Beyond the Body Farm: A legendary bone detective explores murders, mysteries and the revolution in forensic science

This is a really fascinating book. I have recently read quite a few of this type of book and, rather than getting bored of this subject and feeling like I need a change, I actually just want to read more-especially by this author. Bill Bass writes in a way that is easy to understand and he explains everything. He includes a glossary of terms and even a few anatomical diagrams. There are lots of black and white photos included which show findings/how they proved a person was who they were, photos of The Body Farm research facility etc. My sister is a dental nurse so I found the chapters detailing how they go about identifying someone from dental records really interesting. Rather than just saying they identified someone in this way it actually goes into a lot of detail as to how they do this. It mentions unusual tooth roots/ unusual bite patterns etc. The chapters involving facial reconstruction from a skull are amazing. The photos included about this and how they identified someone in this way are mind-blowing. Also included is the plane crash which killed Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and 'Big Bopper' and some of the findings/conclusions. All really interesting. This is such a rewarding and enriching read, I really feel like I have learnt so much and will definitely read 'Death's Acre' by the same author.(less)

A strangely gripping read. It's not the sort of book I would normally go for but I'm glad I did. It really needs no explanation you just need to read it with an open mind.

I have read many books on forensic science and found they can be something of an ego trip for the writers. Many of them are just concerned about the reader knowing what a genius the author is, but that criticism cannot be leveled at Dr Bass. He writes an interesting account of the case and in no instance is it all about trying to impress with his own brilliance. Acknowledgements are readily given to others who help him and he comes across as a genuinely humble man.I very much enjoyed this book. The cases are described in just the right amount of detail without becoming at all tedious. Laymen are not at risk of being baffled by the science he tells us about. Many readers will have had their appetites whetted by TV crime shows, but this book gives a great insight into the real world and I heartily recommend it.

I would've want this book to be endless. Was so well written and so beautifully explained that I immersed in it and couldn't let go. Thank you, Mr. Bill!

I love anything to do with forensics and that is due to me reading Bill Bass' book on the 'Body Farm' in my early teens. Whilst looking for something else to read late in 2015 I decided to read this as the book I had read previously was fascinating.This book was an interesting read a times and did provide some fascinating cases, such as the explosion at the illegal fireworks factory. I found, though, that this book read less well than his first book. His explanations of software or calculations were boring and unnecessary at times as it was pretty obvious what some things were and these explanations interrupted the flow of the book.

Not a very long book, but very interesting. Dr Bass had gone from before the days of DNA/forensic and it was interesting. Especially the things they found out from the body farm - couldn't believe how many people that wanted to go there when they died !!!

I was riveted by this book from start to finish. It is, genuinely, fascinating. The author is never patronising, he adds his own humorous remarks from time to time, but never "talks down" to his readers. I've learned more about understanding DNA in a couple of hours reading time than I ever managed to do in a lifetime. I would still have been awake and reading if the battery on my kindle hadn't needed charging early this morning. This is one of the best, if not the best, non fiction book I have read in years. Wonderful.

Very interesting and informative, the author dealt with several high profile cases. I had seen a television documentary about the body farm so it was nice to hear about it from the person who started it.

Intriguing to see the real side of forensic investigation and processes. Learning how it was done in earlier days and how it has developed in recent times. I could not put it down.

Brilliant!

Excellent, fascinating, a joy to read.

I loved the first book and this one was just as great PLEASE, write more of your stories!

I enjoyed this book (I had read it before) but I found the cases interesting and with a unique perspective