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1.56k reviews for:
Holtak vallatója: Nagy-Britannia első számú törvényszéki kórboncnokának emlékei – avagy élet a halál közelében
Richard Shepherd
4.22 AVERAGE
1.56k reviews for:
Holtak vallatója: Nagy-Britannia első számú törvényszéki kórboncnokának emlékei – avagy élet a halál közelében
Richard Shepherd
4.22 AVERAGE
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Categorising this book is complicated for the best of reasons. It is more than just a memoir. Unnatural Causes is a blend of personal reflection on marriage, fatherhood, mental health and on achievement and career success. It is a blend of true crime, science and recent historical events. It's written with honesty, openness and admiration for colleagues and personal heroes. It's written with great respect for the dead, their families, his own family and for procedure and justice. Unnatural Causes is absolutely fascinating.
Dr Richard Shepherd was a/the pathologist in a variety of well known cases; Joy Gardner, Stephen Lawrence, Lady Diana, Dr Harold Shipman, Derrick Bird. He was also a/the pathologist in a variety of major incidents; 9/11, Hungerford, terrorist attacks by Osama Bin Laden.
Dr Richard Shepherd was also instrumental, pivotal even, in the development of life saving policy and procedures regarding London's major incident plans and the safe restraint of people in custody.
Dr Richard Shepherd is also a calming force, a courageous and quiet man with a great sense of responsibility. He'saa man who admits his mistakes. He's a man who lives with PTSD, panic attacks and who isn't afraid to let the reader in.
Unnatural Causes is gripping, emotional, interesting and informative. It is macabre in parts and there are challenging sections but it's thoroughly enjoyable.
Dr Richard Shepherd was a/the pathologist in a variety of well known cases; Joy Gardner, Stephen Lawrence, Lady Diana, Dr Harold Shipman, Derrick Bird. He was also a/the pathologist in a variety of major incidents; 9/11, Hungerford, terrorist attacks by Osama Bin Laden.
Dr Richard Shepherd was also instrumental, pivotal even, in the development of life saving policy and procedures regarding London's major incident plans and the safe restraint of people in custody.
Dr Richard Shepherd is also a calming force, a courageous and quiet man with a great sense of responsibility. He'saa man who admits his mistakes. He's a man who lives with PTSD, panic attacks and who isn't afraid to let the reader in.
Unnatural Causes is gripping, emotional, interesting and informative. It is macabre in parts and there are challenging sections but it's thoroughly enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Police brutality, Medical content, Medical trauma
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Blood, Grief
Minor: Infidelity
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This book was so incredibly interesting, I felt like I couldn't put it down! I had a limited understanding of forensic pathology before starting... My only exposure to it has been from reading courtroom dramas and watching true crime documentaries. However, by the end I'd realised I'd learnt so much from reading it. The book goes into detail on various cases, both the everyday and high-profile. I also liked the fact Shepherd spoke about his family life, and how much his job impacted on them too.
I thought the medical language would be difficult to understand but thankfully, it was quite the opposite. It also wasn't as squeamish as I was imagining... thankfully there wasn't very detailed descriptions of the dissections!
I would highly recommend reading this book, even if you're not usually a fan of non-fiction. I predicted that this would be a 5* read for me... and I'm pleased to say it lived up to all expectations! This may even be my book of the year, which is quite the accolade for a book about forensic pathology!
I thought the medical language would be difficult to understand but thankfully, it was quite the opposite. It also wasn't as squeamish as I was imagining... thankfully there wasn't very detailed descriptions of the dissections!
I would highly recommend reading this book, even if you're not usually a fan of non-fiction. I predicted that this would be a 5* read for me... and I'm pleased to say it lived up to all expectations! This may even be my book of the year, which is quite the accolade for a book about forensic pathology!
A really interesting and honest account of a career of a forensic pathologist.
I have read plenty of forensic books and memoirs in my life but this (along with Sue Black's All That Remains) is one of the most honest and well written I've came across.
Shepherd truly shows his love and passion for his work and makes you feel that passion with him through his emotive writing. I became so immersed in his story that I felt like I was looking over his shoulder at the cases he described. The honesty and frankness with regards to mental health and the impact it has on careers was beautiful and his determination to defy the odds and push through his PTSD to return to work is inspiring.
My teenage dream was to become a forensic pathologist, hence my passion for the subgenre of forensic non fiction but I never followed my dream due to severe anxiety (I am now 31 and have a paralysing fear of public speaking so my time has probably passed now) but it gives me hope that one day I can push past the barriers or mental health and follow my passion.
As for the science, the book has a perfect balance between informative and personal experience so someone new to the genre wouldn't be overwhelmed with facts and figures but to someone with a keen interest, it's still a refreshing and interesting read.
If you're just looking for the science or just looking for the memoir, it doesn't matter. This book is a prime example of what a scientific memoir should read like. The science, the balance between work and family life and the struggles that come with dealing with such an emotive career, everything is addressed.
Anyone who has read and enjoyed this book should take a look at All That Remains by Sue Black. Both books are a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
Shepherd truly shows his love and passion for his work and makes you feel that passion with him through his emotive writing. I became so immersed in his story that I felt like I was looking over his shoulder at the cases he described. The honesty and frankness with regards to mental health and the impact it has on careers was beautiful and his determination to defy the odds and push through his PTSD to return to work is inspiring.
My teenage dream was to become a forensic pathologist, hence my passion for the subgenre of forensic non fiction but I never followed my dream due to severe anxiety (I am now 31 and have a paralysing fear of public speaking so my time has probably passed now) but it gives me hope that one day I can push past the barriers or mental health and follow my passion.
As for the science, the book has a perfect balance between informative and personal experience so someone new to the genre wouldn't be overwhelmed with facts and figures but to someone with a keen interest, it's still a refreshing and interesting read.
If you're just looking for the science or just looking for the memoir, it doesn't matter. This book is a prime example of what a scientific memoir should read like. The science, the balance between work and family life and the struggles that come with dealing with such an emotive career, everything is addressed.
Anyone who has read and enjoyed this book should take a look at All That Remains by Sue Black. Both books are a welcome addition to any bookshelf.
This was a super fascinating book about the journey that the UK's most famous forensic pathologist took. It is a little gruesome in parts, so be warned. However it is so interesting to understand the story about those who uncover the mysteries of death. I would really recommend this book.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5/5 stars
Very interesting and informative. It's certainly piqued my interest.
Very interesting and informative. It's certainly piqued my interest.