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Forensics: The Science Behind the Deaths of Famous People
Carrie Fisher, also known as Princess Leia from Star Wars, had been abusing cocaine and other pharmaceuticals for many years, so when it was announced that she died from sleep apnea, I was skeptical. A more plausible explanation would have been that she died from a drug overdose. A review of the medical examiner's report revealed that the Fisher family refused to give permission for an autopsy and toxicology tests to be done. Constrained by these limitations, the coroner labeled the manner of death "undetermined".
FORENSICS: The Science behind the Deaths of Famous People is an analysis and description of how coroners determine the cause and manner of death. An investigation of twenty-three deaths of famous people was conducted based on a review of publicly available autopsy and toxicology reports, as well as published scientific and lay articles. Drug use was implicated in 70 percent of the deaths. Four celebrity deaths were the result of suicide or homicide. Four others were from natural causes.
FORENSICS: The Science behind the Deaths of Famous People is an analysis and description of how coroners determine the cause and manner of death. An investigation of twenty-three deaths of famous people was conducted based on a review of publicly available autopsy and toxicology reports, as well as published scientific and lay articles. Drug use was implicated in 70 percent of the deaths. Four celebrity deaths were the result of suicide or homicide. Four others were from natural causes.
386 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2020
About the author
Harry A. Milman
7 books26 followersHarry A. Milman, PhD is the author of three bestselling forensics books -- (1) "FORENSICS: The Science Behind the Deaths of Famous People," a 2021 Readers' Favorite Finalist in the Non-Fiction, Health - Medical genre; (2) "FORENSICS II: The Science Behind the Deaths of Famous and Infamous People;" and (3) "FORENSICS III: They Got Fifteen Minutes of Fame from the Way They Died," as well as two award-winning mystery novels—"A Death at Camp David," winner of the Best Mystery Novel in the 2018 Book Talk Radio Club Awards, and the space exploration thriller "SOYUZ: The Final Flight," a finalist for Best Second Novel in the 2018 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and a finalist for Best Science Fiction Novel in the 2018 Book Talk Radio Club Awards. As a pharmacologist, toxicologist, and cancer expert with over fifty years of experience at ToxNetwork.com, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the US National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health, and the US Public Health Service. Dr. Milman has testified at trials and depositions and has assisted law firms for nearly twenty-five years as an Expert Witness in over three hundred and fifty civil, criminal, and high-profile legal cases. In addition, Dr. Milman has authored over seventy scientific articles and has edited five science books. Often quoted in newspapers and magazines, Dr. Milman appeared as a toxicology expert on the History Channel, the Oxygen Channel, TV and radio news programs, true-crime television shows, and in numerous podcasts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 21, 2020
Given the author's background mentioned in his bio, I expected to be impressed. And I was. Each chapter centers on one celebrity. Using public records and his own knowledge, Dr. Milman gives the reader an overview of the death followed by a short history of the life of the celebrity. He wraps each chapter up with his conclusions and the logic he used in his decisions. Many of the stories I had seen in newspapers during my life and it brought back memories at each passing. Whether you are a fan of any of the vast celebrities or science, you will be well entertained and informed with this book. Being a curious person, this was a perfect book for me.
August 19, 2021
It was very good and interesting, lots of different famous people! I liked the set up of each chapter with the death, the career and then the evaluation! Lots of detail as well without being difficult to comprehend!
Read
September 22, 2022A quick read for those that want a more scientific explanation about how famous people died.
March 15, 2023
Disappointing
I probably should have read the product description properly - it says “a review of publicly available autopsy and toxicology reports” and that’s all it is. A summary of freely available information, with the author saying “having read the documentation I agree with the coroner’s decision” for pretty much every case (I’m not sure why the author thinks he has greater knowledge than the original investigators?). Followed by a list of drugs and what they are used for (possibly interesting for some people but as I work in pharmacy that was a chunk of the book that I didn’t need to read).
If you weren’t already aware of the stories behind famous deaths you may find this interesting, but if you were around at the time the stories broke you won’t learn anything new.
I probably should have read the product description properly - it says “a review of publicly available autopsy and toxicology reports” and that’s all it is. A summary of freely available information, with the author saying “having read the documentation I agree with the coroner’s decision” for pretty much every case (I’m not sure why the author thinks he has greater knowledge than the original investigators?). Followed by a list of drugs and what they are used for (possibly interesting for some people but as I work in pharmacy that was a chunk of the book that I didn’t need to read).
If you weren’t already aware of the stories behind famous deaths you may find this interesting, but if you were around at the time the stories broke you won’t learn anything new.
February 26, 2021
Forensics: The Science Behind the Deaths of Famous People by Harry A. Milman PhD is an unusual book, yet captivating from the first chapter. The author gives an introduction explaining what brought about the need and interest in forensics, mainly the victims of Jack the Ripper and the famous Sherlock Holman’s series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There were key discoveries throughout the years that brought us to a time when almost every death leaves specific clues as to the cause of death. Some answers are hindered by families’ refusal of certain tests, crime scenes not fully secured, or even the order in which drugs or alcohol is consumed. But the author’s skill in breaking down the autopsies into terms everyone can understand makes this mesmerizing. Though some information in this book can be found on the internet, many famous people have several theories that are written as facts, confusing the truth. Dr. Milman takes the facts and explains them while addressing the myths of conspiracy.
Dr. Harry A. Milman keeps his medical book, Forensics, well organized and interesting. I learned much about the effects drugs have on the body and the pull it has on those whose career is in entertainment. With footnotes, index, and a glossary of the drugs mentioned in this book, you will find everything well documented and explained. I felt motivated to keep my body in excellent condition as I read about people that are leaders in their craft who would abuse and neglect theirs. Overall, the author answers several provoking questions asked by the public. He shows the truth about what drugs and alcohol do to a body, and the quality of life. I shared most of what I read with those around me because the author makes it so engrossing.
Review written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.
Dr. Harry A. Milman keeps his medical book, Forensics, well organized and interesting. I learned much about the effects drugs have on the body and the pull it has on those whose career is in entertainment. With footnotes, index, and a glossary of the drugs mentioned in this book, you will find everything well documented and explained. I felt motivated to keep my body in excellent condition as I read about people that are leaders in their craft who would abuse and neglect theirs. Overall, the author answers several provoking questions asked by the public. He shows the truth about what drugs and alcohol do to a body, and the quality of life. I shared most of what I read with those around me because the author makes it so engrossing.
Review written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.
December 9, 2020
"Forensics: The Science Behind the Deaths of Famous People" is a wonderful blend of science, drama, and a description of the struggle to succeed in show business, making the book read like a mystery novel yet there is nothing fictional about it. The author provides a lot of scientific information in a way that is easily understood by non-scientists and scientists alike. Each chapter reviews the life and death of a famous person, from Marilyn Monroe to Carrie Fisher, from Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston. In total, the highs and lows in the life of 23 famous people is reviewed, including a comprehensive analysis of the toxicology and autopsy results that ultimately led to an opinion on the cause and manner of death. Sometimes, Dr. Milman agrees with the coroner's conclusions but at other times, he provides an alternative hypothesis that is quite reasonable. CSI-enthusiasts will love "Forensics" for its content and clarity. I highly recommend "Forensics: The Science Behind the Deaths of Famous People" to anyone interested in forensic toxicology, CSI, true crime, and mystery novels. The concept of the book is intriguing and the stories are endlessly fascinating.
December 10, 2023
With all the cover-ups and conspiracies surrounding famous celebrities, it's good to find a book that delves into the nitty gritty, and lays out exactly what went on...
This book goes a chapter each on 23 different big-name celebrities, including the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter, Michael Jackson, Prince, Heath Ledger, Robin Williams, Carrie Fisher and many more.
Admittedly this also included some stars I hadn't heard of, and some where I knew the name but not their work. However, the chapters do explain a bit about the celebrities if you're not already familiar with them.
Each chapter is introduced by telling the story of how the body was found, before going into both the coroner's report and a toxicology report, before touching on what they were famous for.
The majority of the famous deaths discussed involved consumption of illegal drugs. So, let that be a lesson to us all. maybe some stars get stuck into the belief that they're invincible and can take as many drugs as they want, prescription or otherwise. But they were dead before their time. Don't let that happen to you.
This book goes a chapter each on 23 different big-name celebrities, including the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Karen Carpenter, Michael Jackson, Prince, Heath Ledger, Robin Williams, Carrie Fisher and many more.
Admittedly this also included some stars I hadn't heard of, and some where I knew the name but not their work. However, the chapters do explain a bit about the celebrities if you're not already familiar with them.
Each chapter is introduced by telling the story of how the body was found, before going into both the coroner's report and a toxicology report, before touching on what they were famous for.
The majority of the famous deaths discussed involved consumption of illegal drugs. So, let that be a lesson to us all. maybe some stars get stuck into the belief that they're invincible and can take as many drugs as they want, prescription or otherwise. But they were dead before their time. Don't let that happen to you.
October 10, 2025
Forensics: The Science Behind the Deaths of Famous People by Dr. Harry A. Milman is a fascinating deep dive into truth, myth, and mortality a book that peels back the glamour of fame to reveal the cold precision of science beneath.
Drawing on decades of toxicology and forensic expertise, Dr. Milman revisits the mysterious deaths of twenty-three icons from Carrie Fisher to Robin Williams with clarity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to facts. Each chapter reads like an investigation that bridges celebrity culture and courtroom science, blending the intrigue of true crime with the rigor of real forensic analysis.
Milman’s gift lies in translating complex autopsy and toxicology reports into accessible, gripping narratives. Readers don’t just learn what happened they understand why. And in doing so, the book redefines how we view the intersection of fame, addiction, and mortality.
For fans of Autopsy Files, Forensic Files, or The Poisoner’s Handbook, this is a masterclass in scientific storytelling part revelation, part reckoning, and entirely unforgettable.
Drawing on decades of toxicology and forensic expertise, Dr. Milman revisits the mysterious deaths of twenty-three icons from Carrie Fisher to Robin Williams with clarity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to facts. Each chapter reads like an investigation that bridges celebrity culture and courtroom science, blending the intrigue of true crime with the rigor of real forensic analysis.
Milman’s gift lies in translating complex autopsy and toxicology reports into accessible, gripping narratives. Readers don’t just learn what happened they understand why. And in doing so, the book redefines how we view the intersection of fame, addiction, and mortality.
For fans of Autopsy Files, Forensic Files, or The Poisoner’s Handbook, this is a masterclass in scientific storytelling part revelation, part reckoning, and entirely unforgettable.
February 21, 2022
This was a very interesting book. I think one of the most interesting parts of this book, was the acknowledgement at the end of the book, that most of the deaths occurring (70%) were due to overuse of drugs (including alcohol). I think this is a statement about our times. It isn't just normal people dying of drug use. The famous whether politicians or actors, seem to be very prone and susceptible to using their wealth to get alcohol and drugs, that they probably wouldn't have used if not famous. Some of these cases are well known. Errol Flynn was a relatively young man when he died, but he really mishandled his body in more ways than one. Same thing with Elvis Presley. I enjoyed the writing. It was matter of fact and not done in a way to be snarky. You can still feel sorrow for the waste of life that these deaths represent.
December 9, 2020
I am often intrigued by how coroners are able to determine the cause of death, so when I saw that
Dr. Milman published his latest book, I had to read it. As a nonscientist, I was concerned that
forensic science may be too difficult for me to grasp. However, Dr. Milman presented
biographical information along with the science, thereby making the stories not only enjoyable,
but the science easily understood and informative. I highly recommend “Forensics: The Science
Behind the Deaths of Famous People” to scientists and nonscientists alike, especially to those
who enjoy watching crime recreation shows such as CSI and Bones.
Dr. Milman published his latest book, I had to read it. As a nonscientist, I was concerned that
forensic science may be too difficult for me to grasp. However, Dr. Milman presented
biographical information along with the science, thereby making the stories not only enjoyable,
but the science easily understood and informative. I highly recommend “Forensics: The Science
Behind the Deaths of Famous People” to scientists and nonscientists alike, especially to those
who enjoy watching crime recreation shows such as CSI and Bones.
November 22, 2020
CSI and true-crime enthusiasts will LOVE this book! The author, an experienced toxicologist, describes how coroners determined the cause and manner of death of 23 famous people, including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Natalie Wood, Whitney Houston, and many others. The book will appeal to people of all ages, scientists and nonscientists alike, for it provides historical and biographical background, as well as a clear and understandable analysis of autopsy and toxicology reports, making it an enjoyable and informative read
February 18, 2021
I love anything connected with Forensics so I was excited when I came across this book. It is an excellent book covering the deaths and autopsies of famous people from the entertainment field. Some of the famous people covered were Marilyn Monroe, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Natalie Wood, Karen Carpenter, JonBenet Ramsey and Robin Williams, just to name a few of my favorites. The book is very well written, very interesting and I learned a lot of information that I was not aware of. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves forensics.
February 22, 2021
I was gifted this book to read to leave a fair and honest review.....
The author, Harry A. Milman is a Pharmacologist and Toxicologist of many years and experience and takes the reader through the deaths of twenty-three famous people (such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson to name a few) and the results of the autopsies. He carefully explains the outcomes and conclusion of each autopsy and makes his own analysis of the cause and manner of death.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in forensics and celebrity deaths.
The author, Harry A. Milman is a Pharmacologist and Toxicologist of many years and experience and takes the reader through the deaths of twenty-three famous people (such as Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson to name a few) and the results of the autopsies. He carefully explains the outcomes and conclusion of each autopsy and makes his own analysis of the cause and manner of death.
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in forensics and celebrity deaths.
February 24, 2021
Interesting Review of Celebrity Deaths
I am always interested in forensics and here you will find that in full force while reviewing a number of celebrity deaths. And that's my point. It's a nice review but there is little new information about these unfortunate deaths. Still, it is a good read.
I am always interested in forensics and here you will find that in full force while reviewing a number of celebrity deaths. And that's my point. It's a nice review but there is little new information about these unfortunate deaths. Still, it is a good read.
November 26, 2022
This book doesn’t add much, if anything, to the understanding of the deaths of the featured celebrities. Parts of it are mildly interesting, but the formula of Star died of …, the autopsy gave the cause of death as… I agree with the autopsy findings… brief biography of Star was monotonous and repetitive. I wouldn’t bother.
October 15, 2021
I almost gave it two stars
It’s badly written and at times factually inaccurate but mildly interesting. It went from a two to a one when it ended with a pointed reference to Nancy Reagan and the need to “just say no.”
It’s badly written and at times factually inaccurate but mildly interesting. It went from a two to a one when it ended with a pointed reference to Nancy Reagan and the need to “just say no.”
March 10, 2021
This is an excellent book! Dr Milman did a very thorough job of describing the causes of death of famous people. I highly recommend this book!
April 6, 2021
Great book
Such an interesting book to read and to see the views of the author. Would highly recommend anyone interested to read!
Such an interesting book to read and to see the views of the author. Would highly recommend anyone interested to read!
Want to Read
April 7, 2021I want to read this book.
May 22, 2021
Not a lot of surprises, but still an interesting read.
June 21, 2021
Very interesting.
A very interesting book. Well written and informative. It shows, the author has researched well. Also some of these deaths, show the dangers of mixing drugs.
A very interesting book. Well written and informative. It shows, the author has researched well. Also some of these deaths, show the dangers of mixing drugs.
July 13, 2021
Interesting
September 12, 2022
very medical ... but satisfied my gruesome curiosity!
September 15, 2022
Mediocre
I read Coroner to the stars many years ago and found this book a retelling of this! It did have more recent deaths included but was a mediocre read at best.
I read Coroner to the stars many years ago and found this book a retelling of this! It did have more recent deaths included but was a mediocre read at best.
September 27, 2022
Very interesting!
March 4, 2023
Overwhelming
Very well documented and objective and it makes you think about all those lives cut short and the world missed out on all those talented people.
Very well documented and objective and it makes you think about all those lives cut short and the world missed out on all those talented people.
December 6, 2023
This is a really fascinating read, well written and informative.
December 27, 2023
Fun to pass the time on Boxing Day, but nothing really new here. More nostalgic than anything else really. It got me thinking about celebs who’ve passed…
January 13, 2024
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with the book, but it's just regurgitated facts
September 7, 2024
No added insight. You might as well read the Wikipedia pages on these people.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews