Postmortem
1990 • 352 pages
Ratings9
Average rating3.8
15
Ratings9
Average rating3.8
Discover the “dazzling…fascinating” (Los Angeles Times) forensic thriller that launched the New York Times bestselling Kay Scarpetta series from #1 bestselling crime writer Patricia Cornwell. Under cover of night in Richmond, Virginia, a monster strikes, leaving a gruesome trail of stranglings that has paralyzed the city. Medical examiner Kay Scarpetta suspects the worst: a deliberate campaign by a brilliant serial killer whose signature offers precious few clues. With an unerring eye, she calls on the latest advances in forensic research to unmask the madman. But this investigation will test Kay like no other, because it’s being sabotaged from within—and someone wants her dead.
Featured Series
24 primary booksKay Scarpetta is a 24-book series with 24 primary works first released in 1990 with contributions by Patricia Cornwell and Patricia Daniels Cornwell.
Reviews with the most likes.
Hard to put down. Definitely will be reading more from Patricia Cornwell. The unique perspective presented is a welcome change from other thriller/crime novels.
In Richmond, Virginia chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta uncovers brutal rapes and murders of four unlucky women. Each one is different from the other, except for the fact that they each live alone. With the help of new forensic research, her “partner” Marino, and other specialists, she uncovers the killer and how he picks his victims. She has to be careful though, there is sabotage within the company and a killer is after her.
Postmortem is a very enjoyable read. It is the first book in the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series that Patricia Cornwell wrote. The book has to do with forensic science, a couple of main character, a very intense plot, and an overwhelming mystery that is powerful and that keeps you looking for clues. For the first book that Patricia Cornwell has written it is good, however if you do not like the book I recommend you read some other books in the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series. As the series progress the books get better and better. When compared to the other books that she has written this book is average. It is intense yet it does not have that bang like the other books have. I also do not like the dialogue that is in this book. It is a little fake for me, and after reading the other books in the series it does not compare. However, Postmortem keeps you on the edge of your seat, it is a great thriller that will keep you interested and wanting more. I would recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys a great thriller and mystery.
The book Postmortem deals with death and forensic science. With these two factors combined a mystery is solved by science and technology. When someone is murder in this book an autopsy is performed. A collection of samples is taken from the victim, which includes fibers and hairs. The specimens are taken to be compared, and technological instruments are used to show microscopic specimens. Throughout this book science and technology are being used to find the killer of the four women. DNA comparison is used to compare the killers semen to what was found on the bodies, a laser was used to light up the substances on all of the victim's bodies, and lab tests were done to ensure the results of what was expected. Science and technology was also used to nab the person who was sabotaging Dr. Kay Scarpetta, though I will not tell you how and who it is. Science and technology play a role in the book Postmortem. Most mystery books have some technology and science incorporated throughout, but the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series is based on science and technology. Forensic science and technology is used mainly in this book to catch the killer.
Postmortem is a forensic mystery. It is an intense read and a book that will keep you wanting more. Throughout the book science and technology is what the concentration is on. This is what gets the killer behind bars. It is a hard book to put down,
