Cause of Death: Memoirs of a Home Office Pathologist — The Inside Story of 30 Years of Headline-Grabbing Crimes by Geoffrey Garrett MD MRCPath DPath, Andrew Nott Paperback

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Dr Geoffrey Garrett was for over 30 years a Home Office pathologist. This is his personal memoir, in conjunction with crime journalist Andrew Nott, of many infamous, unusual and heartbreaking cases and a fascinating history of his professional life, giving a unique insight into a pathologist's work. Beginning with a no-holds-barred account of the basic methodology of a post-mortem examination, the book chronicles many memorable cases, including: the discovery of a preserved body on the Yorkshire moors later identified as the first victim of the Moors Murderers; the murders of three policemen plus the apprehension of a murderer who turned out to be a policeman's son; and, an examination of sex crimes. The Moss - a seminal piece on Manchester's 'Bronx' - Dr Garrett reveals: life in the ghetto, the drug gangs and how they operate; how a man's face, burned beyond recognition, was reconstructed to help solve a murder; and, examples of many other baffling crimes which were resolved on the pathologist's table.

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An entertaining look at the career of a UK pathologist., November 19, 2014
By M. Conrad

This book is well written and makes reading the story of a Home Office Pathologist a real page-turner. I would have liked more photos of the crime sites, but it is a tiny complaint. It isn't dry with too much clinical detail, and there is even a bit of humor thrown in. I would recommend this to any of my non-fiction friends. I read this on my kindle and was happy to be able to look up medical terms with which I was unfamiliar so easily.

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Cause of Death, January 18, 2013
By Damaskcat (UK)

This book definitely isn't for the squeamish but if you are interested in crime or forensic pathology it is essential reading. As well as providing a brief run-down of what happens at a post mortem the book provides fascinating insights into the part played in criminal investigations by a forensic pathologist. In over thirty years of work the author was involved in some high profile cases such as the Moors Murders but much of his work would not have made the headlines except locally.

I found the less well known cases fascinating reading and I liked the way they were grouped under subject headings - such as those involving fire. But it wasn't just criminal cases which the author was involved in. He gives interesting, if gruesome accounts of his work in connection with fires in an office block and in a department store. There are tragic cases such as fathers killing their children and there are mysterious cases such as the man who was found naked in a wood surrounded by his clothes. The author even found himself having to try and convince the police that one body he examined was actually the victim of murder - they were sure it was an accident or an unexplained death from natural causes.

The author makes it possible for the reader to understand his work and provides information about some interesting cases including those where the victims died of natural causes. I found his thoughts on death and on abortion, both legal and illegal of interest and both those chapters provided me with food for thought. The book has notes on the sources referred to which may provide further reading inspiration for the interested reader.

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Excellent mix of the facts and the scientific process, June 23, 2004
By Elizabeth K. Reiter (Fountain City, WI)

Anyone with an interest in criminology or forensic pathology will enjoy (if that is a suitable word) this fascinating insight of human nature. The authors do not dwell on the horrors, but use an unique personal insight, case notes, pictures and honest emotions to explain some of the most infamous crimes committed in the UK. Explores the intricate relationships of many specialities eg police, facial reconstruction, scene of crimes in a no waffle manner. An excellent if sometimes disturbing read.

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