Author talk
The Dead Speak: My Life in Forensics by Thomas Coyle
- Date
- Wednesday, 18 November 2026
- Time
- 12.30pm (NZT)
- About this event
Meet Thomas Coyle, one of New Zealand's most experienced forensic investigators, whose remarkable career has taken him from investigating murders for Scotland Yard to helping identify those who lost their lives in major disasters, including the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and the Christchurch earthquake. Unity Books Wellington welcomes Coyle for a conversation about his memoir, The Dead Speak, a compelling, compassionate and at times darkly humorous account of a life dedicated to forensic science, uncovering the truth and providing answers to families. Growing up on a council estate in Leicester, England, Coyle could scarcely have imagined where his career would take him. From joining London's Metropolitan Police to examining complex crime scenes and working alongside international disaster response teams, his journey has been shaped by extraordinary experiences and a commitment to helping others during some of life's most difficult moments. In The Dead Speak, Coyle takes readers behind the police tape and into the meticulous world of forensic investigation, where even the smallest trace of evidence can provide a vital breakthrough. A seemingly insignificant fragment might help identify a suspect, establish a motive or reveal an important piece of a much larger story. Beyond criminal investigations, Coyle shares his experiences in disaster victim identification, a highly specialised field that combines scientific expertise with profound care and respect for those who have died and the families awaiting news of their loved ones. Working in the aftermath of devastating events, often in challenging conditions and under considerable time pressure, forensic teams undertake the painstaking task of establishing identities, helping families receive the answers they need and ensuring their loved ones are treated with dignity. Blending remarkable professional experiences with thoughtful reflections, gentle humour and genuine empathy, The Dead Speak offers a rare insight into the evolving science of forensic investigation and the personal responsibilities that come with such sensitive work. Above all, it is a deeply human story about the people behind the evidence - the lives that deserve to be remembered, the families seeking answers and the dedicated professionals who work quietly and carefully to provide them. Join Thomas Coyle at Unity Books Wellington for an insightful and moving conversation about forensic science, the experiences that have shaped his career and the compassion, resilience and humanity at the heart of his work.
- Cost
- Free
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Added 9/11/2026 · Last checked 9/11/2026
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