The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

If I would choose between Patricia Cornwell's Kay Scarpetta series or Kathy Reichs Temperance Brennan series which would you recommend and why? Or if I would like to read them both, which one should I start with? Feel free to feed me your opinions.

Kathy Reichs.

Cornwell's Scarpetta series started off equally good but over time her characters have morphed into people I for one don't care to read about. I couldn't even finish the last two books in the series that I tried to read.

Also, Reichs is a forensic anthropologist like her main character so her books are more realistic than Cornwell's.

But read reviews on books in both series posted here on Goodreads and form your own opinion.

I agree with Quillracer. I haven't read all of either, but I much prefer Reichs, especially compared to Cornwell's more recent books.

Ida, I agree with Quillracer and Kathryn too. Kathy Reich's books are a much more satisfying read, but the difference between the two has become very noticeable in the most recent offerings. Having said that, I wasn't overly fond of my most recent Reich's read either. I guess like any series of books, some are better than others. I would also say that Patricia Cornwell's early books are excellent, but on balance Reich's is more enjoyable and authentic. For me Cornwell's books took a distinct downturn at one particular point - it would give away plot to say exactly what - and after that they became more and more fantasy-like.
Please do not be put off the earlier Cornwell stuff and I still persevere with the more recent - ever hopeful that she will get her mojo back.

Julie wrote: "Ida, I agree with Quillracer and Kathryn too. Kathy Reich's books are a much more satisfying read, but the difference between the two has become very noticeable in the most recent offerings. Having..."

Well it looks like Kathy Reichs books then, but I will also give the early Kay Scarpetta books a chance.
Going back to Kathy Reichs and her Temperance Brennan series I have another question. Since I'v seen the tv-show based on the books I would like to know if they are very much alike? It won't change the fact that I'm gonna read them but I would just like to know what to expect, sort of..

There are several differences:

The books are set in North Carolina and Quebec and she works for the government in both places as a forensic anthropologist. The TV show is set in Washington, DC and she works for the Jeffersonian Institute (whatever that is).

Seely Booth and other characters in the TV show don't exist in the books and characters in the books aren't in the TV show.

Brennan's backstory in the books is somewhat different than it is in the TV show.

Brennan is much more human in the books, not the 'lacking social graces nerd' of the TV show. I actually stopped watching the show for that reason. No one as intelligent as Brennan is supposed to be is that clueless (if you will) and therefore tactless. On the other hand, Brennan in the books is 'Too Dumb To Live' (as a writer friend calls it), constantly agreeing to meet the killer at the abandoned factory at midnight without telling anyone where she's going and, as a result, always having to have her hide saved by someone else.

Again, I agree with Quillracer. The TV version became Hollywood-ised. No disrespect to Hollywood, but the TV version is more commercial and the books have a grittier edge. Tempe is a mix of human strengths and weaknesses and she does get herself into some unbelievable scrapes, but I am always excited when a new book comes out. They get saved as special treats.

I find that Patrica has a better command of the English language and is a better story teller.
Kathy's books I find are not as cliff hanging as Patrica's.
Living in Montreal I recognize the places in Kathy's books.
I don't know if that sways me to prefer Patrica or not.
Jennifer

Well thanks to all of you for helping me. I really appreciate it!