Identity Unveiled by Leslie Piggott
Missing Sister, Hidden Truths: A Mystery That Hits Close to Home
In Identity Unveiled, the seventh installment of Leslie Piggott’s Cari Turnlyle Series, readers are drawn into a labyrinthine mystery that elegantly blends domestic suspense, investigative grit, and emotional stakes. As an amateur sleuth series, the novel excels at weaving a compelling tapestry of interconnected characters, layered deception, and high personal cost, all anchored by Piggott’s steady narrative hand.
The story begins with a harried young mother, Elizabeth, preparing for her sister Rebecca’s long-awaited visit. But when Rebecca’s phone is found at JFK Airport and she fails to arrive in Cleveland, Elizabeth's sense of unease escalates into panic. Parallel to this, Detective Genevieve Viacorte continues to obsessively investigate an ostensibly closed case involving blackmail, murder, and financial irregularities. Against the backdrop of impending nuptials, journalist Cari Turnlyle is reluctantly drawn into the mystery. The convergence of these storylines leads to a multi-perspective thriller where the search for Rebecca unearths more than just a missing person—it exposes the undercurrents of a broader criminal network.
Piggott skillfully explores themes of identity, trust, justice, and the hidden costs of survival. The title, Identity Unveiled, serves as a thematic compass. Whether it’s a woman forced into seduction for survival, a detective confronting departmental politics, or a family grappling with uncertainty, the novel probes what people are willing to risk—or conceal—when the stakes are personal. Particularly poignant is the theme of moral compromise, embodied in the character “Shelly,” who becomes an unwilling pawn in a manipulation scheme that extends far beyond her understanding.
The characters are finely etched, with Genevieve’s obsessive integrity and Cari’s intuitive persistence standing out. Elizabeth’s maternal vulnerability and her mounting fear are vividly rendered, grounding the tension in emotional realism. Supporting characters like Alex, the skeptical detective partner, and Ricky, the indiscreet motel clerk, add flavor and credibility. Settings—ranging from sterile airports and weathered motels to warm bridal boutiques—are rendered with just enough detail to support tone without stalling the narrative.
From the first chapter’s burnt dinner and ringing smoke alarm to the slow-burn detective work and emotionally-charged interviews, the narrative rarely flags. Piggott's use of short chapters, rotating perspectives, and cliffhangers maintains narrative momentum while giving each subplot space to breathe. The tension peaks in scenes involving mistaken identities, evasive witnesses, and near-misses, keeping readers invested in uncovering the truth behind Rebecca’s disappearance.
Piggott’s prose is crisp and accessible, with a journalistic clarity that suits the investigative plotline. Dialogue is natural, particularly between family members and colleagues, where overlapping concerns and personal dynamics are convincingly portrayed. While the writing is not overly literary, it is well-paced and effective, occasionally punctuated by humorous banter or emotionally raw confession. The seamless integration of multiple points of view, particularly Genevieve’s, Cari’s, and Elizabeth’s, enhances the narrative complexity without disorienting the reader.
The emotional core of the book lies in its female characters—resourceful, flawed, and determined. The scenes involving Cari’s grandmother subtly layer family vulnerability alongside broader tension, while Genevieve’s relentless pursuit of justice gives the procedural elements an ethical urgency. Piggott’s ability to shift tone—from domestic warmth to noir-like intrigue—makes for a richly textured read.
Identity Unveiled is a confident entry in a mature series that balances character-driven storytelling with plot-focused mystery. Its strengths lie in its multi-threaded plot, realistic emotional stakes, and a strong cast of women protagonists. While the villain's identity is revealed in increments that could risk feeling familiar to seasoned mystery readers, Piggott keeps the reader guessing by focusing on character motives and misdirection rather than gimmicks.
Ideal for fans of women-led crime fiction, investigative thrillers, and amateur sleuth series with heart, this novel will especially appeal to readers who enjoy smart, layered mysteries with emotional depth.
Piggott’s latest is both satisfying as a standalone and rewarding for longtime followers of the Cari Turnlyle series.
A voluntary assessment from a free advance review copy.
—N3UR4L Reviews
