Review of Identity Unknown (Kay Scarpetta, #28) by Patricia Cornwell
As a longtime fan of Patricia Cornwell’s enigmatic Chief Medical Examiner, Kay Scarpetta, I found myself eagerly reaching for Identity Unknown, curious to see how Scarpetta has matured since her return after several years away. After my lukewarm reception of Autopsy and Livid, both receiving mere 2-star ratings, I wondered if Cornwell could revive the magic I had once adored. To my delight, this latest installment turned out to be a riveting read that reignited my interest in Scarpetta, earning a respectable 4 out of 5 stars.
From the outset, Identity Unknown draws you in with heart-wrenching stakes. Scarpetta faces the murder of Sal Giordano, an old friend and romantic interest from her past in Rome. Sal’s death doesn’t just affect Kay; it sends ripples through her family and friends, reaching the highest echelons of U.S. government security. This intricate personal connection adds emotional depth and urgency to the story, making Scarpetta’s quest not just about solving a murder but also about avenging a life intertwined with her own.
While Cornwell tends to recycle her narrative structure—unfolding events over a tight 48-hour timeframe—I found this familiar pacing to be a refreshing return to form. Cornwell’s method of tightly weaving plot threads creates a breathless reading experience, with days often whizzing by in suspenseful, page-turning moments. Though I could predict much of the structure, the way she masterfully built tension through the narrative and ended with a satisfying climax left me genuinely surprised and impressed.
The character of Ryder Briley serves as a particularly delicious villain, encapsulating the darkness that Cornwell is so adept at portraying. The emotional stakes surrounding him magnified my engagement, ensuring I was hunched over the pages trying to decipher his fate. Conversely, I still yearn for real character development among the recurring cast. While Scarpetta, Benton, Marino, Lucy, and Dorothy remain beloved figures to me, their predictability has become a little frustrating. Nonetheless, I found myself invested once again, partly because of the revelation that not everything was as it seemed—Cornwell manages to sprinkle in new dynamics without losing the essence of what fans adore.
One of the novel’s standout qualities was how it addressed the previous criticism I had about Cornwell’s storytelling. Unlike in earlier works, where the ending felt like a hasty wrap-up, Identity Unknown provided a cohesive conclusion that tied all the loose ends together beautifully. The blend of multiple storylines, each intricately linked, elevated the reading experience immensely. Cornwell has crafted a narrative that not only captivates but resonates on an emotional level, a testament to her returning prowess.
For those who have historically appreciated Cornwell’s ability to weave mysteries that deftly combine science, emotion, and suspense, Identity Unknown will not disappoint. It almost feels like a homecoming for dedicated fans, with its emphasis on engaging plot lines and thrilling resolution. While my concerns about character stagnation linger, this installment offered hope and excitement, reminding me of why I fell in love with Scarpetta in the first place.
In essence, if you’re looking for a gripping mystery that has both heart and edge, Identity Unknown is a must-read. It’ll leave you reflecting on the delicate threads that bind us to those we’ve loved and lost—an experience that continues to linger long after your last page is turned.
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