Trail of Bones: More Cases from the Files of a Forensic Anthropologist

By Mary H. Manhein

A fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and an expert on the human skeleton, Mary H. Manhein assists law enforcement officials across the country in identifying bodies and solving criminal cases. In Trail of Bones, her much-anticipated sequel to The Bone Lady, Manhein reveals the everyday realities of forensic anthropology. Going beyond the stereotypes portrayed on television, this real-life crime scene investigator unveils a gritty, exhausting, exacting, alternately rewarding and frustrating world where teamwork supersedes individual heroics and some cases unfortunately remain unsolved. A natural storyteller, Manhein provides gripping accounts of dozens of cases from her twenty-four-year career. Some of them are famous. She describes her involvement in the hunt for two serial killers who simultaneously terrorized the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, region for years; her efforts to recover the remains of the seven astronauts killed in the Columbia space shuttle crash in 2003; and her ultimately successful struggle to identify the beheaded toddler known for years as Precious Doe. Less well-known but equally compelling are cases involving the remains of a Korean War soldier buried for more than forty years and the mystery of "Mardi Gras Man," who was wearing a string of plastic beads when his body was discovered. Manhein describes how the increased popularity of tattoos has aided her work and how forensic science has labored to expose frauds--including a fake "big foot" track she examined from Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest. She also shares ambitious plans to create a database of biological and DNA profiles of all of the state's missing and unidentified persons. Possessing both compassion and tenacity, Mary Manhein has an extraordinary gift for telling a life story through bones. Trail of Bones takes readers on an entertaining and educating walk in the shoes of this remarkable scientist who has dedicated her life to providing justice for those no longer able to speak for themselves.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807131040
• ISBN13: 9780807131046
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: LSU Press
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.3" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Another great book from Manhein.

Manhein gives an outstanding look at what is involved in being a forensic anthropologist. The book is full of inspiring stories about lost souls that finally find their way home, as a result of hard work by the police and Manhein's team of experts. Anyone interested in the field of forensic anthropology will enjoy this book. It gives an accurate look at the skill, dedication and devotion needed to be a forensic anthropologist. I highly recommend this book as a great read and good addition to anyone's bookshelf.

The heart of their stories. . .

Mary Manhein's "Trail of Bones" is a wonderful book that offers practical insight into the lives of real people in law enforcement, victims, evidence and everything in between. Mary does not have to be overly descriptive in her accounts because the importance relies on the the truth and not some sensationalized version of truth. I like to think that captivating people are writing their own stories. She seems to care a great deal about the effect her work has on others. She does not try to impress us with terminology that is purely mechanical. I think this creates greater credibility to her work. She is someone who really inspires others like me in law enforement to never stop caring about the victims.

Amazing Book!

This book was well written. Ms. Manhein always shows great dignity to a body when she is describing her work. She also shows great compassion for the family members of any victim. I love the type of work that she does. She gives credit where credit is due and inspires her helpers to the highest level, while expecting them to perform there. I hope she will write more books with such compassion. An Avid Reader.

Trail of Bones is excellent

This meets all of my expectations! Trail of Bones is just as much of a "can't put it down" read as her first, The Bone Lady. This is a must read. I eagerly anticipate the third.

Job Well Done

With her new book, Mary Manhein takes you into her world and shows you what a day in her life must be like. She does it in a way that makes you feel for the victims without putting you off with blood and gore. That alone shows you the compassion she has for them. She must be a great teacher for it shows in her book. If you have any interest in the field of forensic anthropology or just like a good book, you need to read this one. Another job well done Mrs. Manhein.