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Kay Scarpetta #1-2
The First Scarpetta Collection: Postmortem / Body of Evidence
Fans of Patricia Cornwell, the number one megastar who virtually invented the forensic thriller, will rejoice to see her first two novels, Postmortem and Body of Evidence, united in this much-anticipated omnibus volume. Hugely successful when they were first published, these are the two novels that brought Virginia Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta to the book-reading world. They are presented here complete and unabridged.
Postmortem
A serial killer is on the loose in Richmond, Virginia. Three women have died, brutalized and strangled in their own bedrooms. There is little pattern: the killer appears to strike at random -- but always early on Saturday mornings.
When Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta is awakened at 2:33 A.M., she knows the news is bad: there is a fourth victim, and she fears now for those who may follow unless she finds the forensic evidence that can break the case.
But not everyone wants her help. Not everyone is pleased to see a woman in this powerful job. Someone may even want to ruin her career and reputation before she can find the killer.
Body of Evidence
A reclusive writer is dead, and her final manuscript has disappeared...
Someone is stalking Beryl Madison. Someone who spies on her and makes threatening, obscene phone calls. Terrified, Beryl flees to Key West -- but eventually she must return to her Richmond home. The very night she arrives, Beryl inexplicably invites her killer inside.
Thus begins for Dr. Kay Scarpetta the investigation of a crime that is as convoluted as it is bizarre. Why would Beryl open the door to someone who would brutally slash and then neatly decapitate her? Did she know her killer? Adding to the intrigue is Beryl's enigmatic relationship with a prizewinning author and the disappearance of her own manuscript.
As Scarpetta retraces Beryl's footsteps, an investigation that begins in the laboratory with microscopes and lasers leads her deep into a nightmare that soon becomes her own.
640 pages, Hardcover
First published July 6, 1995
37 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Cornwell
177 books19.3k followersPatricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem, in 1990 while working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia. Postmortem, was the first bona fide forensic thriller. It paved the way for an explosion of entertainment featuring in all things forensic across film, television and literature.
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell 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 contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
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 | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
Postmortem would go on to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize – the first book ever to claim all these distinctions in a single year. To date, Cornwell’s books have sold some 100 million copies in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries. She’s authored twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Patricia’s novels center primarily on medical examiner Kay Scarpetta along with her tech-savvy niece Lucy and fellow investigator Pete Marino. Celebrating 25 years, these characters have grown into an international phenomenon, winning Cornwell 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 contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 bought the rights to Kay Scarpetta. Working with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg to develop the film and find Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
After earning her degree in English from Davidson College in 1979, she began working at the Charlotte Observer.
Cornwell received widespread attention and praise for her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte. From the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell moved to a job with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a post she would later bestow upon the fictional Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Patricia tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. Her interests span outside the literary: Patricia co-founded of the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums. She appears as a forensic consultant on CNN and serves as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council, where she advocates for psychiatric research. She’s helped fund the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the scientific study of a Confederate submarine, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and a variety of law enforcement charities. Patricia is also committed to
funding scholarships and literacy programs. Her advice to aspiring authors: “Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer.”
Social and Digital Outlets
http://www.patriciacornwell.com
https://www.facebook.com/patricia.cor...
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 | Suba Diving | Archaeological Excavation Experience |
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 11, 2024
I've read and reviewed these books separately, so this is basically just for my own records. Postmortem got four stars from me and Body of Evidence three, so the average comes to three and a half, rounded up.
When I first read these books, back as a teenager, they were the first mysteries I'd read (and I hadn't read many) that focused on forensics. The first book made a real impression with all the science, which is why I rated it so highly, but it seemed as if there was substantially less in the second book, which didn't grab me as much. I think, too, that part of the difference is not only the amount of science present, but what type it is. Biology will always be more interesting to me than the other scientific disciplines, and that most of what forensics there was in the second book had to do with different types of nylon rope... well, I was less than riveted. Still, an interesting series, and I'm coming back to it now so am excited to get past the first few books, which is where I stopped last time.
When I first read these books, back as a teenager, they were the first mysteries I'd read (and I hadn't read many) that focused on forensics. The first book made a real impression with all the science, which is why I rated it so highly, but it seemed as if there was substantially less in the second book, which didn't grab me as much. I think, too, that part of the difference is not only the amount of science present, but what type it is. Biology will always be more interesting to me than the other scientific disciplines, and that most of what forensics there was in the second book had to do with different types of nylon rope... well, I was less than riveted. Still, an interesting series, and I'm coming back to it now so am excited to get past the first few books, which is where I stopped last time.
October 11, 2020
Excellent! Read it! 5+ stars! Ready to read # 3!
Read
February 9, 2021Good mysteries. Best read in order.
June 10, 2021
Well worth a second listen!
July 5, 2021
very dated.
July 5, 2022
Was so pleased to have been able to get Cornwell's first 2 novels in one complete volume. Such a master at the thrilling mysteries of Forensic Science.
July 19, 2023
Finally the book that tells me how Mark James and Kay met again.
August 7, 2023
Absolutely brilliant 🤩 I couldn’t put this book down, so gripping and great storyline 😄
August 31, 2023
A gruesome thriller with long descriptions and foreseeable plot. An interesting, but not entirely accurate, glimpse into the world of forensics.
December 1, 2023
Love love live...bring on book 3
February 29, 2024
Getting better
August 1, 2024
There are two separate books, both good stories. I like the second one better, had a better pace. maybe I need a longer commute, could get the story better.
February 5, 2025
Review coming soon
June 4, 2013
As with all Cornwell novels, a chiller. In the second novel in the Scarpetta collection(the first being Postmortem), Dr. Kay Scarpetta gets tangled up in the murder and life of romance novelist Beryl Madison, only to find the killer becoming her own nightmare.
Body of Evidence is an easy to read thriller with compelling details about forensic pathology. At times the detail can become overwhelming, but in the end it adds to the richness of the research behind the killings. Nothing seems fabricated and you feel part of the investigations.
Cornwell keeps you guessing at the killer's identity and the motive of the heinous crimes. With crime being what it is today and people on the alert for their safety, it is difficult for the mystery writer to figure a plausible way of entry for the murderer into the victim's home. Cornwell solves this in Body of Evidence and you are left with a startling realization of your own safety. She draws you into her novel, introducing you to characters that are real and far from perfect. You can relate to the events, the characters and setting, which makes for a credible mystery read.
With every Scarpetta novel that you read (if you read them in sequence), you find out a little bit more about Kay Scarpetta, her life, her family, and the few friends she allows into her circle. From Postmortem to Body of Evidence, you find yourself wondering if details were left out, but as you delve into the world of Kay Scarpetta and the murder mystery, you realize that Patricia Cornwell is a clever lady who allows details of a character to come to you just as you would find detail of a new friend. Let's face it, when you meet someone they don't go blurting out every detail of their life. No, they give you bits and pieces and as you get to know them, you find out just a little bit more and the puzzle starts growing. This is exactly what you find in Body of Evidence and it leaves you wanting to know Dr Scarpetta, which in turn leads you to the next novel, All that Remains.
Body of Evidence is an easy to read thriller with compelling details about forensic pathology. At times the detail can become overwhelming, but in the end it adds to the richness of the research behind the killings. Nothing seems fabricated and you feel part of the investigations.
Cornwell keeps you guessing at the killer's identity and the motive of the heinous crimes. With crime being what it is today and people on the alert for their safety, it is difficult for the mystery writer to figure a plausible way of entry for the murderer into the victim's home. Cornwell solves this in Body of Evidence and you are left with a startling realization of your own safety. She draws you into her novel, introducing you to characters that are real and far from perfect. You can relate to the events, the characters and setting, which makes for a credible mystery read.
With every Scarpetta novel that you read (if you read them in sequence), you find out a little bit more about Kay Scarpetta, her life, her family, and the few friends she allows into her circle. From Postmortem to Body of Evidence, you find yourself wondering if details were left out, but as you delve into the world of Kay Scarpetta and the murder mystery, you realize that Patricia Cornwell is a clever lady who allows details of a character to come to you just as you would find detail of a new friend. Let's face it, when you meet someone they don't go blurting out every detail of their life. No, they give you bits and pieces and as you get to know them, you find out just a little bit more and the puzzle starts growing. This is exactly what you find in Body of Evidence and it leaves you wanting to know Dr Scarpetta, which in turn leads you to the next novel, All that Remains.
February 4, 2009
Being the CSI freak that I am, I don't know why I never read the Scarpetta books before - perhaps a bandwagon I was letting pass by, I don't know.
But, being home sick, and not in the mood for trashy romance, I went trashy crime. Fast read, a little outdated with the advances made in DNA technology, but if you're going to read a series, I guess its best to start in the beginning.
Update - now that I've finished both books, I'm downgrading this from three stars to two stars. For a highly educated woman, this Scarpetta lady is pretty stupid - how on earth, in two books in a row, does she allow the murderer to get into her house??? I've been working in criminal law for nearly 12 years, and never once has the Medical Examiner ever a. been in the paper, b. been identified as an investigator on the case as opposed to the Homicide Detective, c. ever been tracked down by a homicidal maniac, or even made identifiable to the potential defendant in any way. My clients know exactly who arrested them (the homicide detective) and who is prosecuting them (the da), however, the medical examiner or even the crime lab technician is never ever on their radar as an "enemy." The plots of these books, if given more than a passing thought, make absolutely no sense. I really can't believe this series is as popular as it is.
But, being home sick, and not in the mood for trashy romance, I went trashy crime. Fast read, a little outdated with the advances made in DNA technology, but if you're going to read a series, I guess its best to start in the beginning.
Update - now that I've finished both books, I'm downgrading this from three stars to two stars. For a highly educated woman, this Scarpetta lady is pretty stupid - how on earth, in two books in a row, does she allow the murderer to get into her house??? I've been working in criminal law for nearly 12 years, and never once has the Medical Examiner ever a. been in the paper, b. been identified as an investigator on the case as opposed to the Homicide Detective, c. ever been tracked down by a homicidal maniac, or even made identifiable to the potential defendant in any way. My clients know exactly who arrested them (the homicide detective) and who is prosecuting them (the da), however, the medical examiner or even the crime lab technician is never ever on their radar as an "enemy." The plots of these books, if given more than a passing thought, make absolutely no sense. I really can't believe this series is as popular as it is.
March 19, 2016
Dr. Kay Scarpetta ist erst seit kurzem die Leiterin der Gerichtsmedizin im Fall eines mehrfachen Frauenmörders, der in Virginia sein Unwesen treibt. Doch plötzlich werden die Untersuchung gesört. Als ein weiterer Mord geschieht, will Dr. Scarpetta dem Täter eine Falle stellen.
Ich bin im Moment total auf der Schiene Krimi und Thriller her damit. Also bin ich über Kay Scarpetta gestolpert. Eine sehr lange Reihe aber ich war sehr neugierig. Kaum angefangen hat mich Kay in ihrem Bann gezogen. Natürlich merkt man schnell, das die Bücher schon etwas älter sind. Ich sag nur DNA-Analyse. Doch die Spannung, Action und die Wortgefechte sind sehr interessant und Zeitlos. Teilweise erinnert mich Kay Scarpetta an die Serie Bones, doch da sie Ihre Leichen ganz frisch bekommt. Kay ist eine starke Frau die einige durchgemacht hat um dorthin zu kommen wo sie jetzt ist. Ich nehme sie mir als Vorbild und nein ich werde jetzt nicht Ärztin oder Anwältin, aber ich werde mehr darum kämpfen für das was ich will. Die Story ist einfach spannend und verrät sehr wenig. Man bekommt sehr viele Details. Die teilweise schon etwas überholt sind doch dadurch werden sie sogar noch interessanter, weil man so mitbekommt wie es vor 20 Jahren gelaufen ist. Ich werde auf jeden Fall alle Bänder lesen und freue mich weiter an Kay´s Seite zu bewegen bzw. lesen.
Ich bin im Moment total auf der Schiene Krimi und Thriller her damit. Also bin ich über Kay Scarpetta gestolpert. Eine sehr lange Reihe aber ich war sehr neugierig. Kaum angefangen hat mich Kay in ihrem Bann gezogen. Natürlich merkt man schnell, das die Bücher schon etwas älter sind. Ich sag nur DNA-Analyse. Doch die Spannung, Action und die Wortgefechte sind sehr interessant und Zeitlos. Teilweise erinnert mich Kay Scarpetta an die Serie Bones, doch da sie Ihre Leichen ganz frisch bekommt. Kay ist eine starke Frau die einige durchgemacht hat um dorthin zu kommen wo sie jetzt ist. Ich nehme sie mir als Vorbild und nein ich werde jetzt nicht Ärztin oder Anwältin, aber ich werde mehr darum kämpfen für das was ich will. Die Story ist einfach spannend und verrät sehr wenig. Man bekommt sehr viele Details. Die teilweise schon etwas überholt sind doch dadurch werden sie sogar noch interessanter, weil man so mitbekommt wie es vor 20 Jahren gelaufen ist. Ich werde auf jeden Fall alle Bänder lesen und freue mich weiter an Kay´s Seite zu bewegen bzw. lesen.
June 25, 2011
So far, I am amazed at how much smoking goes on in public places, and how technology was so primitive. Typing in commands on the computer, the scarcity of computers, and using a phone booth to make calls away from home or office.
Postmortem was written in 1990. I remember in my own life, when we were visiting colleges in 1997 and '98, that the dorms were just then being wired for personal computers, and that it was a big deal. By the time we were visiting again in 2003,issuing cell phones to each student instead of having a phone on the wall in a shared dorm room was the new thing, as well as having wireless laptop computers by 2004. How far we have come!
I only read the first book in this collection, because I just really don't like the subject matter. I was thinking I had missed out on Patricia Cornwell all these years, maybe reading one book along the way...but really, I just don't like murder and all it's details. I did like the relationship between Dr Scarpetta and her neice, Lucy.
Postmortem was written in 1990. I remember in my own life, when we were visiting colleges in 1997 and '98, that the dorms were just then being wired for personal computers, and that it was a big deal. By the time we were visiting again in 2003,issuing cell phones to each student instead of having a phone on the wall in a shared dorm room was the new thing, as well as having wireless laptop computers by 2004. How far we have come!
I only read the first book in this collection, because I just really don't like the subject matter. I was thinking I had missed out on Patricia Cornwell all these years, maybe reading one book along the way...but really, I just don't like murder and all it's details. I did like the relationship between Dr Scarpetta and her neice, Lucy.
January 17, 2017
This book was two books in one. The first story was okay but seemed rushed to me. The second was much better until the end. Again, it seemed rushed and just ended. Towards the end, the main character, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, started (in my opinion) making stupid decisions. I mean really, her ex boyfriend who has already been caught lying to her in the earlier part of the book, shows up and tells her a story and "Bam!" just like that (notice she didn't dial the phone), she believes him enough to let him stay in her room, tells him about the secret evidence she's found, and has sex with him. I mean, come on! This is supposed to be a very educated, strong, independent woman. That's a little extreme.
December 9, 2009
This was the second book in my list of required reads on my class' roster. And it was a breath of icy crisp air. Beginning The the mind of scarpetta, right before the call to the first murder scene. Right up until the end you wonder (or at least i do) who the killer could be. Is it someone we know? Is it a complete stranger? Is is a woman? is it a man? nothing is for sure until the very end. And even then you are left in amazment. Patricia Cornwell has my respect, I have never seen an author make me feel in intouch with the characters, well done.
August 10, 2010
I just finished reading this book. I didn't think I would like it from a medical examiner's point of view, but it took me most of the way through to figure out the killer and what happened was summed up in the end. I was completely surprised. I like her writing and the plot line. I really didn't know what to think of the old love interest who comes along in the story and was surprised at the end about him. Read this if you like mysteries with women investigators and plots that don't spell it out for you early in the book.
March 28, 2010
This is actually a collection of two books, I only completed Omnibus: Postmortem. While this isn't a genre that I partake in very often, I found this book engaging enough to finish (so really I would give it 2.5 or 2.75 starts). I suppose I just don't have the taste for some of the "gore" that accompanies many murder mysteries. I did get a kick out of the very "vintage" computer technology that was used through out the book. Sigh, we've come a long way since then, tee hee.
February 27, 2010
Audio CD I read these books when they originally were published. Forgot that Kay Scarpetta used to smoke, she and Marino weren't friends in the beginning and Lucy was quite young! Enjoyed the second time around also!
September 1, 2008
Everyone knows I like forensic stuff... this is just a forensic version of the popcorn mystery/thriller. I've only read the two books, but they seem formulaic, but with some ok twists and turns.
January 21, 2011
The stories that started it all! What more can be said?
March 10, 2012
Great series
May 10, 2013
Always lots of twists in her books.
July 8, 2013
First Scarpetta books I read had me hooked immediately.
September 2, 2013
A good goose bump kinda read if you don't want to think. With as much running around as I have been doing these were just right. I like this main character and will read more of her!
August 28, 2013
Not bad
Read
December 20, 2013Excellent as always!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews