I enjoyed the first 3/4 of this book, though I do feel it could’ve been longer and that there could’ve been more coverage of cases that the author had worked on. I felt that a lot of the books was explaining procedures but not giving many examples or personal insights from the author. I did not enjoy the last quarter - too preachy and, for me, not a lot to do with ‘autopsy’.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the eARC of this book.

“These stories were gleaned from the trenches, amidst the blood and the guts of it all. I offer stories from my life and my ‘case book’.

I’ve read a number of memoirs written by forensic pathologists/coroners/medical examiners and the like who practice in the UK, USA and Australia, and I was curious as to how the experience might differ in a country like Africa. Ryan Blumenthal has been a forensic pathologist, working primarily in South Africa, for over twenty years. There are approximately 70,000 unnatural deaths per year in South Africa, and as one of only 56 certified forensic pathologists in the country, Blumenthal performs up to 500 autopsies a year, but the role of the profession extends beyond the physical act of completing an autopsy, forensic pathologists are also crime scene investigators, and legal witnesses who are required to give testimony in court. It is a job that requires physical and mental stamina to withstand the long hours of work, the constant exposure to death, and the need to adapt to scientific, technological and sociocultural changes.

“[Forensic medicine is] The application of medical knowledge and methodology for the resolution of legal questions and problems for individuals and societies.”

The general philosophy and practice of a forensic pathologist in South Africa is not too far removed from that of his (or her) colleagues in other countries, however they do face challenges unique to the country’s status as a developing nation, which means basic resources such as labour, electricity, running water and insect spray (vital due to the prevalence of flies) can be limited, or even absent, particularly in rural areas of the country, and in other third world areas of the African continent. Blumenthal describes what a typical autopsy and investigation entails for him, and while he is pragmatic about the lack of television’s CSI ‘fancyshmancy’ equipment, certain that the knowledge and ability of the forensic pathologist matters more, he does emphasise the importance of proper resourcing as a benefit society.

“As the Latin expression goes, ex Africa semper aliquid novi – always something new out of Africa.”

Forensic pathologists in Africa also face trauma that is unique to the culture and environment. This not only includes deaths caused by native wildlife like hippopotami, lions, elephants and kudu, as well as poisonings related to the misuse of traditional medicines, but also methods of murder such as ‘necklacing’, where a person’s torso and arms are trapped in a rubber tyre filled with gasoline and set alight. Deaths related to lightning strikes are more common in Africa than almost anywhere else. Blumenthal relates his experiences with these type of cases, as well as those from more common causes of unnatural death, such as car accidents, drug overdoses, gunshots and stabbing. I found both Blumenthal’s general observations and the details of the individual cases he shared to be fascinating.

“My wish is that this book will help to make you more aware and more mindful.”

Blumenthal’s writing is accessible with a minimal use of jargon but I do think the material could have been better organised as there is some repetition in both the information and prose. I wasn’t particularly keen on the moralising either, even though his observations and advice were generally reasonable, there were a few statements that belied Blumenthal’s claim of impartiality to the deceased.

“We close the eyes of the dead, but the dead open the eyes of the living.”

Elucidating the unique experiences and challenges faced by forensic pathologists, particularly in South Africa, overall I found Autopsy to be an interesting, informative and satisfying read.

This is non-fiction, so it's absolutely out of my wheelhouse. So why read it? I gravitated towards this book for two simple yet connected reasons: I am a South African myself, and I actually wanted to become a forensic pathologist too (it was one of a small handful of vocational options I had been considering in high school). Needless to say, I would have found the contents of this book interesting in some way or another, even if it had turned out to be completely terrible - which luckily, it didn't.

Blumenthal's accounts of life as a forensic pathologist working in South Africa (and often other African countries) are concise and to the point, yet nearly always intriguing and insightful in some way. I do believe that I have a broader sense of what being a forensic pathologist entails, and I am grateful that this job was so expertly explained within the context of South Africa - a context that brings its own unique challenges to every aspect of life, but even if you live it yourself, it's hard to envision how those challenges impact spheres outside of your own little life and experiences. That being said, I really appreciate how Blumenthal never took the "This place is a crap-hole" approach to explaining what it's like to work under the circumstances that he has to deal with. Instead, he explains the challenges, how he and his colleagues overcome them, and how and why he believes action is necessary to rectify the shortcomings in the system that cause those challenges. In short, he's pragmatic and passionate and he calls a spade a spade, but he doesn't fall prey to trashing the country he calls home just for the sake of it.

All that being said, Autopsy could have been written (or edited) a bit better. A major issue for me was the fact that the proverbial "golden thread" between paragraphs was virtually non-existent, leading to sections of writing that are loosely connected in theme but don't have any "connective tissue" to show how one idea flows from another. This is something an editor should have picked up on, and I think with a good reshuffling of paragraphs and some clear transitions, this could be a really decent book writing-wise, although my overall reading experience was really quite enjoyable.

This book does and says exactly what you think it will from looking at the front cover. It goes into detail about the work of a forensic pathologist in Africa.

Wether this is your first book on this subject or you have read medical science books before, this book is pitched at a good level that anyone with an interest in this area would be able to read. Details are provided when things get ‘technical’.

What I loved about this book was that it was more of a dialogue/conversation where the author shared his personal thought and real life experiences in a manner that is respectful to all parties involved.

The author covers the whole spectrum of death that occur in Africa from animal deaths to disease related deaths and even death from lightning strikes. A fascinating read.

My only negative (which isn’t really a negative) is that the book does repeat itself a little. Now this has it’s positives as it helps you remember information you may have forgot or helps new readers so some will find this helpful.

All in all a very interesting read that I would recommend highly,

I started college just a few years after both the Rwandan Civil War and the Bosnian Civil War. I took several courses in history and international relations that discussed the genocide in both places. That period in history has stuck with me and a result, I've read several books related to forensic pathology and forensic anthropology. When the opportunity to read and review Autopsy by Ryan Blumenthal came around, I jumped at it. 

Ryan Blumenthal is a forensic pathologist in South Africa. Forensic pathology is the science of determining the cause of death - think medical examiner in the United States. But Blumenthal's experience is far from the clinical scenarios that we often see in crime shows. One of the things that I really liked about this book is that it discusses doing the work of a forensic pathologist under extreme scenarios - environmental, logistical, and financial. It's part educational (but don't worry, not gory) but also part memoir. The discussion isn't just cause of death - and how to determine it - but also what the dead can teach the living. I don't want to make it sound too hokey - Dr. Blumenthal is a PhD, a professor at the University of Pretoria (South Africa), and an expert in electrothermal injuries (yes, y'all, that's lightning killing people) - but this book is, at times, beautiful. 

It is also really accessible and a quick read. If you are someone who loves nonfiction in theory but can find yourself overwhelmed with a lot of technical or academic language, you will not be put off by this book. And I've got to say - if you love true crime, you are going to LOVE this book. It will give you a deeper perspective of crime.

This is a very quirky, interesting, and informative read. It's hard not to be drawn into Blumenthal's world of forensic pathology in Africa.

I wish I could rate it higher, but there were sections that I found repetetive and/or wandering. Still, a fascinating read and a MUST for anyone interested in this topic.

My thanks to NetGalley and Jonathan Ball Publishers for allowing me to read an e-copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Ryan Blumenthal is a forensic pathologist in Africa and this is a look at his job and the difficulties that go with it. A unique insight into the world of death.

I find books like these fascinating and its always amazing to know how these services work in different countries. The stories are interesting and detailed. it can get a little too detailed at times especially for anyone not recognising the terms but I was okay with it, There is also a glossary in the back for help. There's some beautiful quotes in this about how to live your life which were nice but distracted from the earlier theme of the book. I enjoyed hearing about his life as pathologist more. A good read.

i truly assumed this book was going to be something completely different and since I finished it I cannot stop raving about it. My friend is currently doing the audible of this and another is saving money to buy it. This was the perfect amount of "biography" that this field needed

“We close the eyes of the dead, but the dead open the eyes of the living.”

Damn, there are a lot of really crazy ways that you can die in Africa! Or so says Ryan Blumenthal who is a forensic pathologist there. “To the forensic pathologist, a corpse represents a crime scene that potentially contains many clues about the cause of death.”

I would say that my fascination with death stems from my initial introduction to Patricia Cornwells Kay Scarpetta books when I was in high school. That led to my eventual borderline obsession with Dr. G, Autopsy on HBO, and eventually the ID channel. I am not sure what it is about death...maybe it’s the unknown? Maybe it’s because, as a Respiratory Therapist, I have seen it so many times and for so many different reasons? But whatever the reason, I have a morbid fascination with it.

This book touches on a little bit of everything related to forensic pathology, specifically in Africa: the authors educational background (very extensive), crazy cases (rabies from a mongoose?!?), sad situations (no family and decomposing), and his respect for the dead and what they can tell him. There is a lot of medical lingo which could prove as a deterrent if you’re not medically inclined. But, overall, this was a wonderful look into something that we will all eventually face, and what our own bodies may have to say when that time comes.

The book has some great stories of forensic pathology and particularly of how cases can be unique to southern Africa. The book itself however was very poorly structured and contained a lot of chapters that didn't add anything to the story. The author also repeats his views on the state of the industry a lot. While im sure his views are not wrong they weren't of much interest to someone just wanting stories of how and why autopsies are performed.

Brilliant read. I definitely learnt a few things. I loved the way it was written, very honest and straight to the point. 4 star read. One that I will recommend to others.

I found the first part of the book a bit off putting because he talks about how little pathologists get paid for a few chapters in a row. I think it’s fine to announce it or maybe even have a chapter about it, but multiple off handed comments about it through multiple chapters is a bit much.

The second third of the book is great, and is the reason this got three stars instead of two. It really does talk about all of the unique experiences that a forensic pathologist has in Africa. It sets the scene. Explains how the environment and infrastructure plays a role in a FP’s job. I think the most interesting chapters were about the blow fly / water issue and animals that one might encounter.

The third part of the book read like a Buzzfeed listicle. It wasn’t particularly insightful and kind of took me out of the book. This part really moved away from ‘pathologist in Africa’ to a bunch of quotes that he likes, and then it ends with him complaining about his job being taken over by robots. And that’s it. That’s how he ends the book. It really is a disappointing end to a book I was already lukewarm about.

I would have liked to have had more information of the unique insights that he has as a South African pathologist. I felt like many of the examples he gave were just scratching the surface and then he would move on. That made me feel like I was missing out on general story development. I would have liked more information about his experience with political deaths as he mentions that some pathologists have gone missing from their experience with these. It seems weird to not give a quick summary of South Africa’s political history if you’re going to mention that whole people can go missing if they “misidentify” something on about a politician’s death. Seems like a missed opportunity to really set his story apart from other pathologist tales.

All in all, it was fine, but I won’t be recommending it.

"Regardless of colour, race, sex or the shape of the nose, everyone has the same red blood at autopsy, and tears that are shed for a lost loved one are equally salty." - Dr. Lester Adelson

What It's About: As the title suggests, this book talks about what it's like to be a forensic pathologist in Africa. Practising forensic pathology in a resource-depleted or resource-limited environment, there are many different challenges a forensic pathologist faces and that's including many bizarre cases that are unique in this continent.

My thoughts: I've read quite a few forensics books over the years but have never read one that is set in Africa. So this book immediately grabbed my attention and I am so glad that I've read it! This book was absolutely insightful and I learned a lot of new things! Yay!

It is a pretty short book with less than 250 pages but oh boy, there are so much to unpack. Not all deaths undergo a forensic autopsy. Deaths due to natural causes undergo an anatomical autopsy. Only unnatural deaths need a forensic autopsy. Ha, this is something new I learned!

The author also explains the qualifications requirement to be a forensic pathologist, the tools used and the entire autopsy process which I find so interesting!

Did you know that there is a need for forensic veterinary pathology?

The cases shared in this book are intriguing and seem to be stranger than fiction in particular a gunshot wound case - the victim had been shot only once but there were ten gunshot wounds in the body. How did that happen?

Other cases pertaining wildlife, environmental, lightning and mob assault (necklacing) were interesting and I couldn't believe these bizarre deaths!

Do not hug a person too hard because you may cause INCA (Instantaneous Neurogenic Cardiac Arrest) - a quick way to end one's life!

I enjoyed the penultimate chapter titled "Ten lessons for the living from the dead" which was like pep talk/self-care tips for eg - "Do not tempt fate", "Walk away from people who poison your soul', "Be with those who add and multiply and avoid those who subtract and divide", and many more.

This was an absolutely enjoyable read albeit I find some teeny-weeny parts were a bit science-y for me and there were also some situations mentioned without further explanations on them.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely! If forensics is a topic that interest you, give this book a read!


TW: Graphic details of deaths and autopsy process.


Pub. date: April 13th 2021

***Thank you Jonathan Ball Publishers, author Ryan Blumenthal and NetGalley for this review copy to read and review.***

Autopsy describes “Life in the trenches with a forensic pathologist in Africa”. It is surprisingly boring. However, I can see its usefulness to mystery writers.

The author describes both the best and the worst ways to die. There are also some ways that I had never heard about before. Belly flop? Drunk skinny-dip? Both could induce sudden cardiac arrest. Suicide by dry ice is certainly innovative!

Autopsy would be a good gift to the mystery writer, or aspiring writer, in your life. It would also be a good choice for perspective pathologists. 3 stars.

Thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

I received a copy of this e-arc in exchange for an honest review thanks to NetGalley and Jonathan Ball Publishers.

I love reading books on forensics and jobs within that area. It just fascinates me - though working in a mortuary is not something i’d fancy doing.

This is such a detailed insight into forensic pathology. It’s not just about the cases but the ins and outs of every little thing that happens when performing an autopsy. It’s so interesting to read about how different and difficult it can be to do this job in Africa - i’ve read about mortuaries in the UK so this was a completely different insight for me!

There’s so many things to be considered before starting an autopsy that I didn’t know about. Like, in cases where the deceased has been exposed to radioactive material, consulting with radiation experts to determine if it’s safe to do an autopsy.

I honestly did not know that INCA (instantaneous neurogenic cardiac arrest) was a thing! Examples of this: a guy playfully tweaking his girlfriend’s neck on the dance floor and she drops dead, a grandmother kissing her grandchild and applying pressure to the child’s neck causing them to die instantly - honestly i’m mind-blown that this can happen.

Something else that I found fascinating is that you can hang yourself/strangle someone with toilet paper!

I just loved this book, so interesting and detailed without feeling like a textbook. I’m definitely getting a physical copy when it’s released!

I real insight into a medical field rarely talked about. I found this book interesting and full of information while still being personal and respectful. A great read.

I love books like this and have read a number of books of this genre. This one did not disappoint. Interesting insight into the world of forensics.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Writing : 4*
Information : 4*
Uniqueness : 3*
Science: 3*
Weird preachy ending: 1*

I am so disappointed in the ending it has kind of ruined it for me. If I was rating the first 80% of this book I would say this is a strong 4/4.5 read. The information and unique angle of this was brilliant. Yes I didn’t know what some of the science-y words meant but it didn’t distract me from my enjoyment at all. Some of the topics and scenarios were amazing and horrifying and I loved it!! However. What has really annoyed me is the baffling preachy ‘you should live your life like this’ ending. He lists 10 lessons we should all adhere to, including don’t drink alcohol, don’t drive a motorbike, make sure your loved ones know where you are every minute of everyday...like what?! Yes I understand doing ‘risky’ things places you more at risk of ending up on his slab than if you didn’t do them. But if they were that bad they would be illegal. There was also a weird 4 pointer what to look for in a partner. Utter shite.
I suggest if you are reading this for the forensics and the ins ands outs of autopsies, like me, then stop at chapter 16!!!!

I’m fascinated by real life tales of forensic pathology but in my experience there are two types of author: the pathologist who has fascinating experiences but can’t write well and the pathologist who is also a great raconteur.
Fortunately here, Blumenthal is the latter. He has worked in South Africa for many years and his tales and insights are fascinating.
We hear about what happened when people die, how ‘every contact leaves a trace’ and how pathologists piece together the truth to inform the living.
Some of the causes of death he writes about are much more common in Africa - snake bites, lightning strikes - but others are more universal. I also loved hearing about how the pathologist can spot a murder disguised as a suicide.
The last section of the book is more spiritual and is about living one’s life in the best way. This felt fitting from someone who had learnt so much from the dead.
In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s graphic and unsparing, but fascinating.

This book is interesting yet not exactly what I thought it would be. The author seemed to jump from topic to topic and there seemed to be no rhyme or reason to it. That being said I liked as I find the field of medicine very fascinating.