Cyril H. Wecht (1931–2024)

Cause of Death is a fairly well written true crime book by Dr. Cyril Wecht, a famous forensic pathologist, in which he delves into several famous cases involving mostly celebrities and draws conclusions based upon the evidence available. I bought the book back when I was aspiring to become a forensic pathologist myself and I was fascinated by the information contained within. Dr. Wecht is one of the greats in his field and it was very interesting to read his conclusions regarding a number of show more noted cases including the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, and the death of Elvis Presley. Some of the cases I had read about previously having been reviewed by some of his equally famous peers and it intrigued me to learn what conclusions he drew when examining the exact same evidence.

If I had to place a negative on the book, it would be the amount of time devoted to the JFK assassination, which could have easily filled a book on its own and I felt it took away from many of the other stories contained in the book. Don't get me wrong. It is still a great book. One that I will perhaps read again some day. show less

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 show more 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.  show less

I was disappointed to see that Cyril Wecht had collaborated with a professional writer. Sometimes I felt I could hear HIS strong, distinctive voice and not that of the professional writer--but not often enough. The rendition of the Casey Anthony case offered nothing that had not been covered in the media many times over.

even with help from a supposed author, Wecht cannot produce a book that is not dry like a textbook or coroner's report. The cases that are fascinating are so despite the telling. This includes USAF colonel Shue which includes an apparent error early in the career of TV's Dr. G, Gabrielle Miranda BechenZ, and "terminal tragedy" Carol Anne Gotbaum. There are interesting details on the autopsy interpretation done by Wecht on Michael Jackson, Brian Jones, and in the Case of Casey Anthony and show more serial uxoricide Drew Peterson. show less