Patricia Cornwell’s Kay Scarpetta series of novels

Although female crime fighters are not a new phenomena, those who solve crime forensically were almost unheard of when Patricia Cornwell published the first of her Kay Scarpetta novels, Postmortem, in 1990. The series now runs to 16 books, has attracted a worldwide following and is even hailed as one of the inspirations for the ultra-popular television series, CSI.

What are they about?

Kay Scarpetta is a Chief Medical Examiner (think pathologist if you’re in the UK, or Quincy if you remember the 70s) who solves horribly gruesome murders which usually involve political intrigue and backstabbing colleagues, while dealing with a complicated personal life. She’s often assisted in this by long time friend and verbal sparring partner, detective Pete Marino and her beloved niece, Lucy. Love interest is provided by several male characters, but it’s a dangerous job and they do have a habit of ending up dead.

Are they worth reading?

In a word, yes. The plots are fast moving, and the writing very good. The attention to detail is wonderful, and I often think the post-mortem table is as much a character as any of the living. Kay Scarpetta is an interesting character. On one hand she’s very professional, aloof, maybe a little arrogant; on the other vulnerable and family orientated with a great deal of compassion for her ‘patients’. Oddly, because the novels are very different, if I had to compare Kay Scarpetta to another character, it would be Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple; both women approach crime solving with a similar dignity and determination. The relationship between Scarpetta and Marino is well drawn. Despite the sexual frisson, it mostly platonic and mirrors the highs and lows of a real friendship.

If I have a criticism, it is that some of the characters lack substance and are almost cartoon-like, while some scenarios require the reader to suspend belief a little too much. However, Cornwell seems to have realised this too, because later books are more similar to her earlier simpler and more believable works.

The books are quite graphic and do include vivid descriptions of both murders and post-mortem techniques, so definitely not for the squeamish! But, if you enjoy riveting plots that keep you turning the pages; intelligent, tenacious female characters and a peek into a world you probably wouldn’t want to inhabit, they might be right up your street.