Sunday Story: Spotlight on a Leading Lady

Fans of Patricia Cornwell’s crime novels have a new reason to be excited. Amazon Prime Video is currently producing a series called “Scarpetta,” featuring Nicole Kidman as the brilliant Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Interestingly, the character of Scarpetta was inspired by a real-life medical examiner, Dr. Marcella F. Fierro, who was the first woman chief medical examiner in Virginia.

Cornwell and Fierro first met in 1984 when Cornwell, an aspiring author living in Richmond, visited the state morgue to research her first novel. Fierro’s guidance and expertise helped shape Cornwell’s writing and led to the creation of the iconic character Kay Scarpetta. Despite initial rejection, Cornwell’s dedication paid off, and she eventually achieved success with her debut novel “Postmortem,” which was based on a real-life murder case in Virginia.

The “Scarpetta” series on Prime Video will blend elements from Cornwell’s early work with her later books, promising an engaging narrative set in Richmond, where Cornwell’s writing journey began. The production boasts a talented cast, with Kidman in the lead role and executive producer Jamie Lee Curtis onboard.

Cornwell’s impact on the field of forensic crime fiction cannot be understated. Her books have sold millions of copies worldwide and helped popularize the genre. Moreover, Cornwell’s work has inspired a new generation of women to pursue careers in forensic pathology, with more women entering the field today than ever before.

For Cornwell, seeing her books come to life on screen has been a long-time dream. After years of setbacks, she finally found the right team with Jamie Lee Curtis at the helm, ensuring that Scarpetta’s story will be told authentically and powerfully.

While many would revel in the excitement of having Nicole Kidman portray a character inspired by them, Dr. Fierro remains modest, expressing her excitement for Cornwell’s success. The collaboration between Cornwell, Fierro, and the talented cast and crew behind “Scarpetta” promises to bring a captivating and authentic storytelling experience to audiences.