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.

This informative and interesting book pulls back the curtain on true crime podcasts and popular TV shows to explain the science of forensic anthropology and genealogy. The author alternates between chapters on the methods of identifying unknown decedents with chapters highlighting how those methods were applied to a specific case, Ina Jane Doe, which has been a cold case in Illinois for over 20 years. The book highlights the author's interactions with many dedicated and talented individuals who work to identify Jane/John Does. I have a newfound respect for forensic scientists and I'll be checking out the author's podcast, The Fall Line.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the author/publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

A BIG thank you to Netgalley, & Laurah Norton for sending me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
As a true crime podcast enthusiast, I was really looking forward to this book and it is PHEMONAL. Laurah wrote this book with the upmost respect and compassion for the victims and their families. A truly impressive and captivating book giving names back to the nameless, and really taking a deep dive into how research is done for Jane/John Doe victims.

Great! Laurah does a great job of guiding the reader through the process of solving a cold case and identifying the body by actually doing it. The dental stuff was bit long-winded, but other than that a wonderful read.

I am completely obsessed with True Crime stories and this book was absolutely amazing. I greatly enjoyed this book and read it late into the night. I found alot of the information very interesting and it was very detailed. I absolutely loved this!! This book is what every true crime lover needs on their shelf!
I just reviewed Lay Them to Rest by Laurah Norton. #NetGalley
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This book was captivating and fascinating. As a true crime junkie, I’ve listened to podcasts, read books, and devoured documentaries, but I’ve never encountered a book like this. Norton walks us step by step through solving the mystery of who Ida Jane Doe was. She breaks down the methods and the maze of information that surrounded them as they tries to identify her. She describes and explains everything with as much detail and description as needed so that the reader is not lost in the process or the science. Norton teaches through this novel so much about how cases are solved, the role of internet sleuths, the way remains and memories of the dead should be treated. This was just an all around great book!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was a fantastic read. This was not your typical true crime read. This book was written with such empathy and care for the victim and family. The science and research were well done and very well explained. Highly recommend. Very informative