Patricia Cornwell Inks Deal for Two More Kay Scarpetta Novels

Posted on May 12, 2015

Internationally bestselling author Patricia Cornwell just inked a two book deal with William Morrow for two more Kay Scarpetta novels. The first book will be published in the fall of 2016. The second book will be published in the fall of 2017.

The 58 year old crime novelist had her first novel published in 1990. The novel, Postmortem, was the first adventure for Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a chief medical examiner. Ms. Cornwell had worked in a medical examiner's office in Richmond, Virginia, to learn the ropes. Her first novel featured a male protagonist, but was rejected twice. She changed the protagonist to a female and has said that the story just flowed after that.

David Highfill, VP Executive Editor, had this to say about the deal: "Patricia is at the very top of her game and I speak for the William Morrow and global HarperCollins teams when I say that we're tremendously excited to have two more Scarpetta novels to publish following Depraved Heart this fall. We're just getting started."

As for Ms. Cornwell, her enthusiasm for writing about Dr. Scarpetta is as strong as ever. She said in a statement, "I am thrilled to be with such a forward-thinking and wonderful publisher. This is already a fantastic year!" This is nothing but excellent news for her legions of fans.



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