L.A. Coroner

by Anne Soon Choi
L.A. Coroner cover
Good Books rating 4.25
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Waterstones
Hardback • £21.99
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  • ID: 2766
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
barnesandnoble.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
fascinating 4.00

L.A. Coroner by Anne Soon Choi provides a detailed account of Dr. Thomas Noguchi's tumultuous career as the 'Coroner to the Stars'. The book delves into the controversies and challenges he faced while working in Hollywood, offering a compelling narrative that blends history and biography.

L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood by Anne Soon Choi is a fascinating exploration of the life and career of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, often referred to as the 'Coroner to the Stars'. The book chronicles his work in Los Angeles during a time of significant social and political upheaval, highlighting the controversies and challenges he encountered. Choi's narrative is engaging and well-researched, providing a deep dive into Noguchi's professional and personal life. They appreciate the book's ability to blend historical events with personal anecdotes, making it a compelling read for those interested in forensic science and Hollywood history. However, some might find the pacing uneven, with certain sections feeling more detailed than others. Overall, it's a worthwhile read for anyone curious about the intersection of medicine, celebrity, and justice.

Quick quotes

    This new book chronicles the tumultuous career of Dr. Noguchi, dubbed "Coroner to the Stars

    The book chronicles his work in Los Angeles during a time of significant social and political upheaval

    Choi's narrative is engaging and well-researched, providing a deep dive into Noguchi's professional and personal life.

crimereads.com · Unknown · 2025-04-28
insightful 4.50

L.A. Coroner by Anne Soon Choi is a well-researched and skillfully written account of Thomas Noguchi's career, highlighting his contributions to forensic science and his involvement in high-profile cases. The book brings to light Noguchi's largely overlooked story, including his role in Japanese American activism and the broader context of racial dynamics in the 1960s.

Anne Soon Choi's L.A. Coroner dives into the relatively unknown story of Thomas Noguchi, the former coroner of Los Angeles. The book is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative, which covers Noguchi's career highs and lows, including his work on high-profile cases like Marilyn Monroe's death and his controversial management of the city department. Choi's background in mysteries and true crime helped shape her approach to the book, making it accessible and engaging for a broader audience. The book also touches on Noguchi's involvement in Japanese American activism and the broader context of racial dynamics in the 1960s, making it a significant contribution to Asian American literature. Choi's ability to bring Noguchi's story to a wider audience is commendable, and the book has resonated with many readers who have shown interest in Noguchi's amazing career.

Quick quotes

    I am deeply steeped in mysteries and true crime and this has shaped my work significantly.

    I think this primed my interest when I eventually discovered Dr. Noguchi’s memoir “Coroner” in the mystery bin outside the Strand bookstore in New York City in the early 2000s.

    I was also really surprised at how the JACL for a brief moment at the end of the 1960s embraced a progressive stance on race which was counter to its wartime reputation at the time and also critiqued the model minority myth as it was unfolding and recognized that cross racial alliances were necessary for communities of color to challenge racism.

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