The Seven Ages of Death: A Forensic Pathologist’s Journey Through Life

Very informative book told in a factual narrative style in relation to pathology by a seasoned examiner in this field. Each story is based on a case the narrator has worked on and his conclusions aka final verdict on the case.A fascinating insight.

A book not to be rushed, as Dr Shepherd leads us to many insights as to how our bodies work, are influenced, and eventually fail, naturally or otherwise.Pathologists are detectives using their knowledge, their skills and their senses of sight, smell, hearing and touch to determine truth from the subject body.Death need not be mysterious, whenever it comes, but each death is proceeded by a life within that is influenced by those around us.

I enjoyed the medical experience and knowledge given to us through the eyes of an pathogist.As a family i have experienced some of the situations described in the book. Even the murder. I found the book informative from both sides.I even cried at times knowing that death comes to us all and that we are never going to be ready to lose someone hopefully reading this book as put some comfort to me and others when we do go through it thanks 😊

I loved this book. Sad, somber and an eye opening read. It will come to us all eventually and this darling of a book takes some of the fear away. Enjoyed every chapter immensely

This has been one of the most informative, empathetic reads I have ever had. It was preceded by Dr Richard Shepard's previous book(unnatural causes) which documented his high profile illustrious career as a forensic pathologist. That book was just so informative, Dr Shepard has agreat ability to paint a picture with his words, and analogies make sense of body issues we don't understand. The seven stages of death, again, so incredibly informative and addictive reading, but where his first book.was like reading a history book of which I am a contemporary, the seven ages of death creeps closer to where are - older age creeping up on our door step. While I felt saddened at times to have to recognise certain facts, I have finished the book with a greater acceptance, calmness, inevitability, some guidance on how to help my aging time, but in the whole, a knowledge and peace.What a wonderful legacy Dr Shepard will eventually leave this world with. His amazing skills as a very prominent forensic pathologist, but his common decency and integrity, and honesty to look at his own world - seldom are they perfect. He bares his own issues. Perhaps his greatest legacy will be that he took enormous effort to write it down so beautifully for myself generation (last of the babyboomers) ,but for those to come after us. Thank you. A wonderful achievement.

Dr Shepherd has written this in such a way that raised my understanding of the body and it’s vagaries. At first I thought the in-depth description of the reasoning and health issues around the deaths a bit overly long. However, as I got more into the book, the descriptions around general health, and causes of death became more interesting to me.I originally expected a book similar to the great ‘Forty years of murder’, by the esteemed Professor Keith Simpson. But although completely different ‘The Seven Ages of Death’ is no less interesting, and a great read.I am of similar age to Dr Shepherd and reading about symptoms of poor life style/s has put the wind up me proper, I’ve made a note to myself to exercise more and cut down on the favourite daily G&T’s….thanks for that, not!

Loved the first book, but this was slightly disappointing.

I found the case histories fascinating as if I was standing shoulder to shoulder with the doctor as he methodically worked his way around the body to ascertain the cause of death. We all have to go sometime and my 60 yo body is starting to creak. Pass me another mince pie, will get on that diet in the new year.