LIVID

5 stars out of 5

Maybe it's because it's a timely topic with more questions than answers that's intrigued me for at least a couple of years now. Maybe it's because forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta doesn't seem quite as paranoid as usual (even though in this case, her suspicions may be rooted in fact). Whatever the reason, this, the 26th book in the popular series, is another one I really didn't want to put down. 

It begins with Scarpetta's testimony at a contentious murder trial - and her scientific evidence and methods not-so-politely challenged by a defense attorney determined to win and sully Scarpetta's reputation in the process. The judge, Annie Chilton, is Scarpetta's long-time friend; but this time out, her rulings are falling outside the norm. Later, Scarpetta - who not that long ago returned to Virginia to serve in her old job as chief medical examiner - is called out to a murder; the victim is none other than the judge's sister, Rachael, who's been living with her sister at the run-down family estate. When she and her longtime friend and investigator Pete Marino arrive, they're struck by the stricken; everywhere are dead bugs, birds and what appears to be finely tuned destruction. That, in turn, leads to suspicion of the method of the murder - a really scary one that Scarpetta and her FBI husband Benton and niece Lucy are well acquainted with by way of their seats on the federal Doomsday Commission (and for readers, it's an issue, albeit controversial in some circles, that's made national news in recent years).

In between trying to solve the motive and means for the murder - plus, of course, identify and capture the culprit - all the major players must dodge the slings and arrows of protestors (think: Jan. 6, 2021, but with different targets). One clue leads to another to revelations about the death of a former colleague - one who has ties to the trial at the beginning of the book. All told, it's a fast-paced, well-researched story and a great addition to the series. Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

Livid by Patricia Cornwell (Grand Central Publishing, October 2022); 369 pp.