Kay is in the morgue trying to find out why this person is dead, who killed this person and why. This leads to more questions. There’s a snow storm, vacation plans, more dead bodies and it’s Christmas. This book has lots of twists and turns and has many the regular characters in this story. Highly suggest reading it!

I am working my way through the Scarpetta series. I have only read up to book 6. Sharp Force stays true to the series. Same sharp, tough, brilliant characters. It was a good, quick read. Once again, Kay drops everything to help track down a serial killer. I did not love the AI aspect, but I guess it’s where we are in the world. I also didn’t love how they ended the book, it just came sort of out of no where. All in all, it’s a good addition to the series and hope she continues to add books to the series. I definitely recommend reading this one.

I read the whole book before I realized that It didn't seem realistic. Which means I bought into it the whole time I was reading. It definitely kept me reading. I was also a little disappointed that we didn't get more clues about who the criminal was. On the other hand, the plot held together, and I wasn't left wondering how I missed the clues. Definitely worth the space in the library.

Dark, Fast-Paced, and Timely

Patricia Cornwell delivers another gripping installment in her long-running Scarpetta series with Sharp Force. This time, Kay Scarpetta and her team—Benton, Marino, Lucy, and others—face a case that is disturbing on several levels. A serial killer is on the loose, targeting victims on major holidays and using advanced technology to spy one and then terrify them before making his move. As Christmas approaches, the stakes rise, and so does the body count.

What sets Sharp Force apart is its mix of forensic crime, psychological tension, and an unsettling supernatural twist. A ghostly apparition appears at each crime scene, adding a creepy, mysterious layer that keeps you guessing. Cornwell also weaves in current themes about the dark side of technology and AI, making the story feel especially relevant to what we are living today.

The pacing is fast, the suspense builds steadily, and the emotional weight of the crimes hits hard. Cornwell’s writing is smooth and conversational, making it easy to get lost in the story. The forensic detail is vivid and realistic without feeling overly graphic, and as always, the characters feel like old friends—flawed, human, and deeply compelling.

If you’re a longtime fan of the series, this book will feel like a return to form. If you’re new, it’s a gripping standalone that might just pull you into Scarpetta’s world for good. Sharp Force is equal parts chilling and thought-provoking, and it’s hard to put down once you start. Highly recommended for fans of crime thrillers, forensic drama, and smart, modern mysteries.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Patricia Cornwell and Grand Central Publishing for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Another edge of your seat entry in the Kay Scarpetta series. This time, it's a thriller about a serial killer terrorizing the D.C. area around Christmas time. There's a lot of technology in this book..think AI, drone, animal manipulation that will keep you reading to the end of the novel. Kay and Benton are set to leave on a Christmas holiday to Europe but something strange occurs near their home--think red orbs floating in the air--soon another body turns up dead. This time it's a doctor who treated Kay's niece Lucy when she was a college freshman. What do all the victims have in common? This book mentions events in past books but can be read on its own.

This fiction book gave me the chills! It is in the mystery and thriller genre. I haven’t read a book by this author before, but have heard a lot about her books! Now I understand the hype behind these books that she writes. This one explores the darkness behind advanced technology. It is emotional, scary, sad and full of fear and paranoia! This story has short chapters, flows well and is easy to read. I found it to be thought provoking and realistic. It is fast paced and comes with vivid descriptions! Some of the themes this book comes with are trauma and healing, justice and the law and extreme fear! You will not want to put this book down!

“Sharp Force is about a serial killer that terrorizes Northern Virginia for a long time. He uses special technology in order to invade people’s homes. He watches their every move. It is horrifying what these victims endure! This story captured my attention from beginning to end. Overall, I rate this a 4 out of 5 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, author Patricia Cornwell and Grand Central Publishing for this digital advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Content warnings include murder, violence, stalking, psychiatric violence, paranoia and anxiety.

I think people who love reading psychological thrillers would like reading this book. This gave me the movie “13 Cameras” vibes!

This book is expected to be published on October 7, 2025!

A terrific Addition to the Kay Scarpetta Series. Kay are still in the DC area when a murder upsets their plans for a holiday away. A great visit with them, Lucy, Marino and all the others as they solve a crime terrifying Washington. This can work as a stand. Alone
Great series

It was great to catch up with the gang. Kay, Benton, Marino and Lucy have become like family in some ways since I feel like I have known them forever. But I was expecting more from this book. The Kay Scarpetta series deserves better. The story was very slow to get started and then it was over very quickly. More character development and side stories would have been nice.
I’m a huge Patricia Cornwell fan and have read all of her books. This does not live up to what she has delivered in the past.

Another amazing installment into my favorite series. I’ve been reading this series since the very beginning. This book is as good as all of the others!

Patricia Cornwell continues to intrigue us with her Kay Scarpetta books. She puts the reader right there in the head of the Medical Examiner following all the details of the crime and the immediate surroundings. And the food! I love these books. Moves fast, enough action to keep turning the page. Always a satisfying read.

I love how you can pick up almost any book in the Scarpetta series and not feel completely lost. Patricia Cornwell has a brilliant way of tying the characters together story by story without making you feel lost or confused.

This particular book was a little too far fetched for me however. The fact that the 'case' was solved so quickly and weather was an issue then not made it seem rushed and not quite believable. Also the references to 'Janet' were so extreme to me. I'm sure that AI is a huge part of their world but it's hard to fathom having 'face to face' realistic conversations with a computer personality.

All in all it was a good read and one that I'd always recommend for Scarpetta fans!

Welcome back, Kay Scarpetta. I felt you have been missing from your last couple of books, giving way to “out there” investigations that turned you into a cyber doc instead of the brilliant medical examiner you are. But this narrative brings you back to your calling and makes me feel more comfortable that you are doing what you trained to do.

A serial killer with a high tech background, ( can’t really get away from devices), is wreaking havoc with a scary hologram and a very big knife. Kay’s team jumps into the horror determined to bring this vicious killer to justice. Determined not to let anything or anyone get in her way, Kay hunts this killer with a single vision.

The ending was a little mediocre but I still want to slap Marino.

Recommended!