Thomas Noguchi has been billed “The Coroner to the Stars,” due to his work on the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, and more, before they were laid to rest. Noguchi–now 98 years of age at the time of writing–was the former chief medical examiner-coroner for Los Angeles County. As part of his work, he determined the causes of death in many high-profile cases affiliated with Hollywood during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Anne Soon Choi’s L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood is the first biography of Noguchi, highlighting professional life. Among the book’s ten chapters are entries pertaining to many high-profile cases, including Monroe, Wood, Leanorad Deadwyler, Robert F. Kennedy, Patty Hearst, and more.

The book primarily focuses on Noguchi’s professional achievements. As his story is still ongoing, Choi also includes a brief epilogue which includes information about Noguchi’s present time in retirement.

I highly recommend this book to fans of classic Hollywood who are interested high-profile cases and the “end credits” to some of Hollywood’s Golden Age stars.

L.A. Coroner: Thomas Noguchi and Death in Hollywood is available for purchase via Third State Books.