Inquests: Living With the Dead

Downloaded and read this book in one evening - actually until about 5AM. The Judge is funny, honest, and real. Many of his accounts are people and places I know - which just added to the "can't stop reading this" feeling. The flashbacks to his childhood and growing up in East Texas had me waking up my husband in the middle of the night to "hey, listen to what the Judge wrote". The book is well written, thought provoking, and offers the reader a peak behind the scenes of some very tragic events.

I loved loved loved this book. Read it in 2 days. Got in my car and went to several locations. Was do interesting because I remember slot of the incidents. Mitch I'd a caring and sometime funny Arthur. I have a lot of o.r. nurses readingi.

I grew up in Winona TX and found this book very interesting. It was very well written and easy to follow.

If you're from East Texas, this is a must read! I have met the judge and paid a fine and this made it less painful.

Very interesting, entertaining.

Mitch does any exemplary job of weaving his own life's experiences into fabric of the details surrounding the inquests that he has performed. His writing has the unique ability to lead the reader, not only to the place of the death, but also through the story behind the yellow crime scene tape that brought the deceased under the jurisdiction of the judge's sensitive eye.Mitch's attention to the details surrounding his inquests could have become cut-dried and bland, but because of his sensitivity to human nature and spirit, "Inquest" comes across as a heart-felt retelling of the incidents and how they relate to him and what he knows best. He doesn't linger on the blood and guts of the crime, but more on the who and why behind the crimes. From people who were just passing through Smith county, to close family members, Mitch, as county coroner, "brings their stories back to life by masterly infusing his reality, humor, and his own history."If you are a resident of Smith County, and even if you're not, I would strongly recommend reading this book to gain a better understanding of what the life of one of our JP's is like and perhaps gain a better understanding of the unique people who populate our county.

Inquests: Living with the Dead wasn't the book that I thought it would be when I picked it up to read. I assumed the book was going to be just a straightforward account of deaths, the facts involved which led to the deaths, and the subsequent determination of the cause of death, all explained by an official who is simply doing this as part of his job. This book is that, but more. The accounts of the deaths that have happened take on a certain poignancy when they are described from the point of view of someone who knew, perhaps was even friends with or related to, the deceased. Having grown up in a small town myself, I can't imagine how hard it must be to be present at the scene of death of someone that I knew. I wasn't aware that Judges in Texas had that additional role, having to be at a death scene right after a death has occurred. It seems like a heavy load to put on a person who already has a full-time job as an integral part of the justice system.Sometimes a tragic death is easy to explain, but most of the time it isn't. Recreating the events of a death and trying to figure out what the thoughts of the people involved might have been, sometimes with little or no evidence, isn't a perfect science and Judge Shamburger doesn't claim to be perfect. He is humble, just a man doing his job, a job that he likes and does well.What is really interesting about this book is that masterfully interwoven within these stories of death and dying, are personal accounts of Judge Shamburger and his very full and well-lived life. We all think that our lives would make an interesting book, but Mitch Shamburger's life is uniquely different. He relates interesting events that have happened to him, or sometimes just even simple portions of his life that have special meaning, describing the scenes and the people involved richly-- with an amazing memory for facts and details. Some of Mr. Shamburger's stories are sad, some are funny, and some are odd and/or absurd, things that I would not think one person in a small town in America could experience in a lifetime. Judge Shamburger's writing style is unique, quirky and fun, full of personal details from his life that really give you a sense of the man. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book; it is very well written and it relates stories of death and dying in such a way that makes you realize that death... though sad, is just another part of life.

I to know Judge Shamburger personally as I recently went to work for the Constables Office Smith County Pct. 4 and see him daily. I was unaware that the Judge had written any books and happened to see one of his books in his office, I have over 30 years in law enforcement in Henderson County which borders Smith County on the West side. I had occasions during my career to come in contact with Judge Shamburger and knew him to be a very respected Justice of the Peace. I got the Judges book and began to read and read and read!!! I just couldn't put the book down. As some have said this book is different than just telling about deaths the Judge has performed Inquest on, you get to actually see through Judges eyes what it is like to have to see sights that human beings should never have to see in their lifetime and how not only the Judge but first responders and law enforcement deal with seeing death, be it a peaceful passing away in their sleep or the unimaginable violence that one human being can inflict on another human. You will also get an idea from Judges book what life was and is like in a small East Texas town and community, I can only say buy this book and you will not be disappointed!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great work Judge and can't wait to read your other books as well!!!