Livid: A Scarpetta Novel (Kay Scarpetta, 26)

In this thrilling installment of the #1 bestselling series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself a reluctant star witness in a sensational televised murder trial causing chaos in Old Town Alexandria with the threat of violent protests, with SCARPETTA soon to be a streaming series starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Chief medical examiner Kay Scarpetta is the reluctant star witness in a sensational murder trial when she receives shocking news. The judge's sister has been found dead. At first glance, it appears to be a home invasion, but then why was nothing stolen, and why is the garden strewn with dead plants and insects?

Although there is no apparent cause of death, Scarpetta recognizes telltale signs of the unthinkable, and she knows the worst is yet to come. The forensic pathologist finds herself pitted against a powerful force that returns her to the past, and her time to catch the killer is running out . . .

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Published May 23, 2023

368 pages

Average rating: 6.14

22 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Sue Dix
Mar 14, 2026
10/10 stars
Kay Scarpetta comes roaring back, and I love it! She is in the middle of much controversy, as usual, but doesn’t compromise her principles. Is there murder and mayhem? Of course. And she gets to work with her husband, Benton, which is always a bonus. Lucy and Marino are front and center, as well. The writing, the action, the mysterious “weapon”, terrorists, secrets, government agencies, and a plot that just tears along. But, now I’m done. Will there be another? And when?
Joannmondrus
Jan 27, 2023
5/10 stars
Having not read any of the Cromwell Scarpetta series, I did find it a good enough book to be added to our club’s list. While it didn’t grip me, I did enjoy the story line.
Svogelny
Jan 24, 2023
10/10 stars
Great book

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