Michael Baden

Michael Baden is the only main character in this book. He is one of the country's leading forensic experts. Baden likes the public side of forensic pathology, the instant gratification that comes from doing an autopsy and knowing the diagnosis right away appealed to him. The fact that reporters covered a lot of his work added to the importance he felt about what he was doing.

As a medical student, Baden began spending most of his time in the morgue. Milton Helpern was the man who became Baden's mentor. During his years in medical school and as a resident, Baden worked in the ME's office with Helpern. Soon he realized pathology had chosen him, and he was spending all of his free time in the ME's office.

Baden is very aware of the importance of a good medical examiner. He is trying to show new medical students...