Reviews for Cause of death

The average rating for Cause of death based on 2 reviews is 4 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2008-04-17 00:00:00 Zoe Bolt Cyril Wecht, a longstanding and popular forensic pathologist, has been more in the news recently for his alleged actions surrounding his practice than for any recent cases. He has worked on some of the largest medicolegal cases in America, many of which are detailed in this book published in the early 90s. The first, and longest, chapter deals with his position on the assassination (and cover-up) of JFK. From there he moves on to RFK, and, logically, on to Ted Kennedy's misfortune at Chappaquiddick. From there the cases he worked on and discuss in this book are less popular, though not necessarily unfamiliar, stories: Elvis Presley, Jeffrey McDonald, Jean Harris, etc. Dr. Wecht has worked on many controversial cases, and in this book he talks about his experiences working on them in the public eye. He discusses conspiracies (such as in the Kennedy cases) and cover-ups, false and incorrect information from other top medical examiners, police officers, and lawyers, suspicions, and his own personal opinion as to the many truths. As a local and prominent figure I have only vaguely followed the current Wecht news as it is hard to avoid. I was given this book to read by a co-worker who had it sitting at her desk as I pathetically lamented the fact that I left the book I was currently reading at home and my commute on the bus is a horror without a book to read; otherwise I can not say that I would have picked it up under normal circumstances. I dig true crime, but just looking at the cover which advertises that Wecht "sets the record straight" on JFK, RKF and others, I probably would have turned it down had I had a different book on hand to read. It is impossible to not know the stories of the Kennedys, and personally I thought I had heard all of the legitimate suggestions surrounding the assassinations, so I would not think that I would find any interest in any other information. However, I found I was interested. I place that blame on Dr. Wecht himself for his matter-of-fact writing style, his "tell it as it is" attitude. Whatever his personal problems are, whatever his current legal problems are, does not change the fact that he truly is a brilliant man and clearly at the top of his game professionally. He is sought after across the country to work on cases; after reading this, I can understand why. He seems to be just a good ol' Pittsburgh man, just out to learn the truth.

Review # 2 was written on 2015-09-04 00:00:00 Daniel Peinado Cause Of Death Interesting book filled with details about cases the author, noted forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht, was asked to review in the course of his life, including the assassinations of JFK and Bobby Kennedy, Elvis, and other high profile murder investigations.  Although the subject matter can be a little dry, the facts were presented in an easy to read and straightforward manner.  Although there was a slight hint of "I was right, they were wrong" sentiment, I would hesitate to call it arrogance.  More frustration at his sound scientific findings disregarded because of politics or ineptitude.   The first quarter of the book was taken up by the Kennedys, from JFK's assassination to the killing of Bobby Kennedy to Ted Kennedy and Chappaquiddick.  I confess that I've never bought into all the hype surrounding the assassinations of JFK and Bobby, but the questions raised in the book about the findings certainly makes it difficult to deny a government cover up.  As for Teddy, he deserved all he got, in my opinion.   The rest of the book was high profile cases, such as Elvis Presley's death and whether it was suicide, an overdose or a heart attack, to the case of Jean Harris, who was convicted of murdering Scarsdale Diet doctor Herman Tarnower, to Claus Von Buelow who was accused of trying to kill his wife by injecting her with insulin.  Again, Wecht's findings were neatly laid out, rational and fascinating.  I had little knowledge of the cases before I read the book, so I don't know how it stacks up against other sources, but his arguments were certainly believable.   Overall, a great book that looked behind the scenes of forensics at some of the most sensational crimes of the late 20th century.