dianacarmel's review
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
This is a gruesome but interesting book. I think it’s written a bit too sensationally, and in several places uses outdated language and terminology (though to be fair, the author does admit that he lacks a good bedside manner).
gingerminussoul's review
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
This book was just meh to me. I enjoyed the stories he had to tell, but much of the book came off as a little big-headed and there were some parts where I cringed thinking to myself “man he didn’t need to phrase it like that…”
dynahthirst's review against another edition
5.0
4.5. Really interesting and written in a language simple enough for the layperson to understand but not 'dumbed down'.
whimsicallymeghan's review against another edition
4.0
This book takes a look inside Dr. Vincent Di Maio’s medical examiner career and highlights some of his most interesting cases. From Lee Harvey Oswald to a woman who killed children to Van Goug, and many more in-between; this book was far from boring. Even though this book dealt with death, and some of the stories were rather grim, there was this fascinating undertone that left the reader wanting to know more about the cases. The pacing throughout the book was done really well; the way the reader got to see how Di Maio’s mind worked was truly captivating. Each chapter was a different case, yet each story felt connected to the next. Franscell, a bestselling crime author, really helped capture Di Maio’s voice and bring all of these stories to life. The way this book ends was very poetic, which is ironic once you’ve read the whole thing, and it brings everything full circle, just like life itself. This was definitely a riveting read, and a different perspective on life and death.
skullsnbats's review against another edition
1.0
Did not finish this book after the author blamed President Obama for outrage and anger over the murder of Trayvon Martin and sympathized with the plight of the child's murderer (whose name I refuse to type since he thrives on his notoriety he gained from murdering Trayvon Martin). NOT recommended.
otherashley's review against another edition
4.0
Fascinating look into the world of forensic pathology and the role it plays (or doesn't play) in our justice system. I found it particularly interesting that we have only about 500 forensic pathologists working in the US. Even more so that the incredibly outdated "coroner" system (an elected position in which you require zero medical background or training) is still running rampant.
This book delves into some high profile and highly disturbing cases, and I feel like I should mention there are a few that focus on very very young children so, be aware of that. Getting a behind the scenes look into the more factual aspects of these cases that oftentimes people simply don't want to hear makes you want to be a more objective observer when things like this happen. It touches on the role the internet and social media now plays in stoking the "outrage machine" and the effect it has on high profile cases.
I highly recommend this book if you're a lover of true crime, the books [b:Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers|32145|Stiff The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers|Mary Roach|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347656489s/32145.jpg|1188203] , [b:Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory|25189315|Smoke Gets in Your Eyes And Other Lessons from the Crematory|Caitlin Doughty|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436549658s/25189315.jpg|39962326] or other books that feed your morbid curiosity.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book delves into some high profile and highly disturbing cases, and I feel like I should mention there are a few that focus on very very young children so, be aware of that. Getting a behind the scenes look into the more factual aspects of these cases that oftentimes people simply don't want to hear makes you want to be a more objective observer when things like this happen. It touches on the role the internet and social media now plays in stoking the "outrage machine" and the effect it has on high profile cases.
I highly recommend this book if you're a lover of true crime, the books [b:Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers|32145|Stiff The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers|Mary Roach|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347656489s/32145.jpg|1188203] , [b:Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: And Other Lessons from the Crematory|25189315|Smoke Gets in Your Eyes And Other Lessons from the Crematory|Caitlin Doughty|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436549658s/25189315.jpg|39962326] or other books that feed your morbid curiosity.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
the_sassy_bookworm's review
4.0
This book was fascinating.
Hats off to anyone that can do this work and not go crazy. I enjoyed this book immensely. Each chapter is a different case Dr. Vincent Di Maio has worked on or helped out with. Most (if not all) are high profile ones. Trayvon Martin, Lee Harvey Oswald , West Memphis Three, Phil Spector, and even Vincent Van Go. There are a few that involve babies and kids, so be warned if you plan on reading this one.
My only complaint, and it's a small one. I would have liked a bit more details on some of the cases, and of some of the more mundane things that a job like this entails. I also would have liked to hear some of the more "weird or odd" things that he has run across over the years as a forensic pathologist. You KNOW there has to be at least a few of those!
Overall though, a very enjoyable read.
Hats off to anyone that can do this work and not go crazy. I enjoyed this book immensely. Each chapter is a different case Dr. Vincent Di Maio has worked on or helped out with. Most (if not all) are high profile ones. Trayvon Martin, Lee Harvey Oswald , West Memphis Three, Phil Spector, and even Vincent Van Go. There are a few that involve babies and kids, so be warned if you plan on reading this one.
My only complaint, and it's a small one. I would have liked a bit more details on some of the cases, and of some of the more mundane things that a job like this entails. I also would have liked to hear some of the more "weird or odd" things that he has run across over the years as a forensic pathologist. You KNOW there has to be at least a few of those!
Overall though, a very enjoyable read.
perri's review
4.0
As a Nationally recognized gunshot expert, DiMaio give a peek inside some of his most high profile cases including Trayvon Martin and Lee Harvey Oswald, and some lesser known but just as interesting cases. DiMaio shares some his family background and life experiences. He helps us understand the coroner's belief system in which autopsies must be based on fact without influence by personal thoughts or outside opinion. I was shocked by how many coroners have no medical background, but can also understand why the field would not appeal to many people. Warning: there are some gruesome descriptions