Murder On The Home Front: A True Story Of Morgues, Murderers, And Mysteries During The London Blitz (1955) - Plot & Excerpts
I worked 22 years as a mortician - I loved Molly Lefebure's spirit and outlook on a predominantly male-oriented industry. I was the first female hired in my company for removals, prep and cremation and dealt with the same prejudices and stereotyping that Miss Molly did. I had to laugh at her comments about dating...yep, I've had to walk away from some nice outings because of a call that came in and received generally the same responses from my date..."What is wrong with you??"The fact that the timeline was during World War II and in London, adds to an already fascinating look back at the great men who advanced Forensic Science to the next level. How envious I was of her working alongside Bernard Spillsbury and Keith Simpson. To be present during this golden age and to be aware of the fact that momentous advances were being made all around her...how amazing it must have been.My take away image from this book, is of Molly hauling her typewriter around to the various mortuaries and using whatever flat surface was available, be it a casket or a prep table. The woman has moxie, to say the least. A fascinating look into the world of WW2-era crime fighting. Author Lefebure excels in creating vivid portraits of the various professionals she came to know during her time with the medical examiner. She writes with sass and style; her personality seems to shine through with every paragraph. The only downside for me was finding out, pretty much right at the end, why she left the job after 5 years. Her reasons were, for me, deeply disappointing. I'll let other readers make that call for themselves.
What do You think about Murder On The Home Front: A True Story Of Morgues, Murderers, And Mysteries During The London Blitz (1955)?
Amazing. I can see why the BBC made this into a mini series. It's such a fun read.
—Rvera
Definitely an entertaining read for crime buffs or mystery lovers.
—holli324
Interesting but a little judgemental in places
—Chezka
