This is the 28th book in Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series, thrillers about a medical examiner who solves crimes. The books feature advances in scientific technology of all kinds, and a cast of reappearing characters. In addition to the usual leads–Kay, Marino, Lucy, Dorothy, Tron, and various lab employees and law enforcement officers–Carrie Grethen reappears, as does Sal Giordano (who apparently is someone Kay’s been very close to during the entire series, but I don’t remember him; probably due to my seniorly memory lapses).

In this installment of the series, Kay must deal with two murders, one a scientist, the other a child. After the guilty parties are apprehended, the three final chapters of the book deal with the formerly unanswered questions of how and why. I’d say neatly, but it’s complicated. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end.

In my opinion, Identity Unknown is one of Cornwell’s very best. About ten years ago, she wrote a few Scarpetta novels that were so bogged down in procedure that it seemed she spent 300 pages describing events of an hour or two. Not so in this one. The pace is quick. The suspense is intense. The explanations of technology are clear and concise. Twists in the plot occur so frequently that your mind never has a chance to wander. The stakes for everyone are high all the way through. Danger is everywhere.

Whenever I’m forced to name my favorite author, my answer is Patricia Cornwell. This book is a reason why.