Patricia Cornwell is an American crime writer, renowned for her best-selling novels featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta. Her debut novel, Postmortem, was inspired by a series of sensational murders in Richmond, Virginia. Known for its emphasis on forensic science, the work has greatly influenced later TV treatments of police work. Cornwell's books have sold over 120 million copies in thirty-six languages in more than 120 countries.

In addition to her work on fiction, Cornwell has conducted new research into the Jack the Ripper killings, implicating the British artist Walter Sickert. Patricia's literary career also includes non-fiction, cookbooks, and children's literature. Outside of writing, she engages with cutting-edge forensic technologies and serves as a forensic consultant for CNN.

Born in Miami and raised in Montreat, North Carolina, Cornwell began her career post-graduation from Davidson College at the Charlotte Observer. Later, she worked at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, an experience that greatly influenced her literary work.

Patricia Cornwell remains actively involved in philanthropy, supporting psychiatric research, scholarships, literacy programs, and law enforcement charities. She also has interests in animal rescue, biomedical technologies, and archaeological excavation.

"Start writing. And don’t take no for an answer." – Patricia Cornwell