What is Patricia Cornwell's Net Worth?
Patricia Cornwell, a prominent American contemporary crime writer, boasts a net worth of $25 million. Born on June 9, 1956, in Miami, Florida, Cornwell has captivated readers worldwide with her riveting crime novels, particularly her famous series featuring the medical examiner heroine, Dr. Kay Scarpetta. Her books have achieved immense success, selling over 100 million copies globally.
Early Life and Career
After obtaining a B.A. in English from Davidson College in North Carolina, Cornwell began her career as a reporter for The Charlotte Observer, where she quickly rose to the role of covering crime. Her first significant work, a biography of her family friend Ruth Bell Graham titled A Time for Remembering (later renamed Ruth, A Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham), was published in 1983.
In 1984, Cornwell transitioned to a role at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia, where she served for six years. She first worked as a technical writer before becoming a computer analyst. Cornwell also dedicated time to volunteering with the Richmond Police Department, furthering her insight into the world of crime and forensics.
Literary Contributions
Alongside the renowned Scarpetta series, Cornwell authored three pseudo-police fictions known as the Trooper Andy Brazil/Superintendent Judy Hammer series. These novels, set in North Carolina, Virginia, and the mid-Atlantic coast, explore unique and sometimes unsettling themes, including scatology and sepsis, coupled with an older-woman/younger-man dynamic.
Controversial Theories and Legal Battles
Cornwell is well-known for her avid, self-funded pursuit of her theory that painter Walter Sickert was the infamous Jack the Ripper. Her book, Portrait of a Killer: Jack the Ripper—Case Closed, published in 2002, sparked considerable controversy, especially within the British art community and among Ripper enthusiasts.
Throughout her life, Cornwell faced numerous legal and personal challenges. In 1993, she was convicted of drunk driving after crashing her Mercedes-Benz under the influence of alcohol and was subsequently sentenced to 28 days in a treatment center. Additionally, she was accused of plagiarism regarding similarities between Leslie Sachs' novel The Virginia Ghost Murders and her book The Last Precinct. Cornwell ultimately prevailed in this legal dispute.
Personal Struggles
Cornwell has openly discussed her struggles with anorexia nervosa and depression, which began in her teenage years. She has also been transparent about her experience with bipolar disorder.
