From scary to heartwarming and hilarious, an assortment of behind-the-scenes, true stories about life as an undertaker. 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, … 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.
Praise for Mortuary Confidential
“As unpredictable and lively as a bunch of drunks at a New Orleans funeral.” —Joe R. Lansdale, author of Moon Lake
“Sick, funny, and brilliant! I love this book.” —Jonathan Maberry, author of Ink
“McKenzie and Harra keep us reading because these true mortuary tales are poignant—and suddenly, gaspingly, in-your-face funny.” —Booklist
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I wanted to read this book because I also work with families as they are planning their loved ones funerals. I work at a church. I wanted to see if the authors experiences compared to the situations that I have run into also. This book was so entertaining and funny. I loved the authors way of writing. It was very down to earth and easy to …
The words “undertaker” and “funeral director” usually conjure up images of the stereotypical older gentleman in a dark suit with a constant frown, and monotone voice. Creepy. Slightly off putting. One would think that the business of a funeral director would be very solemn, and lacking any sense of humor whatsoever. That is what you’d think until …
This Book is great for light reading. The stories a cute funny and sometimes A little sad.
Very unusual read. Each story is different.
I quite enjoyed these tales.. It took me a while to figure out that different people I. Different states were writing not just the various chapters, but also the stories that were shared.
An inside glimpse of what it’s like to be a funeral director. I suppose I have a sick fascination as to why someone would go into that line of work but this shows the caring and human side of funeral directors. Yes, there is some humor but it is not disrespectful. Shows that there are all sorts of emotions experienced at the time of death and it …
This book was a wonderful look at the behind the scenes job of working in the funeral industry. When we need them, they are there, and we are not always available to be aware of how much compassion and care they provide. As in any job, there are minor glitches that the public is not aware of. Some are funny, some are slightly sad, but all are …
These were true stories told by funeral directors and their workers. Interesting to read about what can happen that the public doesn’t hear about.
I always wondered what happens with the body when we die and this book will tell you. So funny and very interesting read…
I work in a church and we handle a lot of funerals – this is an entertaining realistic view of what we all go through. Very enjoyable and easy to read.
Mortuary Confidential: Undertakers Spill the Dirt by Todd Harra and Kenneth McKenzie, was a very interesting book. I’d gotten it from the library while looking for a humor book. It was more reflective than humorous, though there were some parts that were humorous. It was still an enjoyable read and I learned a lot about how funeral homes work and …
Good book
Interesting, informative, true life (or death…) stories from the incredible professionals in the mortuary profession. Sometime Hilarious, heart wrenching,and/or incredulous. A great read.
It was a series of anecdotes about experiences various funeral directors had relating to their work. Some were funny, a few heartwarming, others sad
Found it really interesting, my sister in law is a mortician. As in all jobs it has its lighter moments
I was disappointed. I wasn’t expecting anything lurid, but I was expecting interesting or unusual. I didn’t finish the book.
So, no, it’s not thigh-slappingly funny (some people criticized this), but really human with a human interest perspective. So for me, there was no disappointment at all, and I really valued the opportunity to consider how tricky this line of work was, and how odd some people can be in facing someone’s death, at least from my perspective. Good …
I really enjoyed this book – has funny stories, sad stories and others that just really hit home.
Not very entertaining.
Not very interesting