Thank you to NetGalley and Independent Publishers Group, Chicago Review Press for an ARC of this memoir.

Wow. I LOVED this memoir. All caps loved. What a fascinating subject to learn about and a fascinating badass lady to learn from. This book followed two different story lines in Lisa Bailey’s life: forensic anatomy and sculpture and the mistreatment of women in the FBI (and probably other government agencies historically run by only men).

I wanted to read this book from a weird art kid who finds true crime horrible, yet fascinating perspective. This was a memoir where I felt like I learned so much about what goes on behind the scenes in helping identify both victims and perpetrators (this book was definite brain candy in the learning category). Although I left as though I learned a lot, I was very invested in Bailey’s life and her cases. It was fascinating learning about how one may make age progressions as well as all the little details (and layers of clay) which go into the finished product of a facial approximation sculpture which the public might see.

I never knew that a skull could tell you so much about what a person might look like. Between nasal passages showing the size and slope of a nose, brow lines, and even fullness of cheeks, I was shocked at how individual each skull is to the individual.

Reading from a perspective of a woman in the FBI, also definitely gave some Clarice Starling vibes (for any Silence of the Lambs fans) throughout the book both with the unfair treatment as well as the protocols going into cases. Unfortunately for Bailey, her career in the FBI was riddled with misogyny and abuse of power by the men overseeing her departments. At times the level of abuse and the FBI’s inability to take action against the abusers was so frustrating that I almost had to stop reading. I mean even an idiot would be able to spot where the problem lies from miles away…but unfortunately the boy’s club still persists. Fingers crossed that this memoir is able to shed some light on the discrimination suffered by women in government agencies traditionally staffed by men.

10/10 you should 100% read this fascinating story. ( )

I only got to page 44 because of vision issues but was totally entranced by the experiences of one called to artistry of a rare and unusual type as well as the development of that art into something a little closer to the fiction portrayed on TV. I may not have been able to give a complete review, but I preordered the audio.
I requested and received a free temporary EARC from Independent Publishers Group, Chicago Review Press via NetGalley. Thank you!
Not TTS enabled for visually impaired posted 02/12/2024
Available 20 Feb 2024
02/21/2024 I have now read the audio narrated by the very talented voice actor Christina Delaine and can give a better informed review.
The book records the trials and tribulations of the woman who was to become the first forensic sculptor and all she went through and learned to achieve that ability and distinction (including classic examples of incompetent managers being 'kicked upstairs'). There are cloaked cases with the successes, stalemates, and seemingly impossible conclusions. An amazing combination of learning and drama. ( )