Quick Take

When the casket reached the front of the sanctuary, there was a loud cracking sound as the bottom fell out. And with a thump, down came Father Iggy.From shoot-outs at funerals to dead men screaming and runaway corpses, undertakers have plenty of unusual stories to tell--and a special way of telling them.In this macabre and moving compilation, funeral directors across the country share their most embarrassing, jaw-dropping, irreverent, and deeply poignant stories about life at death's door. Discover what scares them and what moves them to tears. Learn about rookie mistakes and why death sometimes calls for duct tape.Enjoy tales of the dearly departed spending eternity naked from the waist down and getting bottled and corked--in a wine bottle. And then meet their families--the weepers, the punchers, the stolidly dignified, and the ones who deliver their dead mother in a pickup truck.If there's one thing undertakers know, it's that death drives people crazy. These are the best "bodies of work" from America's darkest profession."Sick, funny, and brilliant! I love this book." --Jonathan Maberry

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt

Introduction

"Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt" is a fascinating book that delves into the world of undertakers and their unique experiences. Written by Todd Harra, this compilation of stories offers a glimpse into the lives of funeral directors, sharing their most memorable, humorous, and sometimes bizarre encounters in the funeral industry. From shoot-outs at funerals to dead bodies making unexpected noises, this book is a macabre yet moving exploration of life at death's door.

About Todd Harra

Todd Harra, the author of "Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt," is a journalist and writer with a keen interest in the macabre and unusual. With his extensive research and interviews with funeral directors from across the country, Harra has compiled a collection of stories that shed light on the often overlooked and misunderstood profession of undertaking. His ability to bring these stories to life with humor, empathy, and respect makes this book a must-read for anyone curious about the world of death and dying.

Analysis of Views

Humorous and touching: Many readers found the book to be both humorous and touching, with stories that ranged from laugh-out-loud funny to deeply emotional. The author's ability to balance humor and poignancy made for a compelling read that kept readers engaged throughout.
Real-life experiences: Readers appreciated the authenticity and relatability of the stories presented in the book. They felt that it offered a genuine glimpse into the lives of undertakers, revealing the challenges, joys, and peculiarities of their profession.
Variety of topics: The book covers a wide range of topics, from heartbreaking tales of loss to lighthearted accounts of mishaps and pranks. This variety kept readers engaged and allowed them to explore different aspects of the funeral industry.
Appreciation for those in the profession: Readers expressed their gratitude for the undertakers who share their stories in this book. They felt that it helped to humanize the profession and reminded them that these individuals are dedicated to providing comfort and support during difficult times.
Insight into the industry: The book provides readers with an inside look into the often unseen aspects of the funeral industry. It offers a unique perspective on death and dying, challenging societal norms and encouraging open conversations about mortality.

Reasons for Recommendation

Entertaining and informative: "Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt" is a highly entertaining read that provides valuable insights into the world of undertaking. The combination of humor and real-life experiences makes it an engaging and educational book that appeals to a wide audience.
Authenticity and relatability: The stories presented in this book feel genuine and relatable, offering readers a unique perspective on death and dying. The authenticity of the narratives resonates with readers, making it a recommended read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the funeral industry.
Variety of topics: The book covers a diverse range of topics, making it appealing to readers with different interests. Whether you're looking for humorous stories or touching accounts of loss, there's something for everyone in this collection.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of cohesiveness: Some readers felt that the book lacked cohesiveness in terms of storytelling and structure. They found it challenging to follow some narratives or connect certain stories with others, which hindered their overall enjoyment of the book.
Misrepresentation of certain individuals: A few readers expressed concerns about the portrayal of certain individuals within the book. They felt that some stories were unfairly critical or judgmental, which detracted from their overall experience reading the book.

Conclusion

"Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt" by Todd Harra is a captivating book that offers readers an inside look into the world of undertakers. With its humorous and touching stories, it provides a unique perspective on death and dying while highlighting the challenges and joys of working in the funeral industry. While some readers found it lacking in cohesiveness or felt misrepresented by certain narratives, overall, this book is recommended for those seeking an entertaining and informative exploration of life at death's door.