Lay Them to Rest

Oprah Daily, “Books That Every True Crime Obsessive Needs to Read”

Book Riot, “THE BEST NEW BOOK RELEASES” and “14 New Mysteries, Thrillers, True Crime for October 2023 Sleuthing”

Publishers Weekly, “New True Crime Books”

“Lay Them to Rest… will keep readers of all kinds on the edge of their seats wondering just how painstakingly slow and often difficult the process of identifying John and Jane Does truly is as she follows investigators and scientists like biological anthropologist Dr. Amy Michael as they dive into cases like that of “Ina” Jane Doe. Heavy on science, but in a very accessible way, the book manages to educate and entertain while also showing that the reality of forensic anthropology is a whole lot different from an episode of Bones.”

–Shondaland

“In thrilling (and digestible) detail, Norton reveals the cutting-edge science behind ‘every attempt to connect her to the woman she’d been in life, and to the people who never stopped looking for her’… Rather than simply scratching a morbid itch, obsessing over these sorts of true crime stories can lead to true justice. A win in anyone’s book.”

–Oprah Daily
“Beautifully written.”–Defrosting Cold Cases
“True-crime podcast listeners will take the invitation to tag along on a challenging case.”–Library Journal
“Absolutely gripping… Norton’s commitment to her subject matter is contagious. She writes with such passion that readers will get caught up in the stories of otherwise overlooked and nameless victims, become invested in the outcomes of the cases she’s discussing, and share a sense of triumph when breakthroughs finally come. A fine and necessary addition to any nonfiction-crime aficionado’s bookshelf, and to any library’s true crime section.”–Booklist
“A comprehensive study of the difficult task of figuring out the identities of faceless victims of violent crime…”–Kirkus
“In Lay Them to Rest, Laurah Norton immerses readers in a captivating exploration of true crime’s true essence: the victims. Laurah takes us on a gripping journey as she illuminates the mystery surrounding ‘Ina Jane Doe, ’ delving into the relentless collaborative efforts of agencies, forensic scientists, and experts to unveil her identity, honor her story, and provide the closure she deserves.”–Melissa Rice, Co-creator, Moms and Mysteries, and Board member of The Bridegan Foundation
“In Lay Them to Rest, Laurah Norton not only gives a masterclass on ethical research and reporting, but a humanizing and empathetic look at some of the most marginalized and overlooked victims: the nameless. Lay Them to Rest gives readers an unwaveringly honest look at what true crime actually is and entails; Laurah’s journey is equal parts obsessive and compassionate, exhilarating and patient, driven and human. I’ve never seen a more honest and comprehensive look at an investigation, which never shies away from juggling advocacy, working with law enforcement, and managing personal attachments. Every consumer of true-crime media should be required to read this work.”–Josh Hallmark, Creator, True Crime Bullsh**
“Laurah Norton pulls back the curtain on forensic sciences and allows readers easy access and understanding of the important work being done in this field.”–Nina Innsted, Host of Already Gone, They Walk Among America, Up and Vanished: The Trial of Ryan Duke, and Missing-Persons Advocate
“Laurah Norton takes us behind the scenes as she helps to solve a cold case in real time, skillfully breaking down layers of complexity in a way everyday readers can understand. A gripping must-read for anyone interested in true crime.”–Kristi Lee, Creator, Canadian True Crime
“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
“Laurah Norton’s beautiful and compelling narrative brings the reader along as the team cracks a cold case, all while giving us a hard look at the science–and art–of how they do it. With deep research and surprising moments of humor, this book has a place on the shelf of everyone who has ever wondered what it takes to solve a mystery.”–Charlie Worroll, Creator, Crimelines and Co-Creator, Crimelines and Consequences
“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
“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