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Coroner at Large
Answers questions about a new series of Hollywood deaths, including those of Elvis Presley and Sal Mineo, examines the murder cases of Jean Harris and Claus von Bulow, and provides insights into the controversial deaths of Hitler, Custer, and Napoleon
275 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
170 people are currently reading
394 people want to read
About the author
Thomas T. Noguchi
9 books13 followersDr. Thomas T. Noguchi is a Board Certified Forensic Pathologist and was the Chief
Medical Examiner-Coroner for the County of Los Angeles for many years.
Medical Examiner-Coroner for the County of Los Angeles for many years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 15, 2020
This book was written in the 1980s and doesn't claim to explain anything to everyone's satisfaction. But, it is an interesting book and in the light of what has happened since the 80s, has proven to foretell the future. I found it quite informative with a short history of forensic medicine and investigative work. I had to look up some of the cases that had commentary on them and found the insights into several cases quite fascinating. I wonder if the writer of the forensics TV shows had read this book.
July 18, 2015
A good middle of the road, well written easy read with some interesting topics and thoughts from Noguchi on cases other than ones he personally oversaw. Readers of the true crime genre will be familiar with most, if not all, the cases mentioned. They range from the historical to the contemporary.
Noguchi does not rehash each case from the beginning to end. His focus is solely on the forensic science and how it was applied or mis-applied in each case. At times, this involves sitting down with the medical examiners or other forensic experts who had a role in examination of the evidence. He then either ends each chapter concurring with the outcome of offering an alternative explanation of the evidence that could have resulted in a different outcome.
There are times when he lapses into the scientific but never so deeply that a reader becomes lost or can't understand where he is headed or what he is trying to explain. I found it interesting that he traveled to many of the locations and looked at both the crime scenes and the forensic evidence. Most astonishing to me, was that a couple bought the Scarsdale home of Tarnower because of their belief in the innocence of Jean Smith, his killer. They kept the room intact and by all accounts of both Noguchi and another investigator, her story was very accurate and it was an accidental shooting just as she described. Proving the old adage that the truth is often stranger than fiction.
It also shows that despite their best efforts, and mostly getting it right, the police also get it wrong. Many times, there seems to be a rush to prove a first hunch because of community pressure to get it solved where a wait and see attitude would have better served the case. When looking at older crimes, it also shows how far the police have come with forensic investigation in preserving the crime scene and of course the introduction of the use of DNA has further changed the landscape.
A great read for true crime buffs and those interested in science and forensic science. An easy, accessible read that won't take long. At most one or two days.
Noguchi does not rehash each case from the beginning to end. His focus is solely on the forensic science and how it was applied or mis-applied in each case. At times, this involves sitting down with the medical examiners or other forensic experts who had a role in examination of the evidence. He then either ends each chapter concurring with the outcome of offering an alternative explanation of the evidence that could have resulted in a different outcome.
There are times when he lapses into the scientific but never so deeply that a reader becomes lost or can't understand where he is headed or what he is trying to explain. I found it interesting that he traveled to many of the locations and looked at both the crime scenes and the forensic evidence. Most astonishing to me, was that a couple bought the Scarsdale home of Tarnower because of their belief in the innocence of Jean Smith, his killer. They kept the room intact and by all accounts of both Noguchi and another investigator, her story was very accurate and it was an accidental shooting just as she described. Proving the old adage that the truth is often stranger than fiction.
It also shows that despite their best efforts, and mostly getting it right, the police also get it wrong. Many times, there seems to be a rush to prove a first hunch because of community pressure to get it solved where a wait and see attitude would have better served the case. When looking at older crimes, it also shows how far the police have come with forensic investigation in preserving the crime scene and of course the introduction of the use of DNA has further changed the landscape.
A great read for true crime buffs and those interested in science and forensic science. An easy, accessible read that won't take long. At most one or two days.
July 12, 2017
Early on while still in my teens, I developed a deep fascination with the manners and mechanisms of death. Most likely the result of too many gore laden horror films growing up and chance encounters with the subject matter as people I knew died along the way! In any event, I developed what became a genuine curiosity regarding something I took to be a great mystery and I decided that I wanted it to be my life's work to study death further!
As I began my journey and I was still working out the direction I ultimately wished to follow, one of the first names I encountered associated with the field of forensic pathology was Dr. Thomas Noguchi and one of the very first books on the subject I managed to get my hands on was Coroner at Large.
As it has been quite a few years since I read the book, I cannot recollect the exact content, but I remember it went a great way to inspiring me to pursue my goals further. The book was reasonably well written with a fair body of knowledge, for such a small text, and covered aspects of many famous cases, centering on Dr. Noguchi's examination of the evidence in each instance. Elvis Presley, Dorothy Stratten and Freddie Prinze are among the celebrity deaths highlighted in the book along with several other reasonably well-known cases from the previous 20 years or so.
The downside to the book is, of course, its age! Written so many years ago it is without a doubt completely outdated as advances in forensics and new findings have drastically changed the views regarding many of these cases. That is not to say it is not worth reading if you stubble upon a copy in an old book store. Dr. Noguchi was a pioneer in his field and the book serves as an excellent window into the world of death investigation that Dr. Noguchi helped foster.
I certainly wish I still had a copy in my possession as I would love to read it again. I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in forensic pathology or true crime!
As I began my journey and I was still working out the direction I ultimately wished to follow, one of the first names I encountered associated with the field of forensic pathology was Dr. Thomas Noguchi and one of the very first books on the subject I managed to get my hands on was Coroner at Large.
As it has been quite a few years since I read the book, I cannot recollect the exact content, but I remember it went a great way to inspiring me to pursue my goals further. The book was reasonably well written with a fair body of knowledge, for such a small text, and covered aspects of many famous cases, centering on Dr. Noguchi's examination of the evidence in each instance. Elvis Presley, Dorothy Stratten and Freddie Prinze are among the celebrity deaths highlighted in the book along with several other reasonably well-known cases from the previous 20 years or so.
The downside to the book is, of course, its age! Written so many years ago it is without a doubt completely outdated as advances in forensics and new findings have drastically changed the views regarding many of these cases. That is not to say it is not worth reading if you stubble upon a copy in an old book store. Dr. Noguchi was a pioneer in his field and the book serves as an excellent window into the world of death investigation that Dr. Noguchi helped foster.
I certainly wish I still had a copy in my possession as I would love to read it again. I definitely recommend it for anyone interested in forensic pathology or true crime!
May 8, 2015
Quite an interesting read however not as gripping as his first book about his own investigations while he held the office of Medical Examiner in LA County. This book did show how some investigations of the past, among them Jack the Ripper, could have been aided by forensic technology as we know it today and perhaps even solved. I found the details of forensic science most interesting as they applied to the old question of whether Hitler killed himself at the end of the war or escaped in the chaos. Published in the mid to late 1980s Dr. Noguchi's conclusions and the tantalizing tidbits he revealed may be different today.
Despite the time lag, his discussions of the death of Elvis Presley,the Scarsdale diet doctor at the hands presumably of Jean Harris, Jeffrey McDonald's family in what appeared at first to be a copy cat case of the Mansons' Helter Skelter, and the Sunny von Bulow death and ensuing suspicion of her husband Claus, are all precise, logical, scientifically based and well argued, giving the reader room for thought. The weakest part of the book are, while entertaining, his applications of forensics to cases long ago such as Jack the Ripper, Napoleon,and Custer of Custers last stand. These need more structure to stand on their own and more interdisciplinary participation from historians and other fields of interest. Indeed, while not a solid lead, Dr. Noguchi reveals some forensic evidence on Custer which has just recently come to bear in historical writings and may help to support the revisionist history. A good book to be sure, but you end with the feeling that it could have been so much more.
Despite the time lag, his discussions of the death of Elvis Presley,the Scarsdale diet doctor at the hands presumably of Jean Harris, Jeffrey McDonald's family in what appeared at first to be a copy cat case of the Mansons' Helter Skelter, and the Sunny von Bulow death and ensuing suspicion of her husband Claus, are all precise, logical, scientifically based and well argued, giving the reader room for thought. The weakest part of the book are, while entertaining, his applications of forensics to cases long ago such as Jack the Ripper, Napoleon,and Custer of Custers last stand. These need more structure to stand on their own and more interdisciplinary participation from historians and other fields of interest. Indeed, while not a solid lead, Dr. Noguchi reveals some forensic evidence on Custer which has just recently come to bear in historical writings and may help to support the revisionist history. A good book to be sure, but you end with the feeling that it could have been so much more.
September 28, 2012
In this sequel to Coroner, Thomas T. Noguchi, the former Chief Medical Examiner-Coroner for the County of Los Angeles from 1967 to 1982, delves into some of the history of forensic science as well as a number of the curious or unusual celebrity deaths throughout the years. From the influential Claus von Bulow case to the murder of Dorothy Stratten; from modern-day murder cases to forensic puzzles throughout history, Dr. Noguchi offers his own professional interpretation and expertise in each case.
I have had this book sitting on my downstairs bookshelf for almost five years and have to say that I never even picked it up until Tuesday night. I had brought this book upstairs about a week ago, as I hoped to read it sometime within the next month. I really enjoyed this book and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it. It was really very good and I have put Thomas T. Noguchi's memoir, Coroner, on my Wish List. I give Coroner at Large an A+! and am definitely looking forward to perhaps reading Coroner some time very soon as well.
I have had this book sitting on my downstairs bookshelf for almost five years and have to say that I never even picked it up until Tuesday night. I had brought this book upstairs about a week ago, as I hoped to read it sometime within the next month. I really enjoyed this book and wish I hadn't waited so long to read it. It was really very good and I have put Thomas T. Noguchi's memoir, Coroner, on my Wish List. I give Coroner at Large an A+! and am definitely looking forward to perhaps reading Coroner some time very soon as well.
December 19, 2016
In this book Dr. Noguchi assumes the role of a consultant on some famous, unsolved deaths. I got this book primarily for the killing of "Playmate of the Year" Dorothy Stratten after seeing the movie "Star 80" starring Mariel Hemingway and Eric Roberts.
I wish that Noguchi had gone into more detail in the chapter on Jack the Ripper. The book was published in 1985 and seems like it might be a little dated. But it was still interesting to see that investigative techniques changed from the times that the crimes were committed.
I wish that Noguchi had gone into more detail in the chapter on Jack the Ripper. The book was published in 1985 and seems like it might be a little dated. But it was still interesting to see that investigative techniques changed from the times that the crimes were committed.
July 17, 2014
Very interesting book. I first read it over 25 years ago. I think the last chapter is definitely superfluous- a long diatribe about some unknown Russian businessman and his suicide. Definitely filler. The rest was pretty interesting and delectably morbid! Dr Noguchi also does a bit of self-promoting which can get a bit tedious.
December 21, 2015
Didn't finish. New findings in many of these cases dispute authors. Also made mistakes in identifying Jack the Ripper suspects
August 21, 2017
A bit thin
The first part of the book was interesting in that the author was revisiting some celebrity deaths with his own research and detective skills and came up with some new conclusions. More of that would have been nice. The rest of the book was just rehashing old deaths that offered very little new information. Maybe his first book has more meat in it. I would be more interested in actual cases he had worked on personally. Meh!
The first part of the book was interesting in that the author was revisiting some celebrity deaths with his own research and detective skills and came up with some new conclusions. More of that would have been nice. The rest of the book was just rehashing old deaths that offered very little new information. Maybe his first book has more meat in it. I would be more interested in actual cases he had worked on personally. Meh!
December 16, 2019
not sure how I got this book, it's not x-library. Since I've packed up my books for the move and having the move delayed, I scrimmaged around for a book to read and this is what I found. Since the coroner lives in California, most of the victims are unfamiliar to me, altho I recognized some names, it was mostly a ho-hum kinda book for me
March 29, 2022
Even though this book is somewhat dated the subject matter is still pertinent. Dr. Noguchi, became a somewhat larger than life figure/celebrity in the 70's and was in the news quite often (good & bad). But death is death and reading about some of his cases that he actually worked or advised on still gives the reader a great insight on the job of s coroner/medical examiner.
August 10, 2017
Fascinating
Maybe not as entertaining and titillating as his first book, but no less fascinating a glimpse into the world of forensic science. Of all the stories within the last 2 were the only ones I was unaware of and found the most intriguing.
Maybe not as entertaining and titillating as his first book, but no less fascinating a glimpse into the world of forensic science. Of all the stories within the last 2 were the only ones I was unaware of and found the most intriguing.
May 3, 2023
educational
Well written, leaves one to ponder in their own mind the truth behind the untimely deaths. Educational in many ways, the coroners office, politics, police procedures, etc.
Well written, leaves one to ponder in their own mind the truth behind the untimely deaths. Educational in many ways, the coroners office, politics, police procedures, etc.
January 13, 2017
Very interesting, although written before the use of DNA. So much has changed since this was written.
March 3, 2019
An exceptional book!!..I enjoyed it from start to finish...brilliant man.
October 27, 2020
Read in 1987. More famous deaths investigated.
March 17, 2022
The standard for books like this is so much higher now.
September 3, 2022
There’s a lot of science in this book, but I enjoyed it! The stories are very interesting and I like that they go in depth on the outcome however without making the book too long
December 27, 2025
Morbid curiosity
This book examines the cause of death of well known figures. My main issue is that the author plays pretty loose with documented dates
This book examines the cause of death of well known figures. My main issue is that the author plays pretty loose with documented dates
March 8, 2015
Interesting
Honestly, the only things that were really new to me were a few of the European criminals. Well, also that THE Beach Boy drowned in the sea - I always thought he drowned in his own swimming pool. Must've been my own Hollywood prejudice: swimming pools and movie stars ...
Sad to read too of all the lives taken too soon ... by their own hand or by others.
Honestly, the only things that were really new to me were a few of the European criminals. Well, also that THE Beach Boy drowned in the sea - I always thought he drowned in his own swimming pool. Must've been my own Hollywood prejudice: swimming pools and movie stars ...
Sad to read too of all the lives taken too soon ... by their own hand or by others.
February 6, 2016
This was OK, but it didn't send me the way Noguchi's first book did. In this one he basically horns in on autopsies he never conducted and gives his opinions on them, focusing mainly on cases thathave been talked to death already because they are ultra-high-profile. I did get some prurient satisfaction about learning more of the details of Dorothy Hoogstratten's death scene from this book.
February 25, 2016
Dr. Noguchi is an immensely respected forensic pathologist who was involved in many famous Hollywood cases in the 1960s and 1970s. This book touches on his experiences and opinions on various murders and deaths, though he seemed to shy away from using his incredible skills and knowledge as a forensic pathologist to provide greater insight into the cases he discussed.
December 12, 2013
This book caught my attention because I have a slightly morbid fascination with true crime stories. This was more of a forensic review of some high profile cases, which, while entertaining, was not what I had in mind.
February 1, 2014
Noguchi provides entertainment in controversy. These short chaptered cases are a quick snapshot of insight into a coroner's thought processes in solving mysteries. Educational speculation, stimulating and enjoyable.
July 20, 2016
More memoirs by the Coroner To The Stars, this time talking about cases he did not handle personally. He examines the forensic evidence in several famous cases, and gives us his own conclusions and explanations, often agreeing with the official verdict.
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April 8, 2015Excellent study of famous deaths and subsequent examinations from noted coroner Thomas T. Noguchi, M.D. Dr. Noguchi doesn't hesitate to question decision made by his peers or those who think they know the cause of death, when in fact, they don't! Interesting read.
June 18, 2015
I am from CA and I am very familiar with T Noguchi as the medical examiner in Los Angeles CA. He provides a good view into forensic science. He has been the medical examiner to many controversial causes of death and high profile crimes.
December 2, 2016
I found this to be a pretty good read. I liked the short synapses that were given of famous deaths and found the author's insights interesting. I thought this book was much better written than Coroner and would recommend to readers of that book to give this one a chance.
May 12, 2011
The LA coroner challenges findings in the deaths of Presley, Sal Mineo, and Natalie Wood, and brings more to light on the Jean Harris and Jeffrey MacDonald cases.
December 16, 2013
Interesting
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews