4.5 rounded to 5 ⭐️

This is probably in my top 10 for the year. It's so well-written and really brings the whole identification process to life. The structure is both narrative and educational, with Norton following the re-working of [the case] and intertwining details (the methods) on how things were done. I also love that we have answers. We learn things. It wasn't just a retelling of old articles. Now I can only hope that this momentum can help them find who did committed this crime.

- 1/2 star for lack of pictures. I am begging for pictures to be added for the published version. I don't mean anything graphic, but things like the reconstructions that were done, the photo of the victim once she was named, things that I could Google but would spoil the ending. (I know because I did exactly this with exactly that outcome.)

Lay Them to Rest was a fascinating, in-depth look at how investigators, researchers, doctors, and scientists use various methods of discovery to identify unknown remains. Jane and John Does that have met their end without a name. Laurah Norton and her associates take on some of these cases, seeking to name the nameless. But the road to identification is anything but easy in many cases.

This book takes the case of Ina Jane Doe as the backbone for learning about the technology and the hands-on research and investigation needed to identify unknown remains. It delves into the changes and progressions that have been made across many fields, but also highlights how the final identification requires so much more than a DNA sample or dental record. A lot of identification is in the context clues, and those can be hard to sift out of what is left behind. It also notes that databases are only as good as the information they contain and that so much of the process is finding the right information at the right time and in the right context. Which is not always possible.

This is the real-life version of the TV show Bones, and it shows just how long things can take, and how much one has to be cognizant of bias and ethics and the realities of the science to be able to piece together an identity from remains that can't talk (at least not in a way most of us can understand). Using the process of identifying a single set of remains, and tying in other cases was a great way to bring along the reader into the entire process, from start to finish, of what is needed to happen to put a name to a reconstructed face. And that even once you have a name, there can still be a lot of unanswered questions.

A fascinating deep dive into the kind of forensic work involved in identifying "unknown" deceased persons. This book was very informative, deeply researched, clinical rather than salacious in its descriptions (unlike so many other examples of true crime media that depend on shock value), but what stood out to me the most was the deep sensitivity of the writing. Laurah Norton never forgets that the cases she's writing about involve real people who were loved and mourned. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its release.

Such a good read if you enjoy true crime, learning about cold cases, or want to be an armchair detective. I enjoyed deep diving into the different cold cases and felt it was so engrossing! I would recommend this for someone who doesn't know where to start with True Crime.

I had the incredible opportunity to delve into the dark and captivating world of forensic science through Lay Them to Rest by Laurah Norton. This true crime gem goes beyond the usual narratives we see on TV shows like CSI and Law and Order, immersing readers in the real-life complexities of forensic investigations. Norton, the host of the true crime podcast "The Fall Line," weaves a tale of passion and dedication as she explores the history and evolution of forensic science, shedding light on the fascinating techniques that have cracked some of the most notorious cold cases.

What sets this book apart is the author's empathy and care for the victims and their families. As I journeyed through the pages, I witnessed how forensic experts, artists, and anthropologists work tirelessly to bring closure to unsolved cases, making it a heartfelt celebration of their efforts. The gripping narrative also takes us on a real-time investigation alongside Norton and forensic anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael as they attempt to uncover the identity of "Ina" Jane Doe, whose head was found in an Illinois park in 1993. Lay Them to Rest is a deeply informative, heartwarming, and at times heartbreaking exploration that highlights the progress we've made in catching killers while urging us to focus on the often overlooked and vulnerable cases that desperately need our attention. I highly recommend this insightful and well-researched book to all true crime enthusiasts.

A fascinating look at the ever-evolving field of forensic science, in particular how it relates to identifying John and Jane Does and linking them with missing person cases. This book has a ton of excellent detail and the science was well explained, alternating chapters between specific forensic techniques and the cold case the author and her colleague, Dr. Amy, are working to identify, that of a woman known as Ina Jane Doe. Ina's case was particularly challenging for the initial investigators because only her head was found, and forensic science in 1992 was much more limited.

Luckily, the police department had kept all of the remains and evidence (other than some missing vertebra), which allowed Laurah and Dr. Amy to re-examine her remains, have new forensic art created that would hopefully spark interest in the case again, and send an extracted tooth and hair for specialized genealogical DNA sampling. The hope was that, through genealogical forensics, Ina could be identified and her family notified.

I really learned a lot while reading this book, and I appreciate the sensitivity and care Laurah and her colleagues take with each unidentified person. In the end, it’s not about solving another puzzle or checking another name off a list, it’s about finally laying these people to rest with the dignity of acknowledging who they really are, and providing some closure for the families who’ve been living in agony for years.

I also really appreciated how clear the author was about the uncertainty that still exists in forensic science. DNA and skeletal markers can help investigators guess at a remain's race and features, but it’s still just educated guesswork in a lot of cases, especially when you take into account intersex and transgendered people. Even things like Ina Jane Doe’s asymmetrical facial features were open to interpretation on how severe or pronounced they would have been in life - early artists' renditions exaggerated it to an extent that made her unrecognizable to those who loved her. With its slight asymmetry, the newer art was much closer to reality.

Forensic science will continue to change and evolve over time, and I’m hopeful that more cases will eventually be solved.

Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette for providing an advance copy of this book.

This book was so engrossing. I'm a huge fan of true crime, with my focus being on john and jane does, so I have a special interest in forensic anthropology. This book was excellently written, attention-grabbing, and easily accessible.

The remains of Ina Jane Doe, the long-unidentified murder victim who is the central focus of this book, were discovered in January 1993. Even though I was alive and thriving in the early 90s, cold cases like this always make it seem like a completely unimaginable world--one completely without the constant connections of cell phones and social media, a world where a person could easily disappear, and then, even if they did reappear, never be identified. Unidentified decedents, particularly cold cases, have resulted in many deep-dive Wikipedia binges for me, and I have been fascinated by the recent surge in identifications.

This book discusses the various reasons a body might go unidentified for decades, as well as the strategies for identifying unnamed decedents. Dental records, missing person databases, and facial reconstructions are all prominently featured, but the truth is that the majority of cold cases are being solved through DNA, specifically forensic genetic genealogy. Fortunately, the process is still fascinating, and the author of this book covers it well. The author's personal involvement in the identification of Ina Jane Doe allows for a behind-the-scenes look into how the identification process works, and it was particularly surprising to me how citizen-driven it can be.

Admittedly, this is a topic that I have been interested in for a long time, so it is no surprise that I enjoyed this book so much. However, even as someone that is deeply interested in the topic, there were a few sections that dragged with overly technical descriptions. There were also a story line of the author's involvement in identification of a preserved body discovered in a school, but the story was completely dropped without any information about the testing results or progress with the identification. The intro was also written in a way that seemed to assume that I was familiar with the author and her podcast, which I'm not, and I would have liked more of a background on her history and how she got involved with these types of cases. This was still close to being a five star read, and I would strongly recommend it if you are interested in the topic.

I thought this book was pretty good but I decided I would not reccomend it has a favorite book to others. I also will not be using it in my classroom. I will check out future books by this author.

As someone who doesn’t tend to read non fiction, I absolutely loved this. I am not familiar with Laura Nortons podcasts but her writing style definitely made me check them out after reading! She has a way of conveying information in an entertaining but educational way. I never felt bored while reading this as I sometimes do with other non-fiction. I felt it was very easy to read and digest. I became very attached to the case we follow throughout the book and found myself emotional towards the end. I would love to read whatever else Laurah decides to write!

This book was okay. I wanted to try something new and I loved the description but it didn't work out. I'm not a true crime person and that's okay. I did like that this book explained certain things. You can tell lots of research went into this.

I really wanted to like this book but the writing style didn’t sit well with me. It read like a podcast so I think I might enjoy the audiobook more. Overall, I think her followers will enjoy and I see crime show enthusiasts happy to get a new non fiction forensics book.

I loved this. It was very well written and while I learned a lot it didn’t bog me down with details and facts. That is such a hard thing to accomplish in nonfiction. I’ve always found John and Jane Doe cases fascinating and this really pulled back the curtain on what goes in to searching for their identity.

I’ve always been fascinated by true crime! This book was interesting to read- the advances in forensics, the investigations. Overall I enjoyed this book. If you’re into true crime, I think it would be a good read for you!

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review. The following opinions are my own.

This was a very interesting and informative read. It tells you about the behind the scenes of true crime podcasts and criminal TV shows in regards to forensic science. Very enlightening.

"Lay Them to Rest" is an exploration of how investigators end up identifying unknown victims of crimes. The book follows one central case, the discovery of a single decapitated skull, but weaves in discussions of other ways in which unknown bodies have come to authorities.

What's good: The book has a fascinating topic and the cases are compelling. In particular, the stories of the discoveries of bodies in university holdings, and the efforts to identify them, are of particular interest given the repatriation laws now in place for Native American bodies. The underlying theme of dignity for the dead is compelling and the stories of how far experts go to make that happen is appreciated.

What's iffier: The author attempts to show the impact of the subject matter on her personal life and connections, revealing how she and her scientist co-investigator watch bad reality TV, for example, to decompress. But frankly, I didn't find these sections really added much to the overall narrative of the book.

With gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

"Lay Them to Rest" by Maurah Norton is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that delves into the dark underbelly of a small town plagued by a series of chilling murders. With its intricate plot, well-drawn characters, and relentless suspense, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end.

One of the book's strongest aspects is Norton's ability to create a palpable sense of tension and foreboding. The author masterfully builds suspense through skillful pacing and a series of unexpected twists and turns. Each chapter propels the narrative forward, leaving readers eager to uncover the truth behind the disturbing crimes and the secrets that haunt the town.

The characters in "Lay Them to Rest" are complex and multi-dimensional, adding depth to the story. From the determined detective trying to crack the case to the troubled individuals entangled in the web of mystery, Norton crafts believable and compelling characters that resonate with readers. The author explores their motivations, fears, and vulnerabilities, making them relatable and eliciting an emotional investment from the reader.

The book's atmospheric setting also deserves praise. Norton paints a vivid picture of the small town, with its eerie landscapes and hidden secrets. The sense of place is skillfully woven into the narrative, adding to the overall suspense and providing a backdrop that feels immersive and haunting.

However, some readers may find that the plot becomes overly convoluted at times, with numerous subplots and a large cast of characters to keep track of. While this complexity adds layers to the story, it may require careful attention from readers to fully grasp the connections and unravel the intricacies of the mystery.

In conclusion, "Lay Them to Rest" is a riveting and atmospheric thriller that keeps readers hooked until the final page. Norton's skillful storytelling, well-developed characters, and expertly crafted suspense make this book a compelling read for fans of the genre. If you enjoy dark and twisty mysteries that keep you guessing, this book is sure to deliver a satisfying dose of suspense and intrigue.

I enjoyed the behind the scenes look at what all goes into determining the identity of a John or Jane Doe. The statistics were interesting as well.

This was an interesting read. I live in New Hampshire so it was interesting that this research happened so close to home. A lot goes on behind the scenes that you don’t even realize.

In "Lay Them to Rest," Laurah Norton delivers a captivating and scientifically rich exploration of cold case investigations. With research and compelling storytelling, Norton provides readers with a profound understanding of the complexities involved in identifying nameless victims. Through specific examples woven throughout the book, she demonstrates the transformative impact of forensic science on these unsolved mysteries.

Norton introduces readers to the world of cold case investigations by recounting the gripping story of a long-unsolved murder. Through careful examination of forensic evidence, including DNA analysis and advanced forensic imaging techniques, the investigators are able to finally identify the victim and bring closure to the grieving family. This example highlights the power of scientific advancements in solving cases that were once considered hopeless.

One of the most riveting aspects of "Lay Them to Rest" is Norton's vivid portrayal of forensic anthropology. She takes readers to crime scenes where skeletal remains have been unearthed, guiding them through the meticulous process of analyzing bone structure, dental records, and other identifying features. Norton's attention to detail and her ability to convey the significance of each piece of evidence create a sense of suspense and intellectual intrigue.

In a particularly moving chapter, Norton focuses on the dedicated work of forensic artists. Through their meticulous reconstruction techniques, she illustrates how clay sculpting and facial approximation can give a face to the forgotten. Norton's description of a reconstructed face leading to the identification of a long-lost victim serves as a testament to the transformative power of art and science combined.

Throughout the book, Norton emphasizes the importance of DNA analysis in cold case investigations. She showcases groundbreaking advancements in genetic genealogy, highlighting how DNA profiles can be used to identify unknown individuals by tracing familial connections. Norton presents cases where genetic genealogy has led to the identification of victims and the apprehension of long-elusive perpetrators, offering hope and closure to families who have endured years of uncertainty.

By interweaving these specific examples into the narrative, Norton effectively highlights the profound impact of forensic science on cold case investigations. Her writing not only educates readers on the intricacies of the scientific techniques employed but also evokes a deep emotional connection to the victims and the tireless individuals committed to uncovering the truth.

"Lay Them to Rest" illustrates the dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of justice exhibited by cold case investigators. Norton's meticulous research and powerful storytelling create an immersive reading experience, shedding light on the scientific advancements that have transformed the field of cold case investigations. Through specific examples, she brings the realities of these unsolved cases to life, leaving readers with a profound appreciation for the impact of forensic science on the quest for justice.