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Written in Bone cover art

Written in Bone

By: Professor Sue Black
Narrated by: Professor Sue Black
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Our bones are the silent witnesses to the lives we lead. Our stories are marbled into their marrow.

Drawing upon her years of research and a wealth of remarkable experience, the world-renowned forensic anthropologist Dame Sue Black takes us on a journey of revelation. From skull to feet, via the face, spine, chest, arms, hands, pelvis and legs, she shows that each part of us has a tale to tell. What we eat, where we go, everything we do leaves a trace, a message that waits patiently for months, years, sometimes centuries, until a forensic anthropologist is called upon to decipher it. 

Some of this information is easily understood, some holds its secrets tight and needs scientific cajoling to be released. But by carefully piecing together the evidence, the facts of a life can be rebuilt. Limb by limb, case by case - some criminal, some historical, some unaccountably bizarre - Dame Sue Black reconstructs with intimate sensitivity and compassion the hidden stories in what we leave behind.

©2020 Professor Sue Black (P)2020 Penguin Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook

What listeners say about Written in Bone

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Fascinating and enlightening

I love Prof Dame Black’s books and enjoyed this all the more as read to me by the author herself. So captivating to listen to the enormous wealth of case studies she draws from to illustrate each element of the content. What an amazing person.

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11 people found this helpful

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An interesting introduction to human anatomy

A down-to-earth and entertaining look at human anatomy, told with humour, knowledge and sensitivity by Professor Black. Easy to follow, even for those new to anatomy. Highly recommended!

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7 people found this helpful

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fantastic ,interesting,well written!!

glued from start to finish, attention to detail written so well and told by Sue which is even better,brilliant would highly recommend!

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5 people found this helpful

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Beautifully written and completely accessible.

This is the second book by the forensic anthropologist, Professor Dame Sue Black. Her mixture of memories and information is captivating. As she talks you are transported into working life and cases which are interesting and show what a range of situations that call for her skills.

The reminisces always treat the persons remains with obvious care and respect. They aren't retold for shock value or amusement but as way to explore another part of her profession.

I have been recommending both the audiobook and the book to people as I feel they would enjoy the book as much as I do.

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4 people found this helpful

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A truly brilliant tour of the skeleton

A wonderful, interesting, heartfelt, intriguing book. Wonderfully read by the author. Prof Sue Black is an inspiration

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4 people found this helpful

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Intriguing review of the human body

Delightful and intriguing book, full of interesting facts about the human skeleton. I'd recommend this to anyone interested in human biology, or in writing crime fiction.

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3 people found this helpful

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fascinating, if slightly gory

an amazing walk through the bones of the human body, but with some perhaps disturbing stories of murder and similar unpleasant cases she as worked on. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, but not for the squeamish..

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2 people found this helpful

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The bare bones


I see there are quite few criticism of Professor Sue Black narrating her own book.

Admittedly she does not have the usual intonation of a lot of the professional narrators on audible, but her soft Scottish tones were very easy on the ear.
However, on the few occasions during the book when she recalled having to speak severely to people, I can imagine that her no nonsense Scottish tone having maximum impact.

I feel the whole book and her intimate knowledge of bones made the individual stories come to life (excuse the pun) so much so, that for not one minute did I think about her narration as it was just all so fascinating.

I was humbled by Sue Blacks revelation about herself during the book and it made me feel very differently about what an amazing woman she is. She demonstrates that all our scars are not open forever, and we can heal.

Buy this book, you will not be disappointed

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1 person found this helpful

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pure brilliance

sue explains everything in such amazing detail. keeps my interest and teaches me so much about death and dealings with it. perfect if you enjoy the science behind death.

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Brilliant

Bought on the basis of seeing Prof Black on Tv. So pleased I did. Going to look at her other book now.

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1 person found this helpful