the links to the extraterrestrial?? Yes, it's a bit out there, but I enjoyed every minute of it!

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HachetteAudio and #GrandCentralPublishing for an ARC of the audiobook which is due to be released on 10/8/24...tomorrow!!

#IdentityUnknown by #PatriciaCornwell and narrated beautifully by one of my faves, #JanuaryLaVoy.

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Love the narrator! She always does such a great job! Unfortunately, I just wasn't a fan of this book. It felt like it was all over the place and there was too much UFO and alien talk for me. I have always loved this author and Dr. Scarpetta, but this one was too out there for me.

It has been a while since I read a Patricia Cornwell book. Identity Unknown was a great jumping back in point. There is plenty of action and mysteries to ponder over as you are listening or reading. The Dr Scarpetta character is witty and intriguing. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story.

Kate Scarpetta is back and as introspyas ever. The familiar cast of characters are back (and a great narrator) with their private secrets putting them and others in harms way. Somewhat complicated plot with a few bumps but enjoyable and an easy listen. Thanks NetGalley.

I truly thought I would be able to follow along even without having read the previous novels, unfortunately it just felt like I was missing something. Also, all the UFO aliens stuff was not for me. I couldn't continue. I had to DNF this one.

Another great story in this long running mystery series.

Kay Scarpetta is in the middle of an autopsy on what she suspects is a murdered child when she gets a call from her niece Lucy. It seems that an old flame and friend, Sal Giordano, was kidnapped and violently killed. The strangest thing is that he seems to have been dropped from a great height out of something Lucy can only say was likely some sort of UAP — an unidentified anomalous phenomenon. Collecting her head of investigations, Pete Marino, they head off to the discovery location where everything is cloak and dagger classified.

I love the way that the author describes everything and gives great detail about persons, places, and things. The writing style draws me in and makes me feel a part of the story as if I am right there. Over the past years after reading all the books in this series, I’ve come to like some characters more than others who get on my nerves. I always find the theme and plots interesting and unique.

I was able to listen to the audiobook while also following along in the ebook ARC, both provided by the publishers. I loved the experience as the narrator did an excellent job voicing all the characters and bringing the appropriate amount of drama and tone to the book. As always, I look forward to the next installment.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell, narrated by January LaVoy, is a gripping and intricately plotted addition to the Kay Scarpetta series. This 28th installment brings forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta into a deeply personal and haunting investigation that intertwines her past with a chilling present-day murder.

The story begins with Scarpetta being summoned to an abandoned theme park to retrieve a body. To her shock, the victim is Sal Giordano, a man she once had an intense love affair with during her early career in Rome. The murder scene is bizarre, featuring a crop circle of petals around the body and Giordano’s skin turned an unnatural red. 

January LaVoy’s narration is a STELLAR feature of this audiobook. Her expressive and nuanced performance captures the emotional depth and tension of the story, bringing Scarpetta’s character to life with a compelling intensity. LaVoy’s ability to convey the suspense and complexity of the narrative keeps listeners engaged and on edge throughout the audiobook.

Cornwell’s writing is as sharp and detailed as ever, blending forensic science with psychological intrigue. The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the listener guessing until the very end. The exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and the quest for truth adds layers of depth to the narrative, making it more than just a straightforward thriller.

Scarpetta is portrayed as a multifaceted protagonist, grappling with her own emotions while navigating the complexities of the case. Her interactions with her niece Lucy and other recurring characters add richness to the story, highlighting the personal stakes involved in the investigation.

 Identity Unknown is a must-listen for fans of the Kay Scarpetta series and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted forensic thriller. Patricia Cornwell’s expert storytelling, combined with January LaVoy’s captivating narration, makes this audiobook a standout in its genre.

Kay Scarpetta's return to Virginia makes for more interesting plots than were present for a time in this series. I admit, what I loved about the Scarpetta books were the early entries. I resisted the turn to high tech spy thrillers and upscale living with connections, connections, connections. I've always liked the characters and all of the main players are still here. Kay's sister Dorothy's marriage to Kay's long time partner, Marino, seems odd, but in a sense Cornwell agrees with me. Recently since I kept reading the books, I realized I'd love the current version of the series if I'd never read the earlier books. I like thrillers. I like spy stories. I like high tech intrigue. I just felt a dissonance when they became early character Kay Scarpetta's new life. My epiphany that I could like both definitely has drawn me back to the series.

This is to say I really enjoyed "Identity Unknown" and highly recommend it if you like thriller/government secrecy and high tech. In this case, a former flame of Kays and still a good friend is found dead under very odd circumstances. She had seen him the day before on his 60th birthday. Sal was a former Nobel prize recipient, a famed scientist a bit of a maverick and he died in a crumbling, abandoned theme park that has a great theme. Those keeping up with the novels know that a dangerous Russian operative who was once involved with Lucy and who was once believed dead is still around and still messing in the extended family group's lives. Kay is brought into the case to perform the forensic autopsy but on a need to know basis and in a secure, highly secret location. Meanwhile, his death becomes fodder for social media because of how Sal was killed. Also high profile is the death of a young daughter of a powerful, wealthy couple who are less than likable. Did she play with a gun and shoot herself? As usual, what makes a mystery delectable is ruined if too much is shared. Sorry. Not Sorry. Read it!

The Narrator for this audiobook, January LaVoy, is truly one of the best I've ever heard and I listen to a LOT of audiobooks.

Kay Scarpetta is back along with her family and team. Interesting story involving the question of extraterrestrials. Great narrator.

This was my first audiobook/book by this author. My sister used to read her books all the time and she always really enjoyed them so I looked forward to this one. While I clearly missed a few things with people's personal relationships from previous books I was able to follow the story and enjoy it. While doing one autopsy Dr. Scarpetta gets called out to another scene that ends up being someone she was well acquainted with. It was interesting listening to them solve the case.

Identity Unknown AUDIO by Patricia Cornwell is a wonderful and touching book. I am embarrassed to say this is the first Kay Scarpetta book I have come in contact with, but it won’t be the last. Kay has been called upon to do the autopsy of a good friend who died in mysterious circumstances. She knows immediately who had perpetrated this miserable deed, but of course, it has to be proven. Fortunately her husband, Benton, is an FBI agent and her niece, Lucy, is an FBI pilot. Kay has led a storied life and is now pretty settled. It was difficult to share her much earlier romantic relationship with the deceased, Sal Giordano, whom she had just seen yesterday, to tell him Happy 60th! Her husband had been part of the group. Although her knew everything, it was difficult. Now he is gone and in a gruesome manner. Oddly, it seems connected to the murder of a child she had been working on at home.

Kay is a strong character, based on a real person. While the fixes she gets into are not usually reality, the steps she takes to solve them are. She is winsome, interesting, and creative. An excellent character Cornwell has created and slotted into this intriguing mystery. As I have no other Kay Scarpetta novels to compare to I am going to rate this book very high.

It was an excellent listen narrated by January LaVoy who handled all the details, gruesome and otherwise with aplomb and made me believe. Thanks for a good listen!

I was invited to listen to Identity Unknown by Hachette Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HachetteAudio #PatriciaCornwell #JanuaryLaVoy #IdentityUnknown

Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta never disappoints, even at number 28. This story was just as exciting and interesting as her first, A fast moving plot with a villain from the past.

The narrator did a great job bringing the characters to life.

Thank you to Patricia Cornwell and Hachette Audio for an advance copy of this audiobook.