This book is a see-saw. The actual science and detective work is fascinating, but too many times, she goes on a rant with her feelings about suicide. She lost her father to suicide when she was young, so it's naturally a hard subject for her. But it is so irresponsible for a medical professional to share her strong opinions on the matter, without following it up with some sort of "if you or a loved one are struggling..." sort of footnote. It was too preachy and rubbed me the wrong way.

The last chunk is about working in New York on and after Sept. 11, 2001. Heartbreaking. I drove in tears listening to her recount the intense months and year after the attack. The up-close view of the terror, straight from the medical examiner's eyes.