99 Ways to Die:
A Conversation with Dr. Ashely Alker
What happens when you mix high-stakes emergency medicine with the fast-paced world of television screenwriting? Central Rappahannock Regional Library invites you to find out!
Join Dr. Ashely Alker, M.D., M.Sc., in conversation with Dr. Janet Gullickson, as they discuss this illuminating, hilarious, and practical guide to 99 of the most terrifying ways to die and how to avoid them.
Books will be available for purchase from Tales and Tails Book Cafe. Signing to follow conversation and audience Q&A.
Wednesday, September 23, 6:00-7:45 PM
Fredericksburg Branch, 1201 Caroline Street
Note: This event is free. Registration is not required.
What to Expect
Two Speakers
Dr. Alker will be joined in conversation with Dr. Janet Gullickson, Ed.D., retired President of Germanna Community College.
A Fascinating Conversation
Hear Dr. Alker talk about her life in the ER, her role as a medical consultant for networks like Netflix, HBO, and Disney, and the inspiration behind her new book.
Audience Q&A
Bring your questions about medicine, writing, or television behind-the-scenes.
Book Signing
Purchase your copy of 99 Ways to Die and have it personally signed by Dr. Alker. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, provided by Tales and Tails Book Cafe.
About the Book
"Frightening, funny, and fabulous." — Book Reviewers on 99 Ways to Die
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.
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 explorations of 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 valuable advice and wild stories, this riveting read might just save your life.
Ashely Alker, M.D., M.Sc.
Dr. Alker currently serves as the Department Chair of Emergency Medicine for Mary Washington Hospital and the Medical Co-Director for the Fredericksburg Emergency Medical Alliance. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Alker is passionate about improving public health through accurate medical storytelling and is an accomplished technical consultant and medical screenwriter.
Janet Gullickson, Ed.D
Dr. Gullickson is the principal of Growth and Journey Consulting, advising nonprofit and higher education organizations on strategic planning, innovation, and executive coaching. She retired in 2026 after nearly a decade as president of Germanna Community College and a 50-year career in higher education leadership.
