Lay Them to Rest

On the Road with the Cold Case Investigators Who Identify the Nameless

By: Laurah Norton

Narrated by: Laurah Norton

Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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 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 listeners 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 listeners 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.

©2023 Laurah Norton (P)2023 Hachette Books

Critic reviews

“Part murder mystery, part master class in forensics, Laurah Norton’s Lay Them to Rest leads readers through a twisty personal investigation complete with a startling reckoning. Norton seamlessly transplants her passion for justice from her fantastic podcast to the narrative page—a must-read for true crime fanatics.”—Kate Winkler Dawson, American Sherlock: Murder, Forensics, and the Birth of American CSI

“Laurah Norton’s Lay Them to Rest is a beautifully woven mystery that captivates the reader from the first page as you root for her to solve the case. Norton’s expertise and her dedication to the victim shine through. This book and Norton’s work is the good in true crime that everyone should pay attention to.”—Sarah Turney, Victim Advocate and CEO, Voices for Justice Media

“Rarely do readers of true crime get something as fresh and engaging as Laurah Norton’s Lay Them to Rest. Norton’s passion and empathy shine in this candid and personal account of her work with unidentified persons. Her admiration of those who share her passion gives an intimate look behind the scenes of complex investigations. She effortlessly guides readers—with the help of industry experts—without losing focus on the people at the heart of the case. Lay Them to Rest leaves a lasting impression even after the final page is turned.”—Kristen Seavey, Victim’s Advocate and Creator, Murder, She Told podcast

The details needed

Incredible storytelling. Finished the book in a short time and would hav been shorter if not had to stop to get
things done. The amount of technical knowledge needed and just plain luck to work on these cases is amazing, and the research of everyone is encouraging.

Wonderful writing and so many stories that are intermixed.

Recommend this book highly.

Riveting

I am blown away by this book. I’m probably going to listen to it again next week Laura Norton is a master storyteller and made me feel like I was sitting in every room she guided us through. What a gem this is, not to mention the monumental importance of the subject matter.

Hopefully the First of Many

I purchased this audio book as a nostalgic former student hoping for one more lecture. It did not disappoint. It’s informative, fully sprinkled with Laura’s awesome humor (where appropriate), and heartfelt. Anxiously awaiting for this to evolve into a series based on future closed cases!

Follow a real Jane Doe case

The author guides us to learn about new technologies in crime investigations that we might not be aware of in the depth presented. All along, we see Elsie these technologies are used to solve different cases and the main Ayman Jane Doe. Very touching moments…

Cold case “Doe” deep dive

This is like no other book. I learned a lot about the technical components that gone into identification of the unknown person and teeth and genealogy and on and on. Keep doing your thing girl!

Respectful storytelling

This book was thoughtfully put together. As native of Augusta Ga, I drive past the billboards that started the work of this author and it’s comforting to know that really cares about the lost and their families. The book gives me hope that maybe I too may find a loved one.

Lay Them to Rest

Well laid out book. If you’re a true crime fan, this is a book for you. It was nice to hear the author narrate their own work.

Choppy narration

As a dental specialist, the lack of accurate scientific discussion of dentistry especially “babies leaching calcium out of teeth during pregnancy” and the choppy narration style made it challenging to appreciate what the author and her team actually managed to accomplish in identifying Ina Jane Doe.

Excellent story and performance

Narration was well done. Information provided was detailed and easy to understand. Could have done less personal activities and the gender fluidity info…wasn’t important to the story

informative and individual focused

In the true crime space it can be hard to find stories where the individual is put before the crime. it was refreshing to hear Laurah speak to the importance of the individual and the fact that she was truly a human before, she became an unidentified body part cast aside.