Risking Life for Death: Lessons for the Living from the Autopsy Table

by Ryan Blumenthal

Every contact leaves a trace. A single strand of hair or a tiny droplet of blood can be the silent witness at a crime scene.

Locard’s Exchange Principle underpins all forensic science and holds that the perpetrator of a crime will bring something to the crime scene and leave with something from it.

Forensic experts use this principle daily to catch murderers and assailants. In Risking Life for Death, South African forensic pathologist Ryan Blumenthal offers a master class in this singular forensic technique based on real-life case studies. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Blumenthal explains how to look for clues and traces, and how what he does not find at autopsy is often more important than what he does find. In other words, the absence of evidence can sometimes be of greater value than the presence of evidence.

His account also highlights the dangers forensic pathologists are exposed to daily. As they try to unravel the puzzle of someone’s death, forensic pathologists often face life-threatening infections, toxic gases and the hazards associated with high-profile cases–in effect, risking their life to solve someone else’s death.

An understanding of Locard’s Exchange Principle can help you become a medical detective in your own life, be a happier person, and even provide you with a better philosophy for growing older, Blumenthal argues.

Genres: Nonfiction

Audible Audio

Published September 20, 2023

Reviews

[Carla Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Blumenthal’s books. He has a great gift for explaining complicated medical topics in simple terms anyone can understand. He also imparts sage advice of which we can all take note. Thoroughly good read.

[Kim]

Prof Ryan, I was at your talk today at Festival of Books. I had to just tell you that I came home and went straight to the end of your book and read the epilogue first, after you mentioned how proud you are of it! And I just had to tell you WOW!!!!!! 👏👏👏
Unbelievably beautifully written! I want to share this with every adolescent student that I teach and interact with on a daily basis, because if they can hear this and understand it, it may just change the way they see life early enough for them to become the best version for themselves, to develop stronger EQ's and to be the change in this world!
If there's one thing I learnt in my time as a paramedic, it's that people who work in the fields of trauma, violence, crime and death are often some of the most empathetic, compassionate, insightful people in society, who realise just how fine that hairs breadth is for every single one of us between Life and Death!
And of course the best left-field sense of humor 🤣🤣.
I think you should consider getting into more high schools to talk to students on the contents of your epilogue! 🙏
Our youth are in crisis and they are a pretty lost, lonely generation!
Thank you again for your insight today! Hope you enjoyed your brief stay in out beautiful little town!😊

[Aiden Schlome · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prof Blumenthal has expressed a plethora of ideas, emotions and lessons in this inspiring book. The book captures the readers attention right from the start through the very interesting, and relatable cases that Prof Blumenthal expresses within the book. This book is most certainly worth a read, due to the valuable life lessons and insightful knowledge expressed throughout the book. The epilogue of this book is absolutely empowering, important for every human being to read!

[Marisca Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed it very much. Quirky stories of a fascinating career. Good life advice. Even some great nuggets for business. Relatably philosophical. Will definitely reference Locard’s rule of transfer going forward!

[Carmelita Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting with relatable cases. A definite worthwhile read which encapsulates valuable life lessons and insightful knowledge. The epilogue deserves a special note - empowering and essential to read and absorb. A great read and very informative.

[Karen Huang · Rating 5 out of 5]

A spectacular read overall. Very insightful. The epilogue is phenomenal to say the least. The author imparts a great deal of wisdom to his reader through writing.

[Hera · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book, well written with detail on what happens during autopsies.
Very informative as well as thought provoking!

[Emily Carter-Dunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Binged this in a day 😂

[Elcri De Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest, real and eye opening on life and seeing things with a perspective of micro. Every detail has a story to tel, a place of origin.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

This guy has a serious god complex - very offputting!!

[Cory]

DNF @ 80%