Why we’re excited
A wealthy couple who ran a private security company are found dead at home, apparently killed by wasp stings they were both badly allergic to. It looks like a freak accident. Kay Scarpetta thinks otherwise, and a second body in her Virginia morgue suggests someone has found a way to kill without leaving evidence behind.
This is the thirtieth Scarpetta novel, and Patricia Cornwell has been writing the forensic pathologist since Postmortem in 1990. Long-time readers will want it for the familiar team. Newcomers can follow the case on its own, though the relationships carry more weight if you have read a few recent books first.
On our most-anticipated list since 21 October 2026. See all the most anticipated books →
What to know about Rapid and Fatal
Rapid and Fatal is Book 30 in the Kay Scarpetta series. Start with Book 1, Postmortem. The book just before this one is Sharp Force. We have reviewed 1 of the series so far.
Identity Unknown is the one Patricia Cornwell book we have reviewed, at 4 out of 5.
From the publisher
To stop a diabolical series of mysterious murders, Dr. Kay Scarpetta must hunt for a killer who leaves no trace, in the newest thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Patricia Cornwell.
A billionaire couple, founders of an elite security firm, are found dead in their mansion, apparently stung by yellow jackets. The victims were both highly allergic and there are no signs of foul play, but Virginia chief medical examiner Kay Scarpetta suspects the case may not be as straightforward as it seems.
When she uncovers a link between the couple and another body in her morgue, her worst suspicions are confirmed: these deaths were anything but accidental. Only a highly sophisticated criminal could pull off these murders completely undetected. And only Scarpetta can stop the monster before he strikes again.
Description supplied by the publisher.
We haven’t read Rapid and Fatal yet. When our review goes up, it will replace this page.
