Postmortem and All That Remains

by Patricia Cornwell

POSTMORTEM The first Dr Kay Scarpetta novel which won five international awards for the best first crime novel of 1990. 'Terrific first novel, full of suspense, in which even the scientific bits... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0751535087
• ISBN13: 9780751535082
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Little Brown Paperbacks (a&C)
• Weight: 0.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

They had Nothing in Common, Except a Serial Killer

Four woman had nothing in common, except Mr. Nobody, the serial killer that strangled them without leaving any clues. Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta has to employ all her talents to piece together what little evidence there is to find the killer, but someone is blocking the investigation. The forensics as described by Cornwell keep you interested. There are others out there who have imitated her and they feel they have to be a so gory they turn us off. PC gives us the details, but she keeps us glued to the page, not running to the bathroom. I suppose that's why she's considered the Queen of this genre. This five star thriller is the first in the Kay Scarpetta series and it was a blockbuster, probably because Cornwell gives us characters who run the gamut of emotions, just like real people. If you haven't read this book yet, you should. Reviewed by Vesta Irene

The First in the Kay Scarpetta Series...Very Intense...

This is the second book I have read from this talented author. My first was the 3rd in this series called 'All That Remains', this book, 'Postmortem' is the first in the series.It's very well written and full of intense moments that will keep you turning the pages.In the first book we meet Dr. Kay Scarpetta, Chief Medical Examiner for the Richmond, VA Police Dept. We also get to meet Detective Moreno, the lead detective in the case, which we again see in the next books.This time Dr. Scarpetta is trying to solve a string of murders that are so gruesome and violent that it sends shivers up her spine. Four women are found dead, tortured and strangled. What do they have in common? One is married the others are single. Three are white, one is black. Different backgrounds, neighborhoods, family ties, no real pattern. Except that the murders are becoming more violent. Then another one happens and this one is even more puzzling. The victim is a little too close for comfort.Is this the work of a serial killer or something more sinister? Dr. Kay Scarpetta is in deep and is fighting against powers that are trying to prevent her from discovering the truth. Who can she trust? Is it someone in the department? Is it someone close to her? Someone she knows too well? Is she next?Kay needs to find the key to open this case wide open before she becomes a victim.Very intense and full of surprises. Chills went down my spine when the mystery was solved; well worth the read!!!Tracy Talley~@

just as good my second time reading it!!

I just completed the "KAY SCARPETTA" series for the second time and let me tell you, it was awesome!! The only thing I did differently was I read them in order. This book, "POSTMORTEM" is first in the series and it is suspensful and absolutely thrilling. You really fall for the protagonist, Kay, and want to read for the sake of learning about her life as well as for solving the mystery. Patricia Cornwell is a most talented author. She draws you in like no other and I am always sorry when one of her books (this series only) end. Her books can be dark and a bit gruesome, but they are not overly disturbing as they have such redeeming qualities. The horror described is for a reason and goes with the territory of Kay's career. It is never just to shock like some books. Kay is an honorable lady, and very complex. The mysteries and scandals she is involved in make you feel like you are involved too. They are very consuming and entertaining. Be prepared to put everything aside when you pick up this book!!

Lock your doors and windows, sit back, and enjoy!

After reading Patricia Cornwell's "Unnatural Exposure" I was so drawn to her writing style and characters that I decided I had to have more. So, I took it upon myself to add "Postmortem" to my library of suspense novels. Although I am new to Cornwell's books, I think that this may be one of the best books I have ever read. The way she uses her medical knowledge and background to create the plot and characters amazes me, and the story itself was so real that each chapter sent me on a rampage throughout my house to make sure that all the doors and windows were locked! I am a high school English student planning on becoming a writer myself, and I believe that Patricia Cornwell has given me an excellent role model to look at in my own writing endeavors. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys suspenseful reading and forensic mysteries....as long as you can keep the fact that it is only a book in your mind....

Some of Cornwell's best work!

This was my first Patricia Cornwell book, and I really really liked it. It was full of suspense and gripping fear. I loved the Kay Scarpetta charcter. The way she is independant and a sucessful female doctor. The story was full of twists and turns and as soon as you thought you had it down it took a wild change. I really thought this was an amazing book.