Coroner (The Coroner Series Book 1)

Talk about being in the right historical place and time. Dr. Noguci's work is fascinating. Not only has he been at the center of many famous and infamous cases, but he was on the cutting edge of forensic science back when it was considered little more than voodoo. I respect him and his work, and anyone who has an interest in forensics would find this a great read. His personality might be a bit flamboyant, but hey, he had to crack quite a few eggs to get where he is. Great minds seldom have an easy path. His contributions to LA county and forensics in general is impossible to gauge. Years ago he spoke at a conference I was attending and it's been a great regret of mine that I missed that once in a lifetime opportunity!

This book is now dated but it gives you insight into forensic science. I was less interested in the political aspects.

Gives behind the scene looks at what really happens during a famous person’s death,

I did enjoy this book even though there was no real new evidence to any of the famous deaths listed. I chose and read it simply because I admire Dr. Noguchi and plan to use what scientific knowledge, explained in plain layman's English , in my own future writings.

This is really a book about Thomas T. Noguchi by Thomas T. Noguchi.

NEW FACTUAL INSIGHT INTO THE DEATHS OF PROMINENT PERSONS, WHICH HAD NOT BEEN FOUND IN THE NEWS BEFORE. DEMONSTRATED HOW MUCH THE PEOPLE OF LOS ANGELES OWE TO DR. TOM NOGUCHI FOR LEARNING THE TRUTH IN SO MANY CASES, WHICH HAD OTHERWISE BEEN WITHHELD.

If you have an appetitite for shocking celebrity deaths and graphic investigative details, you'll like this memoir of Thomas Noguchi's 21-year career at the Los Angeles County Coroner's office.

His book is star-studded with the deaths of actors Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe, William Holden and John Belushi; singer Janis Joplin; and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy.

Some of his anecdotes clarify, such as how Wood's death most probably was an accidental drowning. Others add more questions, and still other add little more to what is already publicly known as in the deaths of Joplin and Belushi.

Noguchi throws in a little history about coroners, but mainly he discusses his tangles with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and ultimately his demotion in 1982.

But Dr Noguchi does have ego issues. Otherwise it was very interesting reading for those that are fascinated by the subject. I plan to read his other two books in the near future.

I was looking forward to reading this book. I have to admit it was a few tidbits but it was heavily about Dr. Noguchi. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised considering the title.

Great book. The coroner's job is much more than cutting up bodies. Dr. Noguchi tells us what it's all about. It's just as much community and politics as it is lab time.