Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Audiobook Review: Identity Unknown by Patricia Cornwell

 

Identity Unknown (Kay Scarpetta #28) by Patricia Cornwell
Publication Date: October 8th 2024 by Hachette Audio
Pages: 400
Audio Book Length: 10hrs 12min
Narrator: January LaVoy
Source: Publisher
Rating: 
Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo Libro.fm |  Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:
Dr. Kay Scarpetta is in the middle of a harrowing autopsy, one of a young girl who was reportedly playing with her father’s gun when it went off killing her. However, Kay’s findings raise suspicions. Unfortunately, the parents are wealthy and well-connected and kicking up quite a fuss.
 
As if that’s not enough, Kay is urgently called in to investigate the death of someone close to her with Marino assisting. The case is brutal and unusual and sparks the attention of many in the intelligence community. Kay’s Secret Service niece Lucy and her FBI husband, Benton, are involved in the investigation, as well.
 
Marino was over the top in this installment, his gruff, argumentative side out on full display, especially because it was fueled by jealousy. Kay’s sister, as usual, was self-absorbed and I still can’t believe she married Marino! It’s hot mess.
 
I’ve been loving this reboot of the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series! I appreciate her calm, logical approach to cases, and her personal life and relationships are engrossing! This death hit close to her heart, and she struggled with her emotions. The cases were filled with cutting edge technology, interesting locations, and sinister real-life implications. Riveting from beginning to end!  
 
The audio version was fantastic! January LaVoy’s narration is always a treat! Her calm, rich voice portrayed Kay perfectly! All characters were performed uniquely and distinctly. She definitely enhanced my enjoyment of the story! 

4 Stars


Book Description:

Autopsies can reveal the secrets of the dead.

And this victim is sending Scarpetta a message…

Summoned to an unnerving, abandoned theme park to retrieve a body, Dr Kay Scarpetta is devastated to learn that the victim is a man she once loved. While teaching in Rome during the early days of her career, Scarpetta had an intense love affair with Sal Giordano that led to a lifelong friendship.

The murder scene is bizarre, with a crop circle of petals around the body, and Giordano’s skin is strangely red. Scarpetta’s niece Lucy believes he was dropped from an unidentified flying craft. Scarpetta knows an autopsy can reveal the dead’s secrets, but she is shocked to find her friend seems to have deliberately left her a clue.

As the investigators are torn between suspicions of otherworldly forces, and of Giordano himself, Scarpetta detects an explanation closer to home that, in her mind, is far more evil . . .



14 comments:

  1. I read this series for a long time and then it seemed to go off the rails. Maybe I would like the reboot. This is all the same old characters. ugh- Kay's sister married Marino?

    Anne - Books of My Heart

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Forgot to say I love January LaVoy.

      Delete
    2. Yes, crazy right? I was surprised when I found out. Yes, I love January LaVoy's performances! She's so talented!

      Delete
  2. Identity Unknown is a compelling addition to the Scarpetta series, combining intricate forensic details with rich character development. With January LaVoy's outstanding narration, this audiobook is sure to captivate fans and newcomers alike. I give it 4 stars for its gripping storytelling and engaging performances!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy to hear you enjoyed it, too. Your reactions are so similar to mine!

      Delete
  3. Like I told Ethan, this does sound like a good one. I haven't read a Kay Scarpetta mystery in awhile, but I really want to check this one out. And good to know the audio version is so excellent. ;D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a good one! I think you'd enjoy the reboot, Lark!

      Delete
  4. I just read Ethan's review of this book. Look at that! Seems like the series continues to be strong. I am still in awe that it's been around for so long.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There weren't any new books for a while and then we got a sort of reboot! I'm enjoying it!

      Delete
  5. Sounds like a series I might need to try.

    Sophia Rose

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for putting this on my radar, it sounds like a book I might like.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so happy to see you enjoyed this one too! I'm loving the way she refreshed the series. It has made for some of the best installments yet!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Can one simply jump in at book 28? Reviews of this have me wanting to listen.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Book 1 might be so old that the library had it and got rid of it, they do that :/

    ReplyDelete