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Trace: Case Studies of a Forensic Pathologist in Africa
Forensic pathologist Ryan Blumenthal spends his days among the dead, trying to uncover how they died and whether a crime was committed.
Trace offers a glimpse on some of the strange death scenes he has attended, like the shallow grave beside a river where a body was found with an amputated finger, and the daily realties of working in a mortuary. He also describes rare cases he has dealt with, including a suspected poisoning that turned out to be a shooting.
Trace offers a glimpse on some of the strange death scenes he has attended, like the shallow grave beside a river where a body was found with an amputated finger, and the daily realties of working in a mortuary. He also describes rare cases he has dealt with, including a suspected poisoning that turned out to be a shooting.
189 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 7, 2026
I love to read about a South African perspective 🇿🇦 Being in the medical field, this is so relatable in many ways but also very interesting to delve into a field that isn’t talked about enough. Difficult to read at times for sure but also some important life lessons to be learnt. A quick read. I couldnt stop reading it 📚
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May 1, 2026#Trace – Ryan Blumenthal
#JonathanBall
If life and death were to be regarded as opposing forces, forensic pathologists will be those dancing on the tightrope spanning the borderline of their respective dominions. They are the last voice of the dead, and the final link between the departed and those remaining behind.
Statistics should be considered when the environment of forensic pathologists is evaluated. In accordance with legislation, all unnatural deaths are followed by a mandatory autopsy. South Africa sees 500 000 – 600 000 unnatural deaths per year – but boasts only 80-90 qualified forensic pathologists. In addition, “South African medicolegal mortuaries are often burdened by poor management, low morale and weak infrastructure.” (13) To add insult to injury, an autopsy is an exceptionally efficient method of transmitting infectious diseases and toxic substances to the officials involved.
Despite the odds being stacked against the probability of finding such a career to be enjoyable, Dr Blumenthal not only perseveres, having performed more than 13 000 autopsies, but writes extensively about his experiences. His previous publications include Autopsy: Life in the trenches with a forensic pathologist in Africa (2020) and Risking life for death: Lessons for the living from the autopsy table (2023).
The current publication opens on a personal note in the prologue when he briefly explains his writing method, “… written in real time to ensure all aspects were recorded while still fresh in my memory” and the motivation behind the words, “Writing frees the mind…” (ix) and “This book is for the victims, the ones no one talks about and whose stories unfolded far from the cameras.” (xi)
The title is derived from Locard’s Exchange Principle, “Almost everything people do leaves some form of trace evidence. With enough time and resources anything can be traced and tracked back to its original source.” (1) The contents include a behind the scenes look at rare and unusual death scenes, such as a suspected poisoning that turned out to be a murder by shooting, a pedestrian fatally hit by a car who hosted a three meter long tapeworm, the 2024 tragedies that saw the deaths of children in Gauteng linked to the ingestion of poison after consuming goods purchased from informal convenience stores known as spaza shops, and the strange phenomenon of Asian construction workers dying suddenly in their sleep.
Also included are chapters dealing with unnatural deaths caused by animals as large as elephants, to insects as tiny as wasps, the role of robotics in forensic pathology, the dangers of body modifications like tattoos, piercings and implants, and the pitfalls associated with e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and drug vaping.
Several personal experiences are also narrated with humble honesty, such as surviving an airplane crash with his father as pilot in February 2001 and the introspection that led him to comprehend that all fears are rooted in the universal fear of death and dying, but that “… the real tragedy is not death and dying. It is never having lived.” (174)
The universal interest in death is more than morbid curiosity; it is part of the human quest of trying to navigate this wondrous thing called life.
#uitdieperdsebek
#JonathanBall
If life and death were to be regarded as opposing forces, forensic pathologists will be those dancing on the tightrope spanning the borderline of their respective dominions. They are the last voice of the dead, and the final link between the departed and those remaining behind.
Statistics should be considered when the environment of forensic pathologists is evaluated. In accordance with legislation, all unnatural deaths are followed by a mandatory autopsy. South Africa sees 500 000 – 600 000 unnatural deaths per year – but boasts only 80-90 qualified forensic pathologists. In addition, “South African medicolegal mortuaries are often burdened by poor management, low morale and weak infrastructure.” (13) To add insult to injury, an autopsy is an exceptionally efficient method of transmitting infectious diseases and toxic substances to the officials involved.
Despite the odds being stacked against the probability of finding such a career to be enjoyable, Dr Blumenthal not only perseveres, having performed more than 13 000 autopsies, but writes extensively about his experiences. His previous publications include Autopsy: Life in the trenches with a forensic pathologist in Africa (2020) and Risking life for death: Lessons for the living from the autopsy table (2023).
The current publication opens on a personal note in the prologue when he briefly explains his writing method, “… written in real time to ensure all aspects were recorded while still fresh in my memory” and the motivation behind the words, “Writing frees the mind…” (ix) and “This book is for the victims, the ones no one talks about and whose stories unfolded far from the cameras.” (xi)
The title is derived from Locard’s Exchange Principle, “Almost everything people do leaves some form of trace evidence. With enough time and resources anything can be traced and tracked back to its original source.” (1) The contents include a behind the scenes look at rare and unusual death scenes, such as a suspected poisoning that turned out to be a murder by shooting, a pedestrian fatally hit by a car who hosted a three meter long tapeworm, the 2024 tragedies that saw the deaths of children in Gauteng linked to the ingestion of poison after consuming goods purchased from informal convenience stores known as spaza shops, and the strange phenomenon of Asian construction workers dying suddenly in their sleep.
Also included are chapters dealing with unnatural deaths caused by animals as large as elephants, to insects as tiny as wasps, the role of robotics in forensic pathology, the dangers of body modifications like tattoos, piercings and implants, and the pitfalls associated with e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and drug vaping.
Several personal experiences are also narrated with humble honesty, such as surviving an airplane crash with his father as pilot in February 2001 and the introspection that led him to comprehend that all fears are rooted in the universal fear of death and dying, but that “… the real tragedy is not death and dying. It is never having lived.” (174)
The universal interest in death is more than morbid curiosity; it is part of the human quest of trying to navigate this wondrous thing called life.
#uitdieperdsebek
July 8, 2026
There are books that inform, books that entertain, and then there are those rare books that quietly alter the way one sees the world. Trace belongs firmly in the latter category.
At first glance, this appears to be a collection of forensic case studies. It certainly is that. The reader is taken behind the doors of the mortuary into a world few of us will ever encounter, where every injury, every scar, and every fragment of evidence contributes to reconstructing the final chapter of another human life. The science is fascinating, the cases are often extraordinary, and Professor Blumenthal has an exceptional ability to make complex forensic medicine both accessible and engaging.
Yet to describe Trace merely as a forensic book would be to overlook its greatest achievement.
What lingered with me long after I had finished reading was not the pathology, but the philosophy.
Beneath every case lies a quiet meditation on responsibility, curiosity, courage, and the fragile privilege of being alive. The dead become teachers, not through morbidity, but through the truths that their lives, and ultimately their deaths, continue to reveal. There is a profound respect that permeates every chapter. The deceased are never reduced to curiosities. They remain people whose final stories deserve to be understood with dignity.
One particular reflection stayed with me. Professor Blumenthal describes himself as a bird capable of pollinating only a particular orchid. It is a striking metaphor that beautifully captures the vocation of a forensic pathologist. Not everyone is called to such work, nor could everyone bear it. It requires a rare combination of scientific precision, emotional resilience, intellectual curiosity, and deep humanity. Reading Trace, one begins to appreciate that forensic pathology is not simply about determining how someone died. At its highest level, it is an act of service, giving a voice to those who can no longer speak and offering truth to those left behind.
What impressed me most, however, was not only Professor Blumenthal's expertise, although that is beyond question, but his humility and his willingness to remain curious. After more than 13,000 autopsies, there is no trace of complacency. Instead, there is a persistent desire to learn, to observe, and to understand. It serves as a quiet reminder that every life, however ordinary it may seem, leaves something worth understanding.
Ultimately, Trace is not a book about death.
It is a book about the immeasurable value of life, viewed through the eyes of someone who encounters its ending every single day.
It reminds us that every life leaves a trace, not only in the forensic sense, but in the lives of those we touch, the choices we make, and the legacy we leave behind.
It is rare to finish a book feeling not only more informed, but more grateful to be alive.
This is one of those books.
At first glance, this appears to be a collection of forensic case studies. It certainly is that. The reader is taken behind the doors of the mortuary into a world few of us will ever encounter, where every injury, every scar, and every fragment of evidence contributes to reconstructing the final chapter of another human life. The science is fascinating, the cases are often extraordinary, and Professor Blumenthal has an exceptional ability to make complex forensic medicine both accessible and engaging.
Yet to describe Trace merely as a forensic book would be to overlook its greatest achievement.
What lingered with me long after I had finished reading was not the pathology, but the philosophy.
Beneath every case lies a quiet meditation on responsibility, curiosity, courage, and the fragile privilege of being alive. The dead become teachers, not through morbidity, but through the truths that their lives, and ultimately their deaths, continue to reveal. There is a profound respect that permeates every chapter. The deceased are never reduced to curiosities. They remain people whose final stories deserve to be understood with dignity.
One particular reflection stayed with me. Professor Blumenthal describes himself as a bird capable of pollinating only a particular orchid. It is a striking metaphor that beautifully captures the vocation of a forensic pathologist. Not everyone is called to such work, nor could everyone bear it. It requires a rare combination of scientific precision, emotional resilience, intellectual curiosity, and deep humanity. Reading Trace, one begins to appreciate that forensic pathology is not simply about determining how someone died. At its highest level, it is an act of service, giving a voice to those who can no longer speak and offering truth to those left behind.
What impressed me most, however, was not only Professor Blumenthal's expertise, although that is beyond question, but his humility and his willingness to remain curious. After more than 13,000 autopsies, there is no trace of complacency. Instead, there is a persistent desire to learn, to observe, and to understand. It serves as a quiet reminder that every life, however ordinary it may seem, leaves something worth understanding.
Ultimately, Trace is not a book about death.
It is a book about the immeasurable value of life, viewed through the eyes of someone who encounters its ending every single day.
It reminds us that every life leaves a trace, not only in the forensic sense, but in the lives of those we touch, the choices we make, and the legacy we leave behind.
It is rare to finish a book feeling not only more informed, but more grateful to be alive.
This is one of those books.
June 27, 2026
When Professor Ryan Blumenthal signed my copy with the words, "light reading before bed," I assumed the quotation marks were implied.
I actually met Prof Blumenthal at a launch event at the bookshop where I work. I hadn't planned on buying the book at all, but hearing him speak about his work completely piqued my interest. Naturally, I left with a signed copy and an overwhelming curiosity about autopsies, forensic pathology, and all the ways humans can meet unfortunate ends.
As someone who rarely ventures into non-fiction (my shelves are usually occupied by fictional people making fictional bad decisions), I found Trace to be an excellent gateway into the genre. I started it and finished it on the same day because it was so engaging and incredibly easy to read.
What struck me most was how much the writing sounds like Prof Blumenthal himself. If you've heard him speak, you'll recognise the same blend of professionalism, humour, and wonderfully entertaining information dumps. He has a talent for discussing incredibly grim subjects in a way that is informative without ever feeling clinical or detached.
I will admit that the book was a little different from what I expected. I went in anticipating more of a direct focus on autopsies and forensic cases and was surprised by how much life advice and reflection was woven throughout. But honestly? It worked. The lessons felt relevant to the stories being told, and I came away with enormous respect for Prof Blumenthal's ability to witness the very worst of humanity and somehow still maintain such a positive outlook on life.
I also gained a newfound appreciation for forensic pathology in South Africa and the challenges our pathologists face - something I had been largely unaware of before reading this.
In short: I came for the true crime, stayed for the fascinating forensic insights and unexpected life lessons, and left with a signed copy and several new things to think about before bed. I will definitely be picking up his other books. Preferably not right before going to sleep.
I actually met Prof Blumenthal at a launch event at the bookshop where I work. I hadn't planned on buying the book at all, but hearing him speak about his work completely piqued my interest. Naturally, I left with a signed copy and an overwhelming curiosity about autopsies, forensic pathology, and all the ways humans can meet unfortunate ends.
As someone who rarely ventures into non-fiction (my shelves are usually occupied by fictional people making fictional bad decisions), I found Trace to be an excellent gateway into the genre. I started it and finished it on the same day because it was so engaging and incredibly easy to read.
What struck me most was how much the writing sounds like Prof Blumenthal himself. If you've heard him speak, you'll recognise the same blend of professionalism, humour, and wonderfully entertaining information dumps. He has a talent for discussing incredibly grim subjects in a way that is informative without ever feeling clinical or detached.
I will admit that the book was a little different from what I expected. I went in anticipating more of a direct focus on autopsies and forensic cases and was surprised by how much life advice and reflection was woven throughout. But honestly? It worked. The lessons felt relevant to the stories being told, and I came away with enormous respect for Prof Blumenthal's ability to witness the very worst of humanity and somehow still maintain such a positive outlook on life.
I also gained a newfound appreciation for forensic pathology in South Africa and the challenges our pathologists face - something I had been largely unaware of before reading this.
In short: I came for the true crime, stayed for the fascinating forensic insights and unexpected life lessons, and left with a signed copy and several new things to think about before bed. I will definitely be picking up his other books. Preferably not right before going to sleep.
May 15, 2026
Ryan Blumenthal’s Trace was a genuinely fascinating read. It gives you a rare opportunity to step into the shoes of a world-leading forensic pathologist and follow him through some of the most tragic, bizarre, and thought-provoking cases of his career. Some stories are deeply sad, others almost unbelievable, but all of them are interesting in the way they reveal both the science and the human stories behind forensic medicine.
What I appreciated most was that the book doesn’t just focus on the cases themselves. It also gives real insight into the challenges forensic pathologists face; the emotional weight of constantly dealing with death, the pressure of finding answers, and the responsibility of providing clarity for families in often devastating circumstances. It made me appreciate a field of medicine that most people know very little about.
What surprised me was how reflective the book is. Beneath the forensic stories are subtle but meaningful lessons about health, relationships, and how fragile life really is. It’s the kind of book that makes you think a bit more carefully about how you live and what actually matters.
Blumenthal also writes in a way that makes the book accessible to almost anyone. You don’t need a medical background to enjoy it, but if you do have an interest in medicine, pathology, or science, there’s enough depth there to keep you engaged. That balance is difficult to get right, but he does it well.
As a South African reader, the local context made it even more compelling. The stories feel familiar in a way that international books in the same genre sometimes don’t, and they quietly reflect some of the realities of the society we live in.
Overall, Trace is far more than just a collection of forensic case stories. It’s engaging, educational, and unexpectedly human. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in medicine, forensic science, or simply true stories that leave you thinking long after you’ve finished the book.
What I appreciated most was that the book doesn’t just focus on the cases themselves. It also gives real insight into the challenges forensic pathologists face; the emotional weight of constantly dealing with death, the pressure of finding answers, and the responsibility of providing clarity for families in often devastating circumstances. It made me appreciate a field of medicine that most people know very little about.
What surprised me was how reflective the book is. Beneath the forensic stories are subtle but meaningful lessons about health, relationships, and how fragile life really is. It’s the kind of book that makes you think a bit more carefully about how you live and what actually matters.
Blumenthal also writes in a way that makes the book accessible to almost anyone. You don’t need a medical background to enjoy it, but if you do have an interest in medicine, pathology, or science, there’s enough depth there to keep you engaged. That balance is difficult to get right, but he does it well.
As a South African reader, the local context made it even more compelling. The stories feel familiar in a way that international books in the same genre sometimes don’t, and they quietly reflect some of the realities of the society we live in.
Overall, Trace is far more than just a collection of forensic case stories. It’s engaging, educational, and unexpectedly human. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in medicine, forensic science, or simply true stories that leave you thinking long after you’ve finished the book.
May 14, 2026
Professor Ryan Blumenthal’s latest book, Trace: Case Studies of a Forensic Pathologist in Africa, is a compelling read that stands out in the world of forensic literature. Blumenthal, with his vast experience, takes readers deep into the realities of his work while never losing sight of the human stories behind every case.
What I loved most about Trace are the personal anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book. These aren’t just dramatic war stories from the mortuary — they’re intimate, reflective moments where Blumenthal shares how the work has shaped him as a person. Whether he’s describing the quiet dignity he tries to maintain for every deceased individual or the small rituals that help him process the difficult scenes, these glimpses feel deeply authentic and vulnerable. They humanise the often misunderstood profession and show a man who has learned profound lessons about resilience, empathy, and the value of life from constantly confronting its end.
I particularly appreciated the practical advice woven into the narrative. Blumenthal offers thoughtful insights on dealing with stress and secondary trauma and simple ways to stay grounded when facing chaos. These pieces of wisdom come across as generous and genuine. They turn the book into something far more meaningful than a collection of cases; it becomes a quiet celebration of life, curiosity, human connection, and the human condition.
Written in an engaging, approachable style with moments of dry humour and genuine warmth, Trace is both educational and moving. It will appeal not only to fans of forensics, but to anyone interested in what it means to live meaningfully in an unpredictable world.
If you’re looking for a book that informs, fascinates, and ultimately leaves you feeling more appreciative of the everyday miracle of being alive, Trace is it. Highly recommended.
What I loved most about Trace are the personal anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book. These aren’t just dramatic war stories from the mortuary — they’re intimate, reflective moments where Blumenthal shares how the work has shaped him as a person. Whether he’s describing the quiet dignity he tries to maintain for every deceased individual or the small rituals that help him process the difficult scenes, these glimpses feel deeply authentic and vulnerable. They humanise the often misunderstood profession and show a man who has learned profound lessons about resilience, empathy, and the value of life from constantly confronting its end.
I particularly appreciated the practical advice woven into the narrative. Blumenthal offers thoughtful insights on dealing with stress and secondary trauma and simple ways to stay grounded when facing chaos. These pieces of wisdom come across as generous and genuine. They turn the book into something far more meaningful than a collection of cases; it becomes a quiet celebration of life, curiosity, human connection, and the human condition.
Written in an engaging, approachable style with moments of dry humour and genuine warmth, Trace is both educational and moving. It will appeal not only to fans of forensics, but to anyone interested in what it means to live meaningfully in an unpredictable world.
If you’re looking for a book that informs, fascinates, and ultimately leaves you feeling more appreciative of the everyday miracle of being alive, Trace is it. Highly recommended.
June 26, 2026
The moment I stopped fearing, I finally lived.
Case Study: Investigation of a mass chicken fatality.
Yep, you read correctly…
A day in the life of Ryan Blumenthal may include the bizarre death of 6 579 female chickens in a coop, where no males died…(where’s Greta when you need her?).
Or arc-blasts releasing dancing high-voltage across the skin producing “crocodile people”.
Bizarre but fascinating.
When he’s not surviving plane-crashes, witnessing strange deaths, or pulling a silver coin from your ear, Blumenthal is undoubtedly one of Africa’s foremost forensic pathologists!
His journey into the Dark Side:
“Trace: Case Studies of a Forensic Pathologist in Africa” is a fascinating read.
Written in simple “South Africanism”, it is primarily about death - but having read it, you learn more about life.
Delving into the afterlife he reveals the secrets which betray our deaths.
Nothing is hidden in this easy-to-read book.
After having plummeted to earth in a light plane near Kameeldrift in Pretoria when he was a youngster, Blumenthal has achieved extraordinary feats in revealing the secrets of our bodies: posthumously of course.
I agree with Ryan that pathologists are born, not made. He is the living example.
His vast experience has seen him perform over
13 000 autopsies, a mind-numbing figure which ranks up there with the finest in the business of death.
This enigmatic and sometimes misunderstood magical scalpel-man is on his fourth book.
Trace is about case studies in autopsies, some of which lead to real-life improvements.
These unexplained and unusual deaths capture the imagination….from 3-metre tapeworms to perfectly symmetrical holes in the heart.
Read it.
Case Study: Investigation of a mass chicken fatality.
Yep, you read correctly…
A day in the life of Ryan Blumenthal may include the bizarre death of 6 579 female chickens in a coop, where no males died…(where’s Greta when you need her?).
Or arc-blasts releasing dancing high-voltage across the skin producing “crocodile people”.
Bizarre but fascinating.
When he’s not surviving plane-crashes, witnessing strange deaths, or pulling a silver coin from your ear, Blumenthal is undoubtedly one of Africa’s foremost forensic pathologists!
His journey into the Dark Side:
“Trace: Case Studies of a Forensic Pathologist in Africa” is a fascinating read.
Written in simple “South Africanism”, it is primarily about death - but having read it, you learn more about life.
Delving into the afterlife he reveals the secrets which betray our deaths.
Nothing is hidden in this easy-to-read book.
After having plummeted to earth in a light plane near Kameeldrift in Pretoria when he was a youngster, Blumenthal has achieved extraordinary feats in revealing the secrets of our bodies: posthumously of course.
I agree with Ryan that pathologists are born, not made. He is the living example.
His vast experience has seen him perform over
13 000 autopsies, a mind-numbing figure which ranks up there with the finest in the business of death.
This enigmatic and sometimes misunderstood magical scalpel-man is on his fourth book.
Trace is about case studies in autopsies, some of which lead to real-life improvements.
These unexplained and unusual deaths capture the imagination….from 3-metre tapeworms to perfectly symmetrical holes in the heart.
Read it.
July 8, 2026
This is an exceptional and thought-provoking book that weaves medicine, forensic science, and real-life investigations into a captivating, highly understandable, educational, and scientific narrative. Professor Blumenthal has a noteworthy ability to describe multifaceted forensic concepts in a reader-friendly way without sacrificing scientific accuracy.
His book balances human cases with his meticulous forensic work to uncover the truth. He successfully offers readers an extraordinary glance into his world of forensic pathology. In addition, he highlights the significance of critical thinking, observation, and kindness. Professor Blumenthal's writing is well-defined, very respectful, and truly insightful.
His expertise, limitless knowledge of medical and forensic pathology, and vast experience are demonstrated in each chapter. TRACE is an exceptional book for anyone interested in true crime, medicine, and criminal investigations.
I highly recommend TRACE. The book is engaging, informative, and memorable. It truly left a lasting impression on me and a huge appreciation for the key role that Prof Blumenthal plays in the search for justice.
I read all Prof Blumenthal’s books! His last three sentences in TRACE really resonated with me:
‘The moment I stopped fearing, I finally lived. Because real tragedy is not death and dying. It’s never having lived.’
His book balances human cases with his meticulous forensic work to uncover the truth. He successfully offers readers an extraordinary glance into his world of forensic pathology. In addition, he highlights the significance of critical thinking, observation, and kindness. Professor Blumenthal's writing is well-defined, very respectful, and truly insightful.
His expertise, limitless knowledge of medical and forensic pathology, and vast experience are demonstrated in each chapter. TRACE is an exceptional book for anyone interested in true crime, medicine, and criminal investigations.
I highly recommend TRACE. The book is engaging, informative, and memorable. It truly left a lasting impression on me and a huge appreciation for the key role that Prof Blumenthal plays in the search for justice.
I read all Prof Blumenthal’s books! His last three sentences in TRACE really resonated with me:
‘The moment I stopped fearing, I finally lived. Because real tragedy is not death and dying. It’s never having lived.’
May 31, 2026
Professor Ryan Blumenthal , author of Trace( amongst other books) is an Associate Professor and Senior Specialist Forensic Pathologist in the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria.
In his book Trace, the author takes us alongside him as he goes about his daily tasks in the State Mortuary which is his “office”.
To date, Prof Blumenthal has performed over 13,000 autopsies. Trace is mainly about finding evidence through autopsy results that will convict and bring criminals to justice. The dead in fact, do speak to us and we can learn lessons from their lives. The book is at times quite reflective and personal, with the author reminding us that to be a good forensic pathologist, one requires courage and at times, a sense of humour. His work is not for the faint hearted.
Many incredibly interesting and fascinating case studies are shared. Some of the results and findings of these autopsies have helped to advance medical science for the betterment of mankind.
The book is aptly entitled Trace - even the tiniest detail can help solve the biggest mysteries.
If like me, one of your favourite genres is Crime, then this book is for you. ! Sheila
In his book Trace, the author takes us alongside him as he goes about his daily tasks in the State Mortuary which is his “office”.
To date, Prof Blumenthal has performed over 13,000 autopsies. Trace is mainly about finding evidence through autopsy results that will convict and bring criminals to justice. The dead in fact, do speak to us and we can learn lessons from their lives. The book is at times quite reflective and personal, with the author reminding us that to be a good forensic pathologist, one requires courage and at times, a sense of humour. His work is not for the faint hearted.
Many incredibly interesting and fascinating case studies are shared. Some of the results and findings of these autopsies have helped to advance medical science for the betterment of mankind.
The book is aptly entitled Trace - even the tiniest detail can help solve the biggest mysteries.
If like me, one of your favourite genres is Crime, then this book is for you. ! Sheila
June 5, 2026
This is, without question, one of the most gripping books I have read in a long time.
What fascinates me most is not only that someone can choose to enter such an extraordinary profession, but that through constant contact with death, he somehow finds a deeper understanding of life. That contrast is powerful. It is unsettling, thought-provoking, and strangely inspiring all at once.
I love the way Ryan tells his stories. He does not simply recount events; he draws meaning from them. He takes you into his world, then brings you back with a lesson about how we should live, how we should think, and how easily we forget that life is something to be used, not merely protected.
At one point he says, in essence: go out, do things, live fully, and stop allowing fear to shrink your life. That hit me hard. Coming from someone who has spent so much time around the end of life, that message carries real weight.
For me, this book is excellent because it is not really about death. It is about the value of being alive. It is about passion, perspective, and the urgent reminder that we should not wait until life is almost over before we finally start living it.
What fascinates me most is not only that someone can choose to enter such an extraordinary profession, but that through constant contact with death, he somehow finds a deeper understanding of life. That contrast is powerful. It is unsettling, thought-provoking, and strangely inspiring all at once.
I love the way Ryan tells his stories. He does not simply recount events; he draws meaning from them. He takes you into his world, then brings you back with a lesson about how we should live, how we should think, and how easily we forget that life is something to be used, not merely protected.
At one point he says, in essence: go out, do things, live fully, and stop allowing fear to shrink your life. That hit me hard. Coming from someone who has spent so much time around the end of life, that message carries real weight.
For me, this book is excellent because it is not really about death. It is about the value of being alive. It is about passion, perspective, and the urgent reminder that we should not wait until life is almost over before we finally start living it.
June 7, 2026
3.5 stars
“Because the real tragedy is not death and dying. It’s never having lived”
This is Ryan Blumenthals third book and I have enjoyed all 3 (the first being my favorite).
This book was more enjoyable to me personally than book two as it included more case studies (similar to book 1)
In this book, the author shares his values and beliefs again, often with new notes and insights.
This did feel a bit repetitive as I did already learn and agree with most from the first two books (and I came for the interesting cases).
What I didn’t like however was the comment on using AI to help with communication. That seems to go against the authors values he speaks about in the same book.
Communication and pure human connection is something so precious to the living. Why include a robot in that? Ryan speaks about finding meaningful community and hobbies (including art and culture). Why go against that with generative AI which is a blatant rip off of that? A fake, a knock off. It may seem similar. But it has no soul (not to mention the ecological and social consequences the data centers are causing).
“Because the real tragedy is not death and dying. It’s never having lived”
This is Ryan Blumenthals third book and I have enjoyed all 3 (the first being my favorite).
This book was more enjoyable to me personally than book two as it included more case studies (similar to book 1)
In this book, the author shares his values and beliefs again, often with new notes and insights.
This did feel a bit repetitive as I did already learn and agree with most from the first two books (and I came for the interesting cases).
What I didn’t like however was the comment on using AI to help with communication. That seems to go against the authors values he speaks about in the same book.
Communication and pure human connection is something so precious to the living. Why include a robot in that? Ryan speaks about finding meaningful community and hobbies (including art and culture). Why go against that with generative AI which is a blatant rip off of that? A fake, a knock off. It may seem similar. But it has no soul (not to mention the ecological and social consequences the data centers are causing).
May 1, 2026
I recently finished Trace by Ryan Blumenthal, and it was such an interesting read.
The cases are fascinating, but what stood out to me most is how accurately the book reflects the reality of forensic work - the attention to detail, the unpredictability, and the responsibility of speaking for those who can’t. Having seen a bit of that environment firsthand, it made the stories feel even more real and meaningful.
Definitely worth a read if you’re interested in true crime or forensic medicine.
The cases are fascinating, but what stood out to me most is how accurately the book reflects the reality of forensic work - the attention to detail, the unpredictability, and the responsibility of speaking for those who can’t. Having seen a bit of that environment firsthand, it made the stories feel even more real and meaningful.
Definitely worth a read if you’re interested in true crime or forensic medicine.
May 28, 2026
This book is very interesting and detailed showing the dedication and work of a Forensic Pathologist. Life is fragile… even through this Professor Blumenthal educates us in so many ways, and gives encouragement to live well and be thankful for each day!
July 7, 2026
Fantastic and authentic. Very interesting stories, sentimental, real, and educational. Complex topics made very simple and easy to digest. I would recommend to readers across all disciplines, as it's rare these days to find writings which reflect this deeply into such matters.
July 17, 2026
Wise words on living from a man who deals daily with death.
Ryan's unique brand of humour and high intelligence shines through these pages.
Ryan's unique brand of humour and high intelligence shines through these pages.
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