Patricia Cornwell

Author:
Patricia Cornwell

Date of birth: 09-Jun-1956
Place of birth: Miami, Florida USA

About the author:
Patricia Cornwell is an American author renowned for her gripping crime novels featuring medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Her work revolutionised the forensic thriller genre, blending meticulous scientific detail with suspenseful storytelling, and she has sold millions of books worldwide.

Born on June 9, 1956, in Miami, Florida, Cornwell spent much of her childhood in North Carolina. She studied journalism at King College in Tennessee and later worked as a reporter and researcher for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. This experience gave her firsthand insight into forensic science, which became the foundation for her writing career.

Cornwell’s breakthrough came with her debut novel, Postmortem (1990), which introduced the character of Kay Scarpetta, a strong and intelligent forensic pathologist navigating complex murder cases. The book won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel and launched a successful series that has since expanded to over 20 novels, each exploring intricate forensic investigations and the personal challenges faced by Scarpetta and her team.

In addition to the Scarpetta series, Cornwell has written several standalone novels and nonfiction works, including Portrait of a Killer (2002), a detailed investigation into the notorious Jack the Ripper case.

Her books have been adapted into television and film projects, and she is credited with popularising forensic science in popular culture, inspiring many real-world advances in criminal investigation.

Patricia Cornwell remains one of the top-selling and influential authors in the crime fiction genre, admired for her engaging plots, complex characters, and commitment to forensic accuracy. She lives primarily in Virginia and continues to write and publish new works.