Patricia Cornwell Books in Order: A Complete Guide to Her Works

Patricia Cornwell is a name synonymous with forensic thrillers. As one of the most acclaimed authors in the crime fiction genre, she has a massive body of work that has kept readers captivated for decades.

Best known for her Kay Scarpetta series, Cornwell has built an empire of books centered around medical examination and forensic investigation. But with such a vast array of novels, many readers wonder: what’s the best way to read Patricia Cornwell’s books in order?

In this guide, we’ll take you through all her major series and standalone novels, helping you navigate the right order for her works.

Patricia Cornwell’s Most Popular Series

When people think of Patricia Cornwell, they often think of the Kay Scarpetta series. However, Cornwell is more than just Scarpetta’s creator. She’s also responsible for other beloved series such as Andy Brazil and Win Garano, along with a number of standalone novels that explore similar dark, forensic themes.

The Kay Scarpetta Series

Undoubtedly, the Kay Scarpetta series is Cornwell’s crowning achievement. This series follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner whose intelligence and determination place her at the center of solving intricate, often gruesome, criminal cases. The forensic accuracy and detail Cornwell brings to these novels stem from her own background in medical examination, giving the series a level of realism that few other crime novels can match.

Kay Scarpetta Series in Order

If you’re eager to dive into the Kay Scarpetta books, it’s important to know the order in which they were published:

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)

Kay Scarpetta Series: Chronological Order vs. Publication Order

One question that often arises is whether readers should follow the publication order or the chronological order of the Kay Scarpetta series. The publication order is generally the best way to go because the character’s development and relationships evolve with each book. However, there are some flashbacks and jumps in the timeline that might make you curious about the chronological order.

Kay Scarpetta Series in Chronological Order

For those who prefer to read the events in Scarpetta’s life chronologically, the order shifts slightly:

Postmortem
Body of Evidence
All That Remains
Cruel and Unusual
The Body Farm
From Potter’s Field
Cause of Death
Unnatural Exposure
Point of Origin
Black Notice
The Last Precinct
Blow Fly
Trace
Predator
Book of the Dead
Scarpetta
The Scarpetta Factor
Port Mortuary
Red Mist
The Bone Bed
Dust
Flesh and Blood
Depraved Heart
Chaos
Autopsy
Livid

The Andy Brazil Series

Apart from Kay Scarpetta, Patricia Cornwell also created the Andy Brazil series, a trilogy that blends crime, humor, and drama. The books focus on an investigative reporter who teams up with police officer Judy Hammer to solve cases.

Here are the books in the Andy Brazil series:

Hornet’s Nest (1997)

Southern Cross (1998)

Isle of Dogs (2001)

The Win Garano Series

Another exciting series is the Win Garano series, which follows state investigator Winston Garano as he tackles cold cases and other complex crimes.

The books in this series are:

At Risk (2006)

The Front (2008)

Other Notable Patricia Cornwell Books

In addition to her popular series, Cornwell has written standalone novels like Ruth, A Portrait (1997), a biography of Ruth Bell Graham, and Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper—Case Closed (2002), which presents Cornwell’s own investigation into the infamous Jack the Ripper case. These standalone works show her versatility as an author and allow readers to explore different aspects of her writing.

Themes in Patricia Cornwell’s Books

A common theme throughout Cornwell’s works is her fascination with forensic science. The characters in her books are often deeply involved in law enforcement or medicine, and they use their expertise to uncover clues and solve cases. Themes of justice, morality, and the complexity of human behavior are also prevalent.

Patricia Cornwell’s Influence on Crime Fiction

Cornwell is credited with revolutionizing the crime thriller genre by putting forensic science at the forefront of her stories. Long before TV shows like CSI and Bones became popular, Cornwell was introducing readers to the gritty details of autopsies, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology.

Awards and Accolades

Over her long career, Cornwell has earned numerous awards, including the prestigious Edgar Award, the Macavity Award, and the Gold Dagger. These accolades highlight the impact her novels have had on the crime fiction genre.

Kay Scarpetta’s Evolution as a Character

Dr. Kay Scarpetta starts as a determined and sharp medical examiner, and as the series progresses, we see her grow more complex, juggling personal relationships, professional challenges, and ethical dilemmas. Her relationships with characters like Detective Pete Marino and her niece, Lucy, are crucial to her development throughout the series.

The Writing Style of Patricia Cornwell

Cornwell’s writing is known for its fast-paced, detail-oriented style. Her background in forensic science lends authenticity to the medical and crime-solving procedures depicted in her books. She balances technical precision with character development, ensuring her readers remain engaged with both the story and the science.

How to Start Reading Patricia Cornwell

If you’re new to Patricia Cornwell, it’s a good idea to start with her first Kay Scarpetta book, Postmortem. This is where readers are introduced to Scarpetta and her world, setting the foundation for the rest of the series. Alternatively, if forensic science isn’t your primary interest, you might enjoy starting with one of her standalone novels or a different series like Andy Brazil.

Conclusion

Patricia Cornwell is one of the most influential writers in crime fiction, and her books offer a compelling blend of forensic science, mystery, and drama. Whether you’re a fan of the Kay Scarpetta series or interested in her other works, reading her books in order allows you to fully appreciate her characters’ journeys and the intricate plots she creates.

FAQs

What is the first Kay Scarpetta book?
- The first Kay Scarpetta book is Postmortem, published in 1990.
How many books are in the Kay Scarpetta series?
- There are currently 26 books in the Kay Scarpetta series, with Livid being the latest installment, released in 2022.
Should I read Patricia Cornwell’s books in order?
- Yes, reading in order is recommended, especially for the Kay Scarpetta series, as character development and overarching storylines are important.
What inspired Patricia Cornwell to write crime novels?
- Patricia Cornwell’s work as a crime reporter and her time spent in forensic science inspired her to write crime novels.
Are there any TV adaptations of her books?
- While there are no major TV adaptations, there have been discussions and attempts to bring the Kay Scarpetta series to the screen.