Identity Unknown

Many thanks to Novel Suspects Insiders Club, Grand Central Publishing, and Netgalley. I received this book in exchange for my honest review. My thoughts are entirely my own.

In this book Kay Scarpetta performs an autopsy on Luna Briley a little girl that was killed by a gun by her own mother. The Briley's are bad people and have shady dealings and two people are dead at places associated with them. Sal, a man that Kay had a relationship with before her husband, is found at Oz an abandoned theme park that Kay took Lucy to when she was younger. Kay is asked to do the autopsy at a top secret location at Langley and is given top security clearance until she leaves with Marano. People from different agencies are there to observe the autopsy and ask Kay if her prior relationship will hinder her ability to perform the autopsy. Kay discovers a microfilm with a strange code that reveals where he was before his death. The Briley family starts to make trouble and even sues the governor, medical examiners department, and one other because they don't want people to learn that they were negligent parents and got off on abusing their own daughter. Norm Duffy is back and working for the Briley family as security and even tries to get revenge on Kay and Marano and shoots Marano. Carrie shows back up and is even working with the Briley's and ends up giving a video of the Briley's murdering their daughter over the husbands affair with an employee. Carrie is arrested thankfully. Kay and Marano go to the place Sal was last seen and goes to a place called True North and they make moon dust basically and Sal was working on a telescope prototype made from moon dust that would apparently change the world. This book was very interesting and once again this book was red in a matter of hours . I can't wait for the next one.

I was so excited to read a new Patricia Cornwell and it was definitely worth the wait!!!! This is without a doubt the best series and I’ve been reading them for years. Well-written, complex plot with a great cast of characters. Looking forward to more with Kay, Marino and Lucy!!
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Another great Scarpetta novel! I’ve been reading these since the very first one and I love them all!!
I hope this is a series that never ends!

Dr. Kay Scarpetta is one of those iconic characters that I have followed from the very beginning and whether the story line is good or not, I cannot pass up a new entry in the series. I was not very impressed with the last couple but this one makes up for it with the return to the character I have come to admire. Even though her old nemesis, Carrie Grethen, returns to torment Kay and her family again, my interest was held throughout the whole novel.

Add this one to your reading list. I believe it will be published in October, 2024. As to Carrie Grethen…..well.

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.

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.