Corpse: Nature, Forensics, and the Struggle to Pinpoint Time of Death

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Summary: A well-woven tale of history and science
Review: Learning the time of death is crucial in many cases of unnatural death, yet it's still not an exact science. Jessica Snyder Sachs handles the grisly topic with confidence and a conversational tone. The book takes you through the history of determining time of death and then details the recent and current science of it without once slipping into dry academic style or overwrought drama. She uses many anecdotes that bring the topic to life (if you will excuse the expression), and her word sketches of the scientists involved shows the human side of science. Sachs is an accomplished science writer, and it shows. The book is fascinating, not for the faint of stomach but not deliberately grisly either. It's an excellent, readable work, one you'll find hard to put down.

I met Ms. Sachs last year, and interviewed her for a review of the book on another website. We sat in her back yard, talking about death and writing. She is gracious and knowledgeable in person, and her personable manner comes through in the book. As someone who has studied criminal justice in various forms for over 20 years, I highly recommend it.

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Summary: fabulous anthology of forensic ecology
Review: reading Corpse was a joy. having read books by nearly all of the scientists she discussed, i felt privy to a fascinating universe of emerging death science. for those with a genuine interest in death examination, i definately reccommend reading books such as bill bass's Death's Acre and m. lee goff's A Fly For the Prosecution to supplement your knowledge. for other who would much rather read a simple overview, Corpse will do just fine. well written and not sensationalist, Corpse is a great introduction to forensic ecology.

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Summary: Jessica Snyder Sachs follows twelve forensic entomologists
Review: The medical science of forensics, which pinpoints the cause and time of death, is revealed in Corpse, an informative survey which describes the pursuit to understand life and death. Author Jessica Snyder Sachs follows twelve forensic entomologists on some of their stranger cases and blends history and science in her compelling survey of how forensics is emerging as a definitive medical science in its own right.

Rating:
Summary: A new appreciation
Review: What a great book! I had a cursory knowledge about the Body Farm before reading this book, but afterward I have a much greater appreciation for all the research, effort, and dedication that goes into time of death determination. The book flowed very well, and I appreciated the real life examples. Next, I would like the author to do a book about autopsies. If you're the least bit curious about forensics, you should read this book.

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Summary: Life After Death, A Detective's Tool
Review: Whether you enjoy a good murder mystery on occaision, or prefer watching a nature program on the Discovery Channel, you might well enjoy Corpse, as I did. The author places the new discipline of forensic ecology in a 2,000+ year historical perspective around the struggle to determine time of death. It aroused my interests in everything from history, evolution and nature to creative deductive reasoning. The sensational aspects of the discipline's application only add to its appeal, while the author's light touch makes for a fast read and humorous--but respectful--treatment of the subject matter.