I have always been fascinated by true crime and the work that goes into solving cases. Laurah's book provides a very detailed deep dive of the process of identifying Jane and John Does. Laurah's friend and forensic anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael explains this in lay man's terms so it is easy to follow along as they learn more about their Ina Jane Doe. I loved how Dr. Michael highlighted the importance of being respectful of the body, following proper evidence procedures and advocating for more funding to identify unresolved cases. I enjoyed this book because Laurah did a great job of showing her involvement (research, funding and interviews) compared to Dr. Michael's science background. I found this contrast in different fields interesting and appreciated their respect/friendship. Laurah did a great job discussing facial recognition and the work done by forensic artists. I looked up Ina's sketches as I was reading this book. I would have loved for the sketches to have been included at the end of the book especially as they evolved once Dr. Michael learned more about Ina Jane Doe. I enjoyed this book and I will now add "The Fall Line" to my podcasts.

I would like to thank NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Lay Them to Rest by Laurah Norton is a deeply compassionate and investigative true crime book that examines the often-overlooked stories of unidentified remains, known as “Does,” across the United States. Norton, the creator of the One Strange Thing podcast, brings her research skills and empathy to bear on cases that have long gone unsolved, highlighting the lives and humanity of these forgotten individuals. Her storytelling is meticulous and respectful, capturing both the emotional weight and societal importance of seeking justice for the unidentified. It’s a moving read that sheds light on the significance of giving every person their rightful identity and closure, making it an insightful choice for true crime readers interested in unsolved mysteries with a heart.

Fascinating, eye-opening and easy to understand!

It still blows me away that anyone can disappear in this day and age. Even more shocking - that we can find bodies and/or body pieces and not be able to identify them. It feels like we've taken so many leaps and bounds in forensic science, medicine and DNA. It's surprising that there's so much we still don't know.

This is a deep dive into the found but unidentified. It details out the techniques, ideas, and science behind identity. It also dives into those old ID cards many of us did as kids, the gaps in dental records (and how it's not the fail safe we think it is), and the massive gaps in both FBI's and other tracking services for the found and lost.

There is so much information in here but it's given in such an easily digestible way. The author breaks it down piece by piece, how each stage is viewed and the many hands that go into it all. It was also shocking how little funding their is, or even an idea on who should fund these things.

If you love true crime, then you can't miss this one! And I highly recommend the audiobook. The author narrates it and does a phenomenal job!

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

I am a huge true crime junkie and this book was absolutely amazing. It was like an insider’s perspective of a case and was very easy to read. At times, it did feel as if there was a little too much over explaining of the terminology and things, but that is helpful for anyone that isn’t as into true crime as I am.
I had the opportunity to meet the author at CrimeCon and she is so cool. Her podcast is also great!

Thank You to Hatachette Books and NetGalley for the free ARC.

I love to read true crime and this book hit it out of the park. Not only was it true, it was unique in that it was a cold case with just a piece of the body. Although it stuck with the main cold case person it also explained working in teams and how other departments, agencies, and personnel are involved. It involved dentists, artists who did drawings to those who recreated the body part to help find a name, to grant rewriting and donations. It may be a little confusing for some readers as it does being up other cases as well as the main one to explain each chapter. Each chapter has a dedicated title such as artists/forensic artists, DNA, etc. I think the book is easily readable and understandable.I thought the book was well put together from the cover, to the chapters, to the cases, and explanations. I found it quite fascinating and couldn't put it down.

This book was very interesting especially the cold cases. I loved learning about how technology is helping the forensics field. If you are huge into forensics, but only are fascinated with the crime details itself, or the gore of some of the cases, this book may not be for you. If you enjoy learning the actual field work of it, techniques and resources that forensic experts use to solve the cases, and the breakdown of what goes on behind the scenes of identification, then this will be right up your alley. Laurah put so much love, care and research into the book and it shows.

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC!

Lay Them to Rest is built through the cold cases of several victims, Jane Does, found dead and abandoned. Norton uses these cases to relay to the reader a nuanced view of police work, forensic analysis, and dysfunctional systems of databases for DNA tracking used for investigating and solving crime. The focus here is not on the victims, or their families, or even on the police or investigators who strive to solve their crimes; Lay Them to Rest focuses on the structural elements of criminal investigation, the organizations and systems which organize and sift through the millions of bits of data and information that can be gathered about victims and the crimes against them. This angle into the world of criminal investigation was a novel one for me; most of the true crime I have read have not delved into this specific aspect of investigation. I found this perspective refreshing and intriguing. Also, Norton’s partnership with a biological anthropologist produced an academic perspective which I greatly appreciated. Norton distills an enormously complex subject into easily digestible and palatable parts.

Thank you Netgalley for this eARC!

This was very interesting especially the cold cases. I loved learning about how technology is helping the forensics field.

I really enjoyed this one! Which is maybe odd to say, but I am a big fan of the Bones books and the show, so I had a feeling I would be interested in this. Laurah put so much love, care and research into the book and it shows. The science does get a little dense at times, but I could tell she worked hard to get all of us non-scientists to understand it. I was so happy to see that they solved Ina Jane Doe and that we got to hear from her family. I actually have never listened to her podcasts, but I will now! I received an advance review copy for free and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting heading about the cases they helped with and hearing how new techniques can help with cold cases.

This book mainly covers the case of "Ina Jane Doe" with a group of researchers that trace the case throughout the book, all while intertwining tons of facts about the use of forensics and how it used to identify individuals in crime cases. The narrator/main character is also the host of a true crime podcast, which after reading this book, I may tune in to. The case is told through her experience. She references many databases, labs, and techniques used in identifying the individual, Ina Jane Doe, who in this case, only has one identifiable piece, which is her severed head.
Seeing the case unfold is extremely interesting, its almost as if you get to know the missing person individually. There are several other cases brought up throughout the book, mainly to reference similar techniques or stories that are used, however it is only tidbits of information, making it often times confusing and also lacking on whether or not they were solved cases.
If you are huge into forensics, but only are fascinated with the crime details itself, or the gore of some of the cases, this book may not be for you. If you enjoy learning the actual field work of it, techniques and resources that forensic experts use to solve the cases, and the breakdown of what goes on behind the scenes of identification, then this will be rigjt up your alley. The author herself is an actual charwcter throughout the book, and does tell what its like to be in the actual field observing crime solving, traveling, researching for her podcast, as well as being a wife and mother. To some they may find it irrelevant, but it all ties in to her story and what she does. All in all an interesting and educational read for anyone interested in forensic investigation.

I really enjoyed the forensics aspects of this book and how it showcased the skills needed to solve the case! It was really interesting since I love true crime I thought I would love this book. But the plot had me bored most of the time with the narrative. I think if it wasn’t for the true crime aspects I would have enjoyed this as much as I did because the way the plot played out wasn’t what I was wanting in this book. But overall it was an ok book and I’m glad i did actually get the chance to read it!

Thanks NetGalley for the eARC!

I can genuinely express my desire for more individuals like Norton, who are genuinely passionate about crime scene technology and are driven by the desire to make a difference. They aspire to assist in solving crimes that some may consider unsolvable. As a medical professional, I can attest that forensic pathology is our means of communicating with the deceased. It allows us to uncover clues that others may not be trained to perceive. Although I now work as a trauma surgeon and listen to books instead of music while in the operating room, I cherished my time in the morgue. However, this transition hasn't always been smooth, I must admit. Regrettably, I am not familiar with her podcast, but I will certainly search for it now. Initially, I had no idea what to expect from this book. While I was aware of the subject matter, I was uncertain whether the chapters would be presented in a podcast-like format or from the perspective of someone well-versed in forensic science. Each chapter introduced a new case, and the information provided to the reader surpassed what could be found online. From the very first page, I was completely engrossed and deeply impressed by the author's writing prowess.

I have been a fan of true crime for a long time now. With a passion for cold cases and John/Jane Doe cases as well. this book was well written with respect to the families of the victims. Seeing the identity of the Ina County Jane Doe revealed through forensic science was interesting. It gave me a good perspective of what my best friend did for work as a Forensic Tech CSI.

There are a lot of personal anecdotes in there that are not for everybody so beware of that.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the early review e-copy of this book!

I mean, I enjoyed this one, but I think that I will just stick to podcasts for my nonfiction true crime fix. (Trudging through about an hour and a half of the significance of dental records and tooth DNA was a bit nauseating for me, honestly.) Laurah Norton is a great writer, and I generally enjoyed the way that she wove prose into a heavily statistic/science-driven material, BUT the thing that I missed were the live interviews and the suspense that a podcast delivers.

This one settles with me at 3 stars flat.

Loved this take on true crime. i really enjoyed the writing. Easy to read and to understand. The author did a wonderful job at keeping you enthralled in the story.

A super inspiring look into the people dealing with some of the darkest parts of human nature. this book was insightful and really moving. I enjoyed reading about the people and professions that work to help find closure for families and communities.

Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What is in a name?

I didn't want this book to end. I wanted more cases to be saved, I wanted more Laurah going though the steps with more nameless people and fining out who they were.

I am a true crime podcast listener and I had actually never heard of Laurah's podcast before this book. I will now be listing to it though. I picked up this book because I like reading about true crime and it looked like a book for me.

And I loved it, I was invested and obviously wanted to know more. It was all just so interesting. I will definitely be ching out more books like this and hopefully more podcasts as well.

Thank you NetGalley for this advance copy. As someone very much into true crime documentaries and podcasts this book was very much something I immediately wanted to read based just on the cover and title. The book lived up to the promise of both of them. Such a interesting and respectfully handled look into the world of forensics and the folks that do the work to help solve crimes and bring some closure to cases and to the those who lost someone or to bodies who can't even be initially identified.

This book was well written. And I liked that it included so many personal moments of the authors journey, making the overall book feel less like a cut and dry deep dive explanation into the world of solving Doe cases. The author did a good job of adding these moments in just as the technical terminology was getting overwhelming for me.

I went out on a limb here trying. To read this book which is so different from my normal genre. And while I recognize it was well written, I also recognize that this book was not for me. So the rating is of my personal experience having a hard time getting into and enjoying this read based on my preference. It is not about the authors ability to write an informative novel.

Thanks NetGalley and Hachette Books for the ARC of this book