Written in Bone

Hidden Stories in What We Leave Behind

By: Sue Black

Narrated by: Sue Black

In her memoir All That Remains, internationally renowned forensic anthropologist and human anatomist Dame Sue Black recounted her life lived eye to eye with the Grim Reaper. During the course of it, she offered a primer on the basics of identifying human remains, plenty of insights into the fascinating processes of death, and a sober, compassionate understanding of its inescapable presence in our existence, all leavened with her wicked sense of humor. Now in this book, Black builds on that memoir, taking us on a guided tour of the human skeleton and explaining how each person's life history is revealed in their bones, which she calls "the last sentinels of our mortal life to bear witness to the way we lived it".

Her narrative follows the skeleton from the top of the skull to the small bones in the foot. Each step of the journey includes an explanation of the biology - how the bone is formed in a person's development, how it changes as we age, the secrets it may hold - and is illustrated with anecdotes from the author's career helping solve crimes and identifying human remains, whether recent or historical. Full of entertaining stories that appear like scenes from a true-life CSI drama, Written in Bone is infused with humor and no-nonsense practicality about the realities of corpses and death.

©2021 Sue Black (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Fantastic.

So much knowledge and experience presented incredibly well. Her humor and storytelling really comes through.

True Crime

I think I was expecting more about the impact life leaves on the body...I probably should have read All That Remains. This does talk about the developmental history of bones and fingerprints, but it's largely in service to criminal investigation. Just be aware of that going in.

A very human story by a very believable human

I am really, really glad that the author read her own book aloud. Her voice and verbal stresses made the material come to life. I learned a great deal from this clearly brilliant and interesting lady. I gave it a perfect rating as I read it over two days and it kept my very active interest the whole time. And, I will read it again some day. I do that with very few books, but this will be one of them.

Too much unnecessary commentary regarding women.

In large part, the scientific substance of this book was interesting and laid out in an enjoyable manner. However, I found that by hour 3, I had to put it down, and return it after one too many comments regarding women related to cases (such as a man convicted of murder remarrying) or as colleagues (a narrative of a woman getting harassed at an event bookend by the authors pride in not, to her perception, being subjected to sexism in moments of her life) was the big one. A “I’m not like other girls/women” (at the expense of other girls/women) theme is, unfortunately, enough for me to shelve any book.

Educational and intriguing

Have always been drawn to Forensic science. The detailed information provided is only topped by the story telling. Not an easy subject but well worth it.

Amazing book!

As a student on the path to becoming a Forensic Anthropologist I found this book both educational and entertaining. I learned so much and thoroughly enjoyed the author's stories and explanation of forensics.

A new favorite

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So interesting, informative and enlightening. So well written and read. The ending is amazing.
Thank you Sue Black for all that you have contributed to your practice and to humanity. 🙏🏼

MUST LISTEN!!!

Professor Dame Susan Black is truly one of the most amazing people to ever walk this Earth. Her knowledge, experience and ability to tell a story are one of a kind. Absolutely brilliant!

entertaining walk through the skeleton as evidence

starting at the skull, sue black provides a detailed journey through what a forensic anthropologist can learn from each part of the skeleton. she deftly weaves history, anatomy, true crime, and foreign policy with a dash of humor. the level of detail is not for the easily afraid but she doesn't go out of her way to induce a horrified reaction, she just tells it like it is in detail. i am a bit obsessive about anatomy and this book was very satisfying. i highly recommend it.

Loved the mystery cases

Well organized and I liked the author’s voice. This was right up my alley since I have an extensive anatomy background.