Written in Bone: Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind

I had to buy this book for a college class and this book makes me want to get into forensics! So many stories, kept me hooked and I learned a lot!

This book is so much more interesting than the TV shows, and Dame Sue Black is a great story teller as well as an expert in her field. You may think it is gruesome but what you learn is well worth it. DNA is great and a good fit but what are the stories one leaves behind in their bones and other bits. Identical twins, yes, but not really. Look at the vein patterns on the back of the hand as well as freckles and wrinkles on the knuckles. Just some thing to think about. And then lines on the ends of the long bones, what do they signify. They tell a story themselves.

Required reading, rather dry, not my style, not sure if I would buy again, but for those who are pationate aobu medicine, perhaps it will work for you

Fascinating book on a complex subject but written in an engaging fashion that can be understood by everyone.

One of the best books I've read. Sue is a consummate professional, methodically outlining her book from head to toe and taking us through the journey of how human bones evolve over the lifespan with benchmarks of development that inform forensic anthropologists of approximate age, sex, and sometimes insight far beyond that. Written with utmost respect for the deceased and an emphasis on the ethics of her profession, Written in Bone is chock-full of case examples that make this non-fiction work a page-turner.

Fascinating book about how much information can be gleaned from examination of the human skeleton by a trained forensic pathologist in various situations. The examples and stories are fascinating and well done. The author has also written another book entitled “All That Remains” in a similar format which I am anticipating will also be an excellent read. Highly recommended

Be prepared to be introduced to the field of forensic anthropology and its role in the judicial process. I learned a great deal about the form and function of our skeleton and how these remains are used by police investigations with the assistance of scientists such as Dame Black. She certainly exhibits professionalism, expertise, experience and also pride with her commitment and compassion to her field of study. She successfully covers the details of anatomy and the investigative process though to an extent that likely won't be retained by a layman--interesting nevertheless. Those details aside, she does offer some sidebar personal reflections and impressions with empathy that shifts the tone of the book, sometimes contributing to the nature of her work and experiences. Others stood out awkwardly, such as the forensic investigation in Grenada after the US/Commonwealth intervention, when she describes US Service members as "Jackboots" and neglects or distorts facts. Despite these limited, minor distractions, she is quite engaging when commentary focuses on her specialties and many skills. The book is well commended to anyone desiring to better understand forensic science and its role in modern investigations of tragic and troubling violent crimes,

I am reading this book now and I'm finding it full of facts, examples and explanations sprinkled with humor regarding the human skeleton, forensic science and case histories. I'm fascinated by all the information detailed in this book and think most people would find it an absorbing read.

I have nothing at all to fault from this book. As a recent forensic science graduate the mixture of technical, anatomical and factual recounts of stories was incredible.

I found the book extremely interesting. The only regret is no pictures or illustrateions. It would make the details easier to see and understand. The details and layout are excellent and give one an understand ing of the body that we possess and should take better care of. A wealth of knowledge and understanding explodes from the pages and insight of the author laysout.

Ok

The personal story of a leading forensic anthropologist's take on the human framework. Each chapter covers a group of bones, starting with the skull and descending to the feet. As well as technically describing the bones themselves, the author tells stories about their role in interpreting crime scenes. So this is also a thriller, with some really grisly parts, but also with humour and reflection.

Good book but misses on labels for diagrams which shows the bones For a non medical person difficult to understand the bones by only reading description Exoected more photos/pictures