Patricia Cornwell is an renowned author in the crime fiction genre, particularly with her series featuring Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner whose sharp mind and forensic skills have captivated readers worldwide.
Born in Miami, Florida, in 1956, Cornwell’s early life was marked by a fascination with science and a love for writing, two passions that would eventually define her career.
After earning a degree in English from Davidson College in North Carolina, Cornwell embarked on a series of jobs that would lay the groundwork for her future novels. She worked as a reporter and then took a position at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Virginia, experiences that provided her with a wealth of material on crime and forensic science. It was here that Cornwell’s signature blend of detailed forensic research and compelling narrative began to take shape.
Cornwell’s breakthrough came in 1990 with the publication of “Postmortem,” the first novel in the Kay Scarpetta series. The book was a hit, praised for its accuracy in forensic details and its fast-paced storytelling. Cornwell’s ability to combine technical forensic procedures with gripping plots set her apart from other writers in the genre and earned her a devoted following.
Beyond the Scarpetta series, Cornwell has explored other themes and characters, including a series on Andy Brazil, a police reporter, and Win Garano, a state investigator. Regardless of the protagonist, her novels are known for their meticulous research, complex characters, and psychological depth.
Cornwell’s work extends beyond the page; she is actively involved in forensic research and has contributed to solving real-life mysteries. Her interest in historical figures has also led her to write non-fiction, most notably her investigation into Jack the Ripper’s identity.
Residing in Boston, Massachusetts, Cornwell’s life outside of writing is as dynamic as her novels. An avid helicopter pilot and a keen cook, she brings the same intensity and passion to her hobbies as she does to her writing.
Cornwell’s dedication to her craft and her ability to continually innovate within the crime genre have made her a towering figure in contemporary fiction, offering readers a thrilling glimpse into the world of forensic science and criminal investigation.
Kay Scarpetta Books In Order of Publication
| Postmortem | (1990) |
| Body of Evidence | (1991) |
| All That Remains | (1992) |
| Cruel and Unusual | (1993) |
| The Body Farm | (1994) |
| From Potter’s Field | (1995) |
| Cause of Death | (1996) |
| Unnatural Exposure | (1997) |
| Point of Origin | (1998) |
| Black Notice | (1999) |
| The Last Precinct | (2000) |
| Blow Fly | (2003) |
| Trace | (2004) |
| Predator | (2005) |
| Book of the Dead | (2007) |
| Scarpetta | (2008) |
| The Scarpetta Factor | (2009) |
| Port Mortuary | (2010) |
| Red Mist | (2011) |
| The Bone Bed | (2012) |
| Dust | (2013) |
| Flesh and Blood | (2014) |
| Depraved Heart | (2015) |
| Chaos | (2016) |
| Autopsy | (2021) |
| Livid | (2022) |
| Unnatural Death | (2023) |
Andy Brazil/Judy Hammer Books In Order of Publication
| Hornet’s Nest | (1996) |
| Southern Cross | (1998) |
| Isle of Dogs | (2001) |
Captain Chase Books In Order of Publication
| Quantum | (2019) |
| Spin | (2020) |
Winston Garano Books In Order of Publication
| At Risk | (2006) |
| The Front | (2008) |
Picture Books In Order of Publication
| Life’s Little Fable | (1999) |
Non-Fiction Books In Order of Publication
| Ruth, A Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham | (1983) |
| Scarpetta’s Winter Table | (1998) |
| Food to Die For: Secrets From Kay Scarpetta’s Kitchen | (2001) |
| Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper – Case Closed | (2002) |
| Chasing the Ripper | (2014) |
| Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert | (2017) |
Anthologies In Order of Publication
| The Mammoth Encyclopedia of Modern Crime Fiction | (2002) |