What Nobody Tells You About the Morgue (with Patricia Cornwell)
Jun 30, 2026 · 27m
Summary
Host Phoebe Judge interviews crime novelist Patricia Cornwell about her new memoir, *True Crime*. Cornwell discusses her transition from police reporter to author, her immersive research in morgues and body farms, and the creation of her Kay Scarpetta series. She shares anecdotes about the emotional toll of witnessing death, the importance of firsthand experience for writers, and her admiration for Agatha Christie.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Geico and Monday.com
Introduction: New Tuesday episodes and Patricia Cornwell
The Vanity Fair cover photo with Annie Leibovitz
From police reporter to morgue volunteer
The emotional toll of working in the morgue
Memorable cases and the nature of death
Creating Kay Scarpetta and publishing struggles
Sponsors: Ritual and Mint Mobile
Immersive research: Scuba diving and aviation
Visiting the body farm and handling decomposition
Police scanners and the impact of crime reporting
Literary influences and a dream about Agatha Christie
Favorite authors and closing remarks
Sponsors: Geico and Google Health
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