Trace (novel)

Trace is a thriller novel written by Patricia Cornwell, published in 2004. It is the twelfth book in the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series.

The novel centers around Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist, who is called in to consult on a bizarre case involving a body discovered in a cargo container at the Richmond Deepwater Terminal. The body is severely decomposed and shows unusual signs of tampering. The investigation leads Scarpetta and her team to uncover a complex web of international crime, terrorism, and cutting-edge technology.

Key themes explored in Trace include identity theft, bio-terrorism, the ethical implications of advanced forensic techniques, and the blurring lines between privacy and security in the digital age. The novel also delves into Scarpetta's personal life, including her relationships with her niece, Lucy Farinelli, and her husband, Benton Wesley. Trace is notable for its use of forensic science details and its exploration of contemporary social issues.