Postmortem: Establishing the Cause of Death

by Steven Koehler, Cyril Wecht (Introduction)

How forensic professionals determine the cause of an unnatural or violent death. Just how realistic are the autopsy scenes in television's CSI ? Using full-color photographs and detailed illustrations, Postmortem provides an exhaustive exposé of what really goes on in the autopsy room. The authors draw on 20 real-life case studies to describe the postmortem team of experts, the procedures they perform and the ways in which evidence is collected and interpreted. There are profiles of all the experts involved, including the scene photographer, the ballistics expert and the forensic toxicologist. The entire postmortem process is described in step-by-step detail, from photographing the body to weighing the organs and testing body fluids and tissue samples. Postmortem takes the reader on a fascinating journey to the truth that The case studies cited highlight extraordinary real-life situations, including death scenes that challenged investigators, botched autopsies, and initial examinations that puzzled pathologists and led them down the wrong path. Postmortem is a gripping story, perfect for true crime and forensics buffs.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, True Crime, Medical

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2006

Reviews

[Lori Krause · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm giving a generous four stars because, in my opinion, they don't have half stars. I found it interesting at times, but at other times, I read what I already knew from research for my novels. Some of the chapters were so basic that you could gain the same knowledge by watching a show on Investigation Discovery. There were some useful chapters that I have marked for research, but I expected more. I wanted to read in-depth details you can't get by a google search. I was disappointed in that fact. But since I did gain more knowledge than I had, going in, it wasn't a total waste of time. Hence the half star.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good comprehensive look at what happens after you die. I've read a good number of books both fiction and nonfiction about forensics, police, murder mysteries, etc. and 'Postmortem' provides excellent background information about the background and techniques used in many of those books. Subjects covered include autopsies and other investigations of the body, or parts of it, itself and also scene examination, use of cadaver dogs, and key differences in protocol needed depending on circumstances surrounding the death. Much of the information I had a basic idea of from college studies and that other reading, but it was interesting to have it all in one place and covered in an orderly fashion. Also included were case studies, both fictional (or at least anonymous) and famous cases that apply the information in a chapter or the book as a whole to answering the questions of manner (accident, suicide, homicide, or natural) and cause (trauma, cancer, heart disease, anoxia, etc.) of death. I would have liked more case studies, particularly the famous ones, because I was really getting into them, and turned the page to find the glossary instead of more case studies.

[Bart Hansard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great overview of the science of forensics, and all the things that happen after death that we as a culture shy away from.
If anyone has any interest in pursuing a career in this field (and they are all covered), or has any desire to clarify just what takes place after we have "shuffled off this mortal coil"...this is a must for your library.
Well organized, graphically illustrated and supremely informative.
And NOT for the squeamish.
If you are part of the rampant enthusiasts for all things forensic, then this book is for you.

[Spencer H · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up. This book is exactly what it purports to be - it is a well organized, generally comprehensive overview of various topics related to postmortem examinations. There were lots of colour photos and the vignettes added a nice touch. My biggest criticism is that it's hard to imagine who this is really targetted at - I bought it as a teen off a discount table when I was still planning to be a forensic anthropologist and only just now got around to it as a physician. It was by turns vary simplistic and obviously designed for a lay person who likes crime shows and wants some easy reading, and yet there was a fair amount of jargon or technical terms that I really don't think most people would understand.

Also bear in mind it is very American. The authors made some attempt to reference other countries occasionally, but obviously cannot be expected to comment outside of their own country of practice. The choice of very political murders and frequent references to race were a bit off-putting at times though as a result.

For what it was, it was fine. Not one I'll be keeping though, as it's not really sufficient for a reference text and didn't add much to my existing knowledge at this point.

[Jessy Barefoot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative read, and accurate from what I have read in other nonfiction accounts of the forensic sciences. The format is easy to read and keeps your interest by blocking and heading information. Therefore, it is also a great reference tool. Because the book tackles so much, you only get enough of a taste of each topic to whet your appetite; then you can research the topic more specifically. My only complaint is a nagging pet peeve of mine- the book lacked decent proofreading.

[Sally Kilpatrick]

Informative and easy to read. There has to be something to it because a Medical Examiner loaned it to me.

Yes, I am doing research.

I'm thinking I'll look for my own copy to keep as reference, but I'm hoping there's something more recent since much has changed since 2006.

[Alyssa Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. It was a fast read. Only thing was it was a bit dates since it was published in 2006. But, for an amateur mystery novel writer, this was perfect to get my feet wet on all the ins and outs of what happens when a body turns up.

[Kira Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read. I read this book while doing my training course in the mortuary. I have always had a interest in forensics. Brilliant read.

[Chai King-James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot provide my opinion beyond:
I love the dead way too much.

Very helpful and informative.

[Carleigh Wells · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this lying around and as a true crime junkie I decided to pick it up. Really interesting read and easy to comprehend!

[Ashley]

#
NC
Own in hardback.

FS: "The majority of people die relatively peacefully, either in hospital or at home, having received recent attendance from a doctor."

LS: "However, in light of the suspicious circumstances surrounding the case, the District of Columbia medical examiner later declared the death to be a homicide."

[T.M. Carper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full color, informative book on the work of pathologists and the autopsy procedure. In-depth, written by professionals. Anyone interested in forensics would enjoy reading this. Not too scientific--over the head--wording, but does use proper terms--not a kid book about autopsy.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basic, but right up my alley.

[Sandy Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned alot from this textbook!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulously interesting; well-written and well-illustrated. :)
Simple and to the point.

[Littlenightowl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read.