John Bateson was executive director of a nationally certified crisis intervention and suicide prevention center in the San Francisco Bay Area for sixteen years. He is the author of three previous books—The Last and Greatest Battle, The Final Leap, and Building Hope.
Riveting and complex... the cases [Bateson] meticulously describes vividly represent Holmes' long-standing tenure as a forensic professional...Throughout the book, the author spotlights each gory detail with macabre precision...These factual narratives magnify the work and the resolve necessary to bring closure to violent, unjust, suspicious, or unresolved deaths. They also make for supremely entertaining reading material for anyone with a dark curiosity in forensic science. A fascinating and wildly informative dive into the mysterious world of death and decay. -Kirkus Reviews Entertaining, if morbid, reading, especially for those with an interest in forensics and homicide investigations. -Booklist Bateson is a masterful storyteller, making for captivating reading.... Highly recommended for those interested in forensics or memoirs. -Seattle Book Review