Bones: A Forensic Detective's Casebook

As a graduate student in forensic science, I enjoyed this book. It had real case studies in forensic anthropology. If you are looking for a reliable source on the subject, Dr. Ubleker is a perfect candidate. He is the curator of the anthropology section at the Smithsonian, works on cases with the FBI and teaches a class in Forensic Anthropology at George Washington University. The book holds the readers interest and explains scientific methods/terminology in Forensic Anthropology.

This is one of the most interesting books I've read in a long while. It's about forensic anthropology. If the title sounds boring, don't be mislead. Ubelaker has done a masterful job of interweaving the science of forensic anthropology with some really interesting detective stories. The result is a wonderful blend of story telling, murder mystery, and science rolled into one.One of the first things I liked about this book is that Ubelaker talks to the reader using the same correct anatomical names of bones that you'd expect from one of the foremost experts in the field (which he is). That's not to say the text comes across stuffy or condescending. On the contrary. I got the feeling that even though I'm a complete novice in this area Ubelaker has treated me, the reader, with enough respect to speak to me in correct terms, while putting at my disposal the means to catch up with his vocabulary. For example, he put a glossary of terms at the end of the book, and a simple sketch of a human skeleton, so you can look up the funny sounding words and find out what they mean. The ulna and radius, for example, are the two bones in your forearm. The talus is one of the bones in your ankle. I always appreciate an author who educates me. Someone who makes me learn something new. But I especially appreciate that person when they make the learning process interesting and natural. Not all authors do that, and fewer still do it well.You might expect a book on forensic anthropology to be laid out in topical chapters. One chapter might tell you all about the names of the bones. Another might discuss characteristic marks on bones from knives, etc. Still another might discuss the technical details of decomposition. Well, Ubelaker does all that, but he does it without you actually realizing that it's happening. He does it by constructing virtually the entire book out of case histories from his personal experience. These case histories are grouped, roughly, into chapters that each teaches a different concept. But he does not teach by recitation of fact and rot memorization. Instead, these case histories are laid out like miniature crime mysteries, with Ubelaker walking the reader through the story, showing how the bones hold the key to the mystery, and explaining how they tell their story.This isn't a textbook, though I wouldn't be surprised to find it on a list of recommended reading for an anthropology class. Rather it is a book meant to introduce first-time readers to the subject in an interesting and informative manner. It's meant to both initiate interest in the subject as well as to inform. I learned a lot of interesting things from Ubelaker's book. For example, I had no idea that anthropologists can tell different human groups apart from their skeletal remains. I'd always assumed that we look pretty much the same under our skins, but that's not the case. Telling men from women is pretty easy, and telling the difference between European

I've read this book several times and find new items of interest in it each time. The insight into method is as fascinating as the author's joyous interest in physical and forensic anthropology. BUT if you have it already and were hoping that this edition has been expanded --take a look through the new edition before you buy it. Another reviewer says it's exactly and no more than the old in a new jacket.

As much as I like Doug personally and as much as I enjoyed his book when it came out (and the several times since that I have read it), I was dismayed to see, when my order arrived, that this is the same book he wrote several years ago dressed in a new "jacket." I wish him every success but I wish to warn others that this is not a new book!

I have read Dr.Ubelaker's book and I have to say that it has been the most informative book on homicide investigation I have ever seen. Being a student in Criminal Justice, I have read many textbooks on homicide investigation. Only Dr.Ubelaker's book gives you the viewpoint of the investigator, leading you through his thought processes and conclusions, as he works to solve the identity of murder victims. This book was truly a fascinating piece. I would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a career in law enforcement, medicine, and (of course) forensic anthropology