Kay Scarpetta Series in Order by Patricia Cornwell

"Livid" is the 26th book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. In this book, Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the chief medical examiner, finds herself in the middle of a strange and puzzling case involving a mysterious weapon and an apparent murder spree. Along with her sidekick Pete Marino, Scarpetta tries to unravel the case and bring the perpetrator to justice. The book is a classic forensic thriller that takes the reader on a thrilling ride through the world of medical examiners and crime-solving. According to a review by Econogal, the book is timely and apropos of current affairs.

"Autopsy" is the 25th book in Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series, which follows the life and work of chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta. In this novel, Scarpetta conducts an autopsy in space. The book is a crime thriller and features shocking twists and high-wire suspense. The story takes place in Virginia, where Scarpetta works as the chief medical examiner and is confronted with a grueling case. The book is a continuation of the Scarpetta series, which began with "Postmortem," Cornwell's debut novel that won the 1991 Edgar Award for Best First Novel. "Autopsy" is a standalone novel and can be read without prior knowledge of the series.

"Chaos" is the twenty-fourth book in Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series, which is a popular high-stakes thriller series. In this book, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself hunting an ingenious killer who has mastered cutting-edge science for nefarious purposes. The plot revolves around Scarpetta's pursuit of this killer, who is using advanced forensic techniques to commit crimes. As the story unfolds, Scarpetta delves into the dark and murky depths of the criminal world, facing danger and chaos along the way. The book explores themes of forensic pathology, crime investigation, and the psychological toll of chasing a ruthless killer. With Cornwell's signature blend of suspense, intricate plotting, and detailed forensic analysis, "Chaos" offers readers a thrilling and captivating reading experience within the context of the Kay Scarpetta series.

"Depraved Heart" is the 23rd novel in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. The book is a crime thriller that follows medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta as she investigates a series of murders that appear to be connected to her past. The story takes place in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and involves a number of complex plot twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The book is part of a three-book arc that focuses on the character of Carrie Grethen, a former protégé of Scarpetta's who has become a dangerous enemy. "Depraved Heart" has been praised for its fast-paced action, intricate plotting, and vivid characterizations.

"Flesh and Blood" is the 22nd book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. The novel follows the master forensic sleuth, Kay Scarpetta, as she pursues a serial sniper who leaves no incriminating evidence. The story is set in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where Scarpetta is the director of the Cambridge Forensic Center. The plot involves Scarpetta's investigation of a series of sniper attacks that have taken place in the city, which she believes are connected to a case from her past. Along the way, Scarpetta must navigate personal and professional challenges, including the strained relationships with her niece Lucy and her former colleague Pete Marino. The book has received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Cornwell's ability to keep readers engaged, while others criticize the plot as formulaic and predictable.

"Dust" is a novel by Patricia Cornwell, part of the Kay Scarpetta series. The book follows medical examiner Kay Scarpetta as she investigates the murder of a young woman in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The victim's body is found in a cargo container, and Scarpetta must use her forensic expertise to piece together the clues and catch the killer. Along the way, she faces challenges from her colleagues and the media, who question her methods and motives. The story is filled with medical and technical details, and the conclusion is both surprising and satisfying. "Dust" is a gripping thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

"The Bone Bed" is a crime novel by Patricia Cornwell, published in 2012 by G. P. Putnam's Sons. It is part of the Kay Scarpetta series, which follows the investigations of Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta. In this book, a woman has vanished while digging a dinosaur bone bed in the remote wilderness of Canada. The only evidence has made its way to Scarpetta's inbox, over two thousand miles away in Boston, and she has no idea why. The plot involves Scarpetta and her team trying to solve the mystery of the missing woman and how it is connected to a series of crimes much closer to home, including a gruesome murder. The book is 463 pages long and is available in print (hardcover and paperback) .

"Red Mist" is a novel by Patricia Cornwell and is the nineteenth book in the "Kay Scarpetta" series. The book follows the story of Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist, as she investigates the murder of her former deputy chief, Jack Fielding, who was killed six months earlier. The plot revolves around the murder of an Atlanta family years ago, a young woman on death row, and the inexplicable deaths of homeless people as far away as California, which seem unrelated. Scarpetta discovers connections that compel her to conclude that what she thought ended with Fielding's death and an attempt on her own life is only the beginning of something far more destructive: a terrifying terrain of conspiracy and potential terrorism on an international scale. The book is written in first-person storytelling, which can work for or against the author, depending on the interest in the novel.

"Port Mortuary" is the 18th book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. In this book, Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner, is working at a high-tech facility in Massachusetts when she is asked to investigate the death of a young woman who died under suspicious circumstances. As she delves deeper into the case, she discovers a connection to a traumatic event from her past, which threatens to unravel her personal and professional life. The book is known for its fast-paced story and emphasis on forensic science, which is a hallmark of the Kay Scarpetta series. While some readers have criticized the book for being overly long and repetitive, others have praised it for its suspenseful plot and well-developed characters.

"The Scarpetta Factor" is the seventeenth book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. In this book, chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta finds herself as a reluctant star witness in a high-profile trial. She is called upon to testify in a case involving a famous author accused of killing his own daughter. As she delves deeper into the case, Scarpetta begins to suspect that there is more to the story than meets the eye, and she must use all of her forensic skills to uncover the truth. Along the way, she must also confront personal demons and navigate complex relationships with her colleagues and loved ones. The Scarpetta series is known for its use of recent forensic technology in Scarpetta's investigations.

The Scarpetta Series is a bestselling thriller series by Patricia Cornwell, featuring chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta. In the series, Scarpetta investigates various crimes and uses forensic science to solve them. One of the books in the series is Autopsy, which is the twenty-fifth installment. In this book, Scarpetta is a reluctant star witness in a trial, where she must testify against a killer who has mastered cutting-edge science for the most nefarious ends. According to a review on Goodreads, the Scarpetta series has gotten progressively worse over time, with the characters becoming bitter and unpleasant. However, a review on FictionFan's Book Reviews describes Autopsy as dreadful, with meaningless details that filled pages and added nothing to the plot.

"Book of the Dead" is the fifteenth book in the popular Kay Scarpetta series written by Patricia Cornwell. In this crime novel, Kay Scarpetta, a forensic expert, has recently relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, to launch a private forensics lab. She is asked to consult on the murder of U.S. tennis star Drew Martin, whose nude and mutilated body is found near Piazza Navona in Rome. Alongside this case, Scarpetta also investigates the discovery of the body of an abused young boy dumped in a desolate marsh. The book delves into the investigation of these two gruesome murders, as Scarpetta uses her expertise to uncover the truth behind the crimes. "Book of the Dead" is known for its third-person omniscient style, a departure from Cornwell's traditional first-person narrative.

"Predator" is the 14th book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. In this book, Scarpetta is freelancing with the National Forensic Academy in Florida, and she is investigating a bizarre case that has produced unusual physical evidence and tantalizing clues about the inner workings of an extremely cunning and criminal mind. The book has received mixed reviews on Goodreads, with a rating of 3.71 out of 5 stars based on over 31,000 ratings.

"Trace" is the 13th book in the Kay Scarpetta series written by Patricia Cornwell. The series features the medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta and is known for its emphasis on forensic science and its gripping crime plots. In "Trace," Kay Scarpetta finds herself investigating a puzzling case involving a mysterious weapon and an apparent murder spree. The book delves into the complexities of the investigation as Kay and her sidekick Pete Marino work to unravel the truth. With Patricia Cornwell's signature attention to detail and scientific accuracy, "Trace" takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of forensic investigation and crime-solving.

"The Last Precinct" is the 11th book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. In this book, Kay Scarpetta, the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, is under investigation for the murder of a serial killer named Jean-Baptiste Chandonne. Scarpetta is also dealing with the aftermath of a bombing at her home and the death of her lover, Benton Wesley. As she tries to clear her name, Scarpetta discovers a conspiracy involving her colleagues and the FBI. The book is known for its thrilling plot and well-developed characters.

"From Potter's Field" is the sixth book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. The book is a continuation of a storyline started in a previous novel, where the protagonist, Kay Scarpetta, is in pursuit of Temple Gault, a dark and manipulative criminal. In this book, Scarpetta is called to investigate a series of murders of homeless people in New York City, which leads her to cross paths with Gault once again. The book is known for its emphasis on forensic science, which is a hallmark of the Kay Scarpetta series. The plot is full of twists and turns, as Scarpetta races against time to stop Gault and solve the murders.

"Cruel and Unusual" is a crime fiction novel by Patricia Cornwell, and it is the fourth book in the Dr. Kay Scarpetta series. The book follows Kay Scarpetta, along with FBI Agent Benton Wesley and Detective Pete Marino, as they try to discover how a dead inmate could have possibly committed another murder after his death. The story progresses as Scarpetta seeks the assistance of her 17-year-old niece. The book explores the theme of the hunt for a killer and hope for glory. "Cruel and Unusual" won the CWA Gold Dagger for Fiction in 1993.

"All That Remains" is the third book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. It is a crime fiction novel that follows the story of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a gutsy medical examiner, as she investigates a series of murders in Richmond, Virginia. Young couples in the area are disappearing and turning up months later as mutilated corpses. The book is closely based on the real-life Colonial Parkway Killer, a suspected serial killer who is believed to have murdered eight people in Virginia in the 1980s. The cases in real life remain unsolved, but Cornwell's novel presents a fictionalized account of the investigation. "All That Remains" delves into the dark and suspenseful world of forensic thrillers, showcasing Cornwell's expertise in the genre.

"Postmortem" is the debut novel of Patricia Cornwell and the first book in the Kay Scarpetta series. The novel follows the story of Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner in Richmond, Virginia, who is investigating a series of brutal murders committed by a serial killer. The killer first rapes his victims and then strangles them in their bedrooms. The novel is loosely based on the crimes of Timothy Wilson Spencer, whom Cornwell was working with at the time of his killings. The book is a straightforward thriller with a nice suspense, and it keeps a grip on reality without flights of fancy that are scarcely digestible if carried out too far to improbable situations. "Postmortem" won the 1991 Edgar Award for Best First Novel.

"Postmortem" is the first book in the Kay Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell. It follows the story of Kay Scarpetta, a coroner who becomes involved in a case of a serial killer in Richmond. The killer first rapes his victims and then strangles them in their bedrooms. Scarpetta examines the bodies of the victims and anxiously awaits the next victim, feeling powerless to stop the killer. The novel is a straightforward and concrete thriller, with a gripping narrative and a sense of suspense. It focuses on keeping a grip on reality and avoids improbable situations. While there are no striking twists and turns, the strength of the book lies in its authenticity and the gripping portrayal of the investigation into the serial killer.