Barbara Butcher

Barbara Butcher is a former death investigator for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

She was the second woman hired for this role in Manhattan and the first to last more than three months.

Butcher overcame personal struggles with alcoholism and mental health issues to build a successful career spanning about two decades.

Her work included investigating various deaths and participating in the identification of 9/11 victims.

Butcher's experiences led her to become a speaker, professor, and consultant, as well as providing insights for mystery writers.

Her memoir reflects her no-nonsense attitude, dark humor, and deep compassion for the deceased and their families.