3.5 stars. An informative and detailed look at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maryland, this was an interesting read, albeit the occasional detour into anecdotes sometimes jolted you out of a narrative. I do feel I learned something by reading it.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and the publishers in return for an unbiased review. Apologies for the delay in providing this.

This is a non fiction about a forensic facility. It was an interesting read. I felt it could have gone into more details but it was quite superficial

"OCME: Life in America's Top Forensic Medical Center" by Bruce Goldfarb provides a riveting and eye-opening look into the inner workings of one of America's most renowned forensic medical centers. Goldfarb's narrative prowess, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the subject matter, makes for a compelling and enlightening read.

The author's ability to balance meticulous attention to detail with a captivating storytelling style is commendable. He skillfully navigates the complex world of forensic medicine, offering readers a behind-the-scenes view of the investigations and cases that unfold within the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Goldfarb's portrayal of the dedicated professionals working in the OCME is both respectful and humanizing. He brings to life the individuals who tirelessly work to uncover the truth behind mysterious and often tragic deaths. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment to justice shine through the pages, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

The book's structure is well-organized, allowing readers to follow the progression of cases and gain a comprehensive understanding of the OCME's operations. Goldfarb strikes a balance between technical explanations and engaging anecdotes, ensuring that the material remains accessible to both experts in the field and curious lay readers.

Furthermore, "OCME" serves as a testament to the vital role that forensic medicine plays in our society. Goldfarb sheds light on the impact of the OCME's work not only in terms of solving crimes but also in providing closure and justice for families and communities affected by loss.

In conclusion, "OCME: Life in America's Top Forensic Medical Center" is a masterfully written and profoundly insightful book that offers a rare glimpse into the world of forensic medicine. Bruce Goldfarb's expertise and storytelling prowess combine to create a compelling narrative that will leave readers both fascinated and deeply appreciative of the crucial work performed by those in the field of forensic medicine. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, justice, and human compassion.

I was provided an advanced copy of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

OCME (Office of the Chief Medical Examiner) in Maryland is one of the most respected facilities. They have a state of the art technology system, custom autopsy rooms, filtration system, and the ability to convert their parking garage into an emergency storage facility. I found this book quite interesting. I had no idea what went on behind the scenes. It's not a book about the process of autopsies, but it's more of the day to day operations. You find out that the atmosphere is very political, not only with the government itself but also with the media and within its own walls. A few interesting cases were discussed to show the effects on family and the political side. Due to a new CME and the result of lacking experienced examiners, the image of the OCME decreased greatly with over 250 backlogged decedents. The facility is slowly working its way back to the top now, but it will take a long time to get back to where they were. I would have given it 5 stars, but it had the longest prologue I've ever seen.

OMCE is a great book with vivid descriptions of life as an M.E. This will be interesting to anyone who works in criminal investigations, forensics or those who like watching criminal drama series. This book was read as an ARC. .

'OCME - Life in America's Top Forensic Medical Center' by Bruce Goldfarb is a riveting and eye-opening exploration of the inner workings of Maryland's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Goldfarb, armed with his journalist's eye, paramedic's experience, and sardonic wit, takes readers on an unforgettable journey behind the scenes of one of the nation's most vital institutions.

In this gripping account, Goldfarb provides an insider's view of the OCME, where every sudden or unattended death in the state is meticulously examined. He sheds light on numerous high-profile cases, including the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd and the tragic death of Freddie Gray in police custody. Through his narrative, Goldfarb unveils the challenges, tragedies, and absurdities that the OCME staff faces in their pursuit of justice and public health.

What sets this book apart is its unflinching portrayal of the medical examiners and the dedicated professionals who support them. Goldfarb paints a vivid picture of the tireless work they do, often in the face of overwhelming caseloads, chronic shortages of experts, and inadequate funding. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role these individuals play in our justice system and the health of our communities.

Goldfarb's writing is both informative and engaging, drawing readers into the world of forensic medicine with a level of detail and insight that is both impressive and accessible. He challenges the skewed perspective often presented in procedural crime dramas, emphasising that medical examiners are not aligned with the police but are solely committed to speaking for the deceased.

'OCME - Life in America's Top Forensic Medical Center' is an eye-opening and brilliantly written book that provides an essential glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of those who work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind unexplained deaths. Bruce Goldfarb's ability to capture the complexities and nuances of this critical profession is truly commendable.

OK read work on the inner workings of the OCME. Was a good read in giving insight, but maybe I was expecting more along the lines of cases etc. for me, the book dragged in some areas and I did find myself skipping pages. Not a good read for me, but not the worst. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my thoughts.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. An incredibly informative and interesting read

This was a well-written and interesting book about Bruce Goldfarb’s time spent as a medical examiner in Maryland. I generally read fiction but having been in the medical field for most of my life, I have often wondered about the other side…..when people’s lives aren’t saved. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This opinion is my own.

Go behind the scenes inside the nation's preeminent Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where good people fight the good fight amid the tragedies and absurdities of our age

Thanks first must got to Netgalley, the publisher and Bruce Goldfarb for the ARC of ‘OCME’.

An interesting read, with detail and insight from the early days through to more modern times. Fascinating story and definitely a read to recommend for anyone who enjoys forensic non fiction.

this was really quite fascinating! i am a sucker for anything medical, especially in the forensic field. as a non American this was quite an eye opener into american forensics!

A very informative read. Forensics really fascinates me. I found there was a bit of an overload of information, but other than that overall quite good. I’m Canadian but, it was nice to see how it came about to have a forensic building dedicated to finding out what happened to people after they have died.
Thank you for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest review.

OCME is a fascinating book for those like me with a morbid curiosity. I had heard of OCME in other reads and podcasts but did not realize the magnitude that this one building holds. I appreciated the level of details and explanations that were thoughtful and not gruesome. As that can easily happen with discussion of dead bodies and levels of decomposition. Great job, Bruce!

OCME gives an inside look into the lives of medical examiners and investigators of the maryland medical examiners. It dicusseshealine cases and the job of a forensic. At times was head to stay concentrated on the book and it lacked grip but others couldn't put it down.

OCME: Life in America’s Top Forensic Medical Center was an entertaining and quick read. OCME gives an insider look into the everyday lives of medical examiners and investigators at one of the busiest offices in the nation. Goldfarb expertly weaves in current ripped from the headlines cases without it seeming forced; he highlights issues facing his profession and really illustrates for the reader what a job in forensics truly looks like. After reading this book, I cannot wait to read Goldfarb’s previous “18 Tiny Deaths.”

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author Bruce Goldfarb for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

journalist, forensics, forensic-pathology, opioid-crisis, madical-examiner, death-investigation, forensic-science, true-crime, real-horror, nonfiction*****

I was interested in the history of medical examiners and coroners in the beginning chapters, but it was the work of the pathologists, medical examiners, and the rise in the opioid epidemic and the way it has debilitated our systems. I had worked ER, acute care, long term care, trauma rehab, and as an RN in a county jail, so I am not without understanding of the problems (especially BUDGET CUTS). Milwaukee isn't Baltimore, but our ME reached the point of no return with an insane caseload and just walked away.
This book was very well written, especially for those of us who are close to the line
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Steerforth Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

This is an insightful book of what happens behind the doors of OCME based in Maryland USA. It details the history of the institution, and how budget cuts are having a detrimental effect on their investigations.

The author gives a well noted account of the jobs inside OCME. I would have preferred to read more about the cases that came in, more than the details of unrealistic budgets and how the system is failing OCME. However, I do understand that this needs to be highlighted and is an important part of this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in return of an honest, unbiased review.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. This was my first book by this author and I was very excited not only to read his writing style but about the OCME itself. I have always had a fascination with forensics and pathology and was so intrigued with the blurb about this one for sure. Unfortunately I was a little disappointed with the outcome. The book although in chronological order of how it was played out was thrown together like an endless dialogue in someone’s head. Written out in the form of diary entries where here’s a thought and then I thought of this and wrote it down then this little tidbit. Very odd in the end really. I did enjoy the insight of the jobs inside the building but honestly just kept wanting for more stories of the cases that came thru. There were a couple of places where I thought we were going to get into some good nitty gritty and then it just stopped and went onto the next thought process. Working in the medical field I do unfortunately feel the lose of funds for the workers doing the job and the job becoming harder and harder to complete properly. All in all if you love this subject you will enjoy this book.

This was a fascinating look into the chief medical examiners office in Maryland. The author used some high profile, often problematic case studies to show the complexity of the work carried out here and allow the reader an inside look at what goes on after death in these cases. I really enjoyed this one!