The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Patricia Cornwell her book The front is out in papaerback since the 26th of May!!!!!:-))))

Jeane, I have both of her new books. At Risk & The Front

I found this (not recent) article about two Patricia Cornwell books that will be adapted for tv. In some way I am glad about it but also not because I am afraid it will give a different feeling than the special feeling she creates with her books.

[04.14.08 - 07:47 AM]
PATRICIA CORNWELL, THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR, AND LIFETIME MAKE TELEVISION HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER ADAPTATION OF TWO OF CORNWELL'S ACCLAIMED CRIME NOVELS
Released by Lifetime
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

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PATRICIA CORNWELL, THE #1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTHOR, AND LIFETIME MAKE TELEVISION HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER ADAPTATION OF TWO OF CORNWELL'S ACCLAIMED CRIME NOVELS

PATRICIA CORNWELL'S #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER, AT RISK, AND SOON-TO-BE-RELEASED SEQUEL, THE FRONT, OPTIONED BY LIFETIME TELEVISION

LOS ANGELES, CA In a ground-breaking agreement, Lifetime Television will become the first network ever to adapt acclaimed international author Patricia Cornwell's novels for television. Her #1 New York Times bestseller, At Risk, and its sequel, The Front, to be published by G. P. Putnam's Sons in May, have been optioned by the Network.

In making the announcement, Tanya Lopez, Senior Vice President, Original Movies, said: "As we continuously re-invent our popular Lifetime Original Movies, we're expanding the genres and including more works by America's leading women writers. Patricia Cornwell is in a class by herself and we are honored she has chosen Lifetime as the vehicle to bring these two brilliant novels to television."

Patricia Cornwell said: "I am excited and honored by this new creative partnership with such an outstanding network, and believe that together we can bring to life stories and characters unique to the crime writing genre."

Stanley M. Brooks and Jim Head of Once Upon a Time Films (LMN's "The Capture of the Green River Killer" -- Lifetime Movie Network's highest-rated movie in its 10-year history; Emmy Award-winning "Broken Trail"), Russell Werdin and Lane Bishop of Twinstar Entertainment and Patricia Cornwell will serve as executive producers.

Other bestsellers that have been adapted to Lifetime Original Movies include Joyce Carol Oates' "We Were the Mulvaneys," Sue Monk Kidd's "The Mermaid Chair," and a quartet of Nora Roberts' novels. Recent movies include Kim Edwards' "The Memory Keeper's Daughter," starring Dermot Mulroney, Emily Watson and Gretchen Mol and Jodi Picoult's "The Tenth Circle" starring Kelly Preston and Ron Eldard, premiering Saturday, June 28 (9PM ET/PT) on Lifetime.

At Risk features Cornwell's quicksilver, cut-to-the-bone style and extraordinary cast of characters and has been met with wide critical acclaim. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch said, "At Risk is Cornwell's finest novel. It works in every way possible fascinating characters, solid plot, great pacing and expertly crafted prose." Added The Denver Post, "Absolutely the best. Here's hoping we'll see more of Win, Monique, Nana and Sykes in the coming years. They are the best characters to emerge from Cornwell's creative pen since . . . well, Kay Scarpetta."

At Risk centers on Massachusetts state investigator Win Garano, a shrewd man of mixed-race background and a not inconsiderable chip on his shoulder, D.A. Monique Lamont, a hard-charging woman with powerful ambitions and a troubling willingness to cut corners, and Garano's grandmother, who has certain unpredictable talents that are not to be ignored.

At Risk was originally published in January 2006 as a 15-week serialization in the New York Times Sunday Magazine. When it was published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in May 2006, it became an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. The Front is set to be released by Putnam next month on May 20th.

Patricia Cornwell's first crime novel, Postmortem, was published by Scribner's in 1990. Initially rejected by seven major publishing houses, it became the first novel to win the Edgar, Creasey, Anthony, and Macavity Awards as well as the French Prix du Roman d'Aventure in a single year. In Postmortem, Cornwell introduced Dr. Kay Scarpetta as the intrepid Chief Medical Examiner of the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 1994, Cornwell won the coveted British Gold Dagger for best crime novel, Cruel and Unusual, and in 1999, Dr. Scarpetta herself won the Sherlock Award for best detective created by an American author. In 2008, Cornwell became the first American writer to win the Galaxy British Book Awards crime thriller of the year for Book of the Dead.

Following the success of her first novel, Cornwell has written a string of bestsellers featuring Kay Scarpetta, her detective sidekick Marino, and her volatile niece, Lucy: Body of Evidence (1991), All That Remains (1992), Cruel and Unusual (1993), The Body Farm (1994), From Potter's Field (1995), Cause of Death (1996), Unnatural Exposure (1997), Point of Origin (1998), Black Notice (1999), The Last Precinct (2000), Blow Fly (2003), Trace (2004), and Predator (2005).

In addition to the Scarpetta novels, she has written three bestselling novels featuring the character of Andy Brazil, a volunteer police officer: Hornet's Nest (1996), Southern Cross (1998), and Isle of Dogs (2001); two cookbooks: Scarpetta's Winter Table (1998) and Food to Die For (2001) and the children's book: Life's Little Fable (1999). In 1997, she updated A Time for Remembering, her award-winning biography of Ruth Graham that was first published in 1983 and was reissued with the title Ruth, A Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham.

Intrigued by Scotland Yard's John Grieve's observation that no one had ever tried to use modern forensic evidence to solve the murders committed by Jack the Ripper, Cornwell began her own investigation of the serial killer's crimes, which resulted in her #1 New York Times bestselling nonfiction book, Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper Case Closed (2002), where she chronicled her investigation and discovery of compelling evidence to indict the famous artist Walter Sickert as the Ripper.

ICM negotiated the deal on behalf of Cornwell.

LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women and Lifetime Digital (including myLifetime.com) are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.

I highly recommend D.H. Dublin's series of Philly forensic crime thrillers Body Trace, Blood Poison and Freezer Burn. Very well written, a solid lead character and a lightning fast pace.

DH Dublin is the pen name for Jon McGoran, and I believe his next books will be released under his own name.

I started At risk. It isn't a Scarpetta story (forgot about that), so I am very curious to see how it will be. I remember the Andy Brazil serie which wan't bad but not at the Scarpetta level.

Jonathan wrote: "I highly recommend D.H. Dublin's series of Philly forensic crime thrillers Body Trace, Blood Poison and Freezer Burn. Very well written, a solid lead character and a lightning fast pace.

DH Dubl..."

I hadn't heard of Dublin, I will certainly check him out! Thanks!

Of the 229 pages, he best moment of a low, neutral story came on page 215. It did change a lot the general feeling I had by then about te story!

Jeane wrote: "I started At risk. It isn't a Scarpetta story (forgot about that), so I am very curious to see how it will be. I remember the Andy Brazil serie which wan't bad but not at the Scarpetta level."

I didn't like At Ris-it was slow and seemed to plod along and you never really had any empathy for the main charcter

it was bad!!!

I was wondering if anyone here has read Kathy Reichs. I had read one of hers quite a while ago, and just now have checked out Cross Bones from the library. So far, I'm really enjoying it, although I've had to re-read certain parts because the historical information is quite involved. I like that stuff too- I just hope it picks up soon though.

I wonder if this would make a good separate topic under this category. I'm hesitant because I don't want to repeat a topic that has already been covered somewhere else.

Just finished Flesh and Bone, by Jefferson Bass, who is actually the writing team of Dr. Bill Bass (an amazing forensic anthropologist and creator of the Body Farm in real life)and Jon Jefferson - I thought the book was great, with a fast-paced story and lots of forensics. I didn't realize it was part of a series, although not reading it in sequential order didn't matter much, so now I will go back and read the others. I enjoyed the ending - left the story open for continuation.

Sounds interesting. Here are the links ("add book/author" at top of comment box):

Flesh and Bone: A Body Farm Novel,

Jefferson Bass.

Do they need to be read in order?

Thanks for the links!

I guess it would be better if they were, but I found this book fine on its own.

Having read them in order I think they probably make more sense in order. Actually I am still reading Bones of Betrayal: A Body Farm Novel.

I recently read The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett. I liked the main character, David Hunter, a lot but I was slightly disappointed in part of the solution to the crime. This was the first book in the series and I would read more.

michael connelly has the best crime/cops stories and they always involve elusive murderers who are very good at what they do- the best is when he uses harry bosch as main character because harry has a heart and a terrific sarcastic sense of humour but he is very good at his job. I have read all of his books and I cannot wait for his next-

I've just finished the first Kathy Reichs I've tried - 206 Bones - and I'm afraid I was somewhat disappointed. Picked it up on a 'buy one get one free' in the supermarket, having seen many recommendations for Reichs' work on here and elsewhere, but I felt that the detailed descriptions of the forensic anthropology got in the way of the plot. It didn't pick up enough pace for me until about two thirds of the way through: whilst the information was interesting, it just felt like a bit of a chore to slog through it....
@Heather - I got one of Michael Connelly's books on audio not long ago when I was doing a long commute to work (Nine Dragons) and loved it. Listened to it repeatedly, will certainly be buying some of his books in future! (p.s. it was unabridged :) )

Susan wrote: "Just finished Flesh and Bone, by Jefferson Bass, who is actually the writing team of Dr. Bill Bass (an amazing forensic anthropologist and creator of the Body Farm in real life)and Jon Jefferson - ..."

I've read his non fiction but didn't realise he had written fiction - went and picked up teh first two to try :)
Thanks for the heads up.

Sophie wrote: "I've just finished the first Kathy Reichs I've tried - 206 Bones - and I'm afraid I was somewhat disappointed. Picked it up on a 'buy one get one free' in the supermarket, having see..."

Sophie, I've never read anything by Michael Connelly but I've heard his books are good. My brother raved about The Lincoln Lawyer a while back. And Nine Dragons sounds really good so I added it to me list.

Mona wrote: "Sophie wrote: "I've just finished the first Kathy Reichs I've tried - 206 Bones - and I'm afraid I was somewhat disappointed. Picked it up on a 'buy one get one free' in the supermar..."

Sophie wrote: "I've just finished the first Kathy Reichs I've tried - 206 Bones - and I'm afraid I was somewhat disappointed. Picked it up on a 'buy one get one free' in the supermarket, having see..."

Michael Connnelly is great. His character, Harry Bosch is the best. My advise to you is start at the beginning with Black Echo and see how Harry develops. Save 9 Dragons for later. You'll miss too much.

Barbara wrote: "Michael Connnelly is great. His character, Harry Bosch is the best. My advise to you is start at the beginning with Black Echo and see how Harry develops. Save 9 Dragons for later. You'll miss to..."

Ok, thanks for the advice :). I don't want to miss anything.

I love Michael Connelly's series too. Highly recommended. And my favorite forensic blog is:
http://writersforensicsblog.wordpress...
L.J.

The Sex Club
Secrets to Die for
Thrilled to Death
The Baby Thief
The Suicide Effect

Kathy Reichs and Jefferson Bass write two of my favorite series these days. I haven't heard of DH Dublin/Jon McGoran or Simon Beckett, so thanks for the recommendations!

If you like learning about the forensics part, I recommend the non-fiction book Bones, A Forensic Anthropologists Casebook, by Douglas Ubelaker. I read it about 20 years ago, though, so the stuff I thought was cool then might be old hat now.

I'd never heard of Bones: A Forensic Detective's Casebook. Will check it out... perhaps there is a new edition?

I was a little disappointed with Kathy Reichs writing too. Never been disappointed with Karen Rose though. Brilliant author.

Impeding Justice

Has anyone read Precious Blood or A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes? Both are excellent and the hero Edward Jenner is extremely likeable - if flawed! I believe there are two more in the pipeline too.

I have just found a great series...I can't put down the books..The Diane Fallon Forensics...oh my oh my!It is the series by Beverly Connor...I have read Patricia Cornwell and needed a new "author"..I am now hooked..You got to check her out!

I just finished the first Diane Fallon One Grave Too Many. It was excellent. I especially enjoyed reading about an intelligent female lead character.

Chris wrote: "Has anyone read Precious Blood or A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes? Both are excellent and the hero Edward Jenner is extremely likeable - if flawed! I believe there are two more in the pipeline too."

I read "Precious Blood" and thought it really good but have been unable to find "A Hard Death" in the book stores or in the Nook library.

Gatorman wrote: "Chris wrote: "Has anyone read Precious Blood or A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes? Both are excellent and the hero Edward Jenner is extremely likeable - if flawed! I believe there are two more in the ..."

In the UK the Hard Death book is published by Random House, ISBN: 978-0099517559. Regrettably each book website transfers me to UK sites so I cannot obtain the USA ISBN, but Jonathan Hayes is a goodreads author and you'll find it on his profile.

Chris wrote: "Gatorman wrote: "Chris wrote: "Has anyone read Precious Blood or A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes? Both are excellent and the hero Edward Jenner is extremely likeable - if flawed! I believe there are..."

Thanks for the info. I will probably end up ordering it in the B&N store or on the website if it has been released here already. If not, I will wait until it is.

Mel wrote: "I was a little disappointed with Kathy Reichs writing too. Never been disappointed with Karen Rose though. Brilliant author.

Impeding Justice"

You really liked Karen Rose? I've never read anything so formulaic. I read 3 of her books and they are all virtually the same, with a minor change of plot and character names. Plus I can't stand it when crime/thriller books include bloody romance, especially how Karen Rose writes it, makes me think of Mills & Boon! But then again, my Mum loves KR so it's all horses for courses I suppose :)

Chris wrote: "Has anyone read Precious Blood or A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes? Both are excellent and the hero Edward Jenner is extremely likeable - if flawed! I believe there are two more in the pipeline too."

I was messaging with Jonathan Hayes and he informed that he was not happy with the UK version of "A Hard Death" and is doing some rewrites to it before he releases it in the U.S., which explains why I cannot find it here.

Gatorman wrote: "Chris wrote: "Has anyone read Precious Blood or A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes? Both are excellent and the hero Edward Jenner is extremely likeable - if flawed! I believe there are two more in the ..."

I read Precious Blood when it first came out and absolutely loved it. I have been on the lookout for Hayes's next book ever since. When I heard about A Hard Death, needless to say I was pretty excited - until I learned it was out only in the U.K. and not the U.S. (hate it when that happens!). I am eagerly awaiting its release here in the U.S., supposed flaws and all.

Voula wrote: "Gatorman wrote: "Chris wrote: "Has anyone read Precious Blood or A Hard Death by Jonathan Hayes? Both are excellent and the hero Edward Jenner is extremely likeable - if flawed! I believe there are..."

According to Hayes, it comes out April 12 in the U.S.

Mel wrote: "I was a little disappointed with Kathy Reichs writing too. Never been disappointed with Karen Rose though. Brilliant author.

Impeding Justice"

Thank God. I thought I was the only one who didn't worship at Kathy Reichs' feet. I've met her. She's not the most pleasant person. Not to mention I can't warm up to her characters, nor forgive her for including the "hologram" into her show. Sigh.

Donna wrote: "I recently read The Chemistry of Death by Simon Beckett. I liked the main character, David Hunter, a lot but I was slightly disappointed in part of the solution to the c..."

His books are interesting, but contain a few forensic flaws...I live in TN, and I've been to UT's Dept. of Anthropology, which is why I found the mistakes surprising. But, the books kept me interested enough to read three of them, and I'm looking forward to the fourth. The Calling of the Grave is out in the UK, not here yet though.

Susan wrote: "Just finished Flesh and Bone, by Jefferson Bass, who is actually the writing team of Dr. Bill Bass (an amazing forensic anthropologist and creator of the Body Farm in real life)and Jon Jefferson - ..."

They are good books, and Dr. Bass is a sweet man to boot. You should give his forensic nonfiction a try.

Lauren wrote: "Kathy Reichs and Jefferson Bass write two of my favorite series these days. I haven't heard of DH Dublin/Jon McGoran or Simon Beckett, so thanks for the recommendations!

If you like learning about..."

Not really, it's not. They do have some new technology of course, but Dr. Ubelaker is still foremost in his field. That is a great book..try this one too:

Jonathan wrote: "I highly recommend D.H. Dublin's series of Philly forensic crime thrillers Body Trace, Blood Poison and Freezer Burn. Very well written, a solid lead character and a lightning fast pace.

DH Dubl..."

Thank you for the recommendation...I'm on the lookout for these books now.

Kathy wrote: "I have just found a great series...I can't put down the books..The Diane Fallon Forensics...oh my oh my!It is the series by Beverly Connor...I have read Patricia Cornwell and needed a new "author"...."

Sounds excellent!! Thanks for the tip!! Should I read them in order?

Nena wrote: "I am addicted to Michael Connelly. I am currently reading the latest "The Reversal" it is the best so far! I just started reading another series called Molly Blume which I am enjoying but I reall..."

I too am addicted to Michael Connelly. I've read all except Void and Chasing. I would like to see Lincoln Lawyer, but the wife is not keen on it, so may have to wait for DVD. She figures it's just another "lawyer" movie. I do prefer the Bosch books though.

After reading Connelly, on a lark, I tried Jance J. a.'s JP Beaumont series since it was a popular procedural series. It is not as "dark" as most of the Bosch books, but I found I liked them quite a bit. Might be worth a try!?

I've read most of Connelly's also and really liked them.
I haven't read Jance's Beaumont series but enjoyed her Sheriff Brody series

Hi, I'm new here.

Jumping in with another endorsement of Michael Connelly. THE LINCOLN LAWYER is brilliant, the Bosch novels are great.

I heard him speak once and was struck by two of his comments:
1. he writes from his own fears
2. he strives to pay his characters--big or small--enough respect

Kathy wrote: "I have just found a great series...I can't put down the books..The Diane Fallon Forensics..."

I've read the first two books in the series and really enjoyed them. Can't wait to get to the third.

Toni wrote: "Hi, I'm new here.

Jumping in with another endorsement of Michael Connelly. THE LINCOLN LAWYER is brilliant, the Bosch novels are great.

I heard him speak once and was struck by two of his commen..."

Hi Toni, just jumping in to link you to a special one-day thriller panel today here on Goodreads with Michael Connelly. Also features Kevin O'Brien and Jonathon King. Lots of good questions answers so far... hope you (and other thriller fans) will join in: Crime & Thriller Group -- Featuring Michael Connelly, Jonathon King, and Kevin O'Brien

Thanks for the heads-up, Open Road.

I'll head over to the panel.

After a career in the FBI and as an ex-cop, I blog about police procedural/forensic matters. Most recent blogs discussed Case Anthony trial and Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

My novel, Midnight Sin is focused in the inner workings of a police department and the cop psyche.

My non-fiction, Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People relates many true stories of the Mob, Drug Cartels, Undercover Ops and the behind-the-scenes decision making.

Please visit my Author Page: Michael Tabman

Thanks,
Michael

Midnight Sin

Walking the Corporate Beat: Police School for Business People

Gary wrote: "Nena wrote: "I am addicted to Michael Connelly. I am currently reading the latest "The Reversal" it is the best so far! I just started reading another series called Molly Blume which I am enjoyin..."

Gary wrote: "Nena wrote: "I am addicted to Michael Connelly. I am currently reading the latest "The Reversal" it is the best so far! I just started reading another series called Molly Blume which I am enjoyin..."

i'm on the Connelly bandwagon. both bosch and the lincoln lawyer are very well-drawn characters...and their stories are well worth reading. just began "Fifth Witness"

Nena wrote: "I am addicted to Michael Connelly. I am currently reading the latest "The Reversal" it is the best so far! I just started reading another series called Molly Blume which I am enjoying but I reall..."

connelly is a strong writer....believable interesting stories with a "kick" to the plots. connelly turned 55 years old today --7/21. he still writes "young."