Title: Depraved Heart
Author: Patricia Cornwell
First published October 22, 2015
466 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062325402 (ISBN10: 006232540X)
Rating: 3.67
Overview
Dr. Kay Scarpetta is once again thrust into a dangerous investigation when a video link lands on her phone, seemingly from her beloved niece Lucy. However, the footage is from almost two decades ago, and Scarpetta is forced to confront the frightening secrets that have been hidden from her.
As she delves deeper into the case, Scarpetta finds herself isolated and confused, unsure of who she can trust. With a bizarre death in Hollywood, wreckage in the Bermuda Triangle, and a gruesome gift left at a crime scene, Scarpetta is on an intense psychological journey that threatens to destroy everything she holds dear.
Cornwell weaves a thrilling tale in this latest addition to the series, filled with shocking twists, high-stakes tension, and cutting-edge forensic detail that has made her the world’s top crime writer.
About the Author
In 1990, while working as a computer analyst at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Richmond, Virginia, Patricia Cornwell sold her first novel, Postmortem. This book was the first of its kind, a true forensic thriller, and it opened the door for more entertainment focusing on forensic investigations in film, television, and literature.
Postmortem was a huge success, winning multiple awards, including the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity awards, as well as the French Prix du Roman d’Aventure prize. This book was the first ever to win all these awards in one year.
Cornwell has since sold over 100 million copies of her books in thirty-six languages in over 120 countries, with twenty-nine New York Times bestsellers.
Cornwell’s novels revolve around medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, her tech-savvy niece Lucy, and fellow investigator Pete Marino. These characters have become an international phenomenon over the past twenty-five years, earning Cornwell the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author, the Gold Dagger Award, the RBA Thriller Award, and the Medal of Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters for her contributions to literary and artistic development.
Fox 2000 recently acquired the rights to Kay Scarpetta, with producer Liz Friedman, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, and fellow Marvel EP and Twilight Saga scribe Melissa Rosenberg developing the film and finding Scarpetta a home on the big screen.
Cornwell graduated from Davidson College in 1979 with a degree in English and began working at the Charlotte Observer. Her series of articles on prostitution and crime in downtown Charlotte gained widespread attention and praise.
After leaving the Charlotte Observer, Cornwell worked at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia – a position she later bestowed upon her fictional character, Kay Scarpetta.
When not writing from her Boston home, Cornwell tirelessly researches cutting-edge forensic technologies to include in her work. She has a wide range of interests outside of literature, including co-founding the Conservation Scientist Chair at the Harvard University Art Museums, serving as a forensic consultant on CNN, and advocating for psychiatric research as a member of Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital’s National Council.
She has also funded a variety of law enforcement charities, scholarships, literacy programs, and scientific studies, including the ICU at Cornell’s Animal Hospital, the archaeological excavation of Jamestown, and the scientific study of a Confederate submarine. Cornwell’s advice to aspiring authors is to start writing and not take no for an answer.
Editoral Review
In her latest novel, Depraved Heart, bestselling author Patricia Cornwell takes readers on a twisted journey filled with suspense, intrigue, and danger. Published in October 2015, the book follows the story of forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta as she delves deep into a shocking case that hits too close to home.
Cornwell is renowned for her crime thriller novels, with a list of accomplishments that includes over thirty books and more than one hundred million copies sold worldwide. Her work is highly regarded for its attention to detail, complex characters, and intense suspense, with Depraved Heart being no exception.
In this gripping novel, Scarpetta is faced with a crime that appears to have been committed by her longtime nemesis Carrie Grethen – a former lover turned criminal mastermind. Scarpetta becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and danger as she attempts to solve the case while also dealing with personal struggles of her own.
Cornwell’s writing style is both engaging and atmospheric, with vivid descriptions of the characters and their surroundings that transport readers into the heart of the action. Her attention to detail and meticulous research make the story all the more believable and gripping.
The novel’s strengths lie in its superb character development and pacing. Each character is multi-dimensional, with their own unique quirks and motivations, making them all the more relatable and intriguing.
The plot is carefully crafted, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. One of the book’s most significant strengths is how it weaves together historical and cultural elements, drawing comparisons between past and present, and addressing issues that are relevant to today’s society.
Cornwell’s exploration of the dark side of human nature, and how it can manifest in different forms, is both thought-provoking and poignant. However, the book does have some limitations.
The plot could be overly complicated at times, making it difficult to keep track of all the characters and their motivations. Some readers may also find the violence and graphic descriptions of crime scenes to be too intense.
Overall, Depraved Heart is an exceptional crime thriller that is sure to please fans of the genre. Its superb character development, intense pacing, and exploration of relevant issues make it a standout in the crowded market of crime fiction.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended for fans of the crime thriller genre who are looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read.
