What the Dead Know

PRAISE FOR WHAT THE DEAD KNOW“Fascinating, compelling, and very real, Barbara Butcher’s time ‘on tour’ with the New York Office of the Chief Medical Examiner gives the reader a look behind the scenes of death investigation, demystifying the process by giving much-needed insights with a delicate but detailed hand. Both an excellent research primer and a touching memoir, Butcher’s accessible storytelling makes this a must-read.”—J. T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of It’s One of Us“In this riveting memoir, Barbara Butcher writes unflinchingly about death and loss with stories gleaned from decades of experience in the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office, but she also writes honestly and with surprising humor about her own life’s challenges and recoveries. Reading this book felt like getting to know a new, fascinating friend.”—Alafair Burke, New York Times bestselling author of Find Me“What the Dead Know offers an unflinching look at the lives and deaths investigated by medicolegal death investigator Barbara Butcher in New York City. Her stories capture the integrity and empathy necessary for a professional career dedicated to understanding death, with a greater purpose: to support the living.”—Judy Melinek, MD, author of Working Stiff“Barbara Butcher’s What the Dead Know is three unputdownable books in one—a series of gripping true crime stories told with unflinching style, a revealing and fascinating look at crime scene investigation, and an engrossing, moving, and very funny memoir that will inspire everyone who reads it.”—Kate White, New York Times bestselling author of The Second Husband“What the Dead Know is an extraordinary testament to an astonishing career. Butcher’s vivid descriptions of horror and grief are clear-eyed but compassionate, never voyeuristic. The book is a hero’s journey, and reading it feels like a privilege.”—Joseph Finder, New York Times bestselling author of House on Fire“An unprecedented, gutsy view of the Rue Morgue in New York City, told by one of its greatest characters. Barbara Butcher stares life and death in the face and doesn’t avert her gaze. She’s the real deal. Her stories and insights are breathtakingly honest, compassionate, and raw. What the Dead Know is impossible to put down. A must-read, it’s destined to be a classic.”—Patricia Cornwell, bestselling author“Barbara Butcher’s compelling memoir gives readers a glimpse into the truly shocking things that happen behind the scene of the crime. It’s surprising, insightful, and perfect for fans of true crime, or for anyone who wants to understand what it’s really like to be a medical examiner.”—Karin Slaughter, New York Times and internationally bestselling author“A propulsive memoir; equal parts stories of how one lives and dies in NYC and of Butcher’s personal journey of self-discovery and recovery, coming to know and trust herself. Deftly well-crafted, What the Dead Know tells a powerful story of what it is to be human, ever curious, and compelled to bear witness to the world around us.”—A. M. Homes, author of The Unfolding Thank you for downloading this Simon & Schuster ebook.Get a FREE ebook when you join our mailing list. Plus, get updates on new releases, deals, recommended reads, and more from Simon & Schuster. Click below to sign up and see terms and conditions.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UPAlready a subscriber? Provide your email again so we can register this ebook and send you more of what you like to read. You will continue to receive exclusive offers in your inbox. To the memory of Dr. Charles S. Hirsch, physician, mentor, and friend.And for the medicolegal death investigators, the unsung heroes who find answers for families and justice for the dead. AUTHOR’S NOTEThese are the true stories of my life as a medicolegal death investigator at New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Some names and details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals. Though most of what I saw was unforgettable, these stories are subject to the vagaries of memory. It’s been a long time. New York is the most exciting place in the world to live. There are so many ways to die here.—DENIS LEARY CHAPTER ONE THE ANGRY HANGING MAN“Hey, Barbara, you got a hanging man in the Three-Four Precinct. You want me to call you a driver?” Charlene’s voice was low, as if all this death business was a dirty secret. “Sure, Charlie, send me your best. Just give me five minutes to slap on some lipstick.” She laughed, as if I were going out husband-hunting instead of looking at dead people.Putting down the phone, I felt that familiar little thrill I got when there was a decent case to investigate, something other than the natural death of an old man with heart disease found in a locked apartment. I liked to figure things out, to find clues and solve puzzles, to locate the cause behind the effect. Fortunately, that was my job. As a medicolegal investigator (MLI) with New York City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME), I scrutinized the scenes of fatal accidents, suicides, and homicides to determine cause and manner of death. And I loved every minute of it.This time my excitement was tempered by the aggravation of having my arm in a cast, the result of a stupid accident with a saw and a stubborn piece of wood. I would have been home recuperating if I hadn’t run out of sick time. That’s why I was in the office dealing with hospital cases rather than investigating out on the street—“on tour,” as we called it. Now I was alone on the night shift, with no choice but to answer the call, despite being one-handed and in pain. I picked up my tour bag full of equipment and—bitching, complaining, and just generally feeling sorry for myself—went out front to meet my driver.Most OCME drivers were called by their first names: Rick or Nathan or the occasional Maureen. But Everett Wells was a dignified older gentleman we referred to as “Mr. Wells.” It was a mark of respect, even if it was at odds with his nickname, “Shake and Bake.” He earned that