Written In Bone: hidden stories in what we leave behind

This is globally renowned Dame Professor Sue Black's second 'must read' book on the subject of forensic anthropology in criminal investigation and identification. Sue has the knack of putting in lay terms the most complex aspects of the constitution of our bodies and how each part offers explanations for it's existance and how they can separately assist with identification and assist in major criminal investigation. Little wonder Sue has advised so many law enforcement agencies and crime writers over the years.

Well written and very enlightening about the role of forensic anthropology, with a systematic study of the human skeleton. Many personal insights from the author's experience told with great honesty and courage. Graphic details may upset some people, but it shows the evil that human beings are capable.

This book has significant links to the crime fiction world. I read a lot in this genre and am always interested in the science involved in the investigations - particularly following it's ever increasing sophistication. Of course, reader are also becoming more knowledgeable and are always wanting more detail to make a story plausible.There are a couple of fictional characters created as forensic anthropologists and, more commonly, the area of science is used to unlock secrets from the bodies of long dead people.I read a lot of Val McDermid and am always amazed by her level of knowledge. She often talks about the help she gets from Sue Black and this is a great opportunity to read about her area direct from the scientist herself.She splits the book into 10 main chapters, each looking at a specific area of the skeleton - the theory of how it can be analysed and then it has been used in actual investigations.The cases she references are all factual which for some of them is astounding - proving yet again that fact is stranger than fiction.The introduction gives some general information about the structure of bone and the active role that bone marrow has within the body - all very fascinating.She then explains the 4 basic questions that she needs to address with a piece of bone - Is it human?? - Is it relevant?? - Who is it from?? - How did they die?? I was completely hooked by this introduction. Sue Black not only has the knowledge but has the ability to communicate it, making for an informative and engaging read.Many terms used along the way have evolved from Latin and I found it interesting to see how much linguistic explanation is included in this narrative.The book focuses on the various parts of the body, showing how specific bone have been used to solve particular cases. I enjoyed the wide ranging knowledge that she shows and it kept me engaged all the way through. I kept telling people about things I had learnt in the way I often would with a Bill Bryson book - huge compliment to Sue Black.Often SB gives a lengthy section of scientific knowledge but, before she starts to lose the reader, she uses a case as an example which immediately grabs the attention and the curiosity.I remained captivated with this book all the way through. The step by step structure allows the gradual progress around the body. The balance of theory and reality was perfect so that the reader is never overwhelmed and SB is able to illustrate her points.The final section allowed the author to talk briefly about her own bones and I enjoyed hearing her plans for her skeleton after she no longer needs it.

Part anatomy lesson, part personal story, and delving into remains both fresh and very much not so, this is a fascinating and very human book, telling of the surprising stories our bones tell after we've, erm, finished with them. I'm full of admiration for her and her work, and would recommend it to anyone who finds the subject of even the slightest interest - you are unlikely to be disappointed.I'm in the process of buying her other book as I type.

An engrossing read by a remarkable woman. Sue Black Investigates how she unravels complex murder cases with only thesmallest amount of information available. Even those with minimal medical knowledge will find much to enjoy. An elegant cover adds to the enjoyment of this fascinating book.