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Postmortem

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description Postmortem Overview

Postmortem is a 1990 crime novel by Patricia Cornwell and the first book in her series featuring Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist serving as Virginia's chief medical examiner. Scarpetta investigates a sequence of murders in Richmond by combining autopsy findings, laboratory evidence, and computer records. The novel helped establish forensic medicine as the defining investigative method of the series and received the Edgar, John Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards.

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Who is the main character in Patricia Cornwell's novel 'Postmortem'?

The novel introduces Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant and meticulous forensic pathologist serving as the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia. Scarpetta uses advanced forensic techniques, including early DNA testing, to hunt down a terrifying serial killer.

When was 'Postmortem' by Patricia Cornwell published?

'Postmortem' was published in 1990 and became the very first book in the highly successful, long-running Kay Scarpetta series. It is widely credited with popularizing the modern forensic thriller subgenre.

What is the plot of Patricia Cornwell's 'Postmortem'?

The story follows Dr. Scarpetta as she investigates a sequence of brutal, escalating murders targeting women in Richmond, Virginia. She must navigate political interference, laboratory sabotage, and her own fears to combine autopsy findings and computer data to catch the killer.

Did 'Postmortem' win any major literary awards?

Yes, the novel was a massive critical success, winning the Edgar Award for Best First Novel from the Mystery Writers of America in 1991. It also won the Anthony, Macavity, and John Creasey awards in the same year, cementing Cornwell's status in crime fiction.

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