Crime writer Patricia Cornwell on Kay Scarpetta and life's simple pleasures

Patricia Cornwell shares how walking heals her, and her thoughts on the upcoming TV series Kay Scarpetta, starring Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis

Author Patricia Cornwell relaxing on a sofa

By Danny Scott

Patricia Cornwell has sold more than 120 million books worldwide, is friends with Jamie Lee Curtis and hangs out with secret service personnel - but told our Saga Magazine that she too has struggled with her mood over the years.

The author of the best-selling novels, featuring medical examiner Kay Scarpetta, plays tennis and lifts weights, but says walking with her partner Staci, especially in wild areas, is her biggest love.

“We both enjoy getting away out into the wild country. I did have problems with my mood in the past and being outside has always helped. This is going to sound like a cliché, but it really is the simplest things in life.”

The 67-year-old added: “I hate getting older but, hey, it happens.

“When your job is sitting on your backside, looking at a computer, it’s hard to stay in shape,” she admits.

The upcoming Kay Scarpetta TV series

Cornwell says she’s really excited about her famous forensic pathologist being brought to life in the upcoming Amazon series.

Nicole Kidman is playing Kay, while Jamie Lee Curtis is Scarpetta's sister Dorothy. The two women are also executive producers on the series.

Cornwell explains: “It’s been a long time coming and I’ve been in meetings with lots of different people over the years. Every time I watched a new crime drama, I couldn’t help but wonder what a Scarpetta show would look like. Finally, I get to find out.

“Jamie and I are friends, we’ve talked a lot about this… it just feels right. And with Nicole Kidman as Scarpetta! Wow, I can’t wait to see it.”

Read the full interview in the June edition of Saga Magazine.

Head and shoulders photo of Prue Leith against a light blue background with spring flowers next to her

Prue Leith on Bake Off and learning to love being old

Dame Prue Leith talks about her secret to staying young and why she’s finally slowing down at 86.

Dr Hilary Jones leaning on a banister looking directly at the camera

Dr Hilary Jones: “I wouldn’t want my children to be doctors now”

TV’s Dr Hilary Jones on why he wants sweeping reform to modern healthcare.

Head and shoulders shot of Hugh Bonneville facing the camera with a red background

Hugh Bonneville on starting a new chapter

The actor bids farewell to Downton and looks forward to his starring role in a new West End show.

David Olusoga with hisvBafta award for 2016’s Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners

David Olusoga on his extraordinary mum and The Celebrity Traitors

The TV historian on overcoming a difficult childhood and what it was like to appear on Celebrity Traitors.

Wildlife cinematographer Gordon Buchanan is in his element as he follows the Xudum lion pride

“What would David Attenborough do?” Gordon Buchanan on coming face to face with big cats

The wildlife filmmaker on his close call with a polar bear and why hanging out with lions is less scary than driving in the UK.

Marian Keyes arm in arm with husband Tony Baines with a red background

Marian Keyes on staying sober and online scrolling

The Irish author, 62, on escaping the news through writing, staying sober and scrolling the internet for pretty things.

Helen Mirren's secret trick for self-confidence that anyone can do

The Oscar-winning actor on rule-breaking, embracing getting older and why sitting up straight is so important.

Adjoa Andoh on her Bridgerton future and being a famous grandma

The actress opens up to Jenni Murray on Saga's podcast Experience is Everything.

Crime writer Patricia Cornwell on Kay Scarpetta and life's simple pleasures

The upcoming Kay Scarpetta TV series

Related articles