Lay Them to Rest
Take a fascinating deep dive into the dark world of forensic science as experts team up to solve the identity of an unknown woman by exploring the rapidly evolving techniques being used to break the most notorious cold cases. Fans of true crime shows like CSI, NCIS, Criminal Minds, and Law and Order know that when it comes to “getting the bad guy” behind bars, your best chance of success boils down to the strength of your evidence—and the forensic science used to obtain it. Beyond the silver screen, forensic science has been used for decades to help solve even the most tough-to-crack cases. In 2018, the accused Golden State Killer, Joseph DeAngelo, was finally apprehended after a decades-long investigation thanks to a very recent technique called forensic genealogy, which has since led to the closure of hundreds of cold cases, bringing long-awaited justice to victims and families alike. But when it comes to solving these incredibly difficult cases, forensic genealogy is just the tip of the iceberg—and many readers have no idea just how far down that iceberg goes. For Laurah Norton, forensic science was always more of a passion than anything else. But after learning about a mishandled 1990s cold case involving missing twins, she was spurred to action, eventually creating a massively popular podcast and building a platform that helped bring widespread attention and resources to the case. LAY THEM TO REST builds on Laurah’s fascination with these investigations, introducing readers to the history and evolution of forensic science, from the death masks used in Ancient Rome to the 3-D facial reconstruction technology used today. Incorporating the stories of real-life John & Jane Does from around the world, Laurah also examines how changing identification methods have helped solve the most iconic cold cases. Along the way readers will also get to see Laurah solve a case in real time with forensic anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael, as they try to determine the identity of “Ina” Jane Doe, a woman whose head was found in a brush in an Illinois park in 1993. More than just a chronicle of the history of forensics, LAY THEM TO REST is also a celebration of the growing field of experts, forensic artists, and anthropologists (many of whom Laurah talks to in the book), who work tirelessly to bring closure to these unsolved cases. And of course, this book asks why some cases go unsolved, highlighting the “missing missing,” the sex workers, undocumented, the cases that so desperately need our attention, but so rarely get it. Engrossing, informative, heartbreaking, and hopeful, LAY THEM TO REST is a deep dive into the world of forensic science, showing readers how far we’ve come in cracking cases and catching killers, and illuminating just how far we have yet to go.
Unveiling the Depths of Forensic Science
Review:
"Lay Them to Rest" by Laurah Norton takes readers on an enthralling journey into the intricate world of forensic science, exploring the evolution of techniques used to solve some of the most challenging cold cases. Norton's narrative not only delves into the historical aspects of forensic science but also sheds light on the contemporary methods that have brought justice to victims and closure to their families.
Exploring Forensic Genealogy and Beyond: The book begins by acknowledging the impact of forensic genealogy, exemplified by the capture of the Golden State Killer. However, Norton skillfully guides readers beyond this popular technique, unraveling the layers of forensic science that go unnoticed. The narrative showcases the diverse tools and methodologies used to crack unsolved cases, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Passion Turned into Action: Norton's personal connection to forensic science, sparked by a mishandled cold case involving missing twins, adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. The author's passion for the subject becomes evident as she not only explores the history of forensic science but also actively engages with real-time cases, demonstrating the transformative power of dedication and advocacy.
In-Depth Historical Overview: The book doesn't merely scratch the surface; it provides a thorough historical overview of forensic science. From the death masks in Ancient Rome to the cutting-edge 3-D facial reconstruction technology of today, readers embark on a chronological journey through the milestones that have shaped the field.
Real-Life John & Jane Does: The incorporation of real-life John & Jane Does adds a humanizing element to the narrative. By intertwining their stories with the evolution of identification methods, Norton creates a poignant connection between readers and the victims. This approach not only educates but also pays homage to those whose identities were once shrouded in mystery.
Collaboration with Forensic Experts: One of the highlights of the book is Norton's collaboration with forensic anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael. As they work together to determine the identity of "Ina" Jane Doe, readers witness the application of forensic science in real-time. This interactive element makes the subject matter more tangible and engaging.
A Celebration of Forensic Experts: "Lay Them to Rest" serves as a celebration of the dedicated professionals working in the field of forensic science. Norton highlights the contributions of forensic artists and anthropologists, acknowledging their tireless efforts to bring closure to unsolved cases. The book amplifies the voices of those often overlooked, emphasizing the importance of attention to cases involving the "missing missing."
Heartbreaking Realities and Hopeful Exploration: While the book exposes the heartbreaking realities of unsolved cases, especially those involving sex workers and the undocumented, it also instills a sense of hope. Norton prompts readers to question why some cases remain unsolved, igniting a collective call to action. The narrative encourages a reflection on societal biases and the need for increased attention to marginalized cases.
Conclusion: "Lay Them to Rest" is an engrossing, informative, and emotionally charged exploration of forensic science. Laurah Norton's ability to seamlessly blend historical context, real-life cases, and her personal journey elevates this book beyond a mere chronicle. Whether you are fascinated by true crime or eager to understand the complexities of forensic science, Norton's narrative provides a captivating and enlightening experience.
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Laurah Norton, Writer and former academic with 15 years in the fields of literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and archival and primary research 
Unraveling Mysteries Through Words and Sound
Laurah Norton stands at the intersection of literature and podcasting, wielding her talents as a writer, researcher, and captivating host. With a profound commitment to unraveling mysteries, Laurah has become a prominent voice in the true crime genre, delving into cold cases, unidentified persons, and the enigmatic realms of American news archives.
About the Author:
Laurah Norton's literary journey spans over 15 years, with a diverse background in literary fiction, creative nonfiction, and archival and primary research. Formerly a principal senior lecturer at Georgia State University, Laurah shared her expertise in creative writing, podcasting, and digital media with eager minds.
As the creator, writer, and host of The Fall Line podcast, Laurah demonstrates her mastery in the podcasting realm. The show, hailed as "deeply researched and empathetic," explores cold cases in the Southeast, leaving listeners on an emotional rollercoaster through its tragic and disturbing narratives.
Laurah's podcasting prowess extends to One Strange Thing, a show that delves into unexplainable stories from American news archives. Her ability to craft compelling narratives in both serial and single-episode formats has earned her acclaim in the podcasting community.
Literary Achievements:
In the literary realm, Laurah Norton has contributed to the literary landscape since the mid-2000s. Her short literary fiction has found its home in prestigious journals and anthologies, including Stone, River, Sky; Puerto del Sol; Post Road, and more.
Laurah's upcoming true-crime book, Lay Them to Rest, slated for release on October 17, 2023, promises an immersive exploration of forensic science and unidentified persons. Drawing from her personal experience following the identification of a Jane-Doe homicide victim from 1993, the book is set to leave an indelible mark on the true-crime genre.
Currently, Laurah Norton is engaged in crafting a suspense-thriller novel set in the early 2000s. This upcoming work seamlessly weaves together the Appalachian foothills of Georgia, folk magic, and forensic science, promising a gripping narrative that transcends genres.
Connect with Laurah:
Stay connected with Laurah Norton through her website https://www.laurahnorton.com/ and immerse yourself in her literary and podcasting endeavors. Engage with Laurah's work, from the riveting tales of The Fall Line to the upcoming release of Lay Them to Rest. Connect with Laurah on social media for the latest updates on her literary explorations.
Laurah Norton's journey is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of true crime narratives. Through her words and podcasts, she invites audiences to join her on a mysterious and thrilling expedition—one that combines literature, research, and the art of unraveling the unknown.
Readers get an inside view of the hard work, long hours and thoughtful sensitivity put forth by Norton and her team as they strive to give Ina Jane Doe back her name.
Norton’s ability to weave scientific facts in with her own perspective draws you in and makes you feel as though you are in the moment with her.
A fantastic read!
Lay Them to Rest delivered… and yet, also didn’t quite hit the high notes for me.
The bad part first. I didn’t enjoy the degree of personal involvement and commentary Norton provided. While it is common for writers to relay their personal trajectories and use it to form the narrative arc of their non-fiction books, I found the way in which Norton did this to be distracting. The injection of her personal thoughts felt like intrusive minutiae. This is, of course, a subjective opinion; other readers may very much enjoy Norton’s personal journey. For this reader, not only did this detract from the primary story of the victims and their cold cases, but Norton’s self-deprecating approach undermined her credibility and authority, coming off as fumbling. I believe the intention was to code Norton’s “character” as endearing, but its delivery did not persuade me of this view of her.
But now, the good. Norton’s partnership with a biological anthropologist produced an academic perspective which I greatly appreciated. It is clear a great deal of research had been conducted, both by Norton and Amy Michael, as well as the many others Norton shadowed, interviewed, and worked with. The book provides a great deal of information, and Norton’s delivery of that — along with the abundant necessary context — was accomplished with both straightforward utility and finesse. Norton’s prose was smooth, its language accessible while still necessarily full of the argot of the subject matter. Norton distills an enormously complex subject into easily digestible and palatable parts.
Lay Them to Rest is built through the cold cases of several victims, Jane Does, found dead and abandoned. Norton uses these cases to relay to the reader a nuanced view of the layered landscape of police work, forensic analysis, and dysfunctional systems of databases for DNA tracking used for investigating and solving crime. The focus here is not on the victims, or their families, or even on the police or investigators who strive to solve their crimes; Lay Them to Rest focuses on the structural elements of criminal investigation, the organizations and systems which organize and sift through the millions of bits of data and information that can be gathered about victims and the crimes against them. This angle into the world of criminal investigation was a novel one for me; most of the true crime I have read have not delved into this specific aspect of investigation. I found this perspective refreshing and intriguing.
Readers of true crime will find Lay Them to Rest a worthy addition to their libraries. Or, at the very least, well worth the time and effort of reading it.
