Patricia Cornwell books you shouldn't miss

By Afiur
June 15, 2026

All That Remains

When a series of young couples are found murdered, Scarpetta faces one of the most chilling and complex cases of her career.

Blow Fly

A major turning point in the series, featuring a retired Scarpetta facing one of her most dangerous adversaries yet.

Body of Evidence

Scarpetta investigates a disturbing murder involving a bestselling novelist, uncovering secrets that blur the line between fiction and reality.

Cruel and Unusual

A convicted killer is executed, only for evidence to emerge suggesting he may still be connected to new murders. The result is a tense and unforgettable thriller.

Postmortem

The groundbreaking debut that introduced Kay Scarpetta. Winner of multiple mystery awards, it helped popularize forensic crime fiction and remains one of Cornwell's finest works.

Ripper: The Secret Life of Walter Sickert

For readers interested in true crime, Cornwell presents her controversial theory linking artist Walter Sickert to the infamous Jack the Ripper murders.

The Book of the Dead

Combining forensic science, family drama, and suspense, this instalment reunites key characters in a high-stakes investigation.

The Last Precinct

One of the most personal entries in the Scarpetta series, this novel sees the medical examiner fighting both a murder investigation and attacks on her reputation.

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