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Bruce Goldfarb
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18 Tiny Deaths: The Untold Story of Frances Glessner Lee and the Invention of Modern Forensics Hardcover – February 4, 2020

by Bruce Goldfarb (Author), Judy Melinek (Introduction)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 802 ratings
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"Devotees of TV's CSI will have their minds blown." ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

An enthralling journey into the remarkable life and groundbreaking contributions of a pioneering woman in the field of forensics

In 18 Tiny Deaths, readers are transported to a time when forensic science was in its infancy, and a woman named Frances Glessner Lee emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Through meticulous recreations of crime scenes, Lee revolutionized the way investigators approached criminal investigations, forever changing the face of modern forensics.

Bruce Goldfarb's impeccable attention to detail brings Lee's compelling story to life, weaving together elements of history, science, and true crime. Discover how Lee's determination and unwavering passion defied the norms of her era, paving the way for future generations of forensic scientists.

With a masterful blend of suspense and historical narrative, 18 Tiny Deaths captivates readers from the first page. Uncover Lee's groundbreaking contributions to forensic science, from her creation of the Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death―intricate dioramas that challenged investigators' skills―to her influential role in establishing the Department of Legal Medicine at Harvard University.

This gripping account showcases Lee's enduring legacy, shedding light on her profound impact on modern crime-solving techniques. Whether you're a true crime enthusiast, a history buff, or simply intrigued by the remarkable accomplishments of extraordinary women, 18 Tiny Deaths is a must-read.

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    368 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Sourcebooks
  4. Publication date
    February 4, 2020
  5. Dimensions
    6.25 x 1.17 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1492680478
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1492680475
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

the fascinating story of the forgotten woman who pioneered forensic science

genuinely compelling - kirkus reviews

portrait of a feminist hero and forensic pioneer- booklist

csi fans will have their minds blown - publishers weekly

nonfiction

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An engrossing and accessible chronicle of Frances’s life and the early years of scientific detection." ― The Wall Street Journal

"Goldfarb’s unprecedented access to her family’s papers has enabled him not only to paint a full picture of Glessner Lee’s life and background but also to uncover less well-known aspects of her impact on the development of forensic science....Although her career was bedeviled by setbacks, as Goldfarb ably demonstrates, Frances Glessner Lee made a real and lasting contribution to forensic science and medicine." ― Science

"Journalist Goldfarb takes an eye-opening look in his fascinating biography at the crucial role played by heiress Frances Glessner Lee in the development of U.S. scientific crime examination...Goldfarb’s storytelling gifts will lead readers of insightful true crime to hope he will write more in the field. Devotees of TV’s CSI will have their minds blown." ― Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

"18 Tiny Deaths combines elements of women's history and police procedurals in a story that will intrigue fans of both genres." ― Shelf Awareness for Readers

"Thorough research helps him paint a captivating portrait of a feminist hero and forensic pioneer. " ― Booklist

"Eye-opening biography of Frances Glessner Lee, who brought American medical forensics into the scientific age...genuinely compelling." ― Kirkus Reviews

"A culmination of years of historical research using primary sources, including the papers of Frances Glessner Lee herself. It is the story of how one stubborn, intelligent, creative, and self-taught woman could immerse herself in a passion that had immense repercussions in the fields of both medicine and the law… As this absorbing and evocative book will show you, Frances Glessner Lee should be recognized as the matriarch of the modern practice of forensic pathology." ― Judy Melinek, M.D., co-author of Working Stiff

"Frances Glessner Lee's dioramas of death have long been objects of fascination; now Bruce Goldfarb, the man who knows them best, has written a definitive account of how they came to be, and of the compelling, complex woman who created them. This book will beguile anyone with an interest in forensic science or the history of crime investigation." ― Rachel Monroe, author of Savage Appetites: Four True Stories of Women, Crime, and Obsession

"Goldfarb’s clearly written and well-researched book is recommended for history and legal studies audiences. " ― Library Journal

About the Author

A former EMT/paramedic and a nursing school dropout, Bruce Goldfarb has written for national and local newspapers, magazines, and web publications. He also wrote and edited several medical texts and reference books. This is his first book of popular nonfiction. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Sourcebooks (February 4, 2020)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1492680478
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1492680475
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.32 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.25 x 1.17 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 802 ratings

About the author

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Bruce Goldfarb

Bruce Goldfarb

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Bruce Goldfarb was the executive assistant to the Chief Medical Examiner for the state of Maryland, US, where the 'Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death' are housed. He was the public information officer for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and trained as a forensic investigator.

Bruce began his career as a paramedic before becoming an award-winning journalist reporting on medicine, science and health. Through his work with the Nutshell Studies, Bruce earned the trust of Frances Glessner Lee's family and caretakers of her estate, and was designated Lee's official biographer.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
802 global ratings
NOT NEW AT ALL; ALL SCUFFED UP!
1 Star
NOT NEW AT ALL; ALL SCUFFED UP!
I bought this for my daughter's birthday. It's too late to find another one, I'll have to clean this one up. This was advertised as "NEW"; it definitely not, as there are several squares of sticky squares obviously from price stickers, etc. plus the dirt etc. The inside of the book is fine; just really disappointed not as advertised.
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Top reviews from the United States

navy wife
5.0 out of 5 stars Historical
Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2024
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I learned things I didn't know about medicine and law enforcement, how they became what they are today, because of the tenaciousness of this one woman. Some of her hard work is still used today for training for the police, FBI, Medical personnel and many other people. Back in the day of the 1800 this woman a young woman at the time wanted to pursue an medical education at Harvard, but women were not allowed to attend Harvard at that time. She took what she knew and learned and never let it rest until someone listened to her. Read this true story about this woman; Frances Glessner Lee, very interesting,
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Gloria
5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting.
Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2024
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This is a very interesting read about the beginning of forensic medicine and the struggle to get it accepted.
One person found this helpful
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IdRatherBReading
4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating history about the beginnings of forensic medicine
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2023
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Interesting read, steeped in history and the development of forensic science.
2 people found this helpful
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ALLshop
5.0 out of 5 stars An unexpected gem, both fascinating and troubling
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2020
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This is a wonderfully crafted book, carefully detailed with personal and family history and background information to help the reader get to know this unheralded woman, revealing in the social, educational, and professional barriers her time stubbornly maintained against women (even those with her significant social and financial clout), and astounding in what it reveals about the haphazard and unequal situation of forensic medicine in the US today. The reader finishes the book feeling a need to somehow take up Lee's torch - in this day of CSI, DNA, and any number of popular TV crime dramas in which the latest in scientific methods are used to solve the most difficult of cases in under 60 minutes, the fact that not even half of our states have adopted Lee's recommended medical examiner system to replace the medieval coroner position (the origin of which the author traces for any reader who does not know it) is shocking. One cannot help but think of she had been a man, with her force of will and personality, she would have gotten much more credit, AND things today would be so much farther (maybe have reached?) toward her goal. This book at least gives Lee the credit she earned as the champion of what she called "legal medicine", and maybe it will also prompt some long overdue scrutiny of the system in places that are still in the dark ages. A must read!!
6 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars OK, Frances Glessner Lee was undoubtedly an amazing woman
Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2020
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Her role in attempting to establish the medical examiner system in this country and promoting true scientific investigation of unexplained deaths is relatively unrivaled. However, the key to this book is the incredibly detailed creation of the "Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Deaths". The creation of these dioramas is detailed in the narrative of this book and is a truly amazing story. The key element to this narrative is how viewing these dioramas was the key element in promoting the use of forensics in investigating potential murders. Yet we do not get to see these studies. If there was ever a book that deserved photoplates of their primary subjects, it would be this one. Yet we are left wondering why these studies are so revered by those who study forensics. Why this is the case is. a mystery. They were, after all, displayed at the Smithsonian so some photos must exist. Indeed there is a photoplate at the end of the book that has two small photos of two of the studies. Indeed the detail is stunning, but you never get to see any of the complete Nutshell Studies.

So, although the life of Captain Lee is worth studying, and knowing, her most amazing contribution will remain a mystery which somehow seems wrong.
18 people found this helpful
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Kat Clayton
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Biography of A Wonderful Inspiration
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2023
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I loved the inspirational true tale of a woman who wanted to earn her right to live and be blessed by so much good luck and fortune. I believe if she could have gone to college she would have been one of the best doctors in the world. Her education to the betterment of society thru honest investigation and crime solving is a bleeding humans as a species takes for granted every day.
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J. Myers
5.0 out of 5 stars A labor of love and a teriffic story and history
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2020
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Frances Glessner Lee was a gifted and complex person whose vision brought a lot less immediate change than she wanted, but still made a major contribution to justice and science. In our time forensic science and medical examiners have entered the public consciousness to such an extent that an actual forensic medical facility was funded by the earnings of a series of popular books about a medical examiner.

I enjoyed the detailed story of the times (after all, to be interested in forensics, you have to be interested in detail), and the story of her persistence. I appreciated the written examples of her clarity of thought.

The Tiny Figures themselves exemplified the quirky thought processes of a woman who used the fad for puppet shows to stage a charity performance, on a small stage set in a doorway, in which she presented tiny dances performed by her own fingers on a tiny stage. (Of course only her fingers were visible.) The miniature recreations of scenes in the aftermath of a suspicious death were engrossing to the students of crime scene observation in a way that even virtual reality cannot be today, partly because their small scale means you have to look closely.

Although Lee is most known by the Tiny Figures (to the extent she is known at all) her tireless work planted the seed of criminal forensics in this country. She is the only reason the field was started at all and the only reason it survived its early days over much political pressure and several forms of social resistance.

The author, as keeper of the Tiny Figures, has lived in the presence of Lee's life throughout his professional career and is the only person who could have written this book. He has done it well.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Sarah Norman
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful amazing wonderful. True crime people need to read this and then help make changes
Reviewed in Canada on April 3, 2023
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This is the life story of Frances Glessner Lee and what a fantastic life she led. She was obviously way ahead of her time, but she worked with what resources were available to her. Although reading the medical examiners stats at the end was quite sad. The US had this Amazon resource and apparently did nothing with it. More little girls need to read this for inspiration. What a woman, I hope I'm just like her when I'm all grown up (for context I'm 43, but I still don't feel grown up yet)
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Kathy Bernard
4.0 out of 5 stars Sherlock Holmes would love the subject of this book!
Reviewed in Canada on September 2, 2020
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I read this book not knowing a thing about the subject. It was a remarkable story: a wealthy woman, heir to a small fortune with only a high school education, ended up personally financing an entirely new subspecialty which was linked to Harvard Medical school for many years: that of legal-medical forensics. The mother of CSI. She did so because she wanted to address an enormous gap in the legal/medical handling then prosecution of cases of deaths in people who died in an unexplained and possibly criminally- implicated way. The way this process evolved could never happen in 2020 but was possible 70+ years ago, due to her use of her personal fortune to create then support this initiative. Really interesting read.
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RUDY WESTON
5.0 out of 5 stars 18 tiny deaths
Reviewed in Canada on August 28, 2020
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Aweome book about the beginning of Forensics in solving unknown cause of Death. Well worth the read!
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Beth W. Johnston
3.0 out of 5 stars too much tedious background information
Reviewed in Canada on November 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
I don't know how much background to her "impressive contribution to forensics' was really necessary, but so far I am sayying that I have had to read far too much. I'm not excited yet about this rich and generous woman. Perhaps another session will change my mind !
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alanben3773
4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth reading!
Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 2020
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An amazing account of Glessner's tireless efforts to improve the quality of medico-legal death investigation against a seeming wall of institutional indifference, bureaucracy and politics with several interesting backstories!
One person found this helpful
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