Nowhere is there another lab like Dr. Bill Bass's: On a hillside in Tennessee, human bodies decompose in the open air, aided by insects, bacteria and birds, unhindered by coffins or mausoleums. At the "Body Farm," nature takes its course, with corpses buried in shallow graves, submerged in water, concealed beneath slabs of concrete, locked in trunks of cars. As stand-ins for murder victims, they serve the needs of science -- and the cause of justice.
For thirty years, Dr. Bass's research has revolutionized the field of forensic science, particularly by pinpointing "time since death" in murder cases. In this riveting audiobook, he investigates real cases and leads listeners on an unprecedented journey behind the locked gates of the Body Farm. A master scientist and an engaging storyteller, Bass shares his most intriguing work: his revisit of the Lindbergh kidnapping and murder, fifty years after the fact; the mystery of a headless corpse whose identity astonished the police; the telltale bugs that finally sent a murderous grandfather to death row; and many more.
Forensic science and murder investigations are among the most fascinating topics of our time. Dominating television and print media the subjects could not be hotter. As one of the world's leading forensic anthropologists, Dr. Bill Bass is the premier guide to this unusual realm.
Written by Anonymous from San Francisco, CA
on July 17th, 2007
Book Rating: 5/5
I really enjoyed this book! I was never bored, and I found it fascinating and educational. I thoroughly enjoyed the narrator as well. I highly recommend this book!
Fascinating
Written by Anonymous on October 25th, 2006
Book Rating: 5/5
GREAT . . . thoroughly enjoyed this book. Dr. Bass has made a real difference in forensic science by starting this facility. Some may find it gruesome, however, it is the one certain thing that will happen to ALL of us in life - DEATH. The knowledge that has come from the research and experiments done at the "Body Farm" has given families the much need answers they seek. He is quite an interesting character personally too; I'd love to know him personally.
Narrator made it bearable
Written by Shane Nixon from Burlington, NC
on May 9th, 2006
Book Rating: 3/5
My title is a little harsh. This was more than bearable, it was pretty good. It just wasn't what I expected. It reads more like an autobiography than a tale of true crime and forensic science. In saying that, it is then autobiography of the guy who literally wrote the book on forensic anthropology.
The narrator did help make this a better listen than it would have been.
Decent story, some useful information and a GREAT narration makes for a 3 star selection.
Death's Acre
Written by David Gardner on June 13th, 2005
Book Rating: 3/5
I selected this title out of curiosity and listened to it all the way through. There are some aspects that are interesting to learn such as how scientists can pinpoint the time of a murder or how insects found at the murder scene can reveal clues to track down the killer. I must warn you though, if you are easily grossed out, don't pick this one.
Death's Acre
Written by Keeley on June 8th, 2005
Book Rating: 5/5
I found this book to be fascinating. Dr. Bass is truely a man committed, with passion, to the study of forensic science. It is not the sexy CSI perspective, but a lively discussion of the science of decomposition, entomology and how science, research and law enforcement can work together. Dr. Bass has a wicked sense of humor, and uses it well in this book. It would be hard to work in his chosen vocation and NOT use humor to relieve some of the tension he must have felt during his time in the field. A good book for those of us interested in biology and science (and who have a strong stomach!)
