Murder, Suicide or Natural Causes? is an entertaining collection of short stories featuring Rex Reedman, a rural Colorado coroner, as he works through cases to determine a cause of death. The reader joins Rex and his team on the investigation and is given every clue and at the end asked to determine the cause of death. In the conclusion, Rex explains clues that mattered and why, then reveals the true manner of death. In each chapter the reader learns a different aspect of death investigation. How rigor mortis, lividity, liver temperature and the law are used to make determinations. Sometimes the ruling is surprising; it matters how long you live after being beaten with a tree limb, survive too long and your attacker is only charged with assault & battery.
Richard is able to make light of serious situations as he leaves the reader laughing and guessing until they turn the page to discover the answer. The author is clever with his approach making this a fun read for all ages.
*I just started reading this crazy-fun compilation of 'stories'. My family came over in the afternoon for a Memorial Day BBQ, but I kept sneaking back to my room to read just one more, then another, and another. Not finished yet! I'm not peaking ahead, is there a score chart at the end?
βanonymous reader, 10daybookclub.com
Small mystery's that let the reader try to figure it out is a nice venue. A busy person can escape for a 'quick read' β a good story β a chance to test their mystery solving skills β and some laughs to boot.
βDr. Cheryl Steen
I realized this is a book that can be out on the coffee table and shared with others one case at a time. Great for parties! Margaritas will help, I'm sure!
βanonymous reader, 10daybookclub.com*