The first installment of the “Widget Files” is about the author Patricia Cornwell.  The reason she jumped right to the front of the line…?  I am SOOO excited because while selecting the items, I discovered that she not only has one new book coming out this year, but TWO. 

My mother originally got me hooked on the Cornwell books.  My obsession quickly gained momentum as I routinely stayed up until 4a.m. because I just could not put the damn things down.  I always remain up to date with the series of Scarpetta books which is why I am thrilled to see there are more coming out.

About Patricia Cornwell:

Cornwell got her start in the murder mystery arena as a computer analyst and technical writer for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia (where no surprise, many of her books are based around).  One would assume that her experiences there would have given her enough information for her novels, but no.  Cornwell immerses herself in the characters, often times learning things or experiencing what they do.  A character is going to scuba dive?  She gets certified.  A character is going to be a helicopter pilot?  Why not? 

It is no wonder Cornwell is known for the detail and accuracy of her books.  And no surprise that she has won pretty much every possible award.  It is funny to think however, that her first book, Postmortem in 1990, was rejected by SEVEN publishers.

In 2006, Scarpetta was asked to write two 15-week series.  They were so popular that they turned into books, and were later optioned for movies.

About the Scarpetta Series, aka why I love Patricia Cornwell

The Scarpetta novels are undoubtedly the most popular of the Cornwell books.  I have not read many of the other books (she has also written a few non-fiction books including one on Jack the Ripper), but these are the ones worth reading!!!

Dr. Kay Scarpetta is the main character.  I know, you are saying obviously if it is the Scarpetta series…  Make no mistake, the books would be nothing without her usual partner/friend Lt. Pete Marino, niece Lucy, and friend/lover/etc. Benton Wesley.  Scarpetta is the Chief Medical Examiner of the Commonwealth of Virginia, but seems to be plagued by, murders, terrorists, and just about everyone else. 

Postmortem (Kay Scarpetta)

Postmortem began the series in ’90, and has been followed by at least a dozen since.  The newest book, The Scarpetta Factor comes out on October 20.  It is slightly frustrating though because I prefer not to read hard cover books… why do those always have to be the first release??

The Scarpetta Factor

You HAVE to read the Scarpetta series, and I mean all of it.  You definitely need to start with the first book and work your way through it.  Cornwell has this amazing ability to hook you in the first few paragraphs.  If you go through the books in order, you will see this emotional attachment that will form between you and the characters.  I admit, there are times I have cried because it was as if I felt Scarpetta’s pain.