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A review by weelasswithabook
Unnatural Causes by Richard Shepherd
5.0
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.