Criminal Criminal

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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