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.