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The Quick and the Dead
True stories of life and death from a New Zealand pathologist
From the number-one bestselling author of The Cause of Death comes a book about the unlikely, extraordinary, obscure and often tragic ways humans meet their end.
A dead body without a trace of trauma; alien parasites; worms of the brain; crocodile attacks and bizarre eating disorders ... In The Quick and the Dead, pathologist Dr Cynric Temple-Camp takes readers into a world of disease and death as he seeks answers for those who were unlucky, and those still alive to tell the tale.
From the number-one bestselling author of The Cause of Death comes a book about the unlikely, extraordinary, obscure and often tragic ways humans meet their end.
A dead body without a trace of trauma; alien parasites; worms of the brain; crocodile attacks and bizarre eating disorders ... In The Quick and the Dead, pathologist Dr Cynric Temple-Camp takes readers into a world of disease and death as he seeks answers for those who were unlucky, and those still alive to tell the tale.
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Published July 8, 2020
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About the author
Cynric Temple-Camp
3 books27 followersOriginally from South Africa, pathologist Dr Temple-Camp spent the early part of his career in war-torn Rhodesia examining the dead and dying. He came to New Zealand in the 1970s and has since worked on over 2000 cases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 24, 2020
A real horror story, it will make you shiver with disgust:
When the author was a pimply adolescent in Africa, he noticed three black 'collar studs' around his neck. On examining them in a mirror he saw that little black periscopes were pumping up and down in and out of his skin. When he touched them, the periscopes disappeared, but soon a little periscope would pop out and wriggle and wave around before pumping up and down again.
His mother took him to the doctor who said it was a putzi fly larva. These larva have shar[ fangs that make a hole in the skin, they then crawl inside and the skin heals up over them except for a little breathing tube. They grow bigger and bigger in their little skin cave until it becomes a fly and will climb out. The boy couldn't stand that but the doctor said surgery would involve an anaesthetic and the risk of infection, best let nature take it's course.
So he went to his grandmother because grandmother's know how to fix everything. And so she did. She got a fat rasher of bacon and cut three 1cm squares from the fat and put them over the maggots' breathing holes. She stuck them down with rough sticking plaster. The maggots, she said, couldn't breathe through the fat so they would burrow out towards the air and their breathing tubes will get stuck against the sticking plaster. Next morning, she ripped off the plasters and out came three fat, segmented, pulsating maggots.
I[date: Please read Jesssaka's comments below. She actually had this happen to her.
The rest of the book is just as unusual and good as this. It's not a standard forensic pathologist memoir, the author does diagnosis of disease as well as autopsies and has related some very interesting cases, although none as disgusting as that.
One that I found fascinating was about the cleaner who was convicted of drunk driving after a single glass of wine. She cleaned high-end rental villas and had about 7 to do. The procedure was to clean the bathrooms with methlyated spirits steamers. It took her 2.5 hours and she had a glass of wine during that time. Driving home, the police breathalysed her and her blood alcohol was 192 ml, equivalent to about 8 drinks. She was convicted and got a year's suspension of her licence.
She read a book by the author and wrote to him and he investigated. Methlylated spirits used to be methanol, but now it is ethanol, same as in alcoholic drinks. So she was guilty of being over the limit, but not by drinking. Now you can buy a Vaportini to inhale your gin and tonic or even go to a cloud bar and immerse yourself in a haze of alcohol.
Good book, thoroughly enjoyed it. The author has had an unusual life as a doctor from South Africa, through the Rhodesian/indepence wars to living in the peaceful if not exactly no-crime country of New Zealand.
When the author was a pimply adolescent in Africa, he noticed three black 'collar studs' around his neck. On examining them in a mirror he saw that little black periscopes were pumping up and down in and out of his skin. When he touched them, the periscopes disappeared, but soon a little periscope would pop out and wriggle and wave around before pumping up and down again.
His mother took him to the doctor who said it was a putzi fly larva. These larva have shar[ fangs that make a hole in the skin, they then crawl inside and the skin heals up over them except for a little breathing tube. They grow bigger and bigger in their little skin cave until it becomes a fly and will climb out. The boy couldn't stand that but the doctor said surgery would involve an anaesthetic and the risk of infection, best let nature take it's course.
So he went to his grandmother because grandmother's know how to fix everything. And so she did. She got a fat rasher of bacon and cut three 1cm squares from the fat and put them over the maggots' breathing holes. She stuck them down with rough sticking plaster. The maggots, she said, couldn't breathe through the fat so they would burrow out towards the air and their breathing tubes will get stuck against the sticking plaster. Next morning, she ripped off the plasters and out came three fat, segmented, pulsating maggots.
I[date: Please read Jesssaka's comments below. She actually had this happen to her.
The rest of the book is just as unusual and good as this. It's not a standard forensic pathologist memoir, the author does diagnosis of disease as well as autopsies and has related some very interesting cases, although none as disgusting as that.
One that I found fascinating was about the cleaner who was convicted of drunk driving after a single glass of wine. She cleaned high-end rental villas and had about 7 to do. The procedure was to clean the bathrooms with methlyated spirits steamers. It took her 2.5 hours and she had a glass of wine during that time. Driving home, the police breathalysed her and her blood alcohol was 192 ml, equivalent to about 8 drinks. She was convicted and got a year's suspension of her licence.
She read a book by the author and wrote to him and he investigated. Methlylated spirits used to be methanol, but now it is ethanol, same as in alcoholic drinks. So she was guilty of being over the limit, but not by drinking. Now you can buy a Vaportini to inhale your gin and tonic or even go to a cloud bar and immerse yourself in a haze of alcohol.
Good book, thoroughly enjoyed it. The author has had an unusual life as a doctor from South Africa, through the Rhodesian/indepence wars to living in the peaceful if not exactly no-crime country of New Zealand.
October 25, 2020
Totally captivating!
I thoroughly enjoyed the rather unusual cases shared in this forensic pathologists recounts. From putzi fly larvae to a cleaner who inhaled enough airborne alcohol to return a positive roadside reading, I was fascinated.
From Rhodesia, Southern Africa to New Zealand the cases are discussed with authenticity and respect. Even the situation of young girl who dies by his inexperience, and the under-equipped and poorly resourced clinic, which is not told as an excuse or looking for sympathy- it is told with genuine insight.
I love my forensic crime shows and Dr Temple-Camp would make brilliant watching!
I thoroughly enjoyed the rather unusual cases shared in this forensic pathologists recounts. From putzi fly larvae to a cleaner who inhaled enough airborne alcohol to return a positive roadside reading, I was fascinated.
From Rhodesia, Southern Africa to New Zealand the cases are discussed with authenticity and respect. Even the situation of young girl who dies by his inexperience, and the under-equipped and poorly resourced clinic, which is not told as an excuse or looking for sympathy- it is told with genuine insight.
I love my forensic crime shows and Dr Temple-Camp would make brilliant watching!
July 21, 2020
When I saw that Cynric had written another book I was super excited. I’ve been lucky enough to attend a talk he did and to chat with him afterwards about various cases.
As I grew up in the Manawatu (which is where he is based), I recognised a lot of the cases he spoke about. This was fascinating to me as I got to read more of what happened in certain cases. He even covered a case where a guy I knew shot and killed a police officer, so this was really interesting for me to read about.
I love Cynric’s sense of humour and this is evident in this book. He also has a gift of being able to teach the reader as well as keep their interest.
Both of his books are fascinating, well written and, above all, human. I love that in both of them he donates all the proceeds of these books to the local rescue helicopter team. So if you’re unsure if either book is worth the purchase it absolutely is.
Lastly, Cynric’s description of various parasites (the ones in his neck), literally turned my stomach haha. Fantastic job!!!!
As I grew up in the Manawatu (which is where he is based), I recognised a lot of the cases he spoke about. This was fascinating to me as I got to read more of what happened in certain cases. He even covered a case where a guy I knew shot and killed a police officer, so this was really interesting for me to read about.
I love Cynric’s sense of humour and this is evident in this book. He also has a gift of being able to teach the reader as well as keep their interest.
Both of his books are fascinating, well written and, above all, human. I love that in both of them he donates all the proceeds of these books to the local rescue helicopter team. So if you’re unsure if either book is worth the purchase it absolutely is.
Lastly, Cynric’s description of various parasites (the ones in his neck), literally turned my stomach haha. Fantastic job!!!!
October 1, 2020
Not gonna lie, some parts of this made me feel slightly sick (maggots and parasites are GROSS) but it was overall a really good book looking at how a pathologist works. I did feel quite sad reading it as well - the author has a lovely way of talking about the cases he worked on so they’re not just body parts but real people.
August 5, 2020
Perhaps my favourite chapter of this book was the epilogue, where Temple-Camp reflects on the many different ways we approach death. He reflects that death has been 'sanitised and medicalised' in modern Western society, in comparison to the rich traditions observed in other cultures. In this closing chapter, you can truly see the deep reverence the author holds for his patients, and how he strives to honour their lives in exploring their deaths. This is also evident in the stories he tells from his time as both a physician and pathologist - his passion makes a compelling case for a career in pathology!
Very close to five stars, thoroughly enjoyable reading, although there were a few medical errors - nothing that detracted from the story, but that are related to my field of medicine, so really stood out to me!
Very close to five stars, thoroughly enjoyable reading, although there were a few medical errors - nothing that detracted from the story, but that are related to my field of medicine, so really stood out to me!
September 28, 2020
To say this book was fascinating would be an understatement.
I absolutely loved his first book (The Cause of Death) which kick started my love of reading two years ago.
Dr Cynric Temple-Camp is a New Zealand pathologist who originally trained and begun his career in South Africa before moving to NZ. He shares stories from his earlier days working in Africa and many cases based in NZ.
This book is very case based (👌) and is obviously based around a very morbid topic- death. All kinds of death. Sometimes these deaths are senseless murders, tragic mistakes, illness, natural or a total mystery. However despite the circumstances, the way he tells stories he manages to keep things light and informative while still showing a high level of respect for his deceased patients and their families.
He shows a real passion and dedication to his profession. I actually admire him so much and if there was one author I could ever have a conversation with about their life- it would be him! Pathologists are tucked well away from any frontline healthcare yet are the vital beating heart of the care of the living and the dead.
As a kiwi I recognised some of the cases he spoke abut but this is definitely not necessary as he explains everything so clearly.
If you loved Unnatural Causes by Richard Shepherd, you will LOVE both of Cynric Temple-Camp’s books.
This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love non-fiction (especially with medical themes). Without any doubt this a very easy 5/5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 27, 2020
Another great read from Cynric Temple-Camp. I really enjoy his writing style and the way he relays stories of his past forensic pathology cases. He also intersperses his case file information with stories of his own medical issues including a rather disturbing but fascinating insight into his own experience with parasites living in his neck. Unputdownable for anyone with an interest in forensic pathology/autopsies or just the workings of the human body. #cynrictemple-camp #thequickandthedead #tea_sipping_bookworm #litsy #goodreads #amazon#kindle #bookqueen #greatreads
December 2, 2020
Cynric Temple-Camp knows an awful lot about death, but also about life. Boy, has he had some experiences to write home about, not least as a forensic pathologist. I was enthralled by this second collection of fascinating stories - occasionally gory, always well-told. There's real humanity and honesty, and a sense of humour, which balance the darker or most tragic moments. I hope there are plenty more where these came from!
I was delighted to meet Cynric Temple-Camp, and hear him talk more about his work, when we shared a stage at the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival a few weeks ago.
I was delighted to meet Cynric Temple-Camp, and hear him talk more about his work, when we shared a stage at the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival a few weeks ago.
January 30, 2021
An easy but fascinating read by NZ pathologist Cynric Temple- Camp, not for the faint hearted.
August 16, 2020
I was so excited to read this after enjoying the authors first book The Cause of Death. This is another fascinating, well written riveting read, with a good dollop of humour. Some of the stories were sad and others really gross, so try not to read while eating!
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
September 13, 2022
1. For a medical professional he sure mentions God waaaay too often.
2. Most cases are not even that memorable.
3. Rather short on the science.
I still enjoyed some parts of the book, but it simply wasn't as good/educational as other books on pathology, forensics etc.
2. Most cases are not even that memorable.
3. Rather short on the science.
I still enjoyed some parts of the book, but it simply wasn't as good/educational as other books on pathology, forensics etc.
July 16, 2020
A pathologist's experience of the unlikely, extraordinary, obscure and often tragic ways humans meet their demise .
November 10, 2020
Interesting and chatty stories from a New Zealand pathologist, that is rather short on the science.
June 11, 2021
It is my firm belief that an ardent reader should not restrict themselves to authors of a particular nationality. The diversity that comes through the culture that is imbibed into the author and gets projected through the setting, surrounding, characters makes for a wholesome read, not to mention the enriching experience you get out of it.
I had believed this to be true for fiction books, and was pleasantly surprised to know that it extends to non fiction books as well...especially of the medical history genre.
Camp gives us a detailed description of the cases he has handled over the years as a pathologist. Having read a few books that come under this category (perhaps I have an inclination towards morbidity, but we'll deal with that problem later), it is easy to assume that while some cases might be new, others might be your usual run of the mill. However, you are in for a treat (if I can use the word). Because Camp deals with cases he's been on in both New Zealand and Africa where he served for some duration, we get a multitude of cases that have diverse reasons behind the deaths. Think murder and you have a variety of cases. Think medical negligence...there you go. Insects, anyone? No worries...although this was one section where I had difficulty reading and simultaneously putting food down my throat. Underlying medical conditions, accidental deaths, name it and you have it.
It was such a pleasure to read about the cases. It's been a while since I have come out feeling so satisfied after having completed a book in this genre.
I had believed this to be true for fiction books, and was pleasantly surprised to know that it extends to non fiction books as well...especially of the medical history genre.
Camp gives us a detailed description of the cases he has handled over the years as a pathologist. Having read a few books that come under this category (perhaps I have an inclination towards morbidity, but we'll deal with that problem later), it is easy to assume that while some cases might be new, others might be your usual run of the mill. However, you are in for a treat (if I can use the word). Because Camp deals with cases he's been on in both New Zealand and Africa where he served for some duration, we get a multitude of cases that have diverse reasons behind the deaths. Think murder and you have a variety of cases. Think medical negligence...there you go. Insects, anyone? No worries...although this was one section where I had difficulty reading and simultaneously putting food down my throat. Underlying medical conditions, accidental deaths, name it and you have it.
It was such a pleasure to read about the cases. It's been a while since I have come out feeling so satisfied after having completed a book in this genre.
June 7, 2025
So many good stories and the writing felt like it had a much more comfortable flow then his first book. Gives lots of insight into both criminal forensic and normal pathology procedures - some wacky shit happens once we die and boy do I love learning about it.
November 9, 2020
Fascinating, easy to read and not too OTT with unintelligible medical speak.
November 14, 2021
I now hate blowflies even more than before. 10/10
October 9, 2021
I do not read very much nonfiction. When the mood strikes me I tend to lean towards medical mystery themes. I am an RN who always wanted to work in the coroners office dissecting remains and studying bodies. Sadly, nurses are not used in that setting so I content myself with excellent books and the occasional TV show worth watching:)
This book was excellent. The stories are grouped by type and are also very personal. These are/were real people. Dr. Temple-Camp does a good job of showing how their choices and backgrounds lead to his involvement. Not all cases included death but they were all fascinating tales of the human body. As an American the unique parasites and deadly flora were especially compelling. Possibly because I feel far removed from them so the fascination can overtake the horror. I have years of experience as an Oncology RN so the stories of tumors and diagnosis were very touching. I loved how he was able to break down the complicated process of studying tissues under a microscope into something that is understandable without a degree.
Excellent book and well worth reading! I am off to dig up his first book so I can dive back into the world of forensic medicine:)
This book was excellent. The stories are grouped by type and are also very personal. These are/were real people. Dr. Temple-Camp does a good job of showing how their choices and backgrounds lead to his involvement. Not all cases included death but they were all fascinating tales of the human body. As an American the unique parasites and deadly flora were especially compelling. Possibly because I feel far removed from them so the fascination can overtake the horror. I have years of experience as an Oncology RN so the stories of tumors and diagnosis were very touching. I loved how he was able to break down the complicated process of studying tissues under a microscope into something that is understandable without a degree.
Excellent book and well worth reading! I am off to dig up his first book so I can dive back into the world of forensic medicine:)
May 8, 2023
WARING: If you do not have a strong stomach, you may want to skip this one. There are some very gruesome details.
This was a really really fascinating read. I just want to keep learning more about the role of pathologists. It is a role that that most of us probably ever think about at all. It seems a fascinating field of forensic science.
Temple-Camp a way of describing things in such a beautiful way which really is something when you are talking about pathology and how people die. It was interesting hear the differences between the medical field in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) while he was training and the health care system in New Zealand - both are very broken systems in very different ways.
I really loved the subtle touch at the end of each chapter where he would give patient the respect of giving the name, death, date and Requiescat in pace. It showed that his patient were more than just a dead body he had to find out what happened to but also a much loved human being whose loved ones let behind are left to ask what happened.
This was a really really fascinating read. I just want to keep learning more about the role of pathologists. It is a role that that most of us probably ever think about at all. It seems a fascinating field of forensic science.
Temple-Camp a way of describing things in such a beautiful way which really is something when you are talking about pathology and how people die. It was interesting hear the differences between the medical field in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) while he was training and the health care system in New Zealand - both are very broken systems in very different ways.
I really loved the subtle touch at the end of each chapter where he would give patient the respect of giving the name, death, date and Requiescat in pace. It showed that his patient were more than just a dead body he had to find out what happened to but also a much loved human being whose loved ones let behind are left to ask what happened.
December 18, 2024
Fascinating, Chilling, and Unputdownable
The Quick and the Dead is a gripping exploration of the extraordinary and often perplexing ways humans meet their end. Dr. Cynric Temple-Camp brings his unique perspective as a pathologist to life with fascinating case studies, blending medical science with storytelling in a way that is both chilling and utterly captivating.
From mysterious illnesses to tragic accidents and encounters with nature’s deadliest creatures, this book doesn’t shy away from the strange and macabre. Yet, it’s written with compassion, curiosity, and even a touch of humor, making it an engaging read for fans of true crime, medical mysteries, and human nature.
Dr. Temple-Camp’s vivid descriptions and insights not only unravel the mysteries of death but also remind us of the fragility of life. A must-read for those who love delving into the darker corners of science and humanity!
The Quick and the Dead is a gripping exploration of the extraordinary and often perplexing ways humans meet their end. Dr. Cynric Temple-Camp brings his unique perspective as a pathologist to life with fascinating case studies, blending medical science with storytelling in a way that is both chilling and utterly captivating.
From mysterious illnesses to tragic accidents and encounters with nature’s deadliest creatures, this book doesn’t shy away from the strange and macabre. Yet, it’s written with compassion, curiosity, and even a touch of humor, making it an engaging read for fans of true crime, medical mysteries, and human nature.
Dr. Temple-Camp’s vivid descriptions and insights not only unravel the mysteries of death but also remind us of the fragility of life. A must-read for those who love delving into the darker corners of science and humanity!
May 28, 2023
Fascinating. As someone who has always been interested in medicine, and who grew up reading Patricia Cornwell's books, I could read 10 more of Cynric Temple-Camp's books. This had interesting forensic cases, medical and surgical conundrums, and even a crocodile attack worthy of a place in a Wilbur Smith novel.
The only downside (not the fault of the author or the book) was the narration of the audiobook by Mark Davis via Bolinda. Inconsistent accents applied to characters (apparently kiwi police are from east end London) and a butchering of NZ place names and medical terminology. There needs to be some kind of editing process.
The only downside (not the fault of the author or the book) was the narration of the audiobook by Mark Davis via Bolinda. Inconsistent accents applied to characters (apparently kiwi police are from east end London) and a butchering of NZ place names and medical terminology. There needs to be some kind of editing process.
November 7, 2023
Like Cynric Temple-Camp’s previous book, The Cause Of Death, I found this to be a fascinating insight into the life of a pathologist. The cases covered in this book vary in cause of death, but all are treated with respect & compassion. I liked learning about the science behind the causes of death - what caused them and what was the reaction.
Despite the topic, this book is full of life. It is done in a very conversational tone, and reminds us that death comes to us all, we can only hope that there is someone with the same care & compassion as Temple-Camp & his colleagues looking after us when that time comes.
Despite the topic, this book is full of life. It is done in a very conversational tone, and reminds us that death comes to us all, we can only hope that there is someone with the same care & compassion as Temple-Camp & his colleagues looking after us when that time comes.
March 21, 2024
Two things came to my mind after I read this book, real life is always more remarkable and singular that fiction, and albeit the main subject for the most part here is death - somethimes forced - this was a very enjoyable reading.
Some gross scenes, parasites, murderer, accidents, natural deaths, personal experiences, mistakes made , all this and much more from different episodes from the autor life, told
with righteousness, respect with the living and for the dead, humor, knowledge and an approachable and unpretentious prose.
Another side of death, or life, as you prefer, that we usually don´t think of.
Excelent book.
Some gross scenes, parasites, murderer, accidents, natural deaths, personal experiences, mistakes made , all this and much more from different episodes from the autor life, told
with righteousness, respect with the living and for the dead, humor, knowledge and an approachable and unpretentious prose.
Another side of death, or life, as you prefer, that we usually don´t think of.
Excelent book.
November 9, 2020
I really like it.
Death can be seen as a faulty state..
Respectfully, Cynric tells stories behind some of the death he encountered as a pathologist. At the end of the book he discusses an important point about death and how people developed fear.
It's amazing how people are viewing death in this era. "we've sciencitized and medicalized death in our modern western society."
I think this could be due evolutionary human ignorance; that can be seen with addicts. An addict will ignore all the signs in search of the next high until he tolerate his own voices.
Death can be seen as a faulty state..
Respectfully, Cynric tells stories behind some of the death he encountered as a pathologist. At the end of the book he discusses an important point about death and how people developed fear.
It's amazing how people are viewing death in this era. "we've sciencitized and medicalized death in our modern western society."
I think this could be due evolutionary human ignorance; that can be seen with addicts. An addict will ignore all the signs in search of the next high until he tolerate his own voices.
September 6, 2020
WOW this was insane. Being a New Zealander, I really did think “we hardly have any grotesque crimes, a NZ pathologist’s memoir is bound to be boring” and I have never been more wrong. This book grabs you by the shoulders and shoves you off a cliff within the first chapter. Emotional, shocking and *shudder* maggots, this is bloody fantastic read.
December 26, 2020
Written in an almost folksy manner, it’s an intriguing and often extremely off putting read. The perceptive and clever answers to each curious death are discussed as well as the various mistakes and errors in treatment over time. It’s a very human book where the author has profound respect for his colleagues, the police, and his patients.
April 1, 2021
If I were reviewing based on the first half of this book only, this would have been a 4 or 4.5 stars. It started off with such kick, I was audibly grasping and frequently cringing (in a good way). The second half didn't have quite the same impact for me, but overall the tales of a forensic pathologist from South Africa are always going to have some interesting points... And this is no exception.
October 12, 2023
Pathologist book that I love, has a bunch of the authors personal experiences, probably should keep in mind the uh bias of books like these but its interesting so haha (i say this bc i read another book that actually coincidentally mentioned the author of this book and their opinion wasnt particularly favourable -.-)
November 10, 2024
Really enjoyed the anecdotes in this book! Lots of gory stories about different parasites/bugs that can get involved and make things go pear shaped in the body. I listened to the Audible audiobook and it was brilliantly read.
Definitely worth a read for anyone interested in foreign medicine/pathology.
Definitely worth a read for anyone interested in foreign medicine/pathology.
April 11, 2025
3.75⭐️
A fascinating story told from a pathologist’s POV.
From diagnosing diseases to determining cause of death.
At times a squeamish tale yet incredibly intriguing.
To hear behind the scenes of criminal cases, sometimes high profile crimes, of a pathologists role in helping solve a mystery was riveting.
I was sent this book by the publisher and all opinions are my own.
A fascinating story told from a pathologist’s POV.
From diagnosing diseases to determining cause of death.
At times a squeamish tale yet incredibly intriguing.
To hear behind the scenes of criminal cases, sometimes high profile crimes, of a pathologists role in helping solve a mystery was riveting.
I was sent this book by the publisher and all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews