Review by bobinsbooknook - Unnatural Causes: The Life and Many Deaths of Britain's Top Forensic Pathologist

bobinsbooknook 's review for:

Unnatural Causes: The Life and Many Deaths of Britain's Top Forensic Pathologist by Richard Shepherd

4.0

dark informative reflective medium-paced

This book is insightful and full of knowledge in a way that is easy to follow without downplaying the difficulties which naturally come with a job such as this. The fascinating cases kept me hooked and is not a book I will likely forget.

I enjoyed hearing about the progression of pathology cases from his first autopsy as a resident, general pathologist and forensic pathologist and how they were impacted by technological advancements and social pressures. The cases he has chosen to share were incredibly harrowing yet insightful and include some of the wider known unnatural deaths.

Chapter 19 almost felt like a Sherlock investigation. Very interesting and methodical. Even though he must be very confident in his findings, he doesn’t come across as arrogant or self-serving when proving himself right to detectives.

The Marchioness disaster on the river Thames was so harrowing and this book provides a unique and valuable perspective into the challenges of identifying so many bodies and how the nature of the investigation of body count and informing loved ones comes into play.

Throughout this book you can see Dr Shepherd show the vulnerability around his personal and professional concerns -

the loss of his parents, miscarriages and PTSD diagnosis

- which really adds a level of humanity to a profession which seems very grim.

Overall, would recommend to anyone who enjoys a strong medical memoir.

Content Warnings