# Patricia Cornwell > American novelist, journalist, biographer **Wikidata**: [Q231467](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q231467) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_Cornwell) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/patricia-cornwell ## Summary Patricia Cornwell is an American novelist, journalist, and biographer known for her detective fiction featuring the character Kay Scarpetta. She has authored numerous bestselling works, including the *Kay Scarpetta* series, and has received prestigious awards such as the Gold Dagger and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. ## Biography - Born: June 9, 1956 - Nationality: United States - Education: Davidson College, King University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Known for: Creating the iconic detective character Kay Scarpetta and writing bestselling crime novels - Employer(s): Independent writer, Davidson College, King University - Field(s): Crime fiction, journalism, biographical writing ## Contributions - Authored the *Kay Scarpetta* series, including *Postmortem* (1990), *Body of Evidence* (1991), and *All That Remains* (1992), which established her as a leading figure in detective literature. - Won the CWA New Blood Dagger (1973) and the Gold Dagger (1955) for her contributions to crime fiction. - Received the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from France for her literary achievements. - Published biographies and investigative journalism, contributing to her reputation as a versatile writer. ## FAQs **What is Patricia Cornwell known for?** Patricia Cornwell is known for her detective fiction featuring Kay Scarpetta and her awards in crime writing, including the Gold Dagger and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. **Where did Patricia Cornwell study?** Patricia Cornwell attended Davidson College, King University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. **What awards has Patricia Cornwell received?** Patricia Cornwell has received the CWA New Blood Dagger, the Gold Dagger, and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. **What is the Kay Scarpetta series?** The Kay Scarpetta series is a collection of crime novels by Patricia Cornwell, featuring the protagonist Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner and detective. **Where has Patricia Cornwell worked?** Patricia Cornwell has worked as an independent writer and has been affiliated with Davidson College and King University. ## Why They Matter Patricia Cornwell has significantly influenced crime fiction and investigative journalism. Her *Kay Scarpetta* series has set a standard for medical examiner-led detective stories, inspiring countless authors and readers. Her awards and recognition have elevated the genre, making her a pivotal figure in literary crime writing. Her work has also contributed to the broader field of journalism and biographical writing, demonstrating her versatility as a writer. ## Notable For - Creating the iconic detective character Kay Scarpetta - Winning the CWA New Blood Dagger and the Gold Dagger - Receiving the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from France - Authoring bestselling crime novels, including *Postmortem* and *Body of Evidence* - Contributing to investigative journalism and biographical writing ## Body ### Early Life and Education Patricia Cornwell was born on June 9, 1956. She attended Davidson College, King University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she developed her passion for writing. ### Career and Literary Achievements Patricia Cornwell began her career as an independent writer, quickly gaining recognition for her crime fiction. Her debut novel, *Postmortem* (1990), introduced the character Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner and detective, who became her most famous creation. The *Kay Scarpetta* series, including *Body of Evidence* (1991) and *All That Remains* (1992), established her as a leading figure in detective literature. ### Awards and Recognition Patricia Cornwell has received numerous awards for her contributions to crime fiction. She won the CWA New Blood Dagger in 1973 and the Gold Dagger in 1955. In 2011, she was honored with the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres from France, recognizing her literary achievements. ### Influence and Legacy Patricia Cornwell's work has had a profound impact on crime fiction and investigative journalism. Her *Kay Scarpetta* series has set a standard for medical examiner-led detective stories, inspiring countless authors and readers. Her awards and recognition have elevated the genre, making her a pivotal figure in literary crime writing. Her versatility as a writer has also contributed to the broader field of journalism and biographical writing. ### Notable Works - *Postmortem* (1990) - *Body of Evidence* (1991) - *All That Remains* (1992) - *The Scarpetta Series* (ongoing) ### Affiliations and Employers Patricia Cornwell has been affiliated with Davidson College and King University, where she has contributed to the academic community. She has also worked as an independent writer, publishing numerous bestselling novels and articles. ## References 1. Integrated Authority File 2. [Source](http://famousdude.com/7196-patricia-cornwell.html) 3. [Source](http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/1e99115e-19e2-11e0-b921-00144feab49a.html) 4. BnF authorities 5. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/11/arts/handy-with-a-brush-and-perhaps-a-blade-book-says-a-painter-was-jack-the-ripper.html) 6. datos.bne.es 7. Czech National Authority Database 8. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/womanshour/01/2009_43_tue.shtml) 9. American Women Writers 10. [Source](https://edgarawards.com/category-list-best-first-novel/) 11. [Source](http://www.bouchercon.com/anthony-awards/winners-and-nominees/1990s/) 12. [Source](https://leslecturesdelonclepaul.over-blog.com/article-prix-du-roman-d-aventures-108769086.html) 13. International Standard Name Identifier 14. Virtual International Authority File 15. CiNii Research 16. MusicBrainz 17. IMDb 18. SNAC 19. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 20. FemBio database 21. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 22. Babelio 23. Munzinger Personen 24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 25. BBC Things 26. Google Knowledge Graph 27. Goodreads 28. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line 29. Quora 30. The Movie Database 31. LIBRIS. 2011 32. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/patricia-cornwell-107a9FWgsh/appearances)