Crime fiction is a popular genre of literature that involves the investigation and solution of crimes, often by a detective or a forensic expert. One of the subgenres of crime fiction is the cause of death novel, which focuses on the medical and scientific aspects of determining how and why a person died. In this article, we will explore the features and examples of the cause of death novel, and why it appeals to many readers.
Contents
What is a Cause of Death Novel?
A cause of death novel is a type of crime fiction that revolves around the analysis of the corpse and the circumstances of the death. The protagonist is usually a medical examiner, a pathologist, a coroner, or a forensic specialist, who uses their knowledge and skills to identify the victim, the cause and manner of death, and the clues that can lead to the killer. The cause of death novel often involves detailed descriptions of the autopsy, the crime scene, the laboratory tests, and the legal procedures. The cause of death novel also explores the psychological and emotional aspects of dealing with death and violence, as well as the ethical and social issues related to the profession.
Examples of Cause of Death Novels
One of the most famous and influential authors of the cause of death novel is Patricia Cornwell, who created the character of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a chief medical examiner in Virginia. Cornwell’s novels are known for their realism, accuracy, and suspense, as well as their portrayal of the personal and professional challenges faced by Scarpetta. Some of the titles in the series are Postmortem, Body of Evidence, All That Remains, and Cause of Death. According to Wikipedia, Cause of Death is the seventh book in the series, and it involves the investigation of the death of an investigative reporter who was found in diving gear in a ship graveyard.
Another example of a cause of death novel is Cause of Death by Jeffery Deaver, a bestselling author of thriller and mystery novels. According to Goodreads, Cause of Death is a standalone novel that follows the story of Jon Talbot, a history professor who tries to make sense of the death of his wife, Pax, who died in a car accident. Jon discovers that Pax was involved in a secret project that could have global implications, and that her death was not an accident, but a murder. Jon teams up with a forensic psychologist and a former FBI agent to uncover the truth and to stop a deadly conspiracy.
Why Do People Read Cause of Death Novels?
There are many reasons why people enjoy reading cause of death novels. Some of the possible reasons are:
- They are fascinated by the scientific and medical aspects of the investigation, and they want to learn more about the human body, the methods of detection, and the tools and techniques used by the experts.
- They are intrigued by the mystery and the suspense, and they want to follow the clues, the twists, and the turns, and to solve the puzzle along with the protagonist.
- They are attracted by the characters and the stories, and they want to empathize with their struggles, their motivations, and their emotions, and to see how they cope with the challenges and the dangers they face.
- They are interested in the themes and the issues raised by the novels, and they want to reflect on the moral, ethical, social, and political implications of the cases, and to question their own beliefs and values.
Conclusion
The cause of death novel is a thrilling genre of crime fiction that combines science, mystery, and drama. It appeals to readers who are curious, intelligent, and adventurous, and who enjoy a good challenge and a good story. The cause of death novel is not for the faint of heart, but for those who are willing to explore the dark and complex aspects of human nature and society.
