Another high tech Scarpetta novel from Patricia Cornwell. her writing is interesting but sometimes I struggle with the depth of all the tech and agency overlap.

He disables the victims' WIFI, attacking them in bed, the cause of death exsanguination due to sharp force injuries.

This has been going on for six months when Dr. Kay Scarpetta is awakened by her phone in the early morning hours of June 12, her birthday. She's informed that the Phantom Slasher has struck again, only this time there are two victims, and one of them has survived, the scene Mercy Island and its notorious old psychiatric hospital. This is a modern ghost story, a ghastly apparition seen around the time the Slasher strikes in each case. The same figure in black is spotted levitating through the fog, and the technical explanation is one that's of keen interest to the CIA, even the White House.

A very enjoyable book with plenty of twists and storylines to hold my interest. I wasn’t sure what to make of Janet and the thought of what can happen with AI is terrifying but it made for an interesting listen. Even though this is part of a long series I think it would work for someone reading this as a standalone as just enough background information is provided without spoiling the earlier books when they inevitably read them all.

There is a serial killer on the loose who is very cleverly bypassing security systems and leaving no trace other than bright lights in the sky which appears to be a hologram. Kay is involved in examining the bodies and the environment of the victims.

The usual cast of supporting characters are back and are well written with human foibles and annoying but believable traits, I am looking at you Dorothy!

I have been a fan of the Kay Scarpetta books for a long time and read them as soon as they were released.
A few years ago I found that the characters, especially of Lucy annoyed me and I stopped reading them. They were all just too brilliant and talented and the things that happened were not so believable. I am now thinking that may have just been one book so I intend to read the ones I missed.

The narrator was a perfect fit and read it beautifully.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the DRC. It was much appreciated and I have rediscovered my enjoyment of this series because of it.

#SharpForce #NetGalley #ScarpettaSeries #PatriciaCornwell #JanuaryLaVoy #HachetteAudio #GrandCentralPublishing


This is an Advanced Listening Copy of the audiobook from Net Galley.


Patricia Cornwell has done it again with Sharp Force, showing she's still got it after all these years. Kay Scarpetta gets pulled into a nightmare scenario when the Phantom Slasher decides Christmas morning is the perfect time to strike. What follows is a twisted case involving high-tech surveillance and psychological terror that feels way too possible given today's world.

I've been following this series since the beginning, and what I love about this one is how Cornwell manages to make the technology angle work without it feeling forced. The killer uses some seriously creepy methods to watch his victims before he makes his move, and there's this ghostly apparition thing that shows up at crime scenes that gave me actual chills.

The core team dynamics are still the best part though. Scarpetta, Benton, Marino, and Lucy - they're like family at this point, and you can feel the history between them in every interaction. The tension between them feels real, especially when personal connections to the case start surfacing.

January LaVoy does fantastic work with the audiobook narration. She's got this way of giving each character their own voice. When she's reading the technical forensic stuff, it stays interesting instead of dry, and during the scary parts she really knows how to build that sense of dread.

The audio production from Hachette Audio/ Grand Central is top-notch too, clean sound that lets you focus on the story.

The chapters are nice and short which makes it perfect for audiobook listening. Things keep moving instead of getting bogged down in side plots. The forensic details are still there and still fascinating, but they don't take over the whole story.

This feels like classic Scarpetta to me. If you've been with the series for a while, you'll appreciate getting back to what made these books special in the first place. Cornwell can still deliver the goods when it comes to smart crime fiction with just the right amount of creep factor.

Although this was my first book by this author, I legitimately enjoyed this!! This book gave me chills and I look forward to reading the others!

I enjoyed this book. I have not read any other Patricia Cornwell books from this series but it didn't keep me from enjoying the story. I did have to look up a few backstory items about characters but, again, that was a curiosity thing and did not take away from the book. Parts of the books were slow and I felt the end wrapped up rather quickly but I would definitely read another in this series.

This thriller mystery gave me the heebie geebies more than a few times thanks to the all-too familiar dark sides of technology, crooked cops, and.. oh yeah.. ɹ ǝ p ɹ n ɯ This novel is fast paced, engaging, and January LaVoy’s narration LITERALLY pulls you into the front seat / living room / observation room / feet on crunchy snow / middle of the story.

My Rating: ★4/5★ The story is captivating and I can honestly say I had no idea “whodunit” until the big reveal.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐘𝐨𝐮 to NetGalley, author Patricia Cornwell, January LaVoy, and Hachette Audio for providing this advanced reader’s copy / audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

I’ve always enjoyed the Scarpetta series, some books more than others, and this one falls into the “good but not a favorite” category. My favorite character is definitely Pete Marino; he feels like the most real and genuine of them all. I’m also excited about the upcoming TV series with Nicole Kidman. The narrator deserves a shout out too, fantastic job bringing the story to life.

I did not realize this was #29 in a series before requesting an ALC of this and I think that hurt my enjoyment of this because there was so much backstory intertwined throughout the plot that I couldn't really follow! So that's on me!! lol

That being said, the crime thriller part of this was very interesting and fun to listen to! Def enjoyed it but probably not as much as I could have.

Flew through this!
I started out trying to take some notes while listening but soon I was so hooked by what was going on I didn’t even want to stop and do that. This being my first book in this series, I needed no extra help figuring out the characters or what was going on.
We start out strong straight out the gate with bodies and mysteries trying to string everything together to see how they’re connected. I appreciate delving into Scarpetta’s thought process the entire time even while she’s changing her mind about who could be the killer and puzzle piecing everything together.
I adored the story from start to finish, every chapter was captivating and I never got bored. This was very Criminal Minds feeling and I one shotted the entire book while at work, threw it on 1.75x’s speed and it made the shift fly by.

I just love the Scarpetta series. Reading ‘Sharp Force’ felt like spending time with an old and much loved friend. Patricia Cornwell is really at the cutting edge of technological advancement with this one. We have murderous holograms, an AI character and a talking robot animal!

I'm a big fan of January LaVoy and her audiobook narration didn't disappoint. Her Irish accent left a lot to be desired but I think we can overlook that. Few can master Scots and Irish brogues successfully and she gets top marks for effort. The pairing of LaVoy and Cornwell is *chef's kiss* I'm already excited for the next book in this superb series.

I have read all of the books in this series and I have to say that I liked this book better than the last book of this series but I still have a few reservations.

This book takes place over the Christmas holiday. It starts with a homicide and a serial killer on the loose with Benton and Kay getting ready for vacation. All of the typical characters have returned to solve the crime - Marino, Lucy, Benton and Kay with AI Janet. While investigating the homicide that opens the book, the reader is bombarded with the usual dysfunctional relationship of Marinio and Kay's sister Dorothy with their marital issues as well as Marino's typical jumping the gun theories of the crime. What happens next is that the serial killer crime takes the spotlight and more wild theories occur complete with a tie to a presidential hopeful, issues with the past chief medical examiner and the governor. Also, of course with the latest killing, the vacation is called off and Benton and Kay are off the solve the crime. By the end of the the book, somehow the first homicide victim is tied to one of the supporting characters and there is a twist in the who done it that is completely different than what one would expect and are being led to believe is the culprit.

This book moved along quickly. It takes place between the Christmas and New Year's holiday and the holidays are saved so everyone can spend time together by New Years despite previous plans. I will admit the Dorothy vs Marino story line is getting a little old. Either the pair is HEA or they need to end things. Also, Dorothy's jealousy of Kay is also getting old. They were at odds in the early books of the series and then they kissed and made up but have a one sided at odds thing going on. And speaking of Dorothy, she clearly has an alcohol issue that should probably be addressed since it is frequently mentioned that she is drinking or drunk. Finally, let's discuss that Kay has been crime fighting since the '90's making her either near 70 or over 70 years old. With that said, how much longer is Kay going to be crime fighting?? Also, this 'war' between the previous chief and his secretary is also getting old and needs to go away. And let's not even get into the unhealthy AI avatar of Janet (Lucy's deceased wife)created by Lucy that just keeps getting creepier and creepier.

Now don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book. I also would recommend it to others. With this being book 29 of the series I'm not sure it can be read as a stand alone read since there is so much history between the characters it may be confusing for a new reader to follow along at times. I am glad that this installment did not mention the past story line of Carrie once!!!

I think that is all I have to say at this time with this read without ruining the book for others and as I previously stated, I did enjoy it and would recommend it to others.

Title: Sharp Force
Author: Patricia Cornwell
Series: Dr. Kay Scarpetta #29
Format: 🎧
Narrator: January LaVoy
Publisher: Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: October 7, 2025
My Rating: 5 stars
Pages 400

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This story explores the darkness behind advanced technology.
It starts early Christmas morning when, chief medical examiner Dir. Kay Scarpetta receives a chilling call. The Phantom Slasher has struck again
The Phantom Slasher ‘is a serial killer who has been terrorizes Northern Virginia for a long time. He uses advanced technology that enables him to invade his victims' homes and watch their every move. They wake up to a ghost-like hologram before being murdered in their beds.

Scarpetta is summoned to Mercy Island, the site of a notorious psychiatric hospital where two people have been brutalized, one of them from Scarpetta's past. It soon becomes apparent that she could be next.

I am a big Scarpetta fan. I have read every one in this series.
My first Scarpetta was back in 1990 when I read Book #1 Postmortem.
Needless to say, I cannot pass up a Scarpetta!!
As much as I love this series, I continue to be unimpressed with the ‘new’ Marino. As he is no longer the lovable slob but now an arrogant, foul mouth body builder who is currently working as Scaroett’s Investigator.

I love this series so much so know I just need to tolerate Marino’s language -as it appears profanity as well Marino are here to stay..
Story also includes Marino’s wife Kay’s sister Dorothy who does her share of being obnoxious !

Whodunit was a surprise.
Story truly was unputdownable!

Plus Narrator January LaVoy (my very favorite audiobook performer) once again was fabulous.

BTW: As you Scarpetta fans knows there is going to be a movie. Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis will star ~Nicole -Kay and Jamie - Dorothy. – Hmmm. . . .

Want to thank NetGalley and Hachette Audio/Grand Central Publishing for this unputdownable audiobook.
Publishing Release Day scheduled for October 7, 2025.

The Scarpetta books used to be some of my favorites, although they are less consistent as time goes on. This is one of the stronger more recent entries, made better by an interesting mystery. Scarpetta uses a lot more technology now, thanks in part to her niece Lucy, who is still a big part of every story. All that with really great narration and I enjoyed this latest installment in the series-- I know it's hard to keep something fresh this long.

I have been reading Patricia Cornwell books for a very long time. Her latest, Sharp Force, was very enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the audiobook ARC of Sharp Force by Patricia Cornwell.

As a long time fan, this felt like returning to old friends, yet the characters still feel fresh and engaging. The forensic detail is here in full force, forming the basis of an unusual plot that blends high tech/AI elements with real tension. The Phantom Slasher and the ghostly holograms really gave me goosebumps.

The narration was outstanding. She moved so easily between characters, giving each their own voice and depth, which really added to the sense of character development and kept me fully immersed.

This works perfectly well as a standalone, but for long time readers invested in the cast of characters it also has the comfort of familiarity. A gripping and well researched thriller.

Sharp Force is another gripping installment from the iconic Patricia Cornwell, and it delivers exactly what fans have come to love: strong investigative detail, compelling characters, and a plot that keeps you on your toes. Kay Scarpetta remains one of the most fascinating protagonists in crime fiction, and her blend of intellect, grit, and humanity continues to shine.

The forensic detail is rich without feeling overwhelming, and Cornwell’s ability to tie in relevant themes and modern threats adds an extra layer of intrigue. The pacing is brisk, the suspense builds nicely, and there are some genuinely chilling moments that kept me fully engaged.

While there were a couple of spots that felt a little dialogue-heavy, the overall story was smart, immersive, and satisfying. Longtime fans will be pleased, and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in this sharp, sophisticated thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

This was the first Patricia Cornwell novel I have read. It is the 29th book in the Kay Scarpetta series but the fact that I had not read the other 28 was not a problem.
Thankyou to NetGalley and Hachette Audio |for the ARC my review is given voluntarily

I listened to an audio book. It was well produced and the narrator was very good. The content of the book lends itself to this format but you do have to concentrate as their is quite a lot of technical detail in the book. If you are easily distracted when listening to audio books the written version may better for you.

This was a book of two halves for me. I enjoyed the majority of it. I researched the woman that Scarpetta is based on. The book is all the more interesting when you know about her ground breaking career. The ongoing criminal activity and investigations where pacey and engaging. There was some procedural content but not as much as I was expecting. I do find it a little strange that Scarpetta seems to do the job of the detectives for them and that so many of her family work with her. I suppose anything else would result in a book with hundreds of characters so I think a classic case of suspending disbelief is needed to enjoy the fiction. On the whole, the characters are believable and interesting. However there is one interaction near the end which seemed very unlikely to me and Scarpetta's reaction to even more so.
My issue with this book was the ending . However great ninety percent of the book has been the ending can scupper it. The resolution came out of nowhere. It relied on a totally unbelievable coincidence. The explanations for this chance were equally incredulous. I suppose it at least explained why a police employee would let there sister grow pot in their conservatory and why there was so much emphasis on it !

Thank you Netgalley for the advance audiobook copy of Sharp Force by Patricia Cornwell in exchange for an honest review. I love this series and it's so nice that Cornwell is still writing them. When I first started this series in highschool, I decided I wanted to be just like Kay Scarpetta, then I found out how much school I'd have to take and changed goals, but I still am fascinated. In this book Kay has to deal with politics while trying to find justice for the dead. I need to reread the series though, as I forget some of the history of certain characters, but still a good book.

Sharp Force was my first dive into Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series, and it was definitely an engaging crime suspense read. I appreciated the amount of procedural detail woven throughout the story it really gave it a grounded, authentic feel. Also grateful for the narrator’s range, it kept me reeled in. The pacing kept me invested, but I did feel a bit of a disconnect toward the end. The resolution felt rushed compared to the buildup, which pulled me out of the story slightly. Overall though, it was a solid introduction to Cornwell’s writing and a good suspense novel. I’d rate it a steady 3.5 stars.

Thank you so much for the ARC/ALC

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for providing me with an ALC.

This was a nice thriller. I've only read one of the other Kay Scarpetta novels before so I didn't have enough context about all the characters. This book can definitely be read as a standalone although it is more enjoyable when read in order. The plot itself started out well but I felt like it was all over the place. I think I have had a bad experience with serial killer thrillers in general because the ending always feels like it pops out of nowhere. I liked and disliked the ending. The characters felt almost the same as before. I wasn't a big fan of the whole technology thing in the book -- I prefer the forensic/medical parts of the author's books more. I liked the way the details were explained. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a serial killer thriller with a technology based aspect to it.

The audiobook significantly improved my reading experience. January LaVoy is one of my favourite narrators. The narration was very well done and pleasant to listen to.