lynnegrace's review

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informative reflective slow-paced

5.0

knittingchaos's review

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5.0

I loved this book. Francis Glessner Lee is my new hero.

wildadventures's review against another edition

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medium-paced

3.75

bibrarian_'s review

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informative medium-paced

3.5

theodoregraham's review

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adventurous informative medium-paced

2.5

celtic67's review

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4.0

A story of the history of forensics and the woman who helped develop it . More on the tour

lllhayes's review

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5.0

This is a detailed, well-researched book that delves into the life and work of one remarkable woman, Captain Frances Glessner Lee. A tireless advocate for legal medicine (what we now call forensic pathology), Lee dedicated years of her life and committed much of her personal fortune to the development of this crucial field.

Contemporary readers, particularly true crime aficionados, may take forensic pathology for granted, with the assumption that it's a long established practice. Goldfarb, in documenting Lee's life, shatters that misconception. Forensic pathology, as seen in procedural crime dramas, is a young, ever evolving field, less than a century old in its current form - and it is indebted to Lee.

I enjoyed 18 Tiny Deaths as a true crime fan, as it gives an unique insight into the trials facing the investigation of deaths with unknown causes. It documents a unique span of American and scientific history, through an unbiased (but engaging) lens. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys crime as a genre (fiction or non fiction).

mimela78's review against another edition

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informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

duchessofreadin's review

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4.0

I wasn't sure what I was going to think about this book based on the first few chapters, but it pretty quickly hooked me. I was not able to put this one down!
Modern forensics was lagging in the United States, until one woman, Frances Glessner Lee decided to get involved. Using her personal fortune, she helped to push along the development of some of the most crucial techniques out there.

Fantastic read, and one that I really enjoyed. Mrs. Lee sounds like a firebrand that I would have enjoyed knowing. Her go-get-em attitude left little room for disagreement, and her meticulous planning made sure that everything went according to plan.

hail_archangel's review

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informative inspiring slow-paced

4.5