This title refers to a specific work of nonfiction by Dr. Tess Gerritsen, a former physician turned author. It details the establishment and operation of the Body Farm, a forensic anthropology research facility in Tennessee dedicated to the study of human decomposition. The facility provides crucial training for law enforcement in identifying remains and determining cause of death.
Published in 2001, this work brought the then-little-known field of forensic anthropology to a wider audience. Its detailed descriptions and compelling narrative illuminated the scientific process behind criminal investigations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the stages of decomposition in solving crimes. The book’s impact extended beyond public awareness, influencing the popularization of the forensic science genre and sparking interest in related scientific fields.