Patricia Daniels Cornwell
Patricia Daniels Cornwell is an American crime writer, known for her best-selling series of novels featuring the medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Edgar, the Creasey, the Anthony, and the Macavity awards.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Postmortem
In this gripping crime thriller, a forensic pathologist named Kay Scarpetta finds herself in the midst of a serial killer investigation. As she delves into the brutal murders of several young women, Scarpetta must use her expertise to unravel the clues left behind by the sadistic murderer. With her own life in danger, Scarpetta races against time to catch the killer before he strikes again, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.
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2. Unnatural Exposure
In this gripping thriller, a seasoned medical examiner is drawn into a chilling investigation when a series of gruesome murders linked to a mysterious virus emerge. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and danger, where the killer's identity remains elusive and the threat of a biological catastrophe looms large. Battling both professional and personal challenges, she must race against time to unravel the truth and prevent a deadly outbreak, all while confronting her own vulnerabilities and the dark side of human nature.
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3. Body Of Evidence
In this gripping thriller, a forensic pathologist is drawn into a complex and dangerous investigation when a reclusive author is brutally murdered. As she delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden motives that put her own life at risk. With meticulous attention to detail and a relentless pursuit of the truth, she must navigate a world of dark secrets and unexpected twists to bring the killer to justice, all while confronting her own personal demons.
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4. Cruel & Unusual
A Scarpetta Novel
In this gripping crime thriller, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta is thrust into a complex and chilling investigation when a convicted murderer is executed, only for a series of new murders to occur with the same modus operandi. As Scarpetta delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that reaches into the highest levels of power. Battling against time and facing personal threats, she must use her forensic expertise to unravel the mystery and stop the killer before more lives are lost. The novel explores themes of justice, betrayal, and the intricate nature of truth.
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5. All That Remains
A Scarpetta Novel
The book is a gripping crime thriller that follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist, as she investigates a series of mysterious disappearances and murders of young couples in Virginia. As she delves deeper into the case, Scarpetta faces numerous challenges, including bureaucratic obstacles, media scrutiny, and her own personal struggles. With the help of her brilliant niece, Lucy, and the determined detective Pete Marino, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and danger, ultimately revealing a chilling connection between the victims and a cunning killer. The story combines forensic science with suspenseful storytelling, keeping readers on edge as Scarpetta races against time to solve the case.
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6. The Body Farm
A Scarpetta Novel
In this gripping crime thriller, forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta is called to investigate the brutal murder of an eleven-year-old girl in rural North Carolina. As she delves deeper into the case, Scarpetta uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that stretches beyond the local community, leading her to the mysterious Body Farm, a research facility dedicated to studying human decomposition. With her keen investigative skills and the help of her trusted colleagues, Scarpetta must navigate a complex landscape of forensic evidence and personal danger to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.
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7. Southern Cross
A Novel of Suspense
The novel is a gripping crime thriller set in Richmond, Virginia, where the newly appointed police chief, Judy Hammer, and her team face the daunting task of tackling the city's rising crime rates and corruption. As they navigate the complexities of the local political landscape and a series of bizarre and violent crimes, Hammer and her colleagues, including the ambitious Deputy Chief Virginia West and the tech-savvy Andy Brazil, must unravel a web of deceit and danger. The story delves into themes of justice, power, and the challenges of reforming a troubled police department, all while maintaining a fast-paced and suspenseful narrative.
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8. Predator
Scarpetta
In this gripping crime thriller, forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta is drawn into a complex investigation involving a series of brutal murders. As she delves deeper into the case, Scarpetta must navigate a web of psychological intrigue and forensic evidence, working alongside her team to uncover the truth behind the predator's identity. The narrative weaves together themes of technology, human behavior, and the dark recesses of the criminal mind, culminating in a tense and suspenseful pursuit of justice.
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9. The Last Precinct
In this gripping crime thriller, the protagonist, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, faces intense scrutiny and personal turmoil as she becomes entangled in a complex investigation following the murder of a colleague. As she navigates the challenges of being both a suspect and a forensic expert, Scarpetta must unravel a web of deceit and danger that threatens her career and life. The story delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of justice, all while Scarpetta confronts her own vulnerabilities and the dark secrets that emerge from her past.
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10. From Potter's Field
In this gripping thriller, forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta is thrust into a chilling investigation when a brutal murder occurs in the heart of New York City during the festive holiday season. As she delves deeper into the case, Scarpetta finds herself entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning and elusive serial killer known as "Temple Gault." With the clock ticking and the body count rising, Scarpetta must rely on her expertise and instincts to unravel the killer's twisted motives and bring him to justice before he strikes again.
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11. Livid
In this gripping forensic thriller, the seasoned medical examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, finds herself entangled in a complex web of deceit and danger as she investigates a high-profile murder case. Set against the backdrop of a politically charged courtroom, Scarpetta must navigate through layers of corruption and betrayal, all while confronting personal demons and professional challenges. As the tension escalates, she relies on her keen instincts and forensic expertise to unravel the truth, leading to a shocking revelation that could change everything.
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12. Scarpetta
In this gripping crime thriller, a renowned forensic pathologist is drawn into a complex web of deceit and danger when she is called to investigate a high-profile murder case. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a series of chilling clues that suggest a sinister conspiracy involving powerful figures. With her expertise and intuition, she navigates the treacherous path of forensic evidence, personal vendettas, and hidden agendas, all while confronting her own vulnerabilities and past traumas. The story unfolds with relentless suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the truth slowly emerges from the shadows.
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13. Autopsy
A Scarpetta Novel
In this gripping forensic thriller, the renowned medical examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, returns to Virginia to unravel a complex web of mystery and murder. As she delves into a series of chilling cases, Scarpetta faces a blend of professional challenges and personal dilemmas, all while navigating the intricacies of modern forensic science. With her keen intuition and unwavering determination, she uncovers hidden truths that threaten to upend her world, leading to a suspenseful climax that tests her resolve and expertise.
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14. Book Of The Dead
A Scarpetta Novel
In this gripping forensic thriller, the renowned medical examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, relocates to Charleston, South Carolina, to open a private forensic pathology practice. As she settles into her new life, she is drawn into a chilling investigation involving a series of brutal murders that span continents. With her keen analytical skills and unwavering determination, Scarpetta navigates a web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden secrets, all while confronting her own personal demons. The narrative intricately weaves together forensic science, psychological insight, and suspense, culminating in a heart-pounding climax that tests Scarpetta's resolve and expertise.
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15. Cause Of Death
A Kay Scarpetta Novel
In this gripping forensic thriller, the tenacious Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, is called to investigate the mysterious death of a reporter found in a naval shipyard. As she delves deeper into the case, Scarpetta uncovers a web of deceit and danger that stretches far beyond the initial crime scene. With her keen investigative skills and unwavering determination, she navigates through a maze of political intrigue, hidden agendas, and deadly secrets, all while confronting personal challenges that test her resilience. The story unfolds with relentless suspense, leading to a shocking revelation that threatens to upend everything she holds dear.
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16. Unnatural Death
In this gripping forensic thriller, the protagonist, a meticulous and determined medical examiner, delves into a perplexing case where a seemingly natural death raises suspicions of foul play. As she navigates through a web of deceit and hidden motives, she uncovers a chilling conspiracy that challenges her professional skills and personal resolve. With each twist and turn, the investigation intensifies, revealing the dark underbelly of human nature and the lengths some will go to conceal the truth. The narrative is a masterful blend of suspense, forensic science, and psychological insight, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.
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17. Identity Unknown
In this gripping narrative, the author delves into the world of forensic science, unraveling the mysteries behind unidentified human remains. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the book explores the intersection of science, technology, and human emotion, as experts work tirelessly to restore names and stories to those who have been forgotten. With a focus on the dedication and innovation of forensic professionals, the narrative highlights the profound impact of identity on both the living and the deceased, offering a poignant reflection on the quest for understanding and closure.
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