SECRETS OF CORPSES FROM THE NOTEBOOK OF A FORENSIC DOCTOR

In his fifth book, Dr. Michel Sapanet tells about almost thirty criminal cases that he analyzed with a scalpel in his hand. A hunting rifle, a kitchen knife, or even a Japanese sword - each weapon leaves a characteristic mark on the victim's body. A surgically precise autopsy allows you to read this deadly signature and verify the course of events, although sometimes a random combination of seemingly insignificant events plays a decisive role.

• Tools of crime: Hunting rifle, kitchen knife, Japanese sword – each leaves a mark.
• Autopsy: Surgical precision reveals the deadly signature and event sequence.
• Random connections: Seemingly insignificant events can play a decisive role.
• Pathologists' diligence: The story of nine-month-old Nino, almost a SIDS victim.
• Dramatic truth: Autopsy reveals an old woman was beaten and suffocated.
• Trauma as a tool: Sapanet reflects on trauma as a potential weapon.
• Pattern on the towel: Sometimes a towel pattern decides justice.

One such case is the story of nine-month-old Nino. If it were not for the diligence of the team of pathologists, he would have been considered another victim of sudden infant death syndrome. However, the autopsy revealed that the child had been abused and shaken so violently that he died. The death of 75-year-old Marie-Lucie was considered natural. Everything was already prepared for the funeral - the coffin was about to be closed when doubts arose that stopped the ceremony. A hastily ordered autopsy revealed the dramatic truth: the old woman had been beaten and strangled.

Other cases make Sapanet wonder that the "tool" of the crime may be inflicted trauma, and sometimes the pattern on the towel decides on justice. Mysterious crime scenes, insightful forensic operations, detailed reconstructions of events, stormy court hearings - the author, with black humor, sharp irony and passion for his profession, convinces the reader that there is a really long way from a dark crime to a court verdict. It is worth taking it together with Michel Sapanet.

Dr. Michel Sapanet - expert and academic lecturer, has been working as a forensic doctor since 1987. He heads the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Poitou-Charentes at the University Hospital in Poitiers. He is the author of four books, including Chronicles of a Forensic Doctor.