Before
I became a writer, I went back to school for forensic molecular science. The
fall I began classes, C.S.I. started on TV. One of my instructors loved to
point out inaccuracies in each week’s episodes, because of course, life isn’t exactly
like fiction. Even so, I love the show, and of
course it comes naturally that I love forensics in fiction as well!
Probably
the two most famous authors of forensic fiction are Kathy Reichs and Patricia
Cornwell. Most of Reichs’ 18 novels are about forensic anthropologist, Tempe
Brennan. Yes, this is the book series on which the TV show Bones is (very loosely!)
based. I personally like the books better than the show, but they're both good.
Patricia
Cornwell writes most of her novels about medical examiner, Dr. Kay Scarpetta.
There are currently 20 Scarpetta novels, with another one due this year. I read
a bit more than half of these until… well, I’m not going to give any spoilers!
But the writing also changed a bit, going from first person past tense to third
person present tense. I always enjoyed the stories from Dr. Scarpetta’s point
of view, so I didn’t like the change. I may give the new ones a read, though,
because I hear she’s gone back to her previous point of view.
Am
I missing out on any other great forensics novels?
I've never read any of their books. But another famous forensics fiction is Jeffrey Deaver's character Rhyme, like in the Bone Collector.
ReplyDeleteYeah, just cuz fiction doesn't always get it right, it can still be darned good. :)
Spunky's Soldier, A-Z Challenge Writer’s Mark
I totally forgot about Deaver! It's been a number of years since I read one of his, and even then, I don't think it was the Bone Collector, which I hear is very good. I'll have to pick it up!
DeleteI agree - and to be honest, lab science can get a bit tedious, so it's probably best that they simplify sometimes.
I don't read a lot of forensic novels. In fact, I haven't read Patricia Cornwell or Kathy Reichs. I love any genre as long as its good writing and good plot, so I'll probably try them out someday.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - I'll read just about anything! I like all genres. I need a change of pace often.
DeleteI love both of these authors. I was just talking with my mom about having to go back and re-read the Scarpetta series. :-)
ReplyDeleteNancy, I'm going to have to check out Jefrey Deave, because I loved The Bone Collector!
There's never enough time in the day to read, but I'm with you about wanting to go back and re-read the Scarpettas. Especially the first ones - so fantastic!
DeleteI agree with Nancy, just because it's not 100% spot on, doesn't mean it isn't entertaining :) I personally don't read that kind of "real life' stuff. The real world is too scary- hence my fantasy tendencies :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Blogging!
Kaye Draper at Write Me
You're right - I like fiction because it ISN"T real life. Give me enough science to make it believable, and I'm content to lose myself in the novel.
DeleteI didn't read all the Scarpetta novels but I do like them and I read all the Reichs novels as soon as the library has them.
ReplyDeleteI like the show Bones much better than any of the CSI shows because they deal with all kinds of science stuff and the characters are so interesting.
Bones definitely has more quirky characters than CSI! They also have a sense of humor on that show that I enjoy. I like both shows for different reasons.
DeleteBoth of these ladies are great authors! I stopped reading Patricia Cornwell a while back because it seemed like she was getting too "preachy" about certain issues from time to time. And as a French speaker I do enjoy Kathy Reichs' books, but I get irritated at her constant hypothetical questions in her characters.
ReplyDeleteCornwell got a little too unbelievable for me at a specific point... no spoilers! But the earlier stories were great, and I love the characters like her niece and that police officer she's always sparring with.
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