Thriller Book Review: Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell, Starring Angelina Jolie in Movie

If you are interested in forensic science thrillers, then read New York Time's bestseller, Patricia Cornwell books. She started forensic science mania with her Scarpetta series. And her latest book, Scarpetta, delivers. In fact, it is it is just announced to be a movie starring Angelina Jolie as Dr. Kay Scarpetta.

Thriller Book Review: Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell, Starring Angelina Jolie in Movie

If you read my earlier review on thriller books, I mentioned I read some of them before going to bed without disturbing my sleep. This is not the case with Patricia Cornwell books. They go into such depth I feel as if I am right there......in the morgue, participating in body dissection and smelling the odors while scientifically determining what clues the body reveals. I don't sleep well after I get into the mind of a forensic scientist trying to figure out the mind of a murderer.

This 16th book in the Scarpetta series begins with Dr. Kay Scarpetta entering Manhattan's Bellevue Hospital to investigate a murder. As you step into her shoes, you feel the trepidation and eerie atmosphere she encounters. The story in Scarpetta seems to develop character relationships on a deeper level than previous books.

There are twists and turns in Scarpetta's plot that you won't guess even though Patricia Cornwell provides clues. She has made the statement, "I dare you to figure the story out." I am a competitive person so I always take a dare. I didn't figure the plot out although I tried. I have never figured out Patricia Cornwell's plots in any of her books.

I feel Patricia Cornwell may be trying a little too hard in Scarpetta, to add something new besides forensic science to keep us interested. I feel this plot was a little weak with the mental patient's paranoia but I still enjoyed the book.

According to interviews with Patricia Cornwell, she has to delve deeper into her characters to continue writing the Scarpetta series. The author has even learned to fly helicopters since Dr. Scarpetta's niece is a helicopter pilot. Patricia Cornwell's immersion into her characters is what make her a thriller writer you can't put down.

Angelina Jolie as Dr. Kay Scarpetta

To think that her first Scarpetta book was rejected 7 times is unimaginable. She was told no one is interested in forensic science. I am glad she continued submitting her manuscripts. And now Angelina Jolie is cast as Dr. Kay Scarpetta in an upcoming movie based on this latest book. I think fans of both Patricia Cornwell and Angelina Jolie will enjoy her portrayal as Dr. Kay Scarpetta. I wonder if Angelina Jolie will be able to sleep while filming it. I just hope I can sleep at night after I see the movie.