Livid

I really enjoyed Autopsy, Patricia Cornwell's last Scarpetta novel. The publisher described the book as a 'relaunch' of this long running series, taking Kay Scarpetta back to her roots in Virginia as the state's Chief Medical Examiner. I thought it was a great read and I was looking forward to the next entry in this series.
Well, it's here. Livid (#26) has just released and it's a great read!

Livid opens with Kay giving evidence at a contentious trial. The trial is being telecast and the prosecutor is putting on one heck of a performance. (I was livid on Kay's behalf!) Bu the day isn't over yet for Kay - she's called to a death that has ties to the case.

The recurring, supporting cast all seem to have an interest in the death as well. show more Cornwell has kept the characters moving forward in life with successes and sadness. Kay's Secret Service forensic psychologist husband Benton, her FBI niece Lucy and my personal favorite - Pete Marino, who works for/with Kay. The relationship between Kay and Marino was contentious in the beginning of the series, but I'm happy with where Cornwell has taken Marino in this latest. He's a valuable resource instead of being portrayed as a thorn in her side. However there is a new thorn in the side character. Kay has inherited a secretary who is loyal to the old boss and quite resentful of Kay.

The plotting is wonderful, with no obvious whodunit. I love not being able to figure out an ending until it's revealed. Facets of the crime had me going on line to see if a piece of weaponry that comes up in the case was futuristic or already here. The answer is quite frightening. Livid takes place over the course of a few days with another body being added to Kay's caseload.

What I've always enjoyed with the Scarpetta books are the detailed forensics. I'm fascinated by how the smallest discovery can provide clues.

Cornwell's writing makes for addictive reading with lots of action, lots of head butting from many sources, unexpected turns, revelations and more. There are pockets of domestic life that let us see Kay as more than her job. In a few past books, I found there was too much, but the ratio is spot on in these last two books.

There's a sense of completion and satisfaction at the end - but the door is open for the next entry. Which I will be waiting for! And while this is a series, it can absolutely be read as a stand alone show less

I keep picking up Patricia Cornwell novels as they come out, even though I keep telling myself not to, because her last few pre-pandemic releases were disappointing. "Livid" is #26 in the Kay Scarpetta series, and it's actually pretty good. I do get awfully tired of the underhanded machinations of various people in power who have personal vendettas against Scarpetta. And I also get tired of the fact that Scarpetta just seems to have issues with almost everyone, like her sister Dorothy. I wish the Scarpetta books would just focus on the case at hand because that's when it's good.

In "Livid," Scarpetta is an expert witness in a high-profile murder trial. Then the judge's sister is found murdered. In the ensuing investigation, Scarpetta and show more her team -- including Pete Marino, just as brash as ever, I love his character; her husband and FBI agent Benton Wesley; her niece and FBI agent Lucy -- discover a murder weapon that is diabolically frightening.

The ending was a bit of a letdown because the murderer was just not that interesting. I prefer if the bad guys have interesting personalities and/or backstories and/or motives. Oh, well. At least I was mostly entertained as I read the book. show less

While Kay Scarpetta, the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, is reluctantly testifying in a controversial murder trial, she learns that Judge Annie Chilton's sister, Rachael, has been murdered. Judge Chilton, an old friend of Kay's, raises the question of whether Rachael's murder might be connected to the high-profile case garnering attention from rabid supporters of the deceased, April Tupelo.

As Kay and her forensic investigator, Pete Marino, hurry from the courthouse to the crime scene, they are pursued by a mob protesting Kay's testimony for the defendant, Gilbert Hooke. Upon arriving at the scene, Kay quickly realizes that something more sinister is at play when she discovers a mysterious weapon has marked the location of the crime. show more The situation escalates further when a second body is found, prompting the involvement of the FBI and Secret Service, including her husband, Benton, and niece, Luce.

This intense and suspenseful twenty-sixth installment in the Kay Scarpetta series is narrated in the first person, allowing readers a deep dive into the murder scenes and subsequent autopsies. As Kay follows the forensic evidence, it becomes apparent that a terrorist cell is operating out of Old Town, Alexandria. Compounding the urgency is the fact that medical records have been stolen from her office, leaving Kay unsure of whom to trust and when the next attack might occur. At one point, she narrowly escapes a deadly encounter before uncovering a traitorous plan by a coworker.

Patricia Cornwell has once again centered her story around cutting-edge technology, this time exploring the use of microwave rays as a weapon. She vividly illustrates these microwaves' terrifying effects on the human body. As always, "Livid" is a compelling and chilling thriller that keeps readers entertained. show less

I've always been a fan of Patricia Cornwell and her Kay Scarpetta series. Then there were several that just didn't work for me. I decided to jump back in with her newest and I am so glad that I did! I feel like Kay Scarpetta is back on track! She's back where she started in Virginia testifying in a trial where her testimony is not appreciated! Then the judge's sister is murdered. I am really hoping that the weapon is fiction!!! I'm afraid to google it!!!

Crime thriller series that continues its strong storyline and memorable characters.

I've read most all of the books featuring Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the medical examiner and forensic pathologist who has always intrigued me. The plots veered a bit off the rails for awhile, but now seem to be back on track as Scarpetta does her job and focuses on interesting cases. She's back in Virginia testifying at a murder trial in Old Town Alexandria when the sister of the judge is found dead in their old family home. Soon there's an alphabet soup of agencies probing the killing and suspicions indicate that the villain might be a terrorist with an agenda. The murder weapon is unusual...and very scary.

Always enjoy reconnecting with Kay and her gang show more including husband, niece, sister, and long time partner and sidekick, Marino. The science and medical details always fascinate and keep me coming back time and again to each new installment. I really like the writing style and the wide range of topics covered.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for this e-book ARC to read, review, and recommend. show less

This was written a lot better than some of her recent works. However, by skipping a few I missed some events, such as Marino marrying Kay's sister. Like, what? How could an annoying person such as Dorothy appeal to Marino? Very disappointing. But I digress. The plot was relevant and kept me interested. A lot less navel gazing, and more activity made this book enjoyable to read.
If anyone has information about when Marino got married, please let me know which book I need to read to learn more. Thanks!

Kay Scarpetta is the expert witness at a sensational murder trial. But that is not even the main thrust of this story. The judge’s sister is found dead at her home, but it’s a mysterious death. Kay will have some sleuthing to do to unravel this mystery. It’s an interesting case, but much of the book deals with details that aren’t germane to the story. Other details just don’t seem plausible. Regular readers of this series likely will enjoy this installment, but it missed the mark for me.