Patricia Cornwell’s literary journey began in 1990 with the publication of “Postmortem,” a groundbreaking novel that not only secured her a publishing deal but also redefined the forensic thriller genre. At the time of its release, Cornwell was working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. This real-world experience heavily influenced her writing, allowing her to craft narratives with an unparalleled level of authenticity. “Postmortem” became a critical and commercial success, earning prestigious awards like the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards, as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure. This unprecedented achievement marked “Postmortem” as the first book to receive all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s prolific career has seen her books sell approximately 100 million copies worldwide, translated into thirty-six languages and distributed in over 120 countries. Her remarkable ability to captivate readers is further evidenced by her twenty-nine New York Times bestselling titles.
Cornwell’s novels are primarily known for featuring the iconic character Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a dedicated medical examiner. Alongside Scarpetta, her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino form the core of her compelling narratives. Celebrating 25 years of their enduring presence, these characters have evolved into an international phenomenon. Cornwell’s contributions to the detective genre have been recognized with accolades such as the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her significant contributions to literary and artistic development. The immense popularity of her work has not gone unnoticed by Hollywood; Fox 2000 acquired the film rights to Kay Scarpetta, with plans to develop the character for the big screen in collaboration with producer Liz Friedman and writer Melissa Rosenberg.
Cornwell’s passion for storytelling is deeply rooted in her experiences and diverse interests. After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she embarked on a career in journalism, beginning at the Charlotte Observer. It was during her tenure there that she garnered significant attention for a series of insightful articles exploring prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. This period of journalistic exploration eventually led her to a pivotal role at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, a position that would later serve as the inspiration for her fictional creation, Kay Scarpetta.
Beyond her literary endeavors, Patricia Cornwell is deeply committed to various philanthropic and scientific pursuits. When not immersed in writing from her Boston home, she dedicates herself to researching cutting-edge forensic technologies to ensure the accuracy and innovation within her novels. Her broad range of interests extends beyond the literary world; she co-founded the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. Cornwell also lends her expertise as a forensic consultant for CNN and actively participates in McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she champions psychiatric research. Her philanthropic impact is far-reaching, having contributed to funding the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, supported the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, aided the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and generously donated to various law enforcement charities. Furthermore, Patricia is a staunch advocate for education, committed to funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors is concise yet powerful: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
- http://www.patriciacornwell.com
- https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cornwell
- https://twitter.com/1pcornwell
- https://instagram.com/1pcornwell/
Other areas of expertise & interests: Forensics | Forensic Technologies | Ballistics | Weapons | Explosives | Pathology & Autopsies | Crime | Historical and Unsolved Criminal Cases | Jack The Ripper | Helicopter Piloting | Scuba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience.
