The Ultimate Patricia Cornwell Books in Order List
Is there a more captivating thriller author than Patricia Cornwell? Probably not. The problem is her Dr. Kay Scarpetta series spans 29 books . . . and counting.
While that means you won’t run out of stories to read anytime soon, knowing which books you should begin with can get rather confusing.
For this reason, we bring you the ultimate Patricia Cornwell books in order list. Kay Scarpetta is waiting for you.
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The Kay Scarpetta Series by Patricia Cornwell
- Postmortem (1989)
- 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 (2001)
- Trace (2004)
- Predator (2005)
- Book of the Dead (2007)
- Scarpetta (2008)
- The Scarpetta Factor (2008)
- 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)
- Identity Unknown (2024)
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Andy Brazil and Judy Hammer Books
- Hornet’s Nest (1996)
- Southern Cross (1998)
- Isle of Dogs (2001)
Captain Chase Books
- Quantum (2019)
- Spin (2020)
Winston Garano Series
- At Risk (2006)
- The Front (2008)
Non-Fiction
- 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)
DARKWATER COVE
A killer is watching . . .
She’s running from a psychopath. And he knows what frightens her.
After she’s stabbed in the line of duty, FBI Agent Darcy Gellar moves her family to a sleepy seaside community. Living beside the ocean, she finds tranquility…until the police discover the body of a murdered woman on the beach. The village blames her son, a misunderstood boy with anger issues.
Is a serial killer stalking Darkwater Cove?
Darcy knows the boy is innocent. But how does she convince an aggressive police detective? If she fails, her son will go to prison, and the murderer will strike again.
Can Darcy save her child from the police and a bloodthirsty killer?
Who is Patricia Cornwell?
Born on June 9, 1956, in Miami, Florida, thriller author Patricia Cornwell made her mark with the Dr. Kay Scarpetta medical examiner series. The Scarpetta books influenced the popularity of forensic crime science on TV and in books during the 1990s and 2000s.
Cornwell overcame a difficult childhood, which included her father leaving when she was five. Her mother battled depression and financial difficulties, with her brothers entering foster care.
Despite these hardships, or perhaps because of them, she developed a passion for writing. After graduating from Davidson College with a Bachelor’s degree in English, she worked as a crime reporter for The Charlotte Observer, setting the stage for what was to come.
In 1990, Cornwell published her first novel, “Postmortem” and introduced readers to Dr. Kay Scarpetta. The novel won several major awards and brought forensic science into the public eye. Since then, she has sold over 100 million books, which are available in 36 languages.
A student of crime history, Cornwell continues to pursue Jack the Ripper’s identity. Her book “Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper – Case Closed” is just one of several non-fiction titles she has penned.
Outside of writing, Cornwell is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of mental health and animal rescue. She remains open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness.
Patricia Cornwell: Question and Answers
Q: Who is Patricia Cornwell?
A: Patricia Cornwell is an American thriller author. She is best known for her Dr. Kay Scarpetta medical examiner series, which influenced the popularity of forensic crime science in media. Cornwell published her first novel, “Postmortem,” in 1990.
Q: What is the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series, and why is it significant?
A: The Dr. Kay Scarpetta series is a collection of novels featuring a medical examiner named Kay Scarpetta. Her series is significant for bringing forensic science into the public eye and shaping the crime thriller genre. The series spans over 29 books.
Q: Does Patricia Cornwell write other series or stand-alone books?
A: Yes. Cornwell has written other series such as the Andy Brazil and Judy Hammer books, the Captain Chase books, and the Winston Garano series. She has also authored several non-fiction works, including “Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper – Case Closed.”
Q: What are some themes and elements common in Cornwell’s books?
A: Cornwell’s books focus on forensic science, crime investigation, and the psychological depth of characters. Her writing is known for its meticulous detail, authenticity in depicting investigative procedures, and the ability to create a suspenseful and engaging narrative.
Q6 Has Patricia Cornwell received any awards for her work?
A: Patricia Cornwell has received numerous awards, starting with her first novel “Postmortem,” which won several major awards, including the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards.
Q: What inspires Patricia Cornwell’s writing?
A: Cornwell’s inspiration for writing comes from her background in crime reporting and her interest in crime history. Her personal experiences and extensive research into forensic science and criminal investigation play a significant role in her storytelling.
Q: What are Patricia Cornwell’s philanthropic efforts?
A: Cornwell is known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of mental health and animal rescue. She uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and has been open about her own struggles with bipolar disorder.