Short Synopsis
The fearless memoir of a young forensic pathologist's "rookie season" as a New York City medical examiner and the cases—hair-raising, heartbreaking, and impossibly complex—that shaped her as both a physician and a mother.

Full Synopsis
Just two months before the September 11 terrorist attacks, Dr. Judy Melinek began her training as a New York City forensic pathologist. With her husband and their toddler holding down the home front, Judy threw herself into the fascinating world of death investigation—performing autopsies, investigating death scenes, and counseling grieving relatives. Working Stiff chronicles Judy's two years of training, taking listeners behind the police tape of some of the most harrowing deaths in the Big Apple.

Lively, action-packed, and loaded with mordant wit, Working Stiff offers a firsthand account of daily life in one of America's most arduous professions. The body never lies—and through the murders, accidents, and suicides that land on her table, Dr. Melinek lays bare the truth behind the glamorized depictions of autopsy work to reveal the secret story of the real morgue.

"Tanya Eby proves herself a narrator of the first rank, truly inhabiting Melinek's male and female characters. A perfect match of text and voice." ---Library Journal Starred Audio Review

"Far from the magic we see on TV, Working Stiff describes forensic pathology in the real world. The book is a compelling and absorbing read." ---Kathy Reichs, author of the Temperance Brennan 'Bones' series

"Armchair detectives and would-be forensic pathologists will find Melinek's well-written account to be inspiring and engaging." ---Publishers Weekly

"Generally non-fiction can be daunting, but [Tanya Eby's] read feels more like a fiction tale. It was engaging and entertaining the whole way through. I will definitely be looking for more of her reads!" ---Eargasms Audiobook Reviews

"Together, authors and reader tame the morbid realm of forensic pathology, providing an entertaining and informative listening experience." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review

"Narrator Tanya Eby brings life to the dead and the stories their bodies tell. Eby captures Melinek's intellect, conscientiousness, and dark wit as she confronts difficult situations. . . . Eby presents a well-rounded picture of a wife and mother who happens to practice what many would consider a dark profession." ---AudioFile

"Eby's steady reading ensures listeners will become immersed in this fascinating chronicle." ---Booklist Audio Review

Library Journal Audio Review

New York Times Bestseller

AudioFile Earphones Award Winner