Autopsy
By Patricia Cornwell
- Release Date: 2021-11-30
- Genre: Mysteries & Thrillers
Description
New York Times Bestseller
The inspiration for the Amazon Prime Video series Scarpetta—starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis!
In this relaunch of the electrifying, landmark #1 bestselling thriller series, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta hunts those responsible for two wildly divergent and chilling murders.
“Autopsy revitalizes this venerable series and its beloved cast of characters... Whether you’re revisiting the indomitable Scarpetta or meeting her for the very first time, this is an ideal (re)entry point.” - Criminal Element
Forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta has come almost full circle, returning to Virginia, the state where she launched her storied career, as the chief medical examiner. Finding herself the new girl in town once again after being away for many years, she’s inherited both an overbearing secretary and a legacy of neglect and potential corruption.
She and her husband, Benton Wesley, now a forensic psychologist with the U.S. Secret Service, have relocated to Old Town Alexandria, where she’s headquartered five miles from the Pentagon in a post-pandemic world that’s been torn apart by civil and political unrest. After just weeks on the job, she’s called to a scene by railroad tracks—a woman’s body has been shockingly displayed, her throat cut down to the spine—and as Scarpetta begins to follow the trail, it leads unnervingly close to her own historic neighborhood.
At the same time, a catastrophe occurs in a top secret laboratory in outer space, endangering at least two scientists aboard. Appointed to the highly classified Doomsday Commission that specializes in sensitive national security cases, Scarpetta is summoned to the White House and tasked with finding out exactly what happened. But even as she remotely works the first potential crime scene in space, an apparent serial killer strikes again very close to home.
Autopsy captivates readers with the shocking twists, high-wire tension, and forensic detail that Patricia Cornwell is famous for, proving once again why she’s the world’s #1 bestselling crime writer.
Reviews
Cashing In?
2By SusafoxI was disappointed in that this book didn't have an ending, rather this seemed like the first quarter of one, making it an invitation to read the next book. It represented itself as a complete book, and one expects a complete story. It also makes me a former fan of Cornwell’s books.Disappointed
4By smmonfeeI was disappointed in the book. It took pages to build up suspense and used an epilogue to answer questions and end. Made me doubt I want to read more in series after really loving previous books.Wonderful read
5By V. L. SimerCornwall is one of the great writers of our time. I am especially fond of the Scarpetta novels that grab me from word one to the end. I recommend anyone who loves medical mysteries treat themselves to every book in her series. I have read them many times and love each one.Another dud
2By LisahqI had high hopes at the beginning of the book. I thought maybe this would be back up the the level of the earlier novels but it was not to be. The story was like building a great house and running out of money before you get to the inside.Autopsy
5By kathywamsleyAlways an awesome read. Thanks kDisappointing
3By Duh! Look it up!It’s been a long while since I’ve read anything in this series, but I don’t recall the Kay Scarpetta character being so weak. She doesn’t stand up to abrasive characters, and it’s frustrating to read such passive interactions. I also found the story line to be disjointed, abruptly cutting to a summary chapter that ties up loose ends. Very disappointing effort.Promising
4By M. TaftAs a long time reader of the Scarpetta series, this book packs so much promise for an intricate mystery, right until it’s tied up in one scene and an Epilogue! Never have I been SO disappointed with the trajectory of Cornwell’s drama. It’s like she just lost interest and decided to wrap up. Terribly engaging right up to its shockingly abrupt conclusion.Started ok
2By can you recommend?Isn’t her best.Do Better Ms. Cornwell
1By mspendeI grew up on the Scarpetta series, and this book was an absolute waste of time. We get it, all the characters are rich and famous and have fancy titles... This book was so busy talking about how important everyone is that they forgot about the plot. Absolutely terrible. And she wrapped the entire book up in the last 5 terrible pages where she just pulled random people out of a hat and made them guilty. Seriously disappointed. Don’t read.My FAVORITE
2By Fanita67Please tell this is not the last I’ll hear of Kay Scarpetta! I’ve them all and Autopsy was my favorite! Thank you, Ms Cornwell!Is this it?
2By Rojen65Love the Scarpetta books have been waiting for a new release but somewhat disappointed! Started out well but at the last minute some unknown character comes in as the bad guy and boom it’s over, lots of unanswered questions! Not worth the $12.99 I paid!Autopsy
3By srormy1Good read. Moved quickly. I felt the ending was too quick, and the killer not developed at all in the story. Kay’s reinstatement not credibleAutopsy
5By Lady DieGreat read, finished in two days. I enjoy the major players in her Scarpeta universe. I’d recommend this book to anybody who enjoys murder mysteries and crime thrillers.Angry
1By jaime9878Susan Erickson narrated this book and sounded so angry all the time. It spoils the experience.Autopsy
4By PrazeDanzerI enjoyed this book and it’s story. I found that some of the characters Were similar to the characters of the in-depth series books by Nora Roberts. Susan Erickson is an excellent narrator. Susan manages to create a different voice for the characters. eventually as you listen to the story that goes away and you see the difference in the characters. i’m looking forward to the next book that I choose. HBCExcellent
5By lisa3647543As usual, great story. Wish it were twice as long!Autopsy
5By tTerry FLike always one more engaging book,once you start reading you can’t stopAutopsy
2By PGPittmanNot one of her better reads. The ending was rushed and lots of details and story lines left unanswered.Never Disappoints
5By EvaRkk0323I loved Autopsy, Patricia Cornwell always keeps me intrigued cannot wait to read more.

