99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them

by Ashely Alker M.D.

Overview

An illuminating, hilarious, and practical guide to 99 of the most terrifying ways to die and how to avoid them from an emergency medicine doctor.

Dr. Ashely Alker is a self-described death-escapologist—or, in more familiar terms, an emergency medicine doctor. She has seen it all, from flesh-eating bacteria to the work of a serial killer to the more mundane but no less deadly, and her work outwitting the end has uniquely prepared her to write this book.

99 Ways to Die: And How to Avoid Them is an illuminating, darkly funny, and practical guide to evading the 99 most terrifying ways to die. Dr. Alker manages to shock readers while making them laugh, educating them on how to outsmart a wide range of deadly situations and conditions. Many of the chapters include stories from her experiences in life and medicine, at times heartwarming, others heartbreaking. Sections include categories on sex, poison, drugs, biological warfare, disease, animals, crime, the elements, and much more.

An Anthony Bourdain-style greatest hits tour of death, 99 Ways to Die is entertaining while it informs. Full of practical advice and wild stories, this riveting read might just save your life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250359643
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	01/13/2026
Pages:	384
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.25(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Ashely Alker, M.D., M.Sc., is an emergency medicine physician on a mission to improve public health. While completing her master’s degree, Ashely studied at Harvard School of Public Health’s multinational institute in Cyprus, where she lived near the United Nations Green Zone and worked in humanitarian affairs at the Unit for the Rehabilitation of Victims of Torture. After graduating from the George Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Alker served as a healthcare advisor for a U.S. Congressman. During her residency in emergency medicine at the University of California, San Diego, Dr. Alker became a technical consultant and medical screenwriter, improving medical accuracy on over twenty shows, including TV and film for Netflix, HULU, HBO, and Disney. Her non-profit, Meaningful Media, connects writers, artists, and reporters with certified public health experts to develop scientifically accurate messaging.

Editorial Reviews

"99 Ways to Die (And How to Avoid Them) is the hilariously grim and wildly insightful science book you didn’t know you needed. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you’ll have endless fodder for cocktail party conversation — and you might just survive a little longer, too.” —Melinda Wenner Moyer, author of Hello, Cruel World! and How to Raise Kids Who Aren't Assholes

"In 99 Ways to Die, Dr. Alker gives the world a glimpse of the landmines actively avoided every day in Emergency Medicine. As a mom and fellow emergency medicine doctor, I want my friends (and kids) to read this book. Maybe now they will understand why my babies never got honey, but always got their vaccines! A fun and interesting read, everyone will learn (and laugh) by reading this book." -Dara Kass, M.D., Former HHS Regional Director, Mom, & Crisis Averter.

"Ways to Die truly checks all the boxes; it masterfully illustrates our medical vulnerabilities in the most sobering, yet absolutely funniest way! From page one until the last, this book takes the reader on a pleasurable journey of renewed purpose coupled with practical tips for living our best lives. The accuracy is unparalleled and will undoubtedly save lives." -Aisha T. Terry MD, MPH, FACEP, George Washington University School of Medicine, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine and Health Policy, American College of Emergency Physicians, Past President

From the Publisher