Working Stiff

Dr Judy Melinek has dedicated her career to uncovering the secrets held by dead bodies. In Working Stiff, she takes readers on an enthralling journey through her 'rookie season' as a forensic pathologist in New York City. This memoir reveals the remarkable, often harrowing experiences that shaped her both as a physician and a mother.

Starting just two months before the September 11 terrorist attacks, Dr Melinek plunges into the fascinating realm of death investigation. Her work involves performing autopsies, examining death scenes, and providing support to grieving families. Each case she encounters is fraught with complexities, ranging from the mundane to the macabre, and each one leaves an indelible mark on her professional and personal life.

With her husband T.J. Mitchell and their young son Daniel providing a steadfast support system, Judy navigates the intense and often unpredictable demands of her new role. The narrative is a blend of the hair-raising and the heartbreaking, capturing the visceral details of morbid curiosity and the profound impact of loss and tragedy.

Working Stiff is more than a memoir; it is an authentic, unvarnished portrayal of life inside the morgue. Dr Melinek lays bare the realities of her profession, stripping away the glamorised depictions often seen on television shows like CSI and Law & Order. Through her vivid storytelling and mordant wit, readers gain an insider's perspective on the true nature of forensic pathology.

Action-packed and laden with sardonic humour, this book offers a unique glimpse into one of the world’s most challenging occupations and the delicate balance required to move between the living and the dead. Working Stiff not only demystifies the work of a forensic pathologist but also provides profound insights into the human experience in the face of death.