I am fascinated by true crime and this provided a truly interesting and insightful look into how murders are solved and the scientific methods involved in aiding the police in catching a killer. Derek and Pauline's work was so interesting and it really felt like I getting a peek behind the doors of the forensic pathology lab at Guys! The book was written clearly and concisely but the descriptions made me forget for a minute that this was an autobiographical, non fiction work. Any lovers of true crime documentaries and podcasts will find this a must read.

I loved this book, it was such a change from my usual type of books. Highly recommended

Many thanks to Netgalley and Derek Tremain and Pauline Tremain for the advanced copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

Unfortunately I did not finish this Audio book, the subject of the book totally fascinates me which is why I wanted to push ok with it, but the book seemed to be more about Derek and Paulines personal life rather than solving murders which the title implied. I also found the narrators voices quite grating and they seemed quite false as if they were purposely trying to sound more mysterious. I don’t know whether reading a paper copy of this book might be better for me, as the audio just didn’t work.

This was an absolutely fascinating read about the world of forensic science and a life as a forensic scientist. This is not a book for the faint-hearted as it has quite vivid description of some of the procedures completed to treat body parts to allow them to be better forensically examined. There were many interesting anecdotes which I wanted to share with others about known and unknown cases. The lifelong relationship between Derek and Pauline which blossomed into love was also lovely to read about and their journey from secretary and forensic scientist to a married couple running their own freelance buisness was fascinating. Perfect for fans of Natural Causes and Sue Black (who makes a cameo).

This book documents the working careers of Derek and Pauline Tremain in the field of forensic science from the late 70s until present day. Along the way it touches on the history of forensics, the techniques used and actual cases - presenting lived experience on 'how murders are solved'. However, it wasn't what I expected. From the title I assumed this book would solely focus on real-life murders and examine how they were solved i.e. the steps involved - so I found that aspect misleading. However, a surprisingly interesting perspective is presented instead and if you're in anyway interested in forensics then this book is for you. It explores the emotional costs brilliantly and the chore of everyday work, regardless of what it is. I was particularly impressed with Pauline's ambition and self-awareness and Derek's explanation of the techniques he developed and used are outstanding, alongside his problem-solving skills.

The narrator's do a good job, although for some reason I found the female narrator's voice slightly grating at times (in comparison to the dulcet tones of the male narrator). Overall, this is a good, slightly gruesome read. It satisfied my curiosity with forensic science and I can confidently say that I couldn't and wouldn't want to do their job.

I received this as an ARC on NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review

Actual rate: 3

Good:
- nice, easy to access scientific discussion
- had some laugh-out-loud moments
- pacing felt good, and i wished there was more at the end

Bad:
- some of the content felt a little... blaze about death

This book was very informative. I love to pick up a book about something i don't know very much about and suddenly learn lots, and i felt that i got that with this book. I've read a few other books about forensics by Sue Black and the man who wrote the introduction, and i really really loved seeing them here again as characters, and hearing about the same cases and places through different eyes. Another thing that I enjoyed was the anecdotes, which were spaced throughout.

HOwever, and this probably comes with the job, but the authors seemed to be... blaze about death at some points. Joking about the dead and their cases, which felt jarring to me as a non-pathologist reader. Also, the constant references by the woman to her short skirts were funny a few times, but then quickly became slightly annoying and overdone.
Another thing for me was the spacing of content. The stories were thrown in higgldy piggldy with descriptions of cases and anatomy, and especially in audiobook format i found it confusing.
I also felt it did not live up to the "solving a murder" title. Maybe "how to live as a forensic pathologist" would be more correct to the subject matter.

Interesting, informative and immersive.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to learn new things. Also, if you are considering medicine or forensics as a career, this is an excellent book.

Overall: 3/5

Judging by the title I expected this book to be about individual murder cases and using the forensic evidence to help piece together and solve the crimes. Instead it is more about husband and wife Derek and Pauline meeting through work and talking through their experiences working at Guy’s. Some of the book delves quite technical (how you determine a cause of drowning) and some of the book is more about the couple themselves. It jumps around a lot.

The audiobook switches between the Derek and Pauline and is read by actors. As someone who listens to a lot of autobiographies as audiobooks I always feel personal stories are so much better when read by the authors themselves. The actors do a great job presenting the story here and read in a clear way but the personal touch is missing in my opinion.

I feel this book had a lot of promise but did not quite hit the mark for me.

I found this to a really interesting look at the lives of Derek and Pauline Tremain in the field of forensic science; but I do think the title is a little misleading. As a true crime buff, I was hoping this would focus more on the procedures involved in solving a crime. What it actually is, is very much a biography of Derek and Pauline focusing on their own roles within the forensic service. So yes, we do get information about the best way to get flesh off a corpse, but we also get anecdotes about staff parties and work restructuring, which I wasn't anticipating. Once I had re-adjusted my expectations, I did enjoy this book a lot - it just wasn't what I was anticipating going in.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

** ARC provided by Netgalley via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***

I really enjoyed this book, I completely love the recent surge in books explaining the ins and outs of certain professions from the point of view of individuals working within the system. This one is about pathology and the name makes me think a Netflix series would be extremely popular, everyone loves a bit of true crime in a pandemic!

Think 'This Is Going To Hurt' by Adam Kay or 'A Bit of A Stretch' by Chris Atkins and if you liked them, this book if for you. It's an interesting twist on the subject that the authors are married. I listened to this as an audiobook as found both narrators easy to listen to.

Initially I found myself gripped, however I soon realised that it was less about how to solve a murder, but more about the authors and how they got to work in the Forensic Medicine field. However, given the fact that I wanted to read about how to solver a murder and more practical things about it, I feel it failed to do what it was meant to and it has been missold.

I was really looking forward to this book – an insiders look at forensic science in solving murders, the techniques used, the cases that were turning points in the use of forensics. The sections that address some of the advances in forensic science are fascinating (including when Derek used himself as a guinea pig for determining if a particular technique would work). The books’ subtitle "True Stories from a Life in Forensic Medicine" suggested that we’d get loads of anecdotes, stories & insights into how forensics is used & there are a number of these at the start. It does include the mundane work as well as the macabre.
Unfortunately, as the book progressed, this became more of a memoir/personal story than the title suggested and whilst I do enjoy people’s personal stories, I was not at all interested in Pauline’s short skirts & wardrobe malfunctions and the ending where they griped about competitors to their business & bragged about their talented children didn’t interest me or really fit in a book called “How to Solve a Murder.
Without the gripes & slightly inappropriate stories, this would have been a 5* read, but as it is, I feel generous giving it 4 …
I listened to the audio book & it could very easily have been the authors reading it – the voices worked well and had a good variety of tones and inflections that suited the material.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own.
#BookReview #Audiobook
#HowtoSolveaMurder #netGalley

This book is by a husband and wife, about their careers in forensic science.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narration is clear and very engaging.

I don’t have much knowledge of science, but I found this book was accessibly written and interesting. Some parts are a little gruesome so I wouldn’t recommend eating when you’re reading this book!

Given the title, I expected this book to be about forensic processes and perhaps about different cases. This was included in the book but it was more autobiographical than I expected, particularly the parts relating to Pauline.

The book is told from the points of view of Pauline and Derek, however, it seems Derek is more prominent as he’s an expert in his field and seems to be quite the pioneer.

Some parts felt a bit disjointed but overall this was a good enough read and I would recommend it, particularly if you’re interested in science and forensics.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK Audio and NetGalley for a copy for review.

DNF’ed at 31%. I really wanted to get on with this audiobook but felt slightly misled by the title. I wanted to know more about forensics and less about office life and the author’s background/life story.

This book is a must for all science and true crime fans.
This story is told from the viewpoints of a husband and wife team that have spent their whole careers working within forensic medicine. From the original posts working as a technician and medical secretary respectively, the couple develop more knowledge and expertise and develop in their respective fields.
This book also highlights the medical advances in the study of death and causes of death.
Fascinating and intriguing throughout, this book is not for the squeamish and is very thorough in its explanations.
Well narrated by two narrators and is recommended.
Thank you to the authors, publisher and NetGalley in allowing me to read in return for a review.

More biographical thank expected but still a very interesting listen.

Clearly read and easy to follow. This book blends together two people's careers exceptionally well. From the early days of being a PA to becoming highly regarded in the forensic field, it was interesting listening to some of the real life things that go on in the real world of forensic medicine. I especially loved the story about carrying a leg on the tube.

If I had one criticism, I didn't like the way it would jump from one voice to another. Yes the stories linked and they blended well but it would take me by surprise jumping from one story to another.

Overall a good book. More biographical that actually the nitty gritty stuff but interesting, behind the scene look at forensic medicine. with real-life stories that you can remember.

Definitely an interesting book but not what I was expecting with the title ‘how to solve a murder’. Would have been better titled ‘Forensic stories’ or something along those lines. Good read though and learnt some interesting facts!

I have to say that although I did enjoy this book, it really wasn't quite what I was expecting from the blurb. I was expecting more in the way of how Derek, a forensic medical scientist and Pauline, a forensic secretary were involved in finding crucial forensic evidence that led to the solving of true life cases and the conviction of the culprits but instead it was more an account of how the two of them met and came together, with interjected sections on how some forensic evidence is retrieved by these highly skilled people in their field.
The gentleman narrator came across to me as a little flat and didn't really grab my attention but the lady narrator was more vivid and had a more interesting style of delivery.
In itself there is nothing to dislike about the content of the book but I felt that is was maybe not terribly well advertised and may lead to disappointment from those seeking something a little more "sensational".

I found the book to be really interesting. More autobiographical then I was expecting but still really interesting and less gritty then I'm used to. I found it gave a different view of the solving of crimes.

Specifically for the audiobook, I found the narrators to be clear and enjoyable.

Derek and Pauline have been working in Forensics for practically their whole lives. Chief Forensic Medical Scientist Derek and Forensic Secretary Pauline have worked together inside the world-famous Department of Forensic Medicine at Guy’s Hospital in London.
How To Solve A Murder contains information on some of the high profile cases that they have worked on and how the forensic departments have evolved over the years.
It was narrated very well and brought to life what Derek and Pauline had written. Full of science and interesting stories and facts but also some personal highlights which brought a nice real and human touch to the horrors that they were dealing with on a daily basis. I would have liked some more information on the processes and how their work helps solve cases, but I did enjoy what was included on some of the murder cases and mass disasters and I actually did really like listening to how they came together and fell in love.
Perfect for any true crime fan and it comes with a foreword from Dr Richard Shepherd, bestselling author of Unnatural Causes, another amazing true crime book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was seriously let down by this book. I was expecting so much more.

When it came to the details of the crimes, I was expecting more, and I understand they can't give to much away but I feel like I started reading this under false pretences. With a title like How to Solve a Murder, you'd envision, or at least I did, more than just a free tour of Guy's Hospital and the occasional morgue story. It was more 'here's my life with a little hint of murder' and it was a serious let down for me.