Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell is the 28th book in the Kay Scarlett a series, and an enjoyable read. Having read most of the early editions of this series, I was excited to give this book a try and was not disappointed. This book kept my attention all the way through And the narrator did an excellent job. Having not read the series for many years I was not lost it all and the story was easy to follow. I highly recommend this book andi the whole series. I will be going back and reading the books I have missed.

I read a lot of Key Scarpetta books, however there was a pause, which I find exciting to have put an end to. It was amazing reading about Key Scarpetta's investigations, feeling like I have met an old friend.
I struggled to follow the two lines of investigations for both the young girl and Sal, IUO seemed a little bit forced and added to the professional characteristic of Key's, woww god, she is fabulous to dive, fly, cut, investigate, it just blows my mind thinking about all those and she actually performs them.
Another nice meeting with Lucy, Benton and Morino, I missed you guys! I understand that Morino has marries Key's sister, which probably happens somewhere between the last book I read and this one, so this was surprise for me.
I am disappointed not remembering the young girl, which allegedly shots herself in the head, because her story is like squeezed between everything else. The books keep up two lines of investigation (though they usually cross somewhere) and Key's personal dealings and life and siblings and friends. So I guess it must be tiresome to write, but believe me it is also tiring to read and follow.
As a conclusion, I am glad to have completed another story with complex happenings and investigations and UFOs and murders and old enemies, and am curious about the future, but I intend to keep it slow and have a break until the next Scarpetta book.
The narrator was awesome, she was great, keeping the tension and conveying the feeling. Very good job!

Scarpetta (Kay, Doc, Dr. Kay, Aunt Kay), Marino, and Lucy are back! I love picking up a book that makes you feel like you called an old friend to catch up. This trio always makes me happy.

Identity Unknown begins with the autopsy of a young girl, Luna Riley, the daughter of a wealthy themepark owner. Followed by a late night prank call to the morgue and a second call from Lucy with information about the death of a former love, potentially related to Luna.

I was so invested in the child's death (murder?) that the death of Kay's former love took a back seat. But don't worry, his diegesis is the bulk of the book!

Prepare to settle in for a wild ride, with twists, turns, and surprises!

You might want to go back a couple of books to completely understand the depth of the history with some characters. However, Cornwell does a good job of explaining old foes and presenting the backstory.

If you like a good murder mystery sprinkled with aviation, AI, and technology, you will love this book!

It’s been a bit while since I picked up this series. I read the blurb and it seemed like time to jump back in. Her stories are smart, compelling, well researched, seriously scary and creepy. I liked reacquainting myself with known characters who want to keep the world safe. They’ve all got complicated relationships and are due to their work as well as their personal histories. Kay is called to the scene of a murder of a dear friend. Who killed him and why? Is it connected to the murder of a little girl with very powerful parents? It’s a twisted complex story that leads to all the answers. I enjoyed getting back into the series and revisiting the cast, except for Dorothy. Wow, ugh. Now looking forward to what is next in the series and definitely going back for the few I’ve missed.

Identity Unknown is Patricia Cornwell's new book - and its the 28th entry in her long running series featuring chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta.


Kay is called out to a body found in an abandoned amusement park. She's stunned when she views the victim - they had a relationship years ago. The Feds are called as they have questions about this case as well. And Kay has another case that is hard to read about.

The supporting cast returns with Investigator Pete Marino right by Kay's side. The two have had a fractious relationship over the years, but they're both dedicated to finding the truth.

Niece Lucy also has mad skills and also works for the Feds. Much of her job is classified. As is Kay's husband Benton's job. Kay's sister Dorothy just annoys me so much! She is a narcissist.

I am always intrigued with the technology, reasoning, methods and more that are used in the books. I've gone online few times to read more. It's fascinating. They figure heavily in this latest.

The Scarpetta books are all told from Kay's point of view. Cornwell keeps the time line moving forward - the characters are aging. I enjoy Kay's inner dialogue very much.

Cornwell gives the reader a page turner in this latest. The ending of Identity Unknown is satisfying - but I happily can say that there's a door that's been left open for the next entry... I'll be watching for it.

I chose to listen to Identity Unknown. The reader was January LaVoy again. I appreciate the continuity as her voice has become Kay for me. LaVoy has a smooth, low voice that's easy on the ears. She speaks clearly and is easy to understand. She easily captures the emotions, danger, suspense and more with her performance. LaVoy has created different voices for all of the characters. It is easy to know who is speaking. each voice is perfect for the players. A great performance.

I thought this book was good, the main female character is likable and smart. I see this is a series, I have not read any others but I am intrigued now.

They should have titled the book "Whining over Sal".
The first half of the book is mostly Kay Scarpetta whining over the death of her ex-lover Sal. On and on and on. And then after everyone knowing he was an ex-lover and very intimate friend....they allow her to do the autopsy???
I had a very difficult time finishing this one. But I trudged on.
It's not much of a mystery and by the time it was over I really didn't care.
Very slow moving and not much happening.
Sorry, I can't recommend it.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Patricia Cornwell's "Identity" features her signature blend of crime and forensics, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. While the plot had the potential for intrigue, I found it somewhat predictable and lacking the tension I usually expect from her work. The characters, particularly the main character, felt a bit flat and didn't resonate with me as much as in her previous novels.

Cornwell's detailed descriptions and her ability to weave in forensic science remain impressive, but they weren’t enough to elevate the story this time. Overall, while fans of the genre might still find elements to enjoy, I felt the narrative fell short of the captivating experience I was hoping for.

I love this series. I have been reading it for years. They quality of the writing has never wavered. The story as always completely immersed me. This is the first time I have listened to one of the Kay Scarpetta books on audio and I loved it. It's actually the first ever crime/ mystery I have listened to, and it won't be the last.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance audio copy of this title. Scarpetta is back; this time investigating a possible child abuse murder, and also some strange happenings at a former amusement park. There is a bit of conflict with Marino and his wife, and Benton is also enmeshed (as usual in the mystery). The specter of Carrie once again emerges, and the group grapples with that to a satisfying conclusion.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced audiobook copy. This was my first Patricia Cornwell novel. I must say I really enjoyed this book. I am interested in picking up more of her books. The audio was great and I highly recommend it.

January LaVoy is one of my favorite narrators and Pat Cornwell one of my favorite authors. Needless to say I thought this audio was brilliant. January Lavoy is excellent in all the ways, her voice is soothing and her intonation perfect. She blends the chapters perfectly even though they were fairly long and she changed voices and dialects flawlessly: there were a few parts of this book that in print were a little slow but in audio, it read perfectly.

If you are looking for action, conspiracy, UFOs and mistery this is your book. Pretty much, there is something happening all the time (some a bit too much for my taste). The story line is interesting but at times a got a little confused. The reveals at the ending where missing the suspens.

I used to love reading the Scarpetta series and then they became monotonous and a bit dry/boring. I really wanted to love this as it’s been quite awhile since I’ve read this series and I remembered why now. I really wish Patricia Cornwell could go back to writing the way she did for the first 8 or so Scarpetta books. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this early..

This book is filled with action and suspense from beginning to end. It’s an excellent addition to the series and leaves you eager to discover what comes next.

I was given the opportunity to listen to Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell, and found it to be another well written Kay Scarpetta story. The narrator was exquisite, sounding exactly like what I believe Kay's voice would sound like. Great read!

I jumped mid series and I’m very cruising about some things that were revealed in this book. Marino? I always wondered but now I’m very curious about Marino and Kay’s past. There were actually several things that were revealed about Kay’s past that I wasn’t aware of so I’m intrigued and hope to go back and read from the beginning. The story has some very unique technology in the story and it involves Kay’s past lover as well as an old formidable enemy. I’m very curious to see what happens next.
The narrator, January LaVoy did a wonderful job portraying Kay, Marino and the rest of the character’s. I was engaged till the very end.

A very special thanks Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced audiobook.

It was another great read by Patricia Cornwell. Kay Scarpetta is one of my favorite characters of all time. Identify Unknown did not let me down. I never tire of the adventures of Scarpetta and her crew. Each character has become a member of my family.

This Scarpetta adventure involves aliens and UFO's. Well sort of. Another great who dun it. Cornwell putting out another great novel.

Well, that took a turn I didn't see coming (& I loved it). Another great addition to the Kay Scarpetta series. I am glad I listed to the audio book, I was so engrossed in the story, I had to finish it in one setting. I wouldn't say there are a lot of twists and turns to the story, but when there is a twist/turn it's a big one. Loved everything about it & can't wait for the next one.

This is the first Patricia Cornwell book I have read in a very long time. I was really tired of Kay Scarpetta. It was nice to be reintroduced to this old friend.

Kay’s friend, Giordano, has just been discovered…dead. He was dropped out of an unidentified flying object over an abandoned amusement park. The crime scene is unnatural. The further Kay investigates the more she discovers Giordano is not who she thought.

I enjoyed how this story unfolded. As usual, Kay is her tough, no nonsense self. And she definitely does not take no for an answer. But this is what makes her such a great character. And as more questions than answers arise…she is the one you want on the case.

This is narrated by January LaVoy. Excellent job!

Need a good murder mystery with lots of intrigue….THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.