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Written In Bone: hidden stories in what we leave behind Hardcover – 3 Sept. 2020

by Professor Sue Black (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,888 ratings
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WINNER OF THE CWA GOLDEN DAGGER FOR NON FICTION 2021

'Gripping from the start, Written in Bone is superb' - Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes

From the Sunday Times Bestselling author of All That Remains, Sue Black reveals the secrets hidden deep within our bones.
Drawing upon her years of research and a wealth of remarkable experience, the world-renowned forensic anthropologist Professor Dame Sue Black takes us on a journey of revelation. From skull to feet, via the face, spine, chest, arms, hands, pelvis and legs, she shows that each part of us has a tale to tell. What we eat, where we go, everything we do leaves a trace, a message that waits patiently for months, years, sometimes centuries, until a forensic anthropologist is called upon to decipher it.
Some of this information is easily understood, some holds its secrets tight and needs scientific cajoling to be released. But by carefully piecing together the evidence, the facts of a life can be rebuilt.

Limb by limb, case by case - some criminal, some historical, some unaccountably bizarre - Sue Black reconstructs with intimate sensitivity and compassion the hidden stories in what we leave behind.

Praise for Sue Black:

'Utterly gripping' - The Guardian
'Fascinating' - The Sunday Times
'Moving' - Scotsman
'Engrossing' - Financial Times

Previous page
  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Doubleday
  4. Publication date
    3 Sept. 2020
  5. Dimensions
    16 x 3.2 x 22.2 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0857526901
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0857526908
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Sunday Times Bestseller, Sue Black, All That Remains, Written in Bone
Sue Black, Written in Bone, All That Remains, Guardian, BBC Radio 4, Financial Times, New Statesman
Written in Bone, Sue Black

Product description

Review

The corpse whisperer ... could Black's life be any more ready for a series producer to pitch to Netflix? ... and is it OK for her, or us, to enjoy this quite so much? -- Helen Rumbelow ― The Times Published On: 2020-08-22

A fascinating if grisly book. It should be read. -- Stuart Kelly ― Scotland on Sunday Published On: 2020-09-27

For someone who deals in death every day, Sue Black has a rare ability to make blood and bones come alive. A marvellous writer. ― Ruth Davidson SMP

A fascinating overview of the human skeleton from the forensic anthropologist's point of view, with case studies that are both pertinent and entertaining. ― Kathy Reichs, author of the Temperance Brennan, Bones series

Gripping from the start, Written in Bone is superb - fascinating in its detail of real life cases and written with a narrative that propels you forward to the next page. ― Dr Richard Shepherd, author of Unnatural Causes

About the Author

Professor Dame Sue Black is one of the world’s leading anatomists and forensic anthropologists. She is also the Pro-Vice Chancellor for Engagement at Lancaster University. She was the lead anthropologist for the British Forensic Team's work in the war crimes investigations in Kosovo, and she was one of the first forensic scientists to travel to Thailand following the Indian Ocean tsunami to provide assistance in identifying the dead. Sue is a familiar face in the media, where documentaries have been filmed about her work, and she led the highly successful BBC 2 series History Cold Case.

Sue was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2016 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to forensic anthropology.

She is the author of the critically acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller All That Remains.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Doubleday (3 Sept. 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0857526901
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0857526908
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16 x 3.2 x 22.2 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,888 ratings

About the author

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Sue Black

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,888 global ratings
An Excellent Read!
5 Stars
An Excellent Read!
An excellent book, absolutely full of information and beautifully written. A great mix of educational and interesting and you are bound to learn lots of things. I ended up making quite a few notes. It took me two months to read, because you have to concentrate on it, but it's well worth a read if you are interested in forensic anthropology.9/10
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Top reviews from United Kingdom

bumble
5.0 out of 5 stars A good book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 April 2024
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A fascinating book with lots of food for thought.
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Janie U
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative and engaging read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 April 2022
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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.
19 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 August 2023
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I have read "All that remains" from this author a few months ago, so needed to read more. This one feels more academic in a way, because the chapters focus on particular bones in our body. Very educational and we still have reference to some of the cases that the author worked on. I preferred all that remains but this one is still very good and I did not find it hard at all with the technical terms.
2 people found this helpful
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BookBeetle
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, fascinating, brilliant, …what a book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 July 2023
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This is the most amazing book, extremely detailed and informative, but in such a way that any reader is carried along (not overwhelmed) by the sheer fascination of it all.

Professor Sue Black has the most impressive history, is the living expert on identifying even the smallest piece of bone in a suspected murder case (a 2cm fragment of a shoulder bone, in one case), in the most meticulous detail. She has to be so precise because in a courtroom, she must be sure enough to face the challenge from experts …
One person found this helpful
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Mark
5.0 out of 5 stars Really interesting book - Pulls no punches, but not sensational either.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 May 2021
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I picked this up on a whim on a Kindle Daily Deal and it's definitely one of the 'hits' I've recorded.

The writer is a Forensic Anthropologist and specialises in analysing human bone remains, usually to identify the person in question for the police or other authorities.

The book deals with different parts of the skeleton and talks about the development, both pre-birth and in life, and what the bones, developmentally, as a result of surgery or injury or through ingestion of chemicals in life, can tell us about someone.

The book does deal with some quite harrowing, and nearly all rather sad, cases, but the author imparts her professional detachment so clearly that, while still feeling sad, you can follow the story without being manipulated into anger or grief.

Overall, this is an interesting, insightful book into this line of work and the facts that support it.

I found it very readable and enjoyable, whilst not being sensational or holding back on the facts.

Well worth a read.
23 people found this helpful
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wallance chen
5.0 out of 5 stars perfect book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 February 2024
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perfect book
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J. M. Shankly
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 July 2023
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Brilliant read, really informative. Loved it. Highly recommend.
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Samantha Drew
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 July 2023
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Slightly heavier going than All That Remains but just as interesting. Sue has a way of bringing her work to life which makes it fascinating reading. You'll be learning without even realising
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Top reviews from other countries

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GreedyReader
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, fascinating and full of facts
Reviewed in the United States on 31 January 2024
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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.
One person found this helpful
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R. K. M.
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional
Reviewed in Canada on 19 January 2023
Verified Purchase
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.
One person found this helpful
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pseudo
5.0 out of 5 stars Sue black does it again: one of my favourites of 2022!
Reviewed in Spain on 26 July 2022
Verified Purchase
For years I have tried relentlessly recommending Sue Black’s books to the fellow members of my bookworm community. It pains me to say all to no avail. “All that remains” was a magnificent book, intertwining wit with the author’s scientific wealth of knowledge under the suzerainty of her many years of experience. However, “Written in bone” exceeds the initial expectations I came with when I eagerly laid hands on it! In vain I tried my level best to stress these arguments before the public court of my esteemed friends. In return I received only scornful comments such as “for sure! Pablo Neruda, García Márquez and Sue Black! Literary luminaries of our age” or “what on earth would I be doing reading the trials and tribulations of a forensic anthropologist?” Well, I tried (and miserably failed) recommending Sue Black across my inner circle, so I can only find solace hoping that anyone reading this review will be positively enticed to overcome prejudice and enjoy her opus as much as I did! Ps- my favorite chapter without room for doubt: the Grenada expedition and the interaction with the US forensic team, priceless!
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pseudo
5.0 out of 5 stars Sue black does it again: one of my favourites of 2022!
Reviewed in Spain on 26 July 2022
For years I have tried relentlessly recommending Sue Black’s books to the fellow members of my bookworm community. It pains me to say all to no avail. “All that remains” was a magnificent book, intertwining wit with the author’s scientific wealth of knowledge under the suzerainty of her many years of experience. However, “Written in bone” exceeds the initial expectations I came with when I eagerly laid hands on it! In vain I tried my level best to stress these arguments before the public court of my esteemed friends. In return I received only scornful comments such as “for sure! Pablo Neruda, García Márquez and Sue Black! Literary luminaries of our age” or “what on earth would I be doing reading the trials and tribulations of a forensic anthropologist?” Well, I tried (and miserably failed) recommending Sue Black across my inner circle, so I can only find solace hoping that anyone reading this review will be positively enticed to overcome prejudice and enjoy her opus as much as I did! Ps- my favorite chapter without room for doubt: the Grenada expedition and the interaction with the US forensic team, priceless!
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NVB
5.0 out of 5 stars Adoro questa donna !
Reviewed in Italy on 6 February 2022
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Avevo visto la serie tv su YouTube dei cold case dì Sue Black, e ho cercato subito i suoi libri
Se non avete problemi con l’inglese lo consiglio
Humor molto British (scozzese a due la verità ), informazioni interessanti, si legge dì un fiato
Alcuni parlavano dì humor nero , ma sarà per la mia professione (infermiere 118), non ho trovato nulla dì agghiacciante
Lo consiglio
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ADITYA G.
3.0 out of 5 stars Good
Reviewed in India on 13 April 2021
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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
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