Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell (1990). Summary of the book.

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Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell (1990)

Summary of the book

Postmortem is the first novel in the Kay Scarpetta series written by Patricia Cornwell. It was published in 1990 and won the 1991 Edgar Award for Best Novel. The novel introduces the protagonist, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, chief medical examiner of Richmond, Virginia, and the novel builds on the theme of a female medical examiner solving a series of homicides.

The novel begins with the investigation of the murder of a young woman in Richmond, Virginia. The victim is identified as 24-year-old Betsy Rampling, who was last seen alive in the early morning hours of New Year’s Eve. Dr. Scarpetta is assigned to assist in the autopsy of the victim. As she begins her investigation, she is also called upon to assist with the autopsy of a second victim, found in a nearby city. As the investigation progresses, Scarpetta and her colleagues uncover a string of murders, all connected to a serial killer. The novel follows Scarpetta and her team as they attempt to unravel the mystery and catch the killer before he can strike again.

Throughout the novel, Scarpetta is presented as an extremely capable and determined professional. She is driven by her desire to solve the case, despite the challenges presented. She is also keenly aware of the dangers she faces in her work, and of the risks that come with her dedication to her job. She is also highly critical of the police and law enforcement agencies, and her persistence in the investigation reveals the flaws in the system and the shortcomings of the authorities.

Postmortem is a taut, suspenseful thriller that explores the psychological and emotional impact of violence on the victims and their families. It also delves into the themes of justice and morality, and examines the ethical dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement. The novel is a compelling look at the nature of evil, and the power of the human spirit to overcome it.

Interesting facts and curiosities

Postmortem has become one of the most iconic books of the crime fiction genre. It has been adapted into a television movie starring Angelina Jolie, and a sequel novel, All That Remains, was published in 1992. The novel has been praised for its realistic portrayal of crime scene investigation and for its exploration of the psychological impacts of violence.

Postmortem is also notable for being the first novel to feature a female medical examiner as the main protagonist. Prior to the publication of Postmortem, female medical examiners were rarely seen in popular fiction. The success of the novel led to an increase in the number of female medical examiners in crime fiction.

In addition, Postmortem is notable for its use of forensics and scientific analysis in the investigation of the murder. The novel was one of the first to accurately portray the use of forensic evidence in solving a crime. This use of scientific analysis has since become a staple of crime fiction.

FAQs

  • Who wrote Postmortem?
    Postmortem was written by Patricia Cornwell.
  • When was Postmortem published?
    Postmortem was published in 1990.
  • What awards did Postmortem win?
    Postmortem won the 1991 Edgar Award for Best Novel.
  • What genre is Postmortem?
    Postmortem is a crime fiction novel.
  • What themes are explored in Postmortem?
    Postmortem explores the psychological and emotional impact of violence on the victims and their families, justice and morality, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in law enforcement.
  • What is unique about Postmortem?
    Postmortem is notable for being the first novel to feature a female medical examiner as the main protagonist, and for its accurate portrayal of forensic evidence and its use in solving a crime.

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