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Unnatural Causes

The Life and Many Deaths of Britain's Top Forensic Pathologist

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Unnatural Causes

By: Dr Richard Shepherd
Narrated by: Dr Richard Shepherd
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About this listen

Meet the forensic pathologist, Dr Richard Shepherd, in the true crime book of the year - brought to you by Penguin.

'The dead do not hide the truth and they never lie. Through me the dead can speak....'

He solves the mysteries of unexplained or sudden death.

He has performed over 23,000 autopsies, including investigating some of the most high-profile cases of recent times; the Hungerford Massacre, the Princess Diana inquiry, and 9/11.

He has faced serial killers, natural disasters, 'perfect murders' and freak accidents.

His evidence has put killers behind bars, freed the innocent and turned open-and-shut cases on their heads.

Yet all this has come at a huge personal cost.

Written and narrated by Dr Richard Shepherd, Unnatural Causes tells the story of not only the cases and bodies that have haunted him the most, but also how to live a life steeped in death.

©2018 Dr Richard Shepherd (P)2018 Penguin Audio Biological Sciences Crime Criminal & Forensic Psychology Law Murder Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Science Social Sciences True Crime Nonfiction Forensics Heartfelt Thought-Provoking

Critic Reviews

"Puts the reader at his elbow as he wields the scalpel." (Guardian)

"Fascinating, gruesome yet engrossing." (Richard and Judy, Daily Express)

"Fascinating, insightful, candid, compassionate." (Obersver)

All stars
Most relevant  
This is the best forensic book I have had the pleasure to listen to. Stories are fascinating, well written and well read. I liked the personal side as well. I recommend to anyone interested in forensics.

Fascinating wonderful

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Dr Shepherd takes you on an amazing journey that is pathology, and goes into depth on some pretty intense cases of his career. At times I felt like I was there in the exam room with him. Really moving, especially towards the end. Thank you for sharing your life’s work with us all, Richard.

Incredible insight

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It’s amazing that people want to be forensic pathologists. I am so grateful that they do. THANK YOU for sharing your life’s work. I admire your dedication, in a dark world that few see. I loved Dr. Shepherd’s constant search for ‘the truth’. Some details are gruesome - but they tell a story. The author is the narrator - it wouldn’t work otherwise - his transparency about his work & personal life is touching & sensitive. An unusual book, but I’m really glad I found it and I keep thinking about it!

Sensitive & amazing

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An excellent read. Enjoyed both the detail and the context of the pathology work in relation to a full life lived. Having myself lived 12 years in London through the 80's/90's, each job the author describes I recall the headlines related to them. A walk down memory lane from an entirely unique perspective. Fascinating.

Very informative

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It made me google how to become a forensic pathologist

Extremely interesting

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This was a very informative and emotional in partes. Gave you an insight into the science of pathology. Found it emotional from the September/11 and following on up to the Bali bombing. it had my crying. Really good narration.

Informative

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Thoroughly enjoyed this.
So much so… have downloaded the authors second book.
Complex cars explained in a way it is easily understood.

If you like biographies and a little bit of true ‘who and how’ - this is definitely for you!

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I chose to listen to this book for the interesting forensic stories and details, but it was a lot more personal than I was expecting and mentioned his relationship dynamics with his wife quite a bit. I'm surprised he shared the detail he did but I guess his line of work doesn't really come with a family friendly schedule...
As a side note, I found it astounding how close he came to being stood down from his work, partly thanks to the forensic photographer's poor quality photos. Pretty sad and seems like a slap in the face for someone like him who has dedicated much of his life and sacrificed so much to look after the deceased over the years.

Overall, a pretty easy listen with interesting stories every chapter

Interesting, Honest and Personal

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Loved how relatable his life is despite having a job than few can relate to.

A real standout amongst others of its type

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Do you like Forensic Science? If so, then get this book. A great story which is well read!

Do you like Forensic Science?

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