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Identity Unknown Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Kay Scarpetta Series

The 2024 release in Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series, Identity Unknown brings the series cast together to solve two murders linked together even though different individuals are responsible. Throw in a UAP/UFO at one of the murder scenes and fiction takes on a modern twist. Drones and secret military sites also play a role. The question of beings from other planets already on Earth is not new. But Cornwell does a good job exploring the plausibility.

Hallmark Descriptions

The series is known for the intense autopsy scenes and Identity Unknown is no different in that aspect. But the scenes that stand out in my mind were of an abandoned amusement park and two harrowing flights where a helicopter took on Mother Nature.

Cornwell’s prose brings scenes to life. Whether protagonist Kay Scarpetta is performing an autopsy in the lab or on site, the reader is a part of the action. The same holds true when she encounters dangers during her investigation. The scenes with the caves and mines of West Virginia make you feel transported to that location.

Technology in Identity Unknown

The first murder is solved in a traditional way. But catching the second murderer involves the use of AI. And secret military autopsy rooms. A stretch of the imagination leads to the possibility that these secret rooms examine beings other than humans. But in the end it is simple greed and vengeance, not “Others”, responsible for the death of Kay’s old friend and lover.

As the plot unravels, the author suggests a plausible explanation for the increase in UAP/UFO sightings. High tech secret flying machines produced by various countries, both friend and foe. To bring a touch of reality, the infamous Chinese weather balloon gets a mention in the story.

Emotions on Display

Identity unknown has multiple meanings in the novel. Both victim and villain need identification with respect to the second murder. Plus, what kind of unidentified flying machine left a circle of flower blossoms around the body? Finally, a decades long mystery kept by Kay of the mystery lover from Italy.

This last brings out a myriad of emotions during an interview by top military authorities. The attempt at discernment on Kay’s relationship with the victim stirs a wide range of emotions with respect to Kay, Benton and Marino. Thus, the examination of their feelings becomes a main thread in the story. For this reader, the approach is preferable to the suspenseful gore of earlier novels. The lack of intense violence makes the book more palatable.

Recommendation for Identity Unknown

The last two books of Cornwell’s have softened in tone. The graphic descriptions are there but fortunately the terror is gone. I enjoy suspense, but not violent terror. I am glad I checked this out at the library. See if your local library has a copy or find it on Libby.

 

Livid Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

Return to a Familiar Series

A double entendre without the suggestive meaning, Livid is perfectly used as the title of the newest Scarpetta novel. A Christmas gift, the most recent installment in the Kay Scarpetta series brought many surprises to this reader. To be honest, it has been some time since I read anything in this series favoring the Patricia Cornwell penned Captain Chase novels, Quantum and Spin.

The familiar supporting cast sported the most changes, but the character of Scarpetta included subtle differences as well. Furthermore, the inclusion of high technology in the storyline harkens to the aforementioned Chase series. And once again, the political overtones are steeped throughout the novel.

Kay Scarpetta is Livid

Testifying on the witness stand at the opening of the book, the character of Scarpetta is under attack. One would think she was the accused instead of providing expert testimony. She is “livid” about her treatment, seething inside but cool as a cucumber on the stand.

Upon leaving the courtroom, Scarpetta and her reliable sidekick Pete Marino, immediately encounter a new case. One tied to the trial in multiple ways. Both the FBI and the Secret Service are involved as well, allowing for multiple past supporting characters to make an appearance.

The second meaning of livid describes the bruising both new victims have even though causes of death differ. New technology is involved with one death while the other is more traditional. The existing relationships Scarpetta had with each victim, adds to the story.

Politics and Parallels

Throughout the novel, Cornwell uses Scarpetta’s thoughts to further the plot and the message. Ties to current cultural events create a meaningful novel. The inclusion of the latest technology in weaponry adds to the shock tactics. Terrorism from within a society is as dangerous as from without. Perhaps more dangerous. Certainly insidious. The warnings of Livid should be heeded.

Recommendation for Livid

I enjoyed reading this latest novel in the Kay Scarpetta series. Changes in the relationships of core cast members made me want to go back and read some of the books in the series I had missed. So, I would say this is not a stand-alone book. Cornwell books can be found online, at bookstores and at your local library.