Member Reviews

Thank you Netgalley. I was looking forward to this read and it didn't disappoint. I have always been interested in True Crime especially from a female perspective. The telling of her story was fascinating from beginning to end highly recommend.

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Thank you so much for the ARC of Clay and Bones! As a woman who has personally worked in male dominated career fields, including law enforcement this book was honest and infuriating. This was a a very well written memoir that I enjoyed. Her journey and the way she tells it is fascinating. Anyone interested in forensics or the FBI or a woman in a male dominated field should read this. Thank you again for the ARC of Clay and Bones!

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If the television show "Bones" had you in a chokehold like it did me or you're into all the true crime shows and podcasts available now, then this is the perfect book for you. I loved learning all the real life details which go into a forensic artist receiving remains (or photos of remains) and attempting to build a face to assist law enforcement in their criminal investigations. What makes Ms. Bailey's narrative so compelling is to see not only her clear expertise and passion for her job but also her stalwart refusal to be a compliant cog in the FBI machine. This is the story of a woman which will make you cheer for our gender (women can accomplish amazing things!) and also bemoan the many trials which can dog the footsteps of being female in the workplace (sexism is so utterly petty, y'all- nothing less than bullying backed by bureaucracy). Lisa Bailey has written an interesting and eye-opening book without devolving into badmouthing and bitterness, and to the right audience I would absolutely recommend this book.

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I was hooked from the first chapter! I love that this book started at the Body Farm, and covered so much more than just being a forensic artist.

I loved how scientific and technical the story was. Seeing how Bailey got into Forensic Art and a look inside how the FBI works (even though parts of it were horrendous)

Huge thanks to NetGalley & Independent Publishers Group for an advance

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as an artist myself, i was very intrigued by the concept of forensic artistry and i wish that the book itself had been more focused on that aspect than the harassment case that bailey had faced. in a way it almost felt misleading to advertise the book the way that it had been. there also seemed to be no cohesion between the personal stories and the rest of the book, leaving the reader confused at many points. an interesting read, but troubles with formatting and intent.

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A very informative read! I learnt so much from this book! I appreciate the attention to detail and explanations! A strong read, recommended for sure!

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Strong memoir work that’s very well written and tells a sad tale, from the original happiness to the toxic workspace. Thanks for the arc, I would recommend this one.

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The description of this book morbidly piqued my interest, and when I went to the authors Instagram and read more about her experience working as a forensic artist in a male dominated workplace (the FBI) I knew it was going to be good. And horrible. But horribly good! This memoir takes us on a journey from the author starting in the military, to discovering art and then getting involved in forensic art! I devoured this in a day. I was so attached to see the outcome of her daily struggles and abuse working with misogynistic men, and occasionally was overwhelmed by the extent of discussion about technique. But the stories of cases and her work hardships kept me hooked! If you enjoy books from authors like Caitlin Doughty, this one’s for you!
Thank you to IPG and Netgalley for the ARC!

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Engaging and entertaining. A recommended purchase for collections where forensics and thrillers are popular.

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This was an absolutely incredible, albeit infuriating, story about the authors career in the FBI, and the horrific harassment she suffered during her career. I found this story totally engrossing, and fascinating. Her career was so interesting, and the author clearly wanted to do her best to help victims of crimes and their families. The fact that she was harassed and gaslit to the point that she retired is absolutely horrible. The FBI should be ashamed of itself. I feel like women everywhere will resonate with this story, and I think the author is very brave for telling it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I found this fascinating, so much information about forensic science. I really enjoyed it and didn’t want to put it down. It’s a must read for anyone interested in forensic. It’s such a cool book

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Forensics interests me in general and forensic artistry particularly – I find both fields very interesting. This book sounded very interesting to me, but I feet like this was more about workplace bullying and environment than forensic artistry. Nothing wrong with that – of course – I was appalled of the way Bailey was treated at her workplace and that nothing seemed to happen to help her. But I thought this was supposed to be about her field of work rather than her workplace as such.

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I’m not sure what I read in the description about this book that made me want to read it. It was definitely a good choice. I didn’t expect for it to be such a quick read, but started it yesterday and finished it today. It was a wonderful surprise. I enjoyed very much hearing about Ms. Bailey’s career and how her artistic talent helped solve some really heinous crimes. I have to say she really knew how to draw the reader into her life and want to know more. I wonder how Ms, Bailey survived all the mental torture from her supervisors. I am so impressed with her storytelling but mostly the strength and fortitude she possessed in order to work for the FBI.. I not only think she was an amazing artist but one accomplished, eloquent author.. Great read!

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I finished this book in a matter of hours. As I've worked in the forensic field, everything related to it still intrigues me. I could so relate to Lisa as working in a man-dominated field isn't easy and you have to be very strong to keep your head up. Sexual harassment, discrimination and worse of all the people you think you can trust are protecting the rotten apples. It's a shame that agencies working to help victims are losing such amazing people because of arrogant idiots who think they can say and do anything they like. Or backing them up…ugh. I loved to know more about the reconstruction process and the stories glued me to the pages. A brilliant book and a definite must-read if you are into Forensics or want to work as a woman in the field.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and IPG for this ARC.

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