Angelina Jolie would be "brilliant" as forensic medical examiner Dr Kay Scarpetta, author Patricia Cornwell has said.

Patricia, the award-winning writer behind the crime thrillers, admits that she's happy for the Changeling star to take on the coveted role.

"She has an interesting edge to her, I just have no doubt in my mind that she'll do a brilliant job if she's given the opportunity," she said.

"If Angelina does do it, and it's an if - she has to like the screenplay and be happy with everything - she will bring something very interesting to it. She will probably bring things to the character that go beyond what I do with it."

She added: "I think she can play anything she wants, and it's not just because she's a superstar. This is a very gifted, very intelligent person and she's a very fine actress - and a very courageous one for that matter."

Patricia has already met up with the Oscar-winning actress and given her tips.

"When I saw her last April, I told her 'I hope Scarpetta takes you over like she has me, because if she does, then you will play her the way she ought to be played'."

:: The Scarpetta Factor by Patricia Cornwell is published by Little, Brown, priced £18.99, and is available now.